This Wednesday is observed as Ash Wednesday in many churches. In the Bible, we find that sprinkling oneself with ashes was a mark of sorrow from sin.
This is the beginning of the Lenten season, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. For many, it is customary to give up something for Lent, symbolic of Christ's sacrifice for us.
The theme of today's Upper Room meditation was one of encouraging moderation in all things. That is certainly an exercise in self-discipline that I am hoping to make a part of my Lenten observance.
What about you? Do you traditionally give up something for Lent?
Thank you for reading. I really appreciate your comments.
Happy Ash Wednesday to you Nellie!
ReplyDeleteYes I always give up something for Lent. This year I am giving up soda :)
ReplyDeleteNellie, I am giving up shoveling snow....just kidding. I will give up cookies. No easy task for me either. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteAs a Baptist, I have never observed Lent, but I've certainly made sacrifices and given up things.
ReplyDeleteWe do not normally observe Lent, either, since we really do not find any Biblical basis fur that particular period of self-denial. I do believe that we must recognize Christ's command to take up our cross and deny ourselves, but this is a daily command, not just a seasonal one. Have a lovely afternoon, Sister! :-)
ReplyDeleteGood Post Nellie, While I never observed Lent as the churches I attended are not that kind, I do observe it myself as 40 days of meditation on the death, burial and resurrection Of Jesus. I do observe Passover during this time and try to use the feasts of Moses as my guideline. The getting the house free of yeast (leaven) and spring cleaning are a period of time before Passover. As well as quietly going before Him and offering myself afresh.
ReplyDeleteHi Nellie,
ReplyDeleteI still haven't decided what I'm giving up for Lent yet. I usually give up brownies because I simply adore them but I have been dieting lately and it just doesn't seem like brownies would be a worthy sacrifice:)
Thank you for sharing this post, Nellie...
Hi Nellie , I am giving up chocolate and as Glenda summed it up nicely . This is a daily command , not just seasonal , thanks so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI observe Lent and I received ashes on my forehead today as a reminder that we are ashes and we will return to ashes. I usually give up sweet.
ReplyDeleteFor lent I try to cut back on the food I eat and put I money aside for the needy. We have a small booklet of lenten reflections to read daily.
Hugs,
JB
No, my church doesn't observe lent.
ReplyDeleteWe are just back from Ash Wednesday services. Everyone has given up something in our house. Some will be much harder than others to follow through with. Wishing you a blessed Lent.
ReplyDelete