The beginning of Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent for the Christian calendar. Ash Wednesday comes from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. Traditionally, the ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned and mixed with oil. In the Roman Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. It is a day for contemplating one’s transgressions.

Lent includes 'giving up' something to glorify God. Typically people give up sins (caffiene, alcohol, etc). What alot of people don't realize is Lent is actually 47 days long, 40 days plus Sundays which are not included in the penance.

This year I'm limiting Facebook...yes I said limiting not giving up. I need the outlet and friends I have on Facebook, since I'm still trying to find IRL friends in our new town, plus I love those ladies and would miss them alot!

I somewhat explained Lent and Ash Wednesday to Kaitlyn, but being 3.5 it's very much over her head. Once we go to service and have the ashes, it may be a bit easier to explain. I find often it's easier to explain things with evidence as opposed to intangiable theories. Seeing the ashes will hopefully let her make more of a connection to what I'm talking about! We are going to have meatless Friday's in our house as well, I'm going to make fish and chips this week!

If you are looking for some scripture to read, Hallee has some great, relevent ones listed on her blog today about Ash Wednesday: Hallee The Homemaker .

Our United Methodist Church, like all UMC's, celebrate Ash Wednesday. I'm debating on bringing K to service or putting her in childcare, I think she may still be too young to fully understand...we'll see once we get there!

If you observe Lent what have you given up this season?

If you don't observe, maybe consider joining us Christians in giving up something for the 40 days as a sense of Spring cleaning?

Enjoy your Ash Wednesday!