Lent

Forty days without food? Really?

I took more sensible foodstuffs and toiletries as well - if they didn't give them to anyone the volunteers could eat them - they deserve it!

I have given up treats and chocs

The food bank?
(although I'm sure someone will be very grateful...)

Why does Lent last for 7 weeks, and why the restrictions

Tricia:

Lent is a time when Christians remember the 40 days and nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food being tempted by the Devil. Jesus used this time to prepare for His work by fasting and praying.

I meant to give up wine but I forgot after a day with the darling DGC!
I took the last box of Christmas chocs to the foodbank.

I am giving up wine and crisps (my big weakness) the money saved will be an additional donation to the homeless charity I support

So I have resolved to break a bad habit...

To me Lent is about giving up something which hurts a bit, though I applaud those who are doing something different.

So I have resolved a bad habit I have developed - of snacking in the evening. I sometimes think I eat my own body weight more calories in the evening than I do the rest of the day.

So, nil by mouth after my evening meal. Except possibly a cup of tea with the 10 o'clock news. I'm now on Day 3.

I'm calling this the 10/14 diet; ten hours where food is allowed and fourteen where it is banned.

grumppa

Psalms - one of my favourites is 133:
"See how good and pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity ...."
I said it when our 2 sons, who never got on, managed to share a holiday together with their families, without falling out.
Why does Lent last for 7 weeks, and why the restrictions?

Very good grumppa!

I thought about giving up indolence, but I couldn't be bothered.

Two years ago I gave up Gnet for Lent. Not only did I not post, I didn't peek for the whole 46 days.

I've been meaning to read the Psalms for some time to see if they have anything to offer in modern life (and to a non-believer like me).

I have found one thing so far.

Rather than giving up things we are encouraged to be more reflective and to give extra to a named charity. I have at the same time given up chocolate - if I fall by the wayside any day I will give extra to the charity.

No sorry - every year I think I should and then don't. It wasn't really expected in the church in which I grew up. I have a friend who is recently ordained and I working as a curate. She gives up wine and chocolate every year and this year has also given up Facebook for Lent. I asked her if it helps her in any way and she said it hadn't- she didn't even lose weight. I don't really understand the concept of giving up things for Lent.