Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Soon It Will Be Lent

*JMJ* I told you Lent was coming a few weeks ago and now it officially starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Yep and we all know what that means. Fast. Ugh. It's so hard to fast. But because I have been watching what I've been eating this past year, I'm hoping it won't be so hard on me. I love to fast but then I hate to fast. Does that make any sense to anyone out there? I love this time in the church. Like I said in my previous post, It's a time I feel like I can really participate in the church. I don't like to fast because it's so hard to. I think if you don't fast, it's a mortal sin because it's something the church is asking us Catholics to do. But we are allowed to have one full meal during that day. We have to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Those are the only two days that the Catholic church tells us to fast. I think if your over 62 you don't have to fast. But check with your church for I'm not real sure on that age. I do know that you don't have to start fasting until your 18. But when your 14 you do have to abstain from meat. Also check with your church for these ages as well. Also on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday your not allowed to eat meat. The six Fridays during Lent your not allowed to eat meat either. I post a note, 'No meat' on the fridge on those days for a reminder. I usually won't work out on those days or do heavy housework. I have to preserve my energy the best I can. I don't do good on the days I have to fast. You are allowed to have coffee, hot tea and water. Your not allowed to have like a milk shake. Every time I fast I always say that I'm going to get myself up at 12:01 Thursday morning to eat! But that never happens. If I do wake up in the middle of the night I'm usually not hungry because I've been sleeping. But I always smile knowing that the fast is over and I'll be able to eat when I wake up. Yeah! I love that feeling when I know the fast is over and I did it, with the Lord's help of course. It's hard. It's really hard. I have to get my mind set on fasting for tomorrow. I struggle with not being able to eat. But don't fear because I have a yummy menu for Thursday's dinner. A whole baked chicken roasted in the oven with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. Mmmmm. But do not forget. Today is Fat Tuesday. So remember to get your punchki's and we'll just have to worry about fasting tomorrow when Mardi Gras is officially over. God Bless you and good luck to you all during your fasting!

2 comments:

Michael said...

I am also excited that Lent starts tomorrow ... but like you, I am dreading the fasting. I try and remind my self that Jesus did it for 40 days, and St. Paul and others did it often. So two days a year should be a piece of cake! (ha ha sorry, bad choice of words) Happy Lent-eve!

Anonymous said...

Dear Anne, You are my inspiration. I love you ♥