Ash Wednesday

[supergran]

Years ago I loved this day. Being brought up in a strict and devout Catholic family all the feast days and important events meant a lot. Shrove Tuesday, now known as Pancake Day, was exciting because who cooked crepes in Lancashire? We did on the day before Ash Wednesday.:) And then we as children had to "give up" something. At the age of 10 I gave up sugar in tea. Never had it since. Many people give up chocolates, wine, beer for the 40 days of Lent but I think as well as giving up something we should DO something.:) Something positive such as reaching out to someone we have fallen out with, making amends with someone we have offended and being there for those who need our help. My obvious Lenten acts are to give up wine and give to charity but I do need to extend myself to forgive others and reach out to those who are in need.

[AllyB]

I made some pancakes yesterday but they were crepe!

[supergran]

I made some pancakes yesterday but they were crepe!Was expecting a more serious reply re this day in the Christian calendar but if you can't make pancakes you are crepe!;)

[karanga]

Supergran - Thanks for your really nice thoughtful post. I went to a very strict convent boarding school and like you Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter were important when I was young. They still are important times but not so much.

I agree that, instead of giving up something for Lent, it would be far better to look at ourselves and how we interact with people especially people we don't care for or have hurt us. If we are at fault because we are being too sensitive or selfish then Lent would be a very meaningful time to reach out to these people. :)

[AllyB]

Was expecting a more serious reply re this day in the Christian calendar but if you can't make pancakes you are crepe!;)

Sorry SG, not very good at serious! :shamed:

[supergran]

Neither am I usually. So don't worry. If you are pathetic at cooking you and I will get along. .......Go serious on me now out of vanity and you're ..............

[Alis]

Strict convent schooling for me too folks. Sadly, I'm afraid, it taught me to have a deep suspicion of organised religion in any shape or form. Having said that, I applaud your Lenten objectives - consciously doing something positive is very laudable. Perhaps I'll try to curb my anti-Fed comments until Easter!

[supergran]

Strict convent schooling for me too folks. Sadly, I'm afraid, it taught me to have a deep suspicion of organised religion in any shape or form. Having said that, I applaud your Lenten objectives - consciously doing something positive is very laudable. Perhaps I'll try to curb my anti-Fed comments until Easter! Oh, I wouldn't go that far.:lol:

[Alis]

It's certainly a lot to ask and, with important tournaments in the next six weeks, probably too much!

[Linda]

I also have always observed Lent. I went to the Ashes service last night. And I also gave up sugar when very young for Lent, and have never taken it again. Maybe that is why I've never since had a sweet tooth. But I think now that Lent should be more about doing something than giving something up. I always go to the Ecumenical Lent Groups every year, which is very useful. But for the last couple of years, a booklet has been published where you do good deeds each day and also save money for charity, which I think is a very good thing. Lent of course is a time of penitence before the celebration of Easter but I think it can also be a time of positive good works rather than just a time of sadness. And, as was said earlier, it should definitely be a time of forgiveness.

[traveller7]

I always observe Lent and nearly always give up chocolate which is very hard cos I love all things chocolate. I went to the Lent service on Wednesday for the first time, and I am actually getting confirmed tomorrow so think that is quite a significant thing to do for Lent!

[hfwardhouse]

Congratulations on your confirmation tomorrow traveller7 - that's a really significant thing to do for Lent!!!

[supergran]

So do I. Congratulations. Obviously a very serious and thoughtful step for an adult.:clap:

[Linda]

Congrats Traveller! :clap: :clap: :clap:

http://rlv.zcache.com/confirmation_white_dove_congratulation_greeting_ca rd-p137667736581566016z7suj_400.jpg

[Alis]

Congratulations from me too, Traveller. I hope you have a very happy day!

[traveller7]

Thanks for your comments, it was a lovely day the sun was shining and it all went smoothly. 19 people got confirmed by the Bishop so they were pleased and the church was full to the brim of people there to support us all including my parents. Went for a nice roast pub lunch after then went to visit my nan in hospital so overall a positive day :)

[Alis]

So glad it went well for you.