LENT

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 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.

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

Monk: "Abstinence."

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

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.

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.

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

Nonu - giving up chocolate and ??? Respect!

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...

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.....

Ironic or what?

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

I like that Micelf

(((hugs))) too Phoenix

Perhaps some people could give up being pompous, rude and sycophantic!

Surely people are allowed to talk about if they want to and there is no compulsion to reply

(((Hugs))) Phoenix

I'm not a Christian but I do know something about Christianity. Well said *MiceElf; I salute you.

No one has ever had to to do anything for Lent. For those who choose to mark this season of preparation and repentance in some way, it will be a personal matter and not something to be trumpeted from the rooftops, or on GN. Neither is it appropriate to quiz others about what they might, or might not, be doing unless they have chosen to share with another who could help them to fulfil their intention.

I agree with MiceElf.

It reminds me of politicians who live on benefits for a couple of weeks and then feel very smug about their "achievement".

Surely to strive to be a kinder person, or to do something useful would be far more constructive and meaningful?

My 5yo DGS tells me he's giving up broccoli.

p never give up hope--He who dares wins

The way things are chez Phoenix, I think I will be giving up hope

That's a really good thought soutra

Oh dear nonu, I was going to give up chocolate but I forgot and ate some this evening. And it's only Ash Wednesday

I put an extra e in there. Never mind.

Ana