Are you giving up anything for Lent?

**stinkbug** · 02-05-2008, 12:11 PM

Since Lent starts Wednesday, I've been pondering.....I'm not Catholic or particularly religous, but it's a good time for me to reflect and put things in perspective in my life. I've been thinking about not eating out, but we rarely eat out anyway (maybe once a month) so no real sacrifice there. One year we gave up processed sugar and it was very hard!!! I'm actually thinking about doing something instead. ie: exercise every day, drink my water , etc....since those are things I really struggle with.
You?
Or perhaps I should limit my computer time.....

**EmilyD** · 02-05-2008, 12:20 PM

Although Lent has been , traditionally, a time to "Give up" something, it works just as well to do something positive during this time.

Anything that requires extra effort and helps to improve your live qualifiies in my book.

**redhead68** · 02-05-2008, 12:29 PM

I'm giving up my computer time. I had a pastor many years ago who talked about her struggle with the "little gods" in her life. Computer time is one of mine, so I'm indulging for the next few hours, and then I'll be off-line until Easter. I'll miss you all.

**AmyMCGS** · 02-05-2008, 12:55 PM

I'm still thinking about exactly what I'm doing, but, I'm going with the concept of improving something in my life rather than giving up a material good. My word of the year for 2008 is SIMPLIFY, so I'm trying to think of how I can incorporate this into something meaningful for Lent.

**KJayEsq** · 02-05-2008, 01:01 PM

I'm Catholic and in addition to the "no meat on Fridays" observation, I usually give up one or two things for Lent. I also usually make myself commit to forming one good habit as well (like exercise more consistently, cleaning the house, or something like that).

I'm not totally decided yet. I may give up Diet Pepsi for Lent (that will HURT!) and commit to daily exercise. In fact...that's probably what I will do!

Thanks for the post...I needed to think about that and come to a decision.

**IntlMom** · 02-05-2008, 01:09 PM

uh, I'm 37 years old, very much NOT catholic, and uh......what is lent?
(yea, I'm aware that it is starting soon, and that ppl give something up, but I don't why, or what it is all about)

**StartingOver** · 02-05-2008, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by IntlMom

uh, I'm 37 years old, very much NOT catholic, and uh......what is lent?
(yea, I'm aware that it is starting soon, and that ppl give something up, but I don't why, or what it is all about)

Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. Ash Wednesday is the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter.

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

**momofslg** · 02-05-2008, 02:13 PM

I am giving up soda and will give up yelling (when I need something I'll yell up the stairs or from room to room instead of walking there) this last one will be the hardest.

A couple of years ago I gave up fast food/ desserts/ and soda. I was surprised that I was able to give up so much and follow through.

**IntlMom** · 02-05-2008, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by StartingOver

Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. Ash Wednesday is the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter.

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

I guess I kind of knew this in the back of my mind somewhere. I am born again Christian, raised in a Baptist home, and in my "circle of faith", Lent was never mentioned, or even brought up. Interesting the different "spin" different denominations put on it.
(Doesn't it have to do with Christ's 40 days of temptation in the desert?)

**ArmyOfFive4God** · 02-05-2008, 02:30 PM

i am, but i feel that what i choose to do is between God & I. I feel like it's brasgging otherwise. jm2¢

ps- i've had my finger in s plint since sat. so plz excuse tyopos

**StartingOver** · 02-05-2008, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by IntlMom

I guess I kind of knew this in the back of my mind somewhere. I am born again Christian, raised in a Baptist home, and in my "circle of faith", Lent was never mentioned, or even brought up. Interesting the different "spin" different denominations put on it.
(Doesn't it have to do with Christ's 40 days of temptation in the desert?)

You are right....I had forgotten about that part......I had to look it up to be sure....

The forty days do represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where, according to the Bible, he endured temptation by Satan.

To some, Lent includes fasting in preparation for Easter and as a way of spiritually “joining” Jesus with the fasting and meditation he did in the wilderness.

**notsadbuthappy** · 02-05-2008, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by stinkbug

Since Lent starts Wednesday, I've been pondering.....I'm not Catholic or particularly religous,

get this..i aint religous..but i do spend a lot of time in a catholic church! and go to mass a lot and do the rosery! and i am doing lent to!

this will be the first for me..i would had done it last year but i was new to it all..

i am going to give up sweet stuff!! and i am going to add more fruit and veg God and i already had this talk...i know sometimes its expensive to buy fresh fruit and veg..but i found two green grocers in town that are a LOT cheaper than the supermarket... so i am going to give that a whirl

**forHISglory** · 02-16-2008, 12:59 AM

I'm not Catholic, but see nothing wrong with Lent; I just don't see it as a "have-to-do" sort of thing. And it can have some positive aspects.

Years ago in high school, one of my Catholic friends was talking about what she would give up for Lent. She decided to give up watermelon! Now mind you, this is in Iowa in February! Watermelon!?!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 02-16-2008, 04:47 AM

Originally Posted by EmilyD

Although Lent has been , traditionally, a time to "Give up" something, it works just as well to do something positive during this time.

Anything that requires extra effort and helps to improve your live qualifiies in my book.

Yup, this is my view on it... I'm working on memorizing some wrote prayers this Lent (I'm Catholic). Sometimes I'll "give something up for Lent"...but, usually I like to use it as a time to learn new things, develop good habits, etc.