Haircut and Lent

This past weekend Autumn and I went to San Antonio with Tia (Aislynn).  On Saturday both Aislynn and I got our hair cut, so that we could donate to Locks of Love.  Aislynn cut off 12 inches and I cut 10 inches.  Aislynn's good friend, Ali, cut our hair in her in home salon.  I have always wanted to grow out my hair and donate it, but I was never able to grow it long enough or bare cutting it short enough to reach the minimum number of inches (10 inches).  A couple of years ago I cut my hair very short, so the idea of cutting it short again wasn't near as daunting, although it was bittersweet.  I had gotten attached to my long hair.  I do think my hair is prettier long (at least I get more compliments from random strangers), but I also think it is fun and easier short. 
I'm glad Autumn was with me when I got my hair cut, otherwise she might not have recognized me.  I still remember her reaction when Andrew came back from India in October (after being away for 6 weeks) with a full beard.  She kept looking at him like "I know you, but I can't quite place you."

On another note, today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  I didn't grow up celebrating Lent, but as I have gotten older it is something I have been drawn to.  I really like the idea of giving up something for a period of time to draw closer to God.  In 2008 I gave up Mexican food.  That was SUPER hard, since I love Mexican food and could eat it EVERY single day.  In retrospect I think giving up Mexican food was a huge blessing because it really helped me in the weight loss journey I was on that year.  (I lost 25 lbs from January 2008 to July 2008.)

This year I have decided to give up going out to eat.  I usually eat out at least 2 days a week for lunch and at least 3 nights a week for dinner, plus I usually get a coffee at Starbucks at least once or twice a week.  I still need to crunch the numbers, but I think I can save quite a bit of money by not eating out during this season.  My plan is to donate the money that I save to an organization that helps the needy - probably one like Living Water International.  I am planning to participate in the traditional fast and feast days of Lent, meaning I will fast from going out to eat on Monday through Saturday and then allow myself to feast (or go out to eat once) on Sundays.  Andrew said this is cheating, but from what I can tell it is standard practice in Lent and it is encouraged in the book I am reading by Chris Seay - A Place at the Table.  In the book Chris says

"Feast days are a time for us to relax our fast and enjoy the extravagant grace of our Father.  On these days especially it is good for us to spend time with friends and family, to enjoy the taste of food in a way we may never have before, and to give thanks to God who provides all we have."

I am excited about this 40 day journey and would appreciate your encouragement.