For Those Who Observe Lent...

[Fandango 1,440]

What are you going to give up?

I'm thinking about giving up shopping. And if you really knew me, you'd have to pick your jaw off the floor after hearing that.

It's something I greatly enjoy, I do it all the time, and it would be a great sacrifice to stop I always choose something for Lent that is not something I'd want to do anyways...like quit smoking, etc. Those are behavior mods that would be beneficial, and I usually like to do something that has no other purpose than having it be my Lenten offering. Because then it's not a selfish thing.

I'll work out the average of what I spend in a week, and then prolly donate the money so that I get no financial benefit.

Oh, and I promised God I'd be more on time for Church on Sundays

But re: fasting: I found a flyer at my church defining a fast: 1 meal and 2 small 'snacks' Seriously, how is that fasting? Do you fast? And if so, do you really fast or just go by church guidelines.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I thought it was about one doing some self reflecting and looking honestly into what dominant obstruction in one's life that is interfering with one's relationship with God.

[Nagishkaw 510]

It's about dying to your flesh . The only thing that interferes with one's relationship with God is sin.

[KarenCee 3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent

Fasting during Lent is a way for the Christian to identify with Jesus in his suffering which, according to the record of the New Testament, the biblical writings known as the Gospels, he underwent for the sake of humans in order to make propitiation for their failure to keep the laws instituted by God in the Pentateuch. This sacrifice is referred to by Christians variously as a substitutionary death, a redemptive death, and a death which satisfied the perfect justice of God, who actually provided the means for that satisfaction by sending Jesus, said in the Bible to be God's own son, to die in the place of humanity. It is this distinction which fulfills the Hebrews' hope for a messiah (the "Christ" in Greek ) who would save the troubled nation, according to the New Testament writings.

Many modern Protestants and Anglicans consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g. going to the movies, playing video games) for Lent, or they may instead decide to take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so forth. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way, in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above.

Edited February 21, 2007 by KarenCee

[Steph1010 1]

I am giving up fried food...living in the south it will be difficult

[one...two...tree 2,762]

It's about dying to your flesh . The only thing that interferes with one's relationship with God is sin.

Yes. Which is why it is something one must reflect on. My understanding of committing a sin is anything that interferes with one's relationship with God. As my Dad explained it once - even a prayful person could be sinning if they are praying to the point of neglecting their family. It's never easy to determine when something becomes an obstruction but we know ourselves best if we take the time to reflect.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

They may decide to give up a favorite food (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g. going to the movies, playing video games) for Lent, or they may instead decide to take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so forth. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way, in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above.

Does that include "self abuse"?

[Fandango 1,440]

I thought it was about one doing some self reflecting and looking honestly into what dominant obstruction in one's life that is interfering with one's relationship with God.

If that's what you believe, then that's what it is for you

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I thought it was about one doing some self reflecting and looking honestly into what dominant obstruction in one's life that is interfering with one's relationship with God.

If that's what you believe, then that's what it is for you

I better give up VJ then.

[KarenCee 3]

They may decide to give up a favorite food (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g. going to the movies, playing video games) for Lent, or they may instead decide to take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so forth. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way, in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above.

Does that include "self abuse"?

As in????? All I did was look this up. I'm not the one you should be asking.

[Fandango 1,440]

I'm really just sick of the way things work here sometimes....this thread is perfect proof.

I should give up OT for Lent. Hrmmm.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

They may decide to give up a favorite food (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g. going to the movies, playing video games) for Lent, or they may instead decide to take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so forth. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way, in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above.

Does that include "self abuse"?

As in????? All I did was look this up. I'm not the one you should be asking.

I'll answer that. There's a difference between denying oneself certain gratifications - including eating for a period of time - and self abuse. Masochism would be if the participant finds some deviant enjoyment from it.

Edited February 21, 2007 by Steven_and_Jinky

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I'll answer that. There's a difference between denying oneself certain gratifications - including eating for a period of time - and self abuse. Masochism would be if the participant finds some deviant enjoyment from it.

I guess anything from the seven sins would be an appropriate sacrifice

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'll answer that. There's a difference between denying oneself certain gratifications - including eating for a period of time - and self abuse. Masochism would be if the participant finds some deviant enjoyment from it.

I guess anything from the seven sins would be an appropriate sacrifice

...those are deadly you know.

[pedroh 21]

i don't eat meat on fridays, during lent, only veggies or fish.. we do that in Mexico... and I try to do it, I feel bad when I eat a hamburger and them I'm like duh! I forgot!!