Joyful Transformation

Well, I have never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and I hate to admit it but I had no clue what it was all about until just a few years ago. The word carnival actually comes from the Latin carne vale meaning "farewell to the flesh." So today will be farewell to the things that I have decided to give up for Lent.

The sad truth is I have once again become hopelessly addicted to Diet Coke. When praying about what I needed to give up it was almost like a slap upside the head. I am also giving up all fast food so I had my final Chik fila chicken biscuit this morning.

This year I want to be truly attuned into entering the desert with Jesus. Temptation seems to come all the stronger when you are attempting to devote your life more fully. While I will not give up as much or as fully as Jesus did, I hope this time will help me grow closer to him and to learn more of his will for my life.

So for today I will be saying "farewell"......