Lent Ends

[inkspot]

Is anyone observing the Lenten season with new disciplines or sacrifices?

This year, I am going to fast during daylight hours, as the Muslims do during Ramadan. I am allowing myself juice, water and tea -- I don't think Muslims can ingest anything.

I am going to focus on the ways Christ was deprived by depriving myself daily.

If anyone else is doing Lent, does your church give you a day off on Sunday? Me Mum is a Lutheran, and her church does not count Sunday, a Feast Day, as part of Lent, so you can indulge on this day. Is this true in other churches?

I should say ... I am a Protestant and only became aware of the season as an adult when my sister became an Episcopalian, so I do not have much background for this, although I have observed it for many years now.

[EveningStar]

This may not sound like self denial, but I'm going to learn some new skills and taking the time to do it and practice will not be easy.

Sacrifice does not always mean giving something up. If you are hiking with your friend and his burden is too great, you can offer to carry his pack and yours for a bit. That's not actually giving something up, but it is still making a sacrifice. So for me performing an extra duty or learning an extra skill, especially when I have to scramble to do it, is sacrifice and therefore worthy. The term "giving up" for me means giving up my willfulness and doing the right thing. It does not always mean something will be missing.

[inkspot]

This is what I understand as well -- for Lent you can add a new practice rather than giving up something. And I think we're supposed to add alms-giving.

[QA48]

AS christians don't we sacrifice all year long by differenciating and departing ourselves from the world? just my two cents. I Am in no way will be crusading to change people's mind :) So go ahead and do what you have to do :cool:

[WillsGirl]

I am going to stay off the computer and keep away from junk food altogether. LOL
Fasting during the day... cool.
I just finished a 30 hour famine!

[QA48]

I am going to stay off the computer and keep away from junk food altogether. LOL
Fasting during the day... cool.
I just finished a 30 hour famine!

Your going to stay away from the computer :eek: And when will this be starting? :rolleyes:

[WillsGirl]

Wednesday! I know it will be difficult but I have been convicted of spending WAY too much time on the computer so it should be good for me... I'll be on on Sundays though! LOL

[inkspot]

Well done, Will's Girl! I admire you for making this mature decision! I know God will give you the strength to stand by your commitment, and make the shorter time you spend here even more precious to you, also.
AS christians don't we sacrifice all year long by differenciating and departing ourselves from the world? just my two cents.
This is true, but to identify with Christ in the time of His suffering, we set Lent aside as a time when we focus especially upon extra sacrifices or disciplines, just before Easter. I read this ... "It is quite wrong and most presumptuous to celebrate the victory of the Resurrection, that matchless triumph of Divine Love over evil, pain, and death, UNLESS we have kept the watch, unless we have been with our Lord in the days of His Passion and our Redemption." It makes Easter even more sweet for us when we have meditated on (and in a small way simulated) Christ's suffering.

No one has to do anything for Lent, but some of us choose to dwell on the passion by adding our own disciplines at this time.

[xeroxia]

You are officially bitten! You are now a vampire!

[onlymystory]

sorry inkspot. skandar is hot we have to stay in less serious threads. only randomness gives way to vampireness. these guys and gals are being serious.

[CSLewisFan]

I'm actually doing a complete bible read through in a month. www.biblereaders.co.nr

I didn't originally intend for it to be for Lent, but a buddy of mine who is doing it with me, asked me if it was a coincidence or not :p

So I decided it would be perfect. :)

-Austin

[WillsGirl]

Well done, Will's Girl! I admire you for making this mature decision! I know God will give you the strength to stand by your commitment, and make the shorter time you spend here even more precious to you, also.

Thank you inkspot! I REALLY appreciate that... LOL I just realized Wednesday is tomorrow, so this is my last day with you all! (Except for Sundays!)

[PrinceOfTheWest]

This may not sound like self denial, but I'm going to learn some new skills and taking the time to do it and practice will not be easy.Like, maybe - improving your puns?

(Just kidding, just kidding!)

Ink, that sounds like quite a discipline. By no means do I want to discourage you, but if you're not accustomed to fasting, it may be a bit rigorous. Traditionally, the Fast Days of my tradition have been Wednesdays and Fridays, so if you find your original intention is making you weak or sick, you may try easing into it.

AS christians don't we sacrifice all year long by differenciating and departing ourselves from the world?You're certainly right, my Queen - or at least, we should be! There's never a season when we shouldn't be concentrating on growing in holiness, in weaning ourselves from lesser things so we can have room in our lives for greater ones.

Yet Lewis makes a good point in one of the chapters of The Screwtape Letters on this: being timebound, we humans tend to be cyclical. It's hard to maintain the intensity of something 24/7 - our attention just wanders. "Times and seasons" are a way of using that to our advantage. There's no day when we shouldn't stand in awe of the tremendous sacrifice of the Cross. But when we set aside a whole season to build up to it, for some of us it can really drive home the impact. (Some of us don't need that, and if that's so - more power to you!) For me, Lent is a time when I renew and remind myself of what I should be doing all year long, yet I tend to slip on.

[EveningStar]

AS christians don't we sacrifice all year long by differenciating and departing ourselves from the world? just my two cents.Sure we do. But we sacrifice at the pace of a walk for one cannot run all the time! Lent is a sprint (no rhyme intended) in which we experience for a few moments our top speed to the Glory of God, then rest at the finish line and savor the victory.

[inkspot]

You are officially bitten! You are now a vampire!
Ouch! Now I suppose I have to give up drinking blood from sunrise to sundown ... no, vampires never drink in the daytime anyway. (It's okay, onlymystory, I see where you bit Paul and PoTW over in the Catholic Thread ...)

PoTW, thank you for the advice! I will keep it in mind if I get weak or sick. I do plan to have juice and water (and tea!) so maybe I will come through okay, I am asking God to help me. Last year I gave up tea along with alcohol and sweets, and tea was the hardest thng, because I drink it very day! We'll see how this goes. I know the Muslim boys and girls who go to school with our daughters manage Ramadan by getting up before sunrise to have breakfast -- I think that would be harder on me than the skipping of food in the day time.

[unseen_dreams]

I'm just curious, but who's giving something up or adding something for Lent? It starts tomorrow (March 1st) and no, it's not just for Catholics. For those who don't know, Lent is the season before Easter.

Many people give up something that they are very attached to in order to put more focus on God. Other people add something like daily devotionals to their routine. I'm giving up the computer for Lent, yes that means I'm not going to be around until after Easter :( . I've realized how much time I've been spending on the computer and I know that it's not good for me and it's distracting me from more important things. I might also be giving up junk food but I don't think that would be a big deal for me right now. So I'm just curious what all people are giving up or taking on, if anyone else does that for Lent. Some people take it to an extreme, like I have a friend who's going to go on a fast for three days!!! Fasting is a pretty amazing experience so I can see why he'd want to do that but it could be hard, especially having to go to school and everything!

So I'm just curious, please answer! :D
And farewell as of tomorrow!! See you after Easter!!

[QA48]

there's already another thread about this :( I'm afraid this one will be closed soon

[Parthian King]

Boy, all this charitable talk of sacrifice for the Lord. Somebody's going to get the idea that Christianity has something to do with folks getting along and loving each other while they journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem.

Oh, OK, I guess I'll join in. Inkspot, I've done some longer fasts, and let me tell you, what you are about to do is pretty heavy duty. It can yield some powerful results, especially coupled with prayer and Scripture, but it is tackling some serious forces--both physically and spiritually.

Physically, not eating until sundown for that period can be very strenuous. Believe it or not, going on liquids only for a week has been easier for me that the so-called "Jewish Fast" (what you propose), because your digestion simply shuts down and your metabolism is on an even keel. It's the start/stop thing that makes it so hard for me--very draining. If you take Sundays off (i.e., you eat), it can really throw you. I am not suggesting to change your commitment (far be it from me), but doing something where you take perhaps a Lipton soup with noodles midday--something light, but still with some substance--that might soften it for you. Also (and you probably know this), you'll want to take it easy at night just for health reasons if you don't eat solid food all day. Ribs and fries sounds good after nothing but lemonade all day, but, well, you know...

Spiritually, a fast that long (and it is a fast) can bring about some major changes. It's good, but good like Aslan Himself. I fasted 21 days on liquids for the first time in 1992--and 8 months later I was living in Costa Rica!

[Gryphon]

I'm giving up myspace and xanga for the next fourty days. Our whole church is doing the fast and giving up something. We found out that several other church's have been compelled to start on the same day! We're believing for things to start changing in peoples lives because of it! We're all excited! :D

[Motleyaholic]

I'm a Christian and all but I hate lent. Why do I have to be Catholic. I hate it so much. When I move away from my family I'm turning Babtist.

[unseen_dreams]

really?? alright, that's fine with me, I was just curious :D

[holyboy]

I'm actually giving up something really hard this year. I have been told by MANY people that I have an addiction to Coka-Cola. So that is what I'm giving up this year. I'm not going to do the Sunday-I-can-break-fast thingy, because I know that will make my fast that much harder. Instead, I'm gonna break it for my birthday (March 29th *wink**wink*) and March 25th (Annunciation of our Lord from Gabriel to Mary. All fasts are off that day to celebrate. YAY!)

To help me along this path, I have already started practicing. I now have a water bottle, which I will carry around always, and I will have lots of chocolate milk. Hopefully when I am finished I won't need coka-cola anymore. :)

[Gryphon]

I'm a Christian and all but I hate lent. Why do I have to be Catholic. I hate it so much. When I move away from my family I'm turning Babtist.
baptists are ok, however if its fun in your christian walk that you want, join a charismatic church ;)

[WillsGirl]

LOL, I did a 30 hour fast with a bunch of youth and everyone (except me) thought it would be really hard but it wasn't. And after you reach a certai npoint you're used to not eating and the thought of eating again is harder because it's almost certain you might get sick. (At least for me) So it kind of put this whol hunger and famine all over the world into perspective but also gave me insite on anerexia.
Sorry that was a tad of a bunny trail... until Sunday!

[Charn_Tim]

inkspot, that's pretty impressive. I have always thought about doing that, but I haven't been man enough to do it yet ;). God bless you for your commitment to Him.

I'm going to be giving up sweets (candy, cake, cookies, etc.) which is harder for me than it sounds...I am still wondering if I should include mochas and other sweet coffee drinks as "sweets" to give up. What do you guys think? ;)

[QA48]

omg i once fasted from 6 am til 12pm that was one of the hardest thing ever. and the thing is that i was at home praying worshiping in my room and my stomach just kept making noises. of course i didn't pay that much attention to it.

But what gets me mad is that when i'm not doing that and i'm at home i could not eat for 6 hours and would be full as if i ate like an hour ago :mad:

(the same goes for school. i eat nothing while at home and can be with an empty stomach for hours, but as soon as i get to school within the first 20 minutes the gates inside my stomach opens up and demands me to feed it :mad: )

[♣Teh Deviant♣]

LOL, I did a 30 hour fast with a bunch of youth and everyone (except me) thought it would be really hard but it wasn't. And after you reach a certai npoint you're used to not eating and the thought of eating again is harder because it's almost certain you might get sick. (At least for me) So it kind of put this whol hunger and famine all over the world into perspective but also gave me insite on anerexia.
Sorry that was a tad of a bunny trail... until Sunday!

Yes....take it form someone who has that eating disorder. ;)
Fasting isnt htat hard; but I am so glad that ppl like u guys would commit yourselves in this way.
If you fast for a long while ( like me; I am having my "breakfast" and its 12:45 AM), the hunger actually disappears....Just like what u said, that it seems that u might get sick.
I'll stop spamming this board now...

Sofia

[TimmyofOz]

I'm a Christian and all but I hate lent. Why do I have to be Catholic. I hate it so much. When I move away from my family I'm turning Babtist.
Yes the Baptist type churchs don't do Lent. But we are often encurraged to fast at time of need for spiritual awakening.

[PrinceOfTheWest]

I'm a Christian and all but I hate lent. Why do I have to be Catholic. I hate it so much. When I move away from my family I'm turning Babtist.Hmm - sounds like you're only seeing the deprivation part. I understand, I was raised that way. But don't forget - the 40 days of denial in Lent are followed by 50 days of rejoicing during the Easter Season! (I know, I wasn't taught that, either.)

I'd encourage you to ask God to show you the purpose of Lent. It isn't the giving up just to give up, it's giving up a lesser thing to gain a greater thing. And it doesn't have to be "giving up" - try doing something extra for a change. Like, resolve to read a chapter of the Gospels each day, or something.

[Giselle the Ethereal]

I'm going to fast this Lenten season. I'm going to eat only one full meal a day (lunch for me). And every Fridays, I'm going to abstain from eating meat.

[inkspot]

Okay, Giselle -- you can read the advice I have been given about the one meal a day thing, and be careful you don't make yourself sick or exhausted. PK suggested a light meal like soup in place of one skipped meal, and PoTW said Catholics allow a snack in place of the skipped meal, so keep this in mind ... And more importantly, I think it's great you are making this commitment, and I believe God will reward you.

PK, were you single when you did the juice fast? My husband is really concerned about this intention of mine, and I cannot imagine his being sanguine with a complete fast. One of the reasons I settled on the Ramadan-type practice was so he wouldn't worry too much.

Charn Tim, I usually give up sweets, and I know how difficult it is -- but usually for me, only for the first couple weeks, and like others have said, I dont indulge on Sundays, either, because it would make it harder to quit again on Monday. For me, I included sweet drinks such as chai latte (which I love) in the fast. But it's up to you, really, and what you hear from God.

HolyBoy, I think it's great you are switching to water from sodas! You know, carbonated drinks are just not that good for us, anyway. Sugary ones mess with your metabolism, and I read even diet ones can "fool" your system and cause weight gain. But water is really good for us, and most of us don't get enough of it. As you rely on God to help you overcome the need for a soda, I know He will give you strength and help you feel even better because you're getting the water you need.

(Oh, sodas are Cokes to me, I mean the same things when I say soda ...)

Motleyaholic, I would encourage you along the lines PoTW suggested: if you're being required to participate, examine what God may want to teach you during Lent, and consider it an adventure in getting to know Him better. Add a special study to your program, and allow the deprivation you may be experiencing to free your mind for a better understanding of what God has for you? I wish you the best!

Was it Gryphon who said her church and several others are having a fast together? I think that's great! Growing up in the Assemblies of God, while we learned about fasting, we did not ever learn about the church calendar and seasons such as Lent and (strange as it seems) Pentecost. I think it's really good when a whole church honors the seaon together, and I pray God reveals wonderful things to you through the discipline.

I am praying for God's strength in this time, and apreciate your prayers, too. I will be sensible, and if it seems too much, I will take the advice of having soup or a snack in place of one skipped meal.

Thanx, y'all!

[Parthian King]

Inkspot, I was not suggesting that you actually do such a (liquid only) fast now. I was simply noting that I have found it easier on the metabolism than the stop/start type that you are proposing. Actually, what I was really suggesting (if anything--meddling in another's affairs on things like these is not my cup of tea, especially since I know so little of your situation, etc.) was that you back off a little during the day, i.e., take a little soup midday and not just juices. That should temper the swings of the metabolic and digestive roller coaster so you don't feel so drained after you eat at night. My guess (if you are anything like me and others I have fasted with), you'll have a greater chance of actually finishing the race that way.

No, I wasn't single at the time, but you bring up another issue--the social one. That and the psychology of the matter--arguably tougher than the physical--makes this a serious endeavor. It can be very tough on not fasting family members, but in a way that's part of it so we shake up old patterns and draw closer to God.

Anyway, I don't want to meddle. I just heard what you suggested--for the length of time (40 days)--that you proposed--and flinched a bit. I've done some long ones, like I said (I won't go into it here), and I just want you to be careful. Many people go into a fit of guilt or throw in the towel entirely if they fudge. I don't think that's the right approach. If something comes up, especially with your husband, just gently break, then go back to it. (See, it's saying stuff like that that makes me nervous, but God knows my heart.) The point is the Lord, not the fast.

[inkspot]

Thanks, PK. I know you weren't trying to tell me what to do. I appreciate your concern, and I will certainly retrench if the program causes me, or my family, problems and eat soup as you suggest.

Is anyone fasting or observing Lent in some way this season in search of a particular answer or spiritual breakthrough?

One of the reasons I wanted to incorporate fasting was ... I have been writing this children's story, and I really want God's guidance and inspiration to make it good and engaging for kids, plus to make it glorify God and get youngsters thinking about Him.

I'm all day writing for my clients, and I really need something EXTRA to write this story in my spare time. I am praying God will use this season of sacrifice to open up my brain and inspire me.

[mrstumnus99]

I giving up more than an hour on the internet because that's how I've been spending most of my days and that's not how I want it to be. On Good Friday I am planning to fast the whole day. I might fast for two days before Good Friday and I also might watch The Passion of the Christ. I'm also going to bring back my daily five minutes with God and up it to about 15 min. in the morning and 15 at night.

[inkspot]

Good for you, Mrs. Tumnus. That's great. If you fast all day on Good Friday, be sure to drink plenty of liquids.

[Gryphon]

Was it Gryphon who said her church and several others are having a fast together? I think that's great! Growing up in the Assemblies of God, while we learned about fasting, we did not ever learn about the church calendar and seasons such as Lent and (strange as it seems) Pentecost. I think it's really good when a whole church honors the seaon together, and I pray God reveals wonderful things to you through the discipline.
yeah, and the cool thing is, our church isnt the only one that started on that day! It's church's all over fasting for the same fourty days! I think thats uber cool!!! :D

[LadyEm]

Oh really? Wow! I'm PAOC (Canada's version of AOG) I haven't heard of th that happening before, that's really wonderful.

I am not fasting, but I'm actually joining by best friend, who is Catholic in some extra Bible Reading/Prayer/Focus. We can't give up food, and we've nothing else to give but our time. I love joining in with her on this, and we've done it once before.

[inkspot]

That's great, Lady Em. I am trying to do a little extra Bible study, too. And Gryphon, I think that's wonderful about the four churches fasting together.

It's really nice to hear how everyone, even people who wouldn't traditionally observe Lent, feel led to make some kind of effort.

I did okay on Day One with the liquids only during daylight, and I began my study of a book from RBC Ministries on "JESUS: Who Is This Man Who Says He's God." So far, it is talking about why the Bible focuses on the name of Jesus ...

* It is the name by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12.
* It is the name which sets the tone for Christian life -- "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus," Collosians 3:17.
* It is the name which will demand ultimate respect from all, Philippians 2:10-11

It also had a brief section on the importance of names, and how names in the Bible had meaning -- Naomi changed her name from Naomi (delightful one) to Mara (bitter) after the premature deaths of her sons. And how changing your name can actually change you.

I know this very well from, when I was younger, making people start callling by my middle name (Jax) instead of my first name. You get a cute, fun-sounding name, and you experience this kind of happiness in introducing yourself, and people expect you to be a little ball of fire ... Be careful what you name your kids! It really can shape their personalities.

[PrinceOfTheWest]

I'm just sitting here reflecting on how powerfully God can work in our lives when we give the Holy Spirit a chance. Do you realize that just a generation ago, many in the Reformational traditions wouldn't even recognize Lent because it was too "Papist"? And we Catholics would just keep to our minimal obligations and let the "professionals" (i.e. priests, monks, & nuns) do things like read Scripture? Yet here so many of you are setting aside Lent to seek God's face with humility and fasting, my daughter and son-in-law belong to a Catholic parish that has portions of spontaneous praise during Mass, and I'm leading a Bible study at my parish!

Wow. Just - wow. How good and pleasant it is, indeed, when brothers dwell in harmony. I'm going to be praying that God deluge you all with blessings for your faithfulness and obedience to Him. Get ready, because it's going to be BIG!!!! May God lead us all to the unity He wishes for us, that the world may know the the Son was sent from the Father.

God bless you all.

[Parthian King]

I call that being "mutually tampered-with." :)

[inkspot]

Do you realize that just a generation ago, many in the Reformational traditions wouldn't even recognize Lent because it was too "Papist"?
It's true! In my church where I grew up, we knew nothing of the Church calendar and its holy seasons cuz we were supposed to be so Protestant, but since my Episcopalian sister introduced me to them, I find them a great blessing and an aid in pursuing my Christian walk.

And we Catholics would just keep to our minimal obligations and let the "professionals" (i.e. priests, monks, & nuns) do things like read Scripture? Yet here so many of you are setting aside Lent to seek God's face with humility and fasting, my daughter and son-in-law belong to a Catholic parish that has portions of spontaneous praise during Mass, and I'm leading a Bible study at my parish!
This is very cool! It's like the Newsboys song which talks about
All the powers of darkness tremble at what they've just heard
'cuz all the powers of darkness can't drown out a single word
when all God's children sing out,
"Glory, glory, hallelujah, Amen!"
It must make the devil mad -- and make the heavens smile -- to see Christians crossing all denominational lines to join their voices in praise, and join their intentions to see God glorified over one Church.

Thanks for the prayers, PoTW. I could use all I can get ... and I'm praying for everyone who is observing Lent, too -- for God to reward your devotion.

[Charn_Tim]

Thanks for that post, PoTW-that's a great perspective, and I very much agree with that. Praise God for the renewed unity among the various denominations of His church.

[LadyEm]

I'm just sitting here reflecting on how powerfully

Wow. Just - wow. How good and pleasant it is, indeed, when brothers dwell in harmony. I'm going to be praying that God deluge you all with blessings for your faithfulness and obedience to Him. Get ready, because it's going to be BIG!!!! May God lead us all to the unity He wishes for us, that the world may know the the Son was sent from the Father.

God bless you all.

I got shivers reading what you last wrote. I really believe that God wants to unify His church again - and that yes, he is up to something BIG!

[Gryphon]

And Gryphon, I think that's wonderful about the four churches fasting together.
hehe, its WAY more than four... :D

[Ephinie]

Speaking of Lent... I went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year. It was awesome.

[Ephinie]

Oh yes, and as far as Lent goes... I don't typically engage in long-term fasting. Generally for the Lent season I just give up something... and it's almost always pizza, because that is the most basic staple of my diet; and it's also my favorite food. So, yet again this year, I've given up pizza.

[inkspot]

Laissez le bon ton roullez, Ephinie! That's cool you were in the Big easy for Mardi Gras. How is it since Katrina?

I admire you for giving up pizza. Although I am eating but one meal a day, I have not given up on pizza, for my one meal. Love it.

Hey everyone who is observing Lent, I hope it is going well. I am praying for all of us, for grace to carry out our program and for God to use this time to help us worship Christ more faithfully by tasting of His sufferings.

[Charn_Tim]

Hey everyone who is observing Lent, I hope it is going well. I am praying for all of us, for grace to carry out our program and for God to use this time to help us worship Christ more faithfully by tasting of His sufferings.
Same here, inkspot. And you're pretty much our inspiration; every time I feel like having some cookies or a candy bar or whatever, I think back to you that you're not eating anything during daylilght hours!

[inkspot]

Wow! i don't think I have ever been an inspiration before! But I am glad if I am. Every day I am praying for grace to do it, and so far it is working. Hang in there everybody!!!

[xovermyheadx]

I have not had one sip or drink or came even close to drinking pop! YAY ME!!!!!

[inkspot]

Go, Mrs. Teacup! That is fabulous!

Hey everybody - feel free to post here if you are doing good and encourage everyone, or post here if you are struggling and need encouragement. I am off and on every day or two, so I at least will respond. It can be like AA.

[xovermyheadx]

Go, Mrs. Teacup! That is fabulous!

Hey everybody - feel free to post here if you are doing good and encourage everyone, or post here if you are struggling and need encouragement. I am off and on every day or two, so I at least will respond. It can be like AA.


haha...AA....im ashmashed...i had a lollipop.....but oh well.........im doing soooooooo good.....ive had alot of energy cuz all that sugar i havent had!! :D

[inkspot]

haha...AA....im ashmashed...i had a lollipop.....but oh well.........im doing soooooooo good.....ive had alot of energy cuz all that sugar i havent had!! :D
You don't have to be ashamed, the Bible says now there is no condemnation for believers. You had a little hiccup, but now you are back on the wagon. Woo-hoo!

(I don't know if that's what they say at AA, maybe they are better motivators, but this will have to do.)

[Ephinie]

New Orleans seems to be recovering pretty well since Katrina, but I'll admit we stayed in the French Qaurter and the Garden District most of the time. I've heard those were some of least-hit areas. During one night of parades, my friends and I sat with this family that had a bunch of kids; and the grandmother was really nice. She told us that all the New Orleans residents really appreciate their Mardi Gras visitors cause having people come and celebrate with them was just what they needed after Katrina. I was just like, "Wow... who'd have thought that celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans could be a ministry?"

And Mardi Gras gets a bad rap all around from a lot of Christian communities, I think. A lot of people I know keep asking me how many people I flashed to get my beads, and I'm just like... "Uh... none?" Okay, I'll admit that there was plenty of drinking and other somewhat questionable activities going on down there in certain parts of the city, but it is what you make it. Just like Christmas is a Christian holiday but can be made secular, it's the same way with Mardi Gras. To Christians who grow up in that tradition, Mardi Gras is a deeply rooted religious holiday.

In conclusion... I had an awesome time. I am definitely going to go again, though probably not next year, unfortunately. Down there, Mardi Gras lasts for weeks... and I like the idea of a holiday that isn't over in just one day.

[inkspot]

Thanks for the update. I know what it means to miss New Orleans ... love that city! Glad to hear the Quarter, anyway, is recovering, and I think it's cool Mardi Gras visitors brought hope to residents, too.

Okay, figured I would try to share some things I am discovering in this season of more intense pursuit of God -- with the fasting and all, there's more time for study and prayer (if I would use it wisely!). So ... in the early stages of Lent, a look at the earliest stage of the passion of Christ:

Did you ever notice, when Jesus raises His friend Lazarus from the dead (John 11), this is the moment the religious leaders first decide Jesus must die? Before, they wanted Him to shut up, or to put Him away somewhere, but when word gets out He can raise the dead, they decide to see Him killed one way or another. The reaction to Lazarus' return from teh dead:

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, "What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, "Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Well, suppose the Holy Spirit had revealed to Jesus, at the tomb of Lazarus, if he raised His friend, it would also set in motion the plot which would result in His arrest, torture and execution? Suppose when Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, He was not only weeping for His dead friend, but because He knew if He raised Lazarus and restored him to his sisters who needed him, it would be the beginning of the end for His own life?

Maybe this is where Christ's Passion struggle first began, the real, immediate knowledge that if He did this one good thing, there would be no turning back, and He would be killed. Of course, the cross was the reason He came, and I do not believe He really struggled as to whether to set the events of His arrest, trial and execution in motion. But I try to put myself beside Him at the tomb of Lazarus, as He wept, and imagine, if I had known -- as He perhaps did -- this was the turning point ...

I fear I would have been tugging on His hand and saying, "Don't do it, man! Let's just get out of here. We can sail off to India and never show our faces around here again. You don't have to save anybody -- just save yourself." And He would have had to tell me, as He did Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan."

How was He strong enough to go ahead with it? How could He love that much?

[Charn_Tim]

That's a great point, inkspot. I think the mental activity of Jesus is often overlooked, especially the mental anguish that He must have went through on the cross. One thing I would add to that is the fact that in the old testament it is prophesied that Jesus would die, so probably as Jesus came to realize that He was the Messiah earlier in his life, I think He must have known that the Messiah was to be sacrificed for the sin of humanity. So Jesus probably came to the realization that He would be killed even earlier, although the wheels are really set in motion when He raised Lazarus from the dead.

[inkspot]

Oh, you are right, Tim. I am sure Jesus knew, all along, the day would come. I just think it is rather poignant the lynch-pin in the plan would be a good work, His raising His friend from the dead ... It makes me sad to think, He had this choice: He could have left Lazarus in the grave, and the religious leaders wouldn't have reacted with this plot to kill Him. But even knowing what the end result would be, He did the miracle. It's sad in a way, but of course, it is heart-warming, too. Even knowing the consequences, for love of His friend, and love of me, He went ahead with it ...

[longliveaslan]

I'm Catholic and i gave up chocolate for lent...thas's really really hard for me!!! i must admit i had some yesterday but i am just going to not have any sunday....

[hannah1004]

I am boldly going to give up xanga for Lent :)

[Ephinie]

Happy Sunday, everyone. And that was very insightful, Inkspot. It's got me thinking.

[AslansChild]

I'm Lutheran and a PK. I know Lent has already started, but I believe I'll count this as a give up. I like watching horror movies and lately have been focusing to much on Freddy Kruger. My parents confronted me on this yesterday and we have made the conclusion that I will not watch any movies dealing with death, such as my favorite movies: Corpse Bride, Nightmare Before Christmas, Freddy vs Jason, Van Helsing, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and so on. I'm will be trying to avoid music conected to it also, meaning I will not be listening to my favorite band My Chemical Romance for a while do to the dark lyrics. I have put lost of these things in my closet and left only nice things out. Iwill also be not wearing any of my movie shirts conected to these things and try not to watch anything on tv, like The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. My father has told me I have obessed on these things and need a brake, and I agree strongly with him. I will go back to things in the end, but with God's help not obesse on them. I will instead be watching movies such as Narnia new and BBC, Lilo and Stitch, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland, and so on. I will watch shows that will be better for me and less gory. I will read more good books such as Narnia. With God I hope to over come my obssesion.

[PrinceOfTheWest]

AslansChild, I will be praying for you. Let me tell you about some things the Lord guided me to some years ago.

I have always known that sexual immorality was wrong, and avoided movies, music, and publications that included it. However, I was not as sensitive to the question of violence and death, and had grown up watching television shows and movies where people routinely "blew each other away", beat each other up, or destroyed things. One time I was considering going to a big movie that I knew would contain lots of violence and death, and God spoke to my heart saying, "You know, that violates My law, too." I tried to waffle ("God, you and I both know that nobody really gets hurt or killed"), but He was persistent: why was I watching violence and death for entertainment? I did some research and realized that in the days of the early Church, a regular entertainment for people in the Roman world was going to the "games", which usually involved fights to the death between gladiators, or prisoners (eventually some of them Christian) being torn to pieces by wild beasts. Those who converted to Christianity were required to renounce these blood games just as they were required to renounce orgies and other sexual immorality. The Church Fathers recognized that there was a dark passion in our sin-damaged hearts, a lust for blood that was every bit as dangerous as lust for sex. St. Augustine even wrote about how seductive and addictive this blood lust is, and wrote of a convert who renounced the games for a while, but then fell back into them and turned away from the Faith.

Since that time, I have made a point of avoiding movies and books that contained gratuitous violence. It's hard to avoid in our culture (not having a television makes it easier), but I try to make a point of thinking of blood and death obsession the same way I think about sexual immorality: I just don't go there.

I commend you on listening to the Lord, and will be praying that He give you grace and fill up with blessings the parts of your heart that you have been trying to fill up with these dark things.

[AslansChild]

Thanks. I will still be watching things like that, but I know God doesn't like lots of those things. I never will watch any movies like Hellraiser or the Exersit and I regret ever watching The 9th Gate, just because Johnny Depp was in it. I do watch things that are less violent and gory thou. I Love The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe and never try to do anything against God's will. From what you said I know that its not right for me to dwell on such things in obssession and I will be praying this whole time for God's help. I just got the soundtrack to Narina and will be listening to it along with the Lutheran band Lost And Found, aka sing Lions (Oh them lions they can eat my body, but that, baby, swallow my soul). I hope after this time with God's help I will not dwell on these things so much and focus more on God. I recently lost my Grandmother, but C.S. Lewis when he lost his mother, I did not stray from God. I know that she is in heaven with her father whom she loved and with my other grandmother I never knew. Me and her shared the same likes and was because of her I grow to like Nightmare Before Christmas. My dad made sure I didn't watch it a lot when I was young and I need not dwell on the movie and others so much. Thou it is the movie I remember my grandmother by, because we both loved it, I will with the Lord's help focus more on Him. I am glad that next summer is the Orlando Youth Gathering Chosen, where I can go and hear God's word practically nonstop for a whole week and here bands sing praise to him. I thank you again for your conseron and I do pray I become less obessed and just watch such movies and move on and not dwell unhealthy like for my soul. I can't wait for Narina to come out so I may watch it and think of the spirital part of the movie and I shall possible read more of the books soon. I may even watch Lord of the Rings and the signifagance of it. With my father the pastor's help, I found that Gollum stands for oursevles trapped in our sinful nature. But unlike him we can ask God to help us and help us not become like Gollum and parish in Hell, but live in heaven. I may watch such things that God wouldn't like, but my mind works in way as making right from wrong. But I never want to displease my Lord and Savior.

[inkspot]

I'm Catholic and i gave up chocolate for lent...thas's really really hard for me!!! i must admit i had some yesterday but i am just going to not have any sunday....

I am boldly going to give up xanga for Lent


Welcome you two, and Aslan'sChild. I salute you for making this commitment. (And thanks Ephinie, for the encouragement, too.)

I learned from the Muslims over in the Islm Thread, the proper thing to say during Ramadan when someone is fasting is: CONGRATULATIONS. So congratulations to those who have recognized their desire to draw closer to Christ during Lent by giving up some pleasure or adding some discipline.

I believe God will speak to you and reward you with an improved spiritual walk because of your desire to please Him in this way.

[longliveaslan]

hey thanks inkspot...yeah chocolate is hard...but i am trying!!! yesterday was sunday(well duh LOL) and i got to haev chocolate!!! YAY! ok anyway yeah i am also trying to pray more and say my Rosary...so yea...

[inkspot]

hey thanks inkspot...yeah chocolate is hard...but i am trying!!! yesterday was sunday(well duh LOL) and i got to haev chocolate!!! YAY! ok anyway yeah i am also trying to pray more and say my Rosary...so yea...
Good for you! Like you, I was able to eat on Sunday during the day and even had a tiny bit of chocolate myself. It was sweet!

Here is a little encouragement for us:

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
Psalm 36:7-9

As you are giving up some pleasure right now in order to draw closer to Christ, consider that He lets us drink from the river of His pleasure! Another version says "the river of Your delights." That's sweeter than chocolate, even.

[Gryphon]

so yeah, i miss my blogs, alot. although, i still havent decided whether or not im going to spend more time on it when i get back, or less or the same. All i know is that so far i would be able to give up what my mom thought nearly impossible :p

[inkspot]

Oh, well done, Gryphon! I think that's terrific.

For my own fast ... I have managed okay, and although I do get hungry, I have managed, with God's help. Of course, on Sundays I do eat lunch and/or breakfast, but this is allowed, as I understand Lent.

I am praying every day to know Christ in the fellowship of His sufferings through this small deprivation, but I am not so sure it's working. Maybe it's just a dry spell in the middle of Lent, but right now I kind of feel I am spinning my wheels.

[Gryphon]

We all go through dry spells. Dont worry, His timing is perfect!

[inkspot]

Thanks!

You know, maybe this kind of malaise is one way I am learning to know Christ in the fellowship of his sufferings? I didn't really think about it until I was asking my gal pals to pray for me for a few things that are going seemingly wrong in my life just now. Maybe this is where I get to know Christ in suffering ... it's not that fun, you know?

[Gondorgirl]

we do consider Sunday as a day off but we don't usually remember that so we just continue with the fast. I gave up computer games this year. I plan to give up iced tea next year

[inkspot]

I gave up tea at Lent last year and the year before, and I didn't drink it on Sundays either as I thought it would just make me want it on Monday. It was ridiculously difficult because I carry around a glass of tea all the time and drink it with about every meal. I didn't want to drink sodas instead because they aren't so good for you and don't taste that great ... it was tough!

I admire you for giving up computer games and hope you are receiving spiritual rewards for your sacrifice.

Now anyone who wants to can please pray for me. The fasting is going okay, it is not much of a struggle because I know getting up in the AM, and my husband knows, I'm just not going to eat. That part is going okay.

But this prayer to know Christ in the fellowship of His suffering seems to have invited a lot of suffering into my life these past three weeks. It's nothing major like losing a parent or sibling, but it's a lot of yucky relationship stuff I would just as soon never deal with, and it's not even valiant like suffering for my faith -- it's more like suffering because of my own passive-aggressive ways ... which is ignorant!

So, I am praying God will hallow the suffering in whatever form it takes and help me grow in it and through it, and learn whatever He's trying to teach me here. If you'd pray that for me, it would be swell. Thanks.

[Gryphon]

Maybe this is where I get to know Christ in suffering ... it's not that fun, you know?
no, its not, but sometimes God needs US to need HIM.

[inkspot]

How did everyone do with your Lent disciplines? I did okay, one day my husband gave me a bit of something he was cooking to try, and I did it automatically without thinking that it wasn't time yet for me to eat, but it was just a mouthful (and very tasty!). I also let myself have milk some days and not just juice, because I was getting headaches. I think I needed protein.

Anyway, I learned that I can do something I never would have thought possible on my own. Not than I am this big pig, but I do tend to nibble throughout the day, because I work at home or on the road, not in an office, with a lunch hour. But every morning, I would pray for God's grace to keep the fast until evening, and God was faithful to give me that strength. In fact, yesterday and today, I am doing the same fast ... because there are still some things I am seeking from God, and maybe fasting is a key. I hope so.

Anyone have any final thoughts on how your fast (or whatever) went? And anything you learned?

[Ephinie]

I broke mine a couple of times. :( But aside from the couple of slips I had, it worked out well.