recommitting to preparation.

Today is all about getting back on the horse.  I started preparing for this trip last year and really in earnest started to up my game spiritually starting a program called Exodus 90 at church. I don't mean to make excuses, but having to say goodbye to our dog Scout knocked me right off a lot of routines I was establishing.  I've slowly been coming back to the disciplines of Exodus 90.  Like the men and women that followed Moses into the desert I succumbed to temptations and kind of lost my way.  So today I'm recommitting to my goals leading up to this trip and asking God for the strength to persevere.

A little about each and I don't post to tell share about how hard it all is, but mainly to hold myself more accountable.

Exodus 90- Started for me on January 5th.  This program/ministry involves giving up some creature comforts to focus more on the Lord.  I meet with a small group of men doing the same thing and in a way I draw strength from these men because they are having the same challenges.  Overall, I'm not sure if I'll do this again, but it has been a journey so far.

To learn more visit:  https://exodus90.com/how-it-works/

Reading spiritual books- Holy hour has to be one of my hardest disciplines because our world doesn't really put a lot of value on silence and I am a part of that world.  So, last lent I was introduced to Cardinal Sarah when I did a Lenten Reflection on the Hallow app.  So  to learn more about silence I am reading his book.  It's fascinating so far, a bit deep for me, but I'm growing reading it.

His book: The Power of Silence

Anytime Fitness, weight watchers and Fitbit- Anyone who knows me knows I've put on weight over the years.  I still exercise, but I haven't really done it in earnest or consistently.  I had a goal of getting down to 185 for this trip, but now I think I'll be happy if I can get to about 210 by the time it's time to go.  Then when I get back I can work more on losing the rest.  This has been a journey for me, I started a new job in April of 2024 and started to work on losing the weight then, but I have gained and lost, gained and lost.  But with the pilgrimage I really don't want to be on a plane for 8 hours crammed into a seat and uncomfortable, so weight loss is to feel better, but it's also practical for me.  I know I can do it, but need to rely more on God and maintaining consistency.

Rosetta Stone- Lastly, I have taken Spanish in college, but since this trip is going to spend the most time in Spain, I thought it would be good to brush up.  This has been a great app for learning, because it evaluates your pronunciation as well as your understanding.  So when my Hoosier accent slips in it lets me know right away.  I'm enjoying the app, but like all of the above I'm having to recommit to this and start doing it more often.  

Website: https://www.rosettastone.com/

Please pray for me. I know it helps and I know it matters.  I will pray for you too!

Carpe Diem!!!