As I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize that the time of Lent can be powerful. I did not always know this, especially as a protestant. My Catholic friends would give up things, but I somehow felt superior that I didn't have to go in for that stuff. I could eat all the meat I wanted to on Fridays. And Easter could be powerful, with trumpet fanfare accompanying my mother playing the organ, the glory of Easter lilies, the hymns sung but once a year.
Then I married Jay, whose Catholic practices impinged on my feelings of superiority. Lent included fasting and abstaining from meat on Fridays, once we were married. So I started following some of those practices each year, and I found I really looked forward to Easter, not only to be able to have those things I had given up, but because this season of Lent became real.
I discovered that Easter was far more meaningful if I observed Lent more than just on Sundays.
So, I invite you to join us as we journey together through Lent.
I will be following the book: Holy Solitude by Heidi Havercamp. I encourage you to buy the book, do the practices as you are led, and let's see where this journey takes us this year. You can buy it here: Thoughtful Christian or Amazon.
To work well, let's promise to check in at least weekly, if not daily. Comment on a post, post something of your own. Share with us and let's walk together, holding each other accountable.
The practices start on Ash Wednesday, but don't wait until 2/14 to start the book. There is preparation ahead of time to clear the way for a peaceful and holy Lent.
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