In the Christian world, Lent is a time of preparation and reflection. You can find out a lot more details if you google it. Basically though, it begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the Saturday before Easter, with Sundays not included since it is a time to celebrate Jesus. It is typical to give up a vice, instead relying on God to get you through the next 40 days.

Although Lent is not heavily celebrated in the Baptist church, I find it is still a good time for self reflection, improvement and challenge. One year I gave up chocolate, which was ridiculously hard for me but I made it. I don't believe I gave up anything last year.

This year, I plan to give up cursing. It actually makes me sad that this is something I need to "give up". Really, I wish that I had better control of my mouth. Cursing is neither intelligent sounding or classy and is mostly rude.

Additionally, I want to add in something to help with my self improvement and to bring me closer to God. Last night I started a 1 year Chronological reading of the Bible, thanks to Youversion and my iPod Touch.

With these two goals I hope to not only improve myself, but hopefully make lasting changes in myself that will make me a smarter, classier and nicer person.