Ash Wednesday

Hi beautifuls!

 

I have missed being a part of this little world, even if my blog doesn't get the most traffic, it is a great little place for me to express myself.

 

Today I want to take a few minutes to share about my feelings on Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season.

 

I have been observing lent for a couple of years now and I've found it to be a really great experience. I am not Catholic myself, but I really love the idea of giving up something, a vice, as someone called it, and I do this to honor God for the season.

 

The things I've given up have included; soda, lattes(including mochas, ect), buying clothes and shoes, swearing, and a few others.

 

I am giving up buying clothes and shoes again this year because I feel that this was one of the most impactful in my life. Last year I gave these things up and at the end donated some of the money that I saved to Compassion. I haven't sponsored a specifc child yet but I can at the very least give to children who do not have any clothes or shoes to wear. If you have ideas for other organizations, please let me know!

 

I find that while saving money this is largely a heart issue for myself. I buy clothes and shoes so often because I am so deeply desiring to fit into a mold that is not me. I shop at stores like J. Crew and Banana Republic because that is the image of myself that I would like to portray to the world. One of someone who is well put together and successful, of which I am not really either at this stage. I feel a sense of gratification when someone says that they love my outfit because it makes me feel like I belong to their world, whomever they might be.

 

For me, giving up shopping is much more of a break from my crutch than saving money, while that is amazing too. I feel that I have to accept the items that I own, but moreso, I have to accept myself for who I am at this time, without whatever item I might purchase to adorn myself.

 

In this time I will being attempting to dedicate more time to prayer, concisous spending, and being content with who I am. I will try to spend more time in nature and less browing the internet for the perfect white button down shirt. In this time I will work to rely on God's love as fulfillment and I pray that you might consider this challenge also.

 

I've missed you all and I'll try to be better at busting our these lunch hour blogs now that I won't need to be spending my lunch hour our shopping.

 



Source: ladieslovethis.com via Lola on Pinterest