Thinking about Lent

So with Fat Tuesday just a couple of hours from being over I have been thinking about Lent. I have to admit most of my life I never gave Lent a lot of thought. I always saw it just as the 40 days before Easter. But in the last few years I have given Lent a lot more attention.
So on my own accord (strike that. Mainly by conviction) this year I am going to make a conscious effort to focus on the meaning behind Lent. And at the same time dig deep in to the scriptures that focus on Christ’s time on earth, and the ultimate sacrifice that he made for us.
I don’t want to come off as being self righteous in my decision to make Lent a priority this year. This is a personal decision that I am choosing to share publicly.
Here are a couple of verses that I found today. The first one is from Joel. Most of the time we don’t use the old testament to describe Easter. But as I read this verse today, it remind me that this season is a chance to change my life and relationship with God for the better, for a promise of more than just this life.
The second scripture speaks for itself.

Joel 2:12-14 (The Message)
Change Your Life
But there's also this, it's not too late-- GOD's personal Message!- "Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!" Change your life, not just your clothes.
Come back to GOD, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he'll do it now, maybe he'll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all's said and done, there'll be blessings full and robust for your GOD!
Mark 14:22-26 (The Message)
"This Is My Body"
In the course of their meal, having taken and blessed the bread, he broke it and gave it to them. Then he said, Take, this is my body. Taking the chalice, he gave it to them, thanking God, and they all drank from it. 24He said,
This is my blood, God's new covenant, Poured out for many people. "I'll not be drinking wine again until the new day when I drink it in the kingdom of God." They sang a hymn and then went directly to Mount Olives.