LENT

(((hugs))) too Phoenix

Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

I like that Micelf

Ironic or what?

Kitty L, anyone is 'allowed' to talk about what they want. My first comment up thread referred to MiceElf alone. Sadly another chose to snipe, and then ask a question which no one should feel the need to answer.

As for the list, for those who are unfamiliar with it, they are the fruits of the spirit listed in Paul's letter to the Galations. There's nothing pompous about that.

As for rudeness, if the cap fits.....

Aka

Doing something extra instead of giving up something has long been an accepted form of Lent "sacrifice". I suppose the idea is that you're giving up your idle leisure time.

I'm doing 2.5 hours extra exercise a week, so an average of 30 minutes each week day. I've already missed Ash Wednesday, so have catching up to do - it doesn't bode well!

I gave up cheese last year - about 3 weeks in and I realised what the fromage frais I was eating every day actually was...

Nonu - giving up chocolate and ??? Respect!

Oh dear aka GN might be a little "threadbate" if that happened

Well some people would definitely be lost for words Soutra
I'm not sure if there's a cap I'm supposed to put on but I'll contemplate that while I make myself a lovely cup of coffee and await the arrival of my dishy young builder.

The Priest at our local church has suggested doing something for others rather than just give up wine or chocolate.

One of my friends, who tends to swear a lot, is going to put money in a swear box for every time she swears and at the end of Lent donate the money to her favourite charity.

On a less serious note I might try harder to give up typos

As the abbot said to the monk: "And what are you giving up for Lent?"

Monk: "Abstinence."

I know that resolving to give up something is simply to focus my mind on what it is I'm giving up and therefore want it all the more. So - long ago I gave up ..... giving up.

Nice one Soutra - You Christians taking a leaf out of the Muslims book? Ramadan is not just a period of fasting and prayer but a season of doing good works and giving to charity.

I'm with the doing something brigade. Also think it would be good if everyone on GN could be pleasant just until Easter but suppose that is too much to ask?

Reading this thread makes me realise how Lent has been trivialised & turned into another bit of harmless fun completely devoid of any real meaning. I wonder what we have lost & what would happen if we returned to a deeper understanding and practice of it, whether Christian or not.

*Maggie ,7.57
Well , that is the general idea ,

It might have been good MiceElf if you had made it clear you were not advocating giving up any of those admirable qualities.

Ah that explains it jingl .....

Does it?

I haven't ever given up anything for Lent. Although I was brought up as a Catholic [long gone] my Mother used to say mysteriously that 'children shouldn't have to give up anything' [even though at school they said we should.] As I trusted her judgement a lot more than the school, I was more than happy to go with that verdict.Can't honestly see what good it does anyone, child or adult.

Self-discipline ?
never a bad thing !

Since it's mainly Roman Catholics who go in for this [plus some high church vicars and congregations] it's done more because they feel they have to than by wanting or needing self discipline. Just like they 'have to' go to mass. Wouldn't be a bad thing for overweight people to give up choc bars or cake, but they can do that anyway for a diet, doesn't have to be for Lent.I have no arguement for anyone who wants to give up food [or anything else] either for Lent or Ramadan, but you have to realise it's just a made up by 'man' thing, and we were given a good brain to think for ourselves.Giving up choc will do nothing for your spirituality or even your self discipline as you will be back on it eagerly just as soon as you can.Another thing that I cannot understand is how willingly people follow dietary laws in religion! When you think about it, it's crazy.We are designed to eat anything that will keep us alive.The only ones who should decide what we eat is us ourselves.

roses I know more non-catholics than catholics who either give something up or do something special for lent. The point for many people is to prove to themselves that they have the self discipline to do whatever it is they have chosen. Surely that is a good thing regardless of whether they stop at Easter?

I just don't see why it is something for those who don't do it to criticise. What do people get out of criticising others? Perhaps that is something some could give up and not just for lent?

Looked at the list again. I don't think I could do peace. And I've already failed at forbearance - again.

Most major religions have an element of self-denial and the purpose is to help the participant to concentrate on non-material things for a while. Fasting with the intention of losing weight or just giving up something you like won't do the trick. Doing good / giving something instead is often part of the process. In my church and many others we have a 'frugal lunch' and put what we would have spent on an ordinary lunch in the charity box. Even if you usually only have a frugal lunch, the intention is to share what you have with the less fortunate. You don't 'have to' anything, roses, it's a matter of choice.