Plan of Action

So I wrote my plan of action on March 5 for lent. It has been a struggle to make sure I am doing exactly what I said I was going to do. I have decided to share this plan with all of my readers.

All morning I have been reading on a better understanding of Lent. I learned this is a time when many people prepare for Easter through spiritual discipline, fasting, repentance and moderation. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ.

I came across a very interesting article by Rev. Daniel Benedict while gaining a better understanding of Lent. The article really touched base with me on some personal and inner things I must overcome.

I have learned not only can I give up on a few things but I can also take on other things as well. 

During this time I am aiming with strength to prepare my heart for a clean place. I want to connect my worship and daily growth in spiritual, relational, emotional, and bodily fitness.

Inward and Personal Disciplines

___ Spend time in solitude each day.

___ Read a book for inner growth.

___ Read twice through the Gospel of the lectionary cycle you are in. (Matthew in 2002, 2005, 2008; Mark in 2003, 2006, 2009; Luke in 2004, 2007, 2010)

___ Begin to keep a journal of prayer concerns, questions, reading.

___ Focus on thanksgiving, rather than on asking, in prayer.

___ Give myself a gift of three hours to do something I always say I don't have time to do.

___ Find a way to go to bed earlier or sleep in so I get enough rest.

___ Make a list of people with whom I need to be reconciled. Pray for them and let Jesus guide me in my thinking and feeling toward them.

___ Take control of my life by taking action to get to where I want to be

___ Take one hour to inventory my priorities and plan how I will reorder them.

___ Give up a grudge or a rehearsal of a past event.

___ Forgive someone who has hurt me.

___ Dance my prayers to a favorite tape or CD.

___ Other promptings:

Outward and Social Disciplines

___ Take on some loving task:

___ Plan to visit a "shut-in" neighbor or church member weekly.

___ Write a letter of affirmation once a week to a person who has touched my life.

___ Listen and respond to Christ's call to a ministry of service:

___ Go to coffee or dinner with someone I want to know better.

___ Say "NO" to something that is a waste of money and time.

___ Rebuke the spirit of criticism and my own tongue out of control.

Other outward and social promptings:

As a way of being accountable, I will 

___ Share my plan with at least one other person and share with that person my experience of Lent during Holy Week.

(signed) Qualashan Hemingway

(date) _____3-5-2014________

Keep this for reference during the coming weeks.