Lent

[Thirteen]

I don't do the Sunday cheat. My mom raised us to go all or nothing. LOL. She also has a giant rosary hanging on her bedroom wall...above her kneeler.

So hardcore.

I confess that we had a conversation that went something like this last night"
T: "Are we giving up anything for Lent?"
DH: "I don't know: I've never 'done' Lent before."
T: :-O "Oh, okay... Well, what if we increased or added something to reflect more on our commitment to God?"
DH: "I like that."
T: "Are we going to Ash Wednesday service tomorrow night?"
DH: "...There's a service tomorrow night?"

Ruh roh!

For the record, I wanted to give up sugar, but I don't think that is really a biggie for me. I'm already wheat-free, so that's not a biggie either.
Also, I had coffee this morning, so I can't claim to give up caffeine (I could die...). Any ideas?
I was considering "overeating/indulging" as something to give up - I can be an emotional/comfort eater when I have stress triggers.
Or perhaps "complaining, disguised as venting" - THAT could be one for me.
We don't really eat out anymore, since I have been keeping us on budget, so that's not a big thing either.

[Thirteen]

I don't do the Sunday cheat. My mom raised us to go all or nothing. LOL. She also has a giant rosary hanging on her bedroom wall...above her kneeler.

So hardcore.

I confess that we had a conversation that went something like this last night"
T: "Are we giving up anything for Lent?"
DH: "I don't know: I've never 'done' Lent before."
T: :-O "Oh, okay... Well, what if we increased or added something to reflect more on our commitment to God?"
DH: "I like that."
T: "Are we going to Ash Wednesday service tomorrow night?"
DH: "...There's a service tomorrow night?"

Ruh roh!

For the record, I wanted to give up sugar, but I don't think that is really a biggie for me. I'm already wheat-free, so that's not a biggie either.
Also, I had coffee this morning, so I can't claim to give up caffeine (I could die...). Any ideas?
I was considering "overeating/indulging" as something to give up - I can be an emotional/comfort eater when I have stress triggers.
Or perhaps "complaining, disguised as venting" - THAT could be one for me.
We don't really eat out anymore, since I have been keeping us on budget, so that's not a big thing either.

[SoonerTexan]

Internet time is a big one!

[MrsSz]

Starts tomorrow...

If you "do" Lent, what are you giving up?

I'm seriously thinking Facebook...

You have SO much more will power than I do! Facebook is my connection to the outside world.. also, truth be told, there are several people who I'm friends with who make me feel good about my life at least once a day... haha ::shamed::

Maybe I'll give up going to the gym

[GreyhoundsRUs]

While Facebook is an awesome connection to people, it's also very gossipy...we'll see how it goes!

[Thirteen]

It's official: I gave up "complaining, disguised as venting."
It's kind of like how some people might say "I'm not gossiping, I'm sharing information." I have a real problem with venting about things, but what I'm really doing is complaining.
Based on just a handful of some of the things people are dealing with on this board ALONE, I need to get over myself. Also, I figured that by doing that, I can INSTEAD pray more actively to God.

I expect you all to hold me to it, should I sound like I'm "venting."
By the way, I know I picked the right thing because today was INSANELY HARD. Hello, Weakness, Table for One.

[peggyfromwastate]

I have found Classical music very soothing and it allows me to clear my mind and think, for those times when I need a something to help me stay focused.

As far as cheat Sundays, last year when I gave up sugar and wheat. I tried once, and wanted it so bad (imagine a crack addict going through withdrawal, ok maybe not that bad, but close), that I decided the rest of the time I wouldn't cheat. One of the best things I have ever done- cutting out sugar and wheat. A year later, I still consume some, but on a very small scale.

We listen to classical or Enya on the way home from swimming practices. It calms the kids down (and me). Not for long drives though-- Enya might put you to sleep.

[peggyfromwastate]

We don't do lent but in the Protestant faith lent is making a comeback. I think we will look into it more next year.

I really like the adding something aspect. Adding prayer time, adding devotionals, etc.

I only check fb maybe once a week if that... I still don't really think I understand the point of fb.

Lent is an interesting tradition--- I really believe each person's own relationship with God is unique and special, and if a person uses lent to connect spiritually to God that God would not say "but you are not Catholic.".

[scarlett09]

I'm considering giving up something for Lent. I haven't done so in awhile, but the recent time by myself has allowed me to think about this a little bit.

My current thought is to give up being lazy and get myself to the gym 3-4 times a week and be more physically active on the remaining days of the week. Of course, Lent started 2 days ago and I haven't gone yet. But I remain hopeful that I can get it jump started this weekend.

[DCJenn]

Total 100% atheist here but I'm still doing the "lent" thing but in terms of "Spring renewal". I like the idea of kind of giving yourself a way to better yourself and the world around you- there's nothing wrong with that in any form. So- I'm setting aside a bit of money each week and after Easter the dude and I will decide where to donate it. I suspect the animal shelter. Personally, I've recommitted to my yoga practice. It's hard because I don't get home in time for a lot of the classes and I can't leave the dude to go to the early AM classes but I've committed to getting to as many as I can and on the 'off' days to working out on the treadmill. I've also (gasp!) decided to forgo the wine. Although I will say that this will not be the case over my father's birthday weekend. I'm not going to not toast my dad on his 70th birthday!

So, there you have it- even we heathens get in to the spirit (haha- punny!) of things.

J.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

So, there you have it- even we heathens get in to the spirit (haha- punny!) of things.

Good for you!

[Amiens]

I agree it's been great to reconnect with high school and college friends through FB, but it's the ONLY way dh's family stays in touch with us. It kind of bugs me, so yeah it's a bit two fold- I cut down on my "addiction" and I quit enabling dh's family. Dh thinks it's great and we wanted to see if anyone stays in touch with us via other means. It's opened up my day, and I think about friends (thinking of actually picking up the phone to say hi thinking of you, or dropping them a quick note.) Other than that I haven't missed it, then again it's been 3 days.

[oceanchild]

So, when your husband (who's working wonky ER shifts) does you a favor by making dinner in the crock pot, but it's pork roast because he's forgotten it's a Friday in lent, do you just eat it, or do you politely shun it and promise to try the leftovers?

[MarissaNicole]

So, when your husband (who's working wonky ER shifts) does you a favor by making dinner in the crock pot, but it's pork roast because he's forgotten it's a Friday in lent, do you just eat it, or do you politely shun it and promise to try the leftovers?

It depends, I think I'd either opt to eat it tomorrow, or go meatless tomorrow instead.

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[v-girl]

It depends, I think I'd either opt to eat it tomorrow, or go meatless tomorrow instead.

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I would go meatless Saturday instead.

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