Who has the ashes on the forehead today?!  Ash Wed. is the first day of Lent, when you begin a time of relfection, self-examination, and maybe some spiritual redirection. 

Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a time of preparation for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves; It's  the time that Jesus goes to the wilderness for forty days to be tested. 

This all began with Fat Tuesday, celebrating the night before fasting, or as some folks call it,  Marti-Gras in New Orleans!

What is this a religion class, Joe Elvis?! 

For me, I love the Easter season.  It's a great time to look at yourself and see what's not working.  What did you give up for Lent?  That's the question you usually get. 

It's more about the sacrifice of doing things differently in our lives.  The ashes on the forehead today signify that you are, 'Marked as Christ's own forever.'

'What is it in my life that keeps me unhappy, sad, beat down?'  I'm going to try and be a better husband, more patient, and add even more time with my two young boys.

I'm reading the Bible in 90 days! Try it! Not easy! That's twelve pages a day.  It's Lent, enjoy the ride!