Should United Methodists Observe Lent? What Difference Does It Make?

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian season of Lent.  I've committed myself to re-engage this blog during this season in order to further pursue holiness!  Since that's the point of this blog, it only makes sense to do so.

There are many reasons for allowing this site to languish in the internet dustbin for the past two years, but I sense a need to shake off the dust, throw a little spit and polish onto it and generally get it in gear again!

Journaling has long been a means of spiritual discipline; and quite frankly, I've only had marginal success in using it in that manner. As Lent is a season for greater intentionality in faith formation, I am praying that God will indeed use this effort as a "means of grace" to more fully form the image of Christ within me.  And if it brings others into a deeper or more expressive experience with God, that's a double blessing!

Interestingly, I found this blog entry earlier today:  United Methodist Worship: Wesley on Lent: "At Present Answering No Valuable End"

Taylor Burton-Edwards, director of worship in the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, opened a view of Methodist history that I didn't know: John Wesley edited OUT all references to Lent in his version of the Book of Common Prayer prepared for the American Methodist societies.  He goes on to describe potential rationalizations for Wesley's actions, as well as possible responses for us as modern United Methodists.

It's an interesting thought for the beginning of Lent 2014.

How does Lent impact you?  Do you participate in the "giving up" or "adding on" aspects of it?  What differences has a Lenten discipline made in your life?  Have we as modern United Methodists lost something fundamental that Wesley assumed would remain core to who we are as the people called Methodist?