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Feb. 15, 2008
A Question About Lent
Mommy Brain Moment:
I was recently asked a question: Why do non-Catholics observe Lent? I've never heard of anyone but Catholics observing Lent until recently.
That is a really good question and here's my answer:
The reason I chose to observe Lent this year is because I like the basic concept. I have a hard time giving up my computer time in the mornings, so I gave my morning computer time up to the Lord. It's my gift to Him during these 40 days leading up to Easter.
As Christians, every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection. Most of us don't think about that each week. We usually wait until Easter. By setting aside these 40 days from Ash Wednesday (the day to think about our sin and repent) to Easter, it helps me to focus on the fact that I am a sinner saved by grace, that Jesus died for me, and that He rose from the dead.
Each morning, I turn away from my computer, and dwell on His gift to me instead. I'm reminded that everything we do we should do for the Lord. All my hope lies in Him. It's been wonderful.
Aside from Ash Wednesday, the Lent season also observes Holy Week. The week where they had their last supper, Jesus was betrayed, beaten and crucified.
One cool thing I found out is that it includes Holy Saturday. Have you ever wondered why Jesus died on Friday and arose Sunday? Could it be He rested on the Sabbath day? Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall (about 40 minutes after sunset) is the Jewish Shabbat or Sabbath. Easter ends the Lent season with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. It really shouldn't be any different than any other Sunday which should be celebrated, but it's become the norm to only celebrate the resurrection at Easter.
I can't speak to why other non-Catholics choose to observe Lent, but I would think it is for similar reasons. I wrote about my decision here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sixshortofadozen/475761/
I'm hoping to continue thinking of every Sunday as resurrection Sunday after these 40 days. I'm also hoping to learn more about the Jewish celebrations, customs, etc. because Jesus is a Jew. God's chosen people are Jews. I want to know more about Israel and Bible times. As I learn more, I will learn to walk more like those Christians, my brothers and sisters, who went before me.
I'm rambling. :) Just some thoughts.
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Feb. 11, 2008
Lent - Day 5
Mommy Brain Moment:
We've been fighting a tummy bug all week, but I still followed my Lent plan. It's amazing how much habit wants to take me to the computer each morning. It's become ingrained. The good part of finding myself fighting this habit is that it reminds me each morning of why I'm following Lent this year. I love the daily reminder that this is about my sin and God's grace.
I'm sure about halfway through this, I'll find the struggle replaced with a new morning habit of spending time in God's word and setting the right tone to my day. What a blessing that will be.
Now, to feel better and not sleep deprived. Miracle, please?
Oh and if you want to read how I totally embarrassed myself (it's pretty funny), check out My Meandering Mind
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Feb. 6, 2008
Lent 2008 kickoff - Ash Wednesday
Mommy Brain Moment:
Today is Ash Wednesday which kicks off the season of Lent. For Christians, Lent is a time of reflection as we examine our spiritual lives. It's a time of denying ourselves in such a way as to help us identify in some small way with the sacrifice of Jesus. It's a time of repenting for our sins and allowing Jesus' blood to cleanse us.
Lent is the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter except for Sundays. Sundays are instead, a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it culminates with Easter which is our more popular holiday for remembering that Jesus rose again.
I like that for six days of the week, I'm in a humble mindset focused on Jesus' sacrifice, but each Sunday is a mini celebration of His resurrection. Easter is a perfect way to end Lent with a big celebration.
Traditionally, Christians fasted for Lent and then feasted on Sundays. As a nursing mama and also one who struggles with hypoglycemia, fasting is not an option. In years past, I've given up sugary foods, but I made a commitment to not have sugary foods in 2008 unless it's a special occasion.
What could I give up? Makeup? Scary thought and wouldn't work because I'm home most days and that would hardly be a sacrifice. But if I'm honest with myself, going out in public without at least a little makeup doesn't appeal to me. A little character flaw? Maybe.
The other big thing in my life is my computer or more specifically my online activities. I get up in the morning and mosey on down here to my computer and waste quite a bit of time on this machine. I have certain commitments I need to keep online, but I could give up my computer in the mornings.
That is what I will deny myself. My morning computer play time. The only thing I can use the computer for is writing, homeschooling, or homemaking until noon.
No chat, no email, no blog reading, no commenting, no 'research', no surfing, etc. That's not much of a sacrifice you may say, to which I'd reply, it is when you are addicted. When you forfeit important things to squander your time on what should be a reward AFTER doing what is needed. When you use it to escape rather than face messes you've made by having priorities out of order.
But the beautiful thing about this sacrifice, this denial of my fleshly desire is that I will find myself drawn more to God as I think about Him more, as I ponder His ways, and as I humble myself to ask for forgiveness. I will be changed as I reflect on His crucifixion and resurrection, and that he did that for me. And you.
In the natural, I will find that I get more done and those things will be of a higher priority. I will feel satisfied with my efforts by day's end. I will learn to choose wisely what I spend my time on.
Yes, this Lent season will be a challenge, but it will bring about good fruit in my life. I can't help, but feel drawn to the simplicity, the humbleness that surrounds Lent. The joy of celebrating Sundays and finishing with Easter.
Will you join me?
For more information, you can check out these links:
The Beginning of Lent
The Season of Lent
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Jan. 17, 2008
Are you hungry and thirsty?
Mommy Brain Moment:
For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good. Psalm 107:9
Are you hungry or thirsty? Do you feel like you need something more; something better? Do you fill your days with 'busyness' and your home with 'stuff'?
You won't find satisfaction; deep, soul filling fullness of spirit apart from God. You can try and you may feel 'happy' for the moment, but a lasting peace and contentment cannot happen without God quenching your thirst and satiating your hunger.
Many times we enter a 'drive by' prayer situation and we all know that fast food fills you for the moment, but leaves you wanting more before long.
There is nothing wrong with a quick prayer, but when it becomes a substitute for drinking Him in; for sitting at His banquet table until you're full - you will hunger and thirst. A dry spirit of longing sets in. You will feel parched and empty.
But we have the answer. His living waters are always flowing and His banquet table is always ready. Come, eat and drink and let Him satisfy your thirsty soul and fill your hungry soul with what is good.
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I’m married to an amazing man (who finds me entertaining though I’m not sure what he means by that), and a mama of six. I suffer frequent 'mommy brain' moments - but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
We also have six fur babies: two standard poodle, Harley and Davey, and four kitties: Jo Jo. Oncilla (Onci), Nougat (looks like the candy) and my baby, Lady Muse.
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