New Title. New Look. It's time for Lent.

Once again, Lent is upon us.  And once again, I hope to use this blog as a place to explore the lessons I am learning through the experiences of Lent.

In honor of the new start, I have chosen to rename my blog "Terra Incognita," which is Latin for "Unknown Land."  I borrowed the phrase from one of my favorite preachers, the late Peter Gomes of Harvard Memorial Chapel, who used it to describe the ultimate goal of Christianity as leading the way in exploring terra incognita.  I liked the phrase and, since that is my goal this season of Lent, I co-opted it for my own purposes.

A word about how this year will differ from last year.  Last year, my posts focused solely on the Bible reading portion of my Lenten experience.  This year, I hope to be more broad and write about the entirety of the experience - from giving up caffeine and desserts and a certain video game to adding daily exercise to reading through the whole Bible in 40 days again this year.  All of it will provide fodder for this Lenten journey.  (More on the specifics of what I'm doing and why coming tomorrow)

In addition, Pastor Troy - my local church pastor - has invited our entire congregation to join him in a complete fast for the 24 hours prior to each Sunday's worship service.  I have chosen to accept the challenge and will be including that experience in the blog.

I hope that by the time I celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Morning, I will have been transformed by this experience into a more complete reflection of Jesus.  And I invite anyone who reads this to join me on the journey.  I have no idea where it will lead, but it should be fun.

jB