In our church we believe that Lent is a season for meditating upon the suffering and death of Christ. We remember and learn anew the love of God and His blessing of forgiveness and victory over our sins and shortcomings. Lent is not a time of fasting or giving up certain sins. If it is wrong on 4th of July or Labor day it is also wrong on Ash Wednesday or Good friday. HOWEVER if giving up certain foods or actions cause one to draw closer to the Lord then let him do it, for this is good, as long as it is done for Christ's victory and not our own glory.
Personally, I have never given up anything for Lent. We do try to attend the mid week Lenten services at our church. I also take time to reflect on this most important season of the church.
Wow Gary-I've never seen another person who wasn't a member of my church summarize this so well.
We also believe that if you choose to give up something it is between you and God and not something to go bragging about. Please dont interperet that as if I'm putting anyone down. Everyone is different and that makes the world an amazing place. I'm just adding my perspective.
I always joke that I give up my time. I'm a church organist and I really have an overload of services and rehersals during lent. (to the point that other members of the church have joked about me just moving into the balcony for the season)
I am Anglican and Lent used to be the time when we gave up something. As kids we had "mite" boxes and would put pennies in them every day instead of using them for candy.
I agree with Gary that we should not "give up" something, just for Lent so I usually "take up" something that has some sort of social value. This year it will be sitting for a half hour every day knitting mittens for the mitten tree. I am also going to schedule extra pet visits to residents at the nursing homes.
. Rachel Ray made a meal that was called not-lasagna that was all veggies, pasta and a rich cream sauce... I am excited to try it! Good luck!
I have made several Rachel Ray dishes and enjoyed them. Let us know how this turns out.
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Originally Posted by shelby897
... I've actually worked with my kids to try to "add" something. We try to be more generous during lent -- visiting nursing homes, VA hospitals, making donations to shelters, etc. I think this is much more important than whether or not I've stuck to my "give up ice cream, gum, etc." pact and teaches my children about our religion as it relates to the people around us.
AWESOME!
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Originally Posted by 2frustrated
..... so maybe recreational shopping is going for the chop this lent!
Men don't quite understand this but I know for women this is a HUGE sacrifice!
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Originally Posted by cbmare
. . Most especially with my DH who did not want to partake in it. I told him he didn't have to. I didn't mind fixing something else for myself if he wanted a steak. Being the typical little boy, he kept having fits! I told him that I would not tolerate any tantrums from him this year. We would be fixing separate dinners unless he wished to share mine and that would be the end of the discussions.
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Hey Mare, if you give him the right "desert" men will eat anything on their plate without complaining!
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Originally Posted by dcapulet
i gave up potato chips last year. it was sooooo hard, but i did it.
this year, i'm not sure.
I could NEVER do this! good for you.
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Originally Posted by Ilene
... Maybe I should give up wine?
...
Nah, there is always wine at communion anyway right?
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Originally Posted by Spinymouse
a p.s. to my earlier post on this thread - I agree with Gary about if something is wrong one day it is wrong any day. The reason that fasting or giving something up appeals to me is that I feel that our culture is so hyper-consuming, not just with food but hyper-consumerism in general with stuff. I think it would be healthy and more spiritual (as in less material) to make a conscious effort to consume less. Anyway, I like it. If God likes it too - that would be a bonus.
LOVE the idea about STUFF!
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Originally Posted by ArtsyGirl
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We also believe that if you choose to give up something it is between you and God and not something to go bragging about. Please dont interperet that as if I'm putting anyone down. Everyone is different and that makes the world an amazing place. I'm just adding my perspective.
I always joke that I give up my time. I'm a church organist and I really have an overload of services and rehersals during lent. (to the point that other members of the church have joked about me just moving into the balcony for the season)
We are also to "give up if we choose to" in silence. I also feel this means not bragging, but I think Christian sharing of your "personal" sacrifice is all right if it is done to share our efforts to focus on what Christ did for us. We totally understand the "move into church" around here. Not so much for Angie, at Lent, but during Advent, with bell choir. Although it is year round pretty much, there is more music at Christmas for obvious reasons. And of course for all the boards, etc. over the 23 years I have been a member.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruthxxx
...I usually "take up" something that has some sort of social value. This year it will be sitting for a half hour every day knitting mittens for the mitten tree. I am also going to schedule extra pet visits to residents at the nursing homes.
WOW! You gals have the right idea on the meaning of the season! I wish my golden retrievers could go and "learn" good manners
We are also to "give up if we choose to" in silence. I also feel this means not bragging, but I think Christian sharing of your "personal" sacrifice is all right if it is done to share our efforts to focus on what Christ did for us. We totally understand the "move into church" around here. Not so much for Angie, at Lent, but during Advent, with bell choir. Although it is year round pretty much, there is more music at Christmas for obvious reasons. And of course for all the boards, etc. over the 23 years I have been a member.
Wow, you state things much more succinctly than I do. Anything that helps others focus on Christs eternal love is worth sharing.
Hey Mare, if you give him the right "desert" men will eat anything on their plate without complaining!
Yuck!
Wow. I have learned so much from you all. I'm doing this because it is a personal challenge to me. It is something that is going to stretch my will power. God helped me with my desire to cut out beef last year. It was so hard for me but with a lot of prayer, I got through it.
This year, anything with 4 legs is off limits. This is going to be a bigger challenge. I'm praying constantly for help with my eating plan (as yet still undefined). This is going to be another time for me to get up close and personal with my will power.
Nah, there is always wine at communion anyway right? 
