Lent.

[Snadger]

'Big up' to all Lenters! Anything that brings happiness to others or gives an appreciation of what we have by going without for a short while, has to be a good thing!

[Alison]

The only people I ever knew as a child who observed Lent were very Catholic and seemed to make a big thing out of denying themselves, you know the smug sort of church goers that can put people off formal religion? Also, it was never really mentioned at our chapel so as a result I've never really got into it and don't feel the need to cut anything out fully. Do quite like the idea of setting aside time to do nice things but think I'll try that as an ongoing thing spread over the year, make sure I give up sometime for somebody else every weekend. I know that's not really what the thread is about but thanks for the idea .

[Lisasbolt]

That's a lovely idea, scarey.
Its a shame there aren't more people who think of others, instead of themselves, all the time

It is a lovely idea, but really should we not be doing this sort of thing anyway, not lent as a reason.

I do not like being told what to do wether it be romantic on Valentines day, presents of birthdays or xmas, or religion still trying to impose itself on us.

but good luck to anyone

[bramble]

I think the days of any church or organised religion telling us what to do are long gone.
Having said that, I think the seven weeks between Lent and Easter are a good time to maybe make a decision to be a better person, or to maybe do someting for others or even for ourselves.

[Lisasbolt]

I think the days of any church or organised religion telling us what to do are long gone.
Having said that, I think the seven weeks between Lent and Easter are a good time to maybe make a decision to be a better person, or to maybe do someting for others or even for ourselves.

In the nicest way possible should you not be doing that for the 52 weeks of the year not 7

[Snadger]

In the nicest way possible should you not be doing that for the 52 weeks of the year not 7

Blessed be the sinners! After the festive season it may be a natural, human reaction to give thanks for what we have and think of others? It may have nothing to do with religion and just be given a name 'Lent' to justify what human beings would do naturally?

So says the Reverand Snadge who was brought up a Methodist but has more of a leaning towards Paganism!

[bramble]

In the nicest way possible should you not be doing that for the 52 weeks of the year not 7

Ah Lisa, if that was the case, then they would be calling me Saint Bramble.
We can only try, and no offence taken.

[noviceveggrower]

Can see your point Lisa but I think to some people 40 days isn't a long time to give something up. And if they feel better after the 40 days then they might keep their new 'habit' and be a little more healthier.
My sister is getting off her bus to and from work two stops earlier. I know doesn't sound much but by the end of lent she will be walking into town, a 30 min journey, instead of using the bus. She usually stops walking winter time but restarts it Lent time.
As my sister said to me once for some strange reason " a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step".

[Verinda]

I must admit I have never given up anything for Lent, but always admire people who do

[Bal]

OH is giving up alcohol. I have just given up smoking. 5 weeks yesterday so I think that's enough for this year

[Lisasbolt]

Good for you Bal, as long as you are in the right frame of mind you will do it and i wish you all the best 5 weeks is a good way through.
Took me twice first time i was given up for 2 years and how do you say it the sh*t hit the fan and i started again for nearly a year but been nearly 5 years infact thinking of it 5 years this month since i had my last tobacco cigarette

[ancee]

My husbands side of the family are Greek Orthodox. They give up meat. They don't eat meat on Friday's anyway, and they give up meat (they call it fasting) at other times of the year too. In fact, they have more meat-less days than meat-with days if you know what I mean!
Coming from a home with a mum who was disinterested in cooking and food I don't go without as an adult as I think I did enough doing without as a kid!

[Glutton4...]

Lent!? Whassat!?

Atheist/Pagan/Heathen-type here!

However, I am doing a Dry March with a chum. She's giving up chocolate for a month to raise money for the Breast Cancer charity, in thanks for their support over the last year or so. I'm doing it so she's not on her own. Not sure who's going to find it the hardest!