Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. This may mean nothing to you except that you have noticed it on your calendar. It may mean a lot to you if you practice the more traditional denominations of Christianity.
I will actually be observing Lent...I have for the past 3 years and have given up a variety of things each year. I have really learnt a lot during those days of sacrifice (as small as it is compared to the amazingly great sacrifice that was given for us).
my blog address is changed to http://peacethatpassesunderstanding.blogspot.com/
I too will be observing Lent this year. I've never done it before. Basically I'm just going to be doing a devotional that will take me through the next 40 days. I haven't even thought of giving anything up for awhile but maybe, just maybe, I will. :) You?
We do every year...being Catholic has something to do with it as it's a major part of our church calendar! It's a great way to remind ourselves of the sacrifices that were made for us.
I will also be observing this year. I have never done it and I don't know why but I'm a little scared to do it. Maybe it's the thought of NOT keeping my promise to God. There will be a lot of prayer happening that's for sure!
Ya'll are making me feel kinda' guilty. ;) I've never observed Lent and really never even think about it. With my zero willpower I don't know if I'd even be able to give something up for an extended time.
I hope you will keep us updated on how you're doing with your sacrifice. I'm cheering from the sidelines. :)
I was thinking about giving up salad and exercise, until I found out it had to be something you love doing like Coca-cola or late night snacking. Isn't Lent kinda like doing New Years resolution re-do's?
Rachel, you've inspired me to give up desserts and sweets for lent. This will be hard as I love chocolate, especially when I'm stressed, which I am. You can keep me accountable... How long is Lent anyways? Have I lost me mind??!!
I definitely fall into the observe Lent category - not just observe, love it! I appreciate the chance to join so many people worldwide as we try to get closer to Jesus by looking hard at our habits, especially those that cloud our spiritual vision.
Being Catholic, it is the walk in the desert before the high, holy season of the year, the main event - Easter.
For Jenn and Sonya, Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Basically we pray and draw closer to God; we fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; we abstain from meat on Fridays; and we give more of our time, talent and treasure. Most importantly, we remember the Gospel of Matthew 6:1-6, and we practice Lent cheerfully and quietly, without complaint and with trust and hope in the Lord.
Our Priest reminded us we should really only give up one thing at Lent - it's not about making it so onerous that life becomes a drag. It's about looking at one thing that really pushes your eyes off Christ and dealing with that head on. Sweets are good, especially since most of us tend to eat emotionally and in doing so, we lack trust in God that He will care for us. I also try to add a good habit, like exercise. Even though I may not succeed 100% in making the bad habit go away or the good habit stick, every year I've experienced Lent I have made very good progress.
Oh, and Lent is 40 days. Just like Jesus in the desert. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Thursday (the day before Good Friday). Hope that helps!
Since I have given up so much in my "pre-diet", I am not observing lent. I will cheer you on though...and if you came to my house and I made a yummy dessert...I would even eat it for you!
I always thought that Lent was just for Catholics, but about 7 years ago I was doing some missions work and someone spoke in class about Lent and it really hit me that it's a great thing to do. I've given up something ever since then. Usually sweets/desserts just like you, Rachel. I'm always amazed that although it's not "easy" to do, the feeling of wanting to please God and not disappoint Him makes it much easier than just trying to give up sweets for a diet. Here's to keeping each other accountable!
16 comments:
I will actually be observing Lent...I have for the past 3 years and have given up a variety of things each year. I have really learnt a lot during those days of sacrifice (as small as it is compared to the amazingly great sacrifice that was given for us).
my blog address is changed to http://peacethatpassesunderstanding.blogspot.com/
Oh there you are Jennie! Kori and I wondering if we needed to call out an SOS for ya!
I'll update to your new site.
I have observed Lent in the past but didn't last year. I am going to for sure this time though.
AHHHH it's nice to be missed...thanks! :)
I too will be observing Lent this year. I've never done it before. Basically I'm just going to be doing a devotional that will take me through the next 40 days. I haven't even thought of giving anything up for awhile but maybe, just maybe, I will. :) You?
We do every year...being Catholic has something to do with it as it's a major part of our church calendar! It's a great way to remind ourselves of the sacrifices that were made for us.
To answer your question Colleen, I will be giving up sweets/desserts for Lent.
I will also be observing this year. I have never done it and I don't know why but I'm a little scared to do it. Maybe it's the thought of NOT keeping my promise to God. There will be a lot of prayer happening that's for sure!
Ya'll are making me feel kinda' guilty. ;) I've never observed Lent and really never even think about it. With my zero willpower I don't know if I'd even be able to give something up for an extended time.
I hope you will keep us updated on how you're doing with your sacrifice. I'm cheering from the sidelines. :)
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
I was thinking about giving up salad and exercise, until I found out it had to be something you love doing like Coca-cola or late night snacking. Isn't Lent kinda like doing New Years resolution re-do's?
Ha ha, lang six!
You are cheeky Lang Six!
You cannot compare New Years resolutions to Lent. There is just no way!
Rachel, you've inspired me to give up desserts and sweets for lent. This will be hard as I love chocolate, especially when I'm stressed, which I am. You can keep me accountable... How long is Lent anyways? Have I lost me mind??!!
I definitely fall into the observe Lent category - not just observe, love it! I appreciate the chance to join so many people worldwide as we try to get closer to Jesus by looking hard at our habits, especially those that cloud our spiritual vision.
Being Catholic, it is the walk in the desert before the high, holy season of the year, the main event - Easter.
For Jenn and Sonya, Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Basically we pray and draw closer to God; we fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; we abstain from meat on Fridays; and we give more of our time, talent and treasure. Most importantly, we remember the Gospel of Matthew 6:1-6, and we practice Lent cheerfully and quietly, without complaint and with trust and hope in the Lord.
Our Priest reminded us we should really only give up one thing at Lent - it's not about making it so onerous that life becomes a drag. It's about looking at one thing that really pushes your eyes off Christ and dealing with that head on. Sweets are good, especially since most of us tend to eat emotionally and in doing so, we lack trust in God that He will care for us. I also try to add a good habit, like exercise. Even though I may not succeed 100% in making the bad habit go away or the good habit stick, every year I've experienced Lent I have made very good progress.
Oh, and Lent is 40 days. Just like Jesus in the desert. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Thursday (the day before Good Friday). Hope that helps!
Since I have given up so much in my "pre-diet", I am not observing lent. I will cheer you on though...and if you came to my house and I made a yummy dessert...I would even eat it for you!
I always thought that Lent was just for Catholics, but about 7 years ago I was doing some missions work and someone spoke in class about Lent and it really hit me that it's a great thing to do. I've given up something ever since then. Usually sweets/desserts just like you, Rachel. I'm always amazed that although it's not "easy" to do, the feeling of wanting to please God and not disappoint Him makes it much easier than just trying to give up sweets for a diet. Here's to keeping each other accountable!
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