Day 1: Ash Wednesday

Today is the start of one of the most dramatic seasons of the liturgical year. Every year, Christians (and I can only speak for myself and a large number of Christians but not for any other faith, since I have not lived any other nor studies any other in depth) around the world participate in the remembrance of Jesus's own sufferings and temptations by observing the Lenten season.  This begins with Ash Wednesday which gives us a core message that we are all dust and that we will return to it. The other activity that many Christians participate in is the act of giving up something for the entire forty days. Some go so far to read the entire Bible in the span of this period while others may take more modest measures.  Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen our relationship by means of our fasting (not necessarily in the food sense) and to see God I'm our lives.
This year, I have let too many things get in the way.  Yeah, I'm taking a course on the Bible, but I'm just focusing on the other literature and not the bible.  I have prayed, but not as much as I think I should.  I wish to devote more time to the Bible this season, particularly sections I am less familiar (prophecies), pray more for others, devote more effort to my unfailing family, and give up sweets and (whenever possible) refined carbohydrates.  Now, why the last one?  I haven't had the best time with my weight for the past year and I want it to change.  It is not necessarily because of my own appearance, but it is because I want to appreciate what God has given me in a body and physical ability.  I hope to respect my body more as a temple and less as a garbage heap.  I wish to accept God's gifts without complaining.