Lent

I try to keep my blogging to spray paint and hot glue...but I need a little accountability. I have never celebrated the tradition of lent before but decided I would give it a try.



I am going to give up sweets.


This decision I believe will be a benefit in two ways:

1. I am sooooo close to my weight loss goal...but the cookies and ice cream are keeping me from getting over the last hurdle. I don't need it, I don't want it, yet somehow it still ends up in my mouth.

2. The obvious spiritual element...I have not grown up with the tradition and, as a result, felt like it did not apply to me...but after reading up on it I think it will be good. As I have started my new job and taking on a tighter schedule I have seen my anxiety turn to my sweet tooth... when instead I should be turning to something else. I have learned through this season of weight loss that it isn't just about eating habits and exercising but about not turning to food as my sanity and stress relief. I know that this will be a constant life long balance...but at least for the next month I will be reminded to turn to God in my state of stress and emotional needs instead of setting my sights on sugar!

Thanks for listening...I will be back to crafting soon...the new job is going great and I love the kids but it is sucking up a lot of my energy. I have pictures upon pictures of recent projects and am trying to make some time to blog about them. Thanks for bearing with me! :)

How have you celebrated lent?

17 comments

  1. Good for you! I have never practiced Lent either, but have always been interested in it. I'm proud of you for giving up sweats! I'm happy to hear that your job is going well!

    Hugs, Sharon

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  2. I too have never participated with Lent before. I've fasted different things and for different points. I've known people to do media fasts...no computer, tv, music...crazy. But the spiritual benefits are so awesome. I hope you update your progress and let us know how you are doing. I'm so glad that job has been going well. How totally fun to be a teacher.

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  3. It is my second year to participate in lent. I too am giving up dessert. Last year it was diet coke...and as a result...I drink them way way way less. And can I tell you how often you will think of Christ in the next 40 days?

    So I'm with ya! We can do it!

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  4. I think that's awesome!! I have never participated in Lent either, because we were never introduced to it as kids, but I've thought about it before. I may join in a little late, but I'll have to think of what to give up.

    And props to you for giving up sweets!!! I WISH I could do that! Hmmm, maybe that's what I should do then?? That would REALLY increase my dependence on Christ!

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  5. I love that you are sharing your Lent story. I gave up Twitter and the comments section of my blog. It has been weird not to hear feedback.

    Wishing you the best success in your efforts during Lent.

    Cynthia

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  6. I think #2 is quite profound. I'm a member of a weight loss group called First Place, and part of our plan is learning to turn to God for comfort rather than food. I hope your sweet fast is successful☺

    I've got an award for you waiting over at my blog.

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  7. Good luck! I'm afraid I don't practice Lent. If I did, it would probably be best for me to give up sweets, too.

    Speaking of which... I made your ice-cream cake recipe for my stepson's 13th birthday today. It came out looking great! I'll have to report on the taste later, as we won't be eating it until tonight. He requested Butterfingers and Oreos in the ice cream; the rest is all vanilla. (He obviously doesn't share my love of chocolate :)

    Thanks again for posting your recipe!

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  8. Good for you! I gave up pop this year!

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  9. Good luck. I'm with you, Working has turned me to sweets. I get a little stressed. I love your thoughts on how we should turn to God verses maybe the sweets. I need to focus more on that.

    Good luck with Lent.

    Have a great day.
    Sandra

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  10. Such a cute site! At first I thought you wrote you were giving up sweats (like sweat pants). I was thinking, oh hunny why would you wanna do that? Haha.

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  11. Good for you! I don't practice Lent, but I think it's a marvelous idea. Best of luck on your forty days and nights!

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  12. As I read this post, I felt like it was one I could have written. I have never observed Lent, but have researched it a lot this year, and felt very moved by what I have read about it. Nothing beats being closer to God.
    For me and what to give up, it would be sweets or coffee. I too am trying to lose weight and sweets are still my demise. I am definitely doing this next year. Keep us posted on your progress.

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  13. Ashley,
    I have featured you today! Please email me for your featured button.
    krjdemmon@comcast.net

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  14. no i don't participate in lent. good luck on your goal. i'm sure you can do it!

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  15. Love this! Found you on TCB.
    I've never given up something for lent but I'm dong the Beth Moore Bible Study, Believing God and she asks you to give up something over the course of the study, I chose junk food. It's been 3 1/2 weeks and I allow myself 1 day a week for junk. Saying a prayer for you. One thing that has happened is that I've been craving carbs like crazy...I've gained 2 lbs! I'm just starting to cut back on the complex carbs but wanted to tell you to watch out for that craving. It was so discouraging for me to step on the scale and find I was going up!!!
    Blessings & Love your blog!
    Robin Rane'
    All Things Heart and Home

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  16. Way to go! Lent is one of my favorite times of year... a chance to sacrifice for a girl who doesn't usually sacrifice enough... :) I gave you an award on my blog - come check it out!

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