Lent is fast aproaching (I think), and I'm just wondering what people are giving up, or planning to give up for it, if anything.
Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :
I'm personally considering giving up AIM and Hatrack, then two days later when I fail that I'm going to give up shaveing in an attepmt to be less vain (or grow a beard).
Posted by Suneun (Member # 3247) on :
I had this image of a Talk Show Host saying, "Lets give it up for... Lent!" and lots of clapping, with a guy called "Lent" coming up on stage.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Often it's harder to commit to a good act for all of lent instead of giving something up.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
*snerks at that image* I am a heathen, so, nothing. but if i could give up something it would be watching television! But, that won't work because I hate watching msot television... If i had to give up music for however long Lent lasts... I'd die.
Posted by Ben (Member # 6117) on :
Television, and my music. (i will not tune into music or play my cds. but im sure restaraunts will still play music and whatnot)
[ February 21, 2004, 12:50 AM: Message edited by: Ben ]
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
giving up music would make me convulse and twitch on the floor maybe i'd give up... hmmm... books my eyes need a rest anyway
Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :
quote:Often it's harder to commit to a good act for all of lent instead of giving something up.
I wonder how many people recognize the seriousness of this statement.
And no matter how much people may water it down, the concept of Lent is impressive and humbling on a spiritual level even to me, and I have no stake at all in the faith (no, I was never Catholic) or any others.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
I'm not giving anything up. Nor am I intending to commit any more good acts than I'm commiting now.
This is so much a question of tradition rather than faith over here, that it's almost funny. You get drunk on Tuesday before the Lent starts. You go to church on Wednesday, hang-over, to get your forehead marked with ash. You don't eat meat on Fridays. You don't dance, but you can get dead drunk.
The concept of Lent would be much more humbling and impressive, if it was something you do, not because you should, and because it's the tradition, and because it's this time of the year again, and people talk about it, and the priest tells you that in his sermon, but because you *feel* it's right.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:The concept of Lent would be much more humbling and impressive, if it was something you do, not because you should, and because it's the tradition, and because it's this time of the year again, and people talk about it, and the priest tells you that in his sermon, but because you *feel* it's right.
How can you tell the one type of participant from the other by observation? Maybe there are a lot more people doing something for Lent for heartfelt reasons than you think.
Dagonee
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Many years ago, I gave up giving things up for Lent, and I've stuck to it ever since.
Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :
quote:The concept of Lent would be much more humbling and impressive, if it was something you do, not because you should, and because it's the tradition, and because it's this time of the year again, and people talk about it, and the priest tells you that in his sermon, but because you *feel* it's right.
Or maybe it would seem to mean much more if Catholics didn't let other denominations know of their practices? Didn't let them in the churches?
I agree that it's all about how and why the person is observing it, but the concept itself is what I find incredibly impressive, and no amount of human hypocrisy—which happens in all faiths—is going to change my admiration of the concept of it.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I'm bad with dates. So I started Lent a week ago.
I'm going ultra-LDS this year: No beer and no soda (wine and hard liquor don't count since I got ruined on hard liquor in college, and my stomach doesn't handle wine all that well).
I am also going to give up snacks (though up to now I'm having a hard time of it currently).
I participate in Lent _precisely_ because of the tradition and the symbolism involved. It's about as close as I can get to the example of Jesus. It's a way to be constantly reminded. It's what people have done for generations, and it's constructive.
-Bok
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I don't really understand Lent, but I think it's an interesting and I'd like to know more about it. I tried to give up more than one hour of Hatrack per day for New Year's. A couple of days ago I thought I would give up the more contentious threads. I guess I need to repent and re-commit to that. But that was supposed to be just a general giving up, and not a Lenten offering.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
quote:How can you tell the one type of participant from the other by observation?
Because if you come to church hung-over and smelly, I don't believe you want to really change something in your life.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Dude, Leto, Catholics just know how to keep a secret without anyone knowing there is a secret. Why exactly do you think you've never heard of [ edited for your safety by Vatican police ]?
Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :
No, I knew about [ edited by Vatican police ], but I had also heard about [ edited by Vatican police ] and was told me where I'll find the answer.
By the way, where is "purgatory?" I heard it might be in New York.
[ February 21, 2004, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: John L ]
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
No, it's actually right behind that bar just around the corner.
Posted by Mr.Funny (Member # 4467) on :
I plan on giving up... um... school! Yeah, I will give up school, because I um... um... enjoy it so much! Yeah!
Posted by ak (Member # 90) on :
I think I will start running five days a week again during lent. Every winter I seem to quit working out much, and I have to start again each spring. I don't know why I can't manage to maintain a good workout program in the wintertime. I guess I usually get sick or something and that stops me, then I'm too depressed to get started back until the sun starts to come out more often.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I think I'll give up caffeine for lent.
So forgive me in advance if I'm cranky.
Alright, crankier, dammit!
Dagonee
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
It's weird, I guess it's because my dad was previously a Catholic, but I always thought Lent was a normal thing... Maybe my church is even more old-fashioned than I thought. *shrug* My mom, a dyed-in-the-wool Congregationalist, had no problems with it, and acted on it as if she always had.
Huh.
I've only been successful once; I gave up all chocolate one year in high school. I would have been successful last year, but I drank one soda
-Bok
Posted by luthe (Member # 1601) on :
Lent is a big scam. Its only purpose is to facilitate fund raising for fire halls. Either that or fire halls are part of the catholic church. The part where they moved their bars to, although they kept the gambling in house.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
*sigh*
Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :
Theoretically I only have today and tomarrow left on hatrack until whenever lent ends, but since I almost never go a day without at least checking the last few posts on a couple threads, I probably will have to come up with something else to give up, and I guess I can't give up shaveing for lent since I haven't shaved in a month already. Maype I can try doing something good instead of giving something up .
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
I'm with Dagonee, I give up caffeine every year for Lent...mainly because it's a real sacrifice for me, because I'm so addicted. Plus, not including the first week of intense headaches and biting people's faces off, I feel better and healthier. The trouble is avoiding it, because it's in every tasty thing. Coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, hot cocoa, etc. It's going to be tough!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Lent:
Lent has become a popular event around the world because its seen by many people as a test of personal will and self control.
Its New Years resolutions, with an end date.
But to understand its true signifigance, its true meaning, you have to realize a deeper meaning to Lent.
You are not supposed to be giving up caffeine because its good for you. You are not supposed to be giving up TV because you really should.
What you are supposed to do is give up something you find enjoyable, not forever, but until Easter, to show God that you are willing to sacrifice for him. (or her.)
If you fail, if you eat meat on Friday or watch that last episode of Friends, or sneak back here on Hatrack, you are not just letting yourself down. You haven't just failed in your own self control. You have failled in your promise to God.
Luckilly, God is very forgiving.
However, when you make a vow for Lent, and you are tempted to break it, maybe you should take a moment and ask God what to do. Even better, instead of deciding what you need to give up or pass up, or do for Lent, maybe you should ask God's advice as well.
I took a lot of religious courses when I was in College. I was impressed with one aspect of Islam--its emphasis on sacrifice to God. The Pillars of Faith are not meant to be laws that define who goes to heaven and who doesn't. They are signs of the believers willingness to follow God, and sacrifice whatever is neccesary to do so.
I found their similarity to Lent very interesting.
My Catholic friends thought I was nuts.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
As a former Baha'i, I find people who think giving something up for Lent is a sacrifice to be a little amusing. Try Ramadan, people. *grin*
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Good post, Dan Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
Every year I tried to give up school for Lent. My parents wouldn't let me.
Then last year rather than giving something up, I decided to start doing something that would make a good habit. I drank a glass of water every day.
But I haven't really thought about what to do this year.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Tom, can you give a description of what celebrating Ramadan is like? I'm only vaguely familiar with the customs from a friend of mine.
Dagonee
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Ramadan is a complete fast (food, drink, sex, and likely other actions) for a month, during the daylight hours.
You can eat after sunset or before sunrise, but that's it.
It is an admirable endeavor!
-Bok
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Are there any restrictions during non-daylight hours?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
There are a few, depending on how strictly Muslim you are; as with most religions, different sects practice different specifics.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I would imagine Ramadan is a lot "easier" to celebrate in countries with significant Muslim populations where society in general will alter itself to accomodate the tradition.
It must be really hard in more secular societies.
Dagonee
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
In the same way that it's easier to be Catholic in a region that has a traditional Friday Fish Fry at every restaurant (and Filet o'Fish, for the rest), I'd imagine that it's easier to celebrate any tradition when everyone around you is also celebrating; ask a Mormon in Utah, for example.
[ February 23, 2004, 02:59 PM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
I've always thought the LDS concept of fasting was similar to the idea behind observation of Lent. Of course, Mormons only have to give up food and water for 24 hours rather than 40 days, but the principles behind the practices are similar.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
My Libyan Arabic professor said some folks make up for the daylight hours and then some- kind of Mardi Gras every night for a month.
He told this other funny story- some go by actually seeing the moon at the beginning and end of the month, others go by a calendar. A group of guys claimed they could see the slightest sliver of moon and broke Ramadan early. There was in inquiry and it turned out they had opted out of military service due to poor eyesight. Well, I don't know if it ended with them being drafted or having to start Ramadan over or something. They way he told the story it was much funnier.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
There are several people in my company who participate in Ramadan. They aren't in my department, but I believe the company makes some concessions for them.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
quote: You are not supposed to be giving up caffeine because its good for you. You are not supposed to be giving up TV because you really should.
I agree about the real reason for giving something up for Lent. But if you're sacrificing something, why not pick something that offers many benefits?
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I'm giving up caffeine because it's a real sacrifice for me.
I'll have headaches for a week or so because I am denying myself a luxery I have allowed myself to get hooked on. It will serve as a reminder that there are people out there who suffer physically because they cannot get necessities of life.
Dagonee
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:In the same way that it's easier to be Catholic in a region that has a traditional Friday Fish Fry at every restaurant (and Filet o'Fish, for the rest), I'd imagine that it's easier to celebrate any tradition when everyone around you is also celebrating; ask a Mormon in Utah, for example.
Gotta love 2 Fish Filet for two dollars .
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
I'm giving up the Pirate Costume.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I tried fasting, when I was in intercessory prayer for someone. I felt very, very bad when I ate - but I did so not because of will power but because of medication. My combination morning drug regimen does not lend itself to fasting, I get violently nauseous.
I continued in prayer, of course. But I wonder, should I have stopped taking my medication? Moot point, because at that time I'd already taken it. But, if I felt the need to fast and pray for someone again, do you think I should forego my meds? I'm wondering what others who practice fasting might think. I'm new to the concept.
They are hormone replacement therapy, anti-depressants, and ADD medication, by the way.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Belle, have you discussed fasting and/or omitting your meds with both your doctor and whoever you go to for religious guidance? (pastor? I get the different terms confused, sorry)
I know that is what I would (and have) done in similar situations. Your physical health is important too. Also, one -- or both -- may have some helpful suggestions.
[ February 23, 2004, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: rivka ]
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
I always figured taking important medications was more important and that if you ate/drank as little as possible then that would just have to do. Take the ADD med, for example. Skip that and you won't be able to pray well, anyway, right? Nothing bad will happen if you skip the hormones but hot flashes could certainly make praying harder. Many diabetics cannot just fast without talking it over with their doctor, and taking the medicine or not, while fasting, is aseparate issue that needs to be discussed also. Illness, or prevention of illness ought to come first, I would think. I've never had a patient who checked with their religious leader ever come back and tell me they were advised to skip meds.
Although I DID have one patient who really needed blood tests who would not allow blood work during the month of Ramadan. Drawing blood was not allowed under any circumstance, she said. And when I was a resident in Indianapolis there was some minister who worked with some of the homeless shelters who told all of his followers to stop taking ALL their meds, because meds were evil. Now, when all those people started going to the ER with chest pain, strokes,and diabetic complications I was ready to wring his neck. He really cost the healthcare system a lot of time and money, not to mention causing a few heart attacks and a stroke or two.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I'll ask my therapist tomorrow, she also has a degree in theology and doubles as a therapist/religious advisor. And, I'll ask my pastor on Wednesday.
Maybe crackers and water right when I take the meds and nothing else all day? I think God is pretty understanding in these types of things. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Sounds like you have all your bases covered.
quote: I think God is pretty understanding in these types of things.
I agree.
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
quote:I agree that God is pretty understanding in these things.
I also agree. Each person is different, so there isn't one blanket fasting rule that applies. Mormons tend to try for 24 hours and/or two full meals without food or drink, but anyone with medical reason to do otherwise should just do what they can. For example, if my job requires lots of physical activity (I'm an actor) and I have a rehearsal or performance during a fasting period, I will drink water.
The most important thing is sacrifice, which I gather is also the purpose of Lent.
p.s. Since LDS people fast once a month for two meals, they also donate the money they would have spent on the meals to a fund earmarked to help feed and clothe less fortunate people in the US and the world. I think this is a great idea for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :
Hey, Tom, that remark about Lent was really rude. Same with yours, Luthe—seriously uncalled for.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Belle, in the Catholic tradition, you actually aren't supposed to skip out on your meds. If you're ill, you treat the illness. If you have a chronic illness, you don't stop treatment.
Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :
In most Protestant doctrine, too. Belle, who suggested you shouldn't take meds?
Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :
OK, I may not give hatrack completely for lent, or AIM (especially since I just bought DeadAIM), but I am intending to cutback, and may infact give them both up for lent(or longer). So for now, happy lent to everyone who celbrates it, and see ya later to everyone. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
No one suggested it, John. I wondered myself if that would be a way to solve the issue of wanting to fast for prayer vs. needing to eat with the meds.
I did ask my therapist about it, and she said my idea, of eating some bread or crackers and drinking something when I take the meds in the morning was fine. It's not about strict rules and regulations she reminded me, if I need to make a small adaption to make fasting work for me, then that is what I should do. So that takes care of that. Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Goodbye, Sweet Pirate Costume! I barely knew ya.
Goodnight, all. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Cool, Belle. Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I've added coffee to my list, which shouldn't be too hard, since I've never gotten addicted (in fact, I seem to have caffiene insensitivity; I can have an expresso, straight, and fall asleep a half hour later with no problems.).
-Bok
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
For an added tidbit for the non-Lent knowledgeable:
The ash that is used on Ash Wednesday is usually the burnt palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday (you are supposed to keep them around all year, if possible, for this reason). It's all a big circle.
-Bok
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Alas, I was not decadent enough the last few days. There is still one xnera-made truffle in my house and lent is upon us.
Posted by Zan (Member # 4888) on :
I gave up sweets for Lent.
Someone brought in cakes and cupcakes in honor of Engineers Week today. They're sitting right outside of my office.
I am thankful however that the regular shipment of Krispy Kreme donuts didn't come in today.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
So I took the boys to Chic-fil-A for family night. Sometimes they have a lady that makes baloon thingies, and sometimes they do face painting, but they always have 99 cent kid's meals (limit 2 per adult meal purchased).
Usually, Ron is with me and one of us gets the food while the other stands in line with boys to keep them out of trouble until it is their turn, but this week Ron was out of town. It was the 'balloon lady' who I have come to know fairly well recently. She's really cool.
Anyway, I get the food and here comes my eldest in a pirate suit made of balloons (tricorn ballon hat, balloon parrot, balloon cutlass with a belt to hold it in.
It's as if the universe is mocking me. Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: Alas, I was not decadent enough the last few days. There is still one xnera-made truffle in my house and lent is upon us.
What!!!?? I never even saw those truffles. Xnera made them as I was going to sleep Saturday night, and by Sunday morn I figured they were all gone!
My mom and I decided for Lent, I would give up alcohol (I don't drink) and she would give up meat (she's a vegetarian) and we would both give up sex!
(in other words, we don't give up stuff for lent). But we got a good laugh out of the conversation.
Farmgirl
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
Is it considered permissible to decide to start after Ash Wednesday? I have not actually had any alcohol, but is it considered... ok? Edit: I guess what I mean is does it still count as observing Lent even if my first couple of days were not done for that purpose, but I still gave something up for the entire time period?
Is it ok for someone of a denomination that does not really celebrate Lent to do so privately? It is just for myself and God I suppose, but I do not want to usurp a tradition of a denomination that would rather I not...
[ February 27, 2004, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: Danzig ]
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
I'm giving up Catholicism for Lent! (is a Lutheran)
Posted by luthe (Member # 1601) on :
My comment was intended to be a joke.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
As I sit here at my desk eating lunch, there is a box of Dunkin Donuts on the counter outside. I am the only one here right now as everyone else went out to lunch.
Could someone do something to distract God for about 2 minutes?
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Danzig, I've been (attempting) to observe Lent all my life, so I say, go for it.
Also, in my opinion, it's fine to start after the fact. I also think that if you fail, to keep trying to abstain anyway.
-Bok
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
Well, so far so good.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:I'd imagine that it's easier to celebrate any tradition when everyone around you is also celebrating; ask a Mormon in Utah, for example.
Did you implicitly ask there? Well, I'll explicitly answer. I am a life-long Mormon, and I grew up in Texas and Oklahoma, but have been living in Utah for the last ten years, so I have dealt with both extremes. I didn't find it easier in either place. But I've talked with people who have felt both ways -- some find it easier to live their religion when they are a minority, some when they are a majority.
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Fasting is potentially dangerous, and should be practiced carefully. As I understand it, fasting helps one focus on prayers and meditation by teaching you to manage your bodily needs and lean on the spiritual. It can induce certain psychological states percieved as more conducive to connecting with the Divine. I think that it would be wisest to discuss the "how-to's" of fasting with one's physician and religious leader before embarking on it. It's not helping anyone if your religious practices end up weakening or killing you!
To all those giving up something in order to more deeply connect with their faiths - I salute you! I hope you find wisdom, peace, and blessing through your practice. Posted by The Silverblue Sun (Member # 1630) on :
testing
40 days
testing
when the devil calls to you
what do you do?
testing
40 days
testing
Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :
Welcome back, brotha.
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
THOR!!!!
*tackle hug*
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Whoa, Marek really hasn't posted since February 29th! Way to go Marek!
I actually bumped this because I am giving up sweets and chocolate on Monday. But not for a specified time period. I was thinking about it and I think the chocolate is the bigger problem than sweets generally. I will still be having fruit, but only with a balanced meal. Should be interesting. Also no "sugar free" chocolates. I've always objected to those on aesthetic grounds.
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
Oh, so that's why he hasn't been posting lately...
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Good job, Marek, for sticking to it! *
*
*
*misses Marek*
[ April 10, 2004, 03:43 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
How long is Lent? I think i should give up bad television altogether. But it's not that easy to do, even though I hate it.. I am weird.
Posted by ak (Member # 90) on :
<Looking forward to having Grisha posting again tomorrow>
Posted by MaydayDesiax (Member # 5012) on :
I gave up Hatrack (not AIM) for Lent, which I am proud to say I managed to do, not even look at the threads.
Of course, being Roman Catholic yet hating fish, I ate meat on Fridays, so I'm going to Hell anyway. Posted by Fishtail (Member # 3900) on :
I'm Catholic and hate fish, too, but that's why God made pasta! Fettucini Alfredo has to be of divine origin.
Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :
Well I failed miserably on the giving up AIM thing, and posted some, and lurked alot.
So in the end the only thing I actually managed to give up was shaveing, and when you are thin and have long hair, Easter is not the best time grow a beard (unless you like the jokes about haveing actually risen ). Still good work Mayday, you have far more will power than I. Ah, how I have missed these smilies.
[ April 11, 2004, 04:59 PM: Message edited by: Marek ]
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
(((((Marek)))))
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I gave up meat, but lapsed last Sunday when hubby grilled buffalo steaks.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
This is the first year I actually gave up something successfully for Lent: Hatrack My last post was February 24.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Congrats to all the abstainers, and welcome back!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
PS. If you've been gone, check around and see what's new with Bob and Dana, as well as our Aussie Jatraqueros.
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
Welcome back! Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
Thanks. Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
quote: Could someone do something to distract God for about 2 minutes?
I know exactly what you mean. Posted by ak (Member # 90) on :
<<<<<Grisha>>>>>
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Welcome back Marek and Nick!
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Welcome back!
*rummages for Pirate suit*
*sings* Aaaaaah, sweet mystery of life, at last I've found youuuuuuu!
Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :
Thanks all the welcomeing people, and hey, Nick had more will power than me too, guess a hatrack addiction can be contained, maybe next time I'll do better .
also:
((((Valentine014)))) thanks, and I haven't talked to you in forever, that should be fixed.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Try Ramadan, people. *grin*
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Wave]](graemlins/wave.gif)
![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
![[Hat]](graemlins/hat.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
). Still good work Mayday, you have far more will power than I. ![[Hail]](graemlins/hail.gif)
Ah, how I have missed these smilies. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)