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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lent is here.

In case you're a new reader, I became Catholic on Easter last year. It was a personal choice, and no, it was not for LC who does just so happen to be Catholic. I started taking classes before we were dating. It's a personal preference. If truth be known, my family is actually Baptist. And Catholicism is about as far from being Baptist as you can get. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being Baptist so don't send me any hate mail. My blog isn't about religion per se, but it is a part of my life. I'm not big on preaching to people or telling "my story"; well, because, A) I'm not perfect B) I think it's a turnoff. Someone will ask when they want to know, and when they do, I'll tell them. For you, because, you read about my life everyday, I will share. I will just share it in short form because like I said this blog ain't about no religion. Yes, I'm an English major and used a double negative. So what. I have a BA in English Lit. My focus was primarily on British Literature. (Think about the stuff you hate, i.e. Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton...you get the drift). In case you don't know this, let me fill you in. When studying Brit Lit, one must know what is going on in England politically and socially at that time. And when researching this, it was usually about Catholicism. So, I had to read alot about it. That's how I came about being Catholic. It's not the fact that it's okay to drink; because, I LOVE to drink some vino and bourbon, it's the fact that I feel at home. Sure, it has its problems and past problems such as indulgences, the iconoclast, and many more, but EVERY religion has issues. Seriously. I love being able to read the same scriptures and readings as someone sitting on the pew in Spain. To me, it's comforting. And my saint, Gemma, she comforts me. And NO PEOPLE, we don't pray "to" Mary or "to" Saints instead of God. We pray asking for their intercessions just as you ask someone hey will you pray for me today...I need it. Same thing. Anyways, there I go on my soapbox. I'm getting down now. Anyways, if you're interested here is a page that explains Lent. So, onto what I'm giving up.

I have decided to give up this:
in order to be on this:

TIME!!!!! Usually, I'm pretty good about being clocked in no later than 8:10. My co-worker is always late. We are supposed to be here at 8. She rolls in anywhere from 8:20-8:30. Whatevs. I had been having trouble trying to decide something to give up for Lent that would really make me work for it. I love love love love to sleep til the last minute, and often, find myself scrambling around trying to get ready. I'm a night person. Give me a break. And this morning, I finally realized what I must give up. I was running late today. Like really late. Which wouldn't be a problem, but as soon as I walk out the door at 7:50, said co-worker texts me telling me she must drop her car off at the dealership. So, she will be later than normal. late. I feel terrible that no one will be there at 8. So, I decided that I will give up sleeping in til the last minute. I will get up Mon-Fri no later than 6:15. Seriously, it's going to be a challenge y'all. That is what I'm giving up. And far as what I'm doing extra, I think I'm going to mail my parents money anonymously each week. How I'm going to do this? Type address on envelope with no return address and mail from different post offices. They paid for my transmission last month which was $2,600.00. They do not want me to pay them back. I donate to charities already and am in a charitable organization in my free time. I thought this would be a nice way to give back. That's my plan ladies. What are you doing for Lent? I know people who aren't even Catholic participate this time of year. So c'mon what are you giving up/doing extra??

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post! Good luck with the no sleeping in policy!

Kora Bruce [Dixie Lust] said...

Thank you for this.

Im a new follower and I just so happened to stumble upon this new post and its exactly what I needed to read this Ash Wednesday.

Somedays, I doubt. I question.

And then I read this - someone posting about what it means to them. The why. The what.

I know thats mainly mumbo jumbo - but know that your post has turned my day around

Southern Living: Preppy Style said...

I know EXACTLY how you feel, but I went from being Catholic, to marrying a Baptist (had a non-alcoholic wedding) to Luthern. While I'm not sold, I still believe in worship where you're comfortable. So good for you.
As for Lent, good luck! And I'm glad to see you're starting something as well. I talked about that in my Lenten blog post today as well.

http://www.slpreppystyle.com/2010/02/40-days-of-lent-my-lofty-goals.html

The JRG Foundation said...

Oooohhh...that's a GOOD one!
I gave up cokes and complaining...I may be setting myself up for failure. Hope not! :)

Bethany said...

oops! The JRG Foundation was me...didn't realize I was signed in under that one. :)

starcakeastrology.blogspot.com said...

I'm giving up cake... I actually eat enough cake where that sacrifice will be very noticeable for me!

teddi said...

Thanks for sharing! I think it's awesome that you followed your heart and did what's right for YOU.

Kaley said...

I'm giving up pestering my boyfriend about getting engaged haha. Yep for 40 there will be no talk coming from me about rings, weddings, proposals, ect. I'm sure he's thrilled about it. Good luck to you!

Jennifer said...

Good luck with your goals!!!! You can do it! That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard to send your parents money every week! I love that idea!

I have never participated in Lent, but I am very interested in it. It is such a good thing to do even set apart from the fact that it will bring you closer to God.

I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Amy Green @ Sweet Home Amy said...

That's a great idea! I still haven't decided what to give up for Lent, but I know I have to figure it out by the end of the day! Eek! And I'm proud of you for making your own decision about your faith; most people just follow someone else, and while it's better than them not worshiping at all, it's always a blessing to see someone who knows what they believe and why they believe. :) Kudos to you!

Natalie said...

This girl was born & raised Southern Baptist. I married into a family of Catholics. The wedding was interesting.

As far as Lent, I'm not sure what to give up this year. I know, I'm not Catholic but I don't feel you truly have to be to participate. Last year, I gave up alcohol. It wasn't intentional, at first. And wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. This year.. I don't know really know. Can I give up being lazy? Is that an option? I need some motivation to get my butt on the treadmill each day. Maybe religion will do it.

Southern Belle Mama said...

Our family is Presbyterian, but we have always observed Lent as a family. My husband and I are both giving up sugar and we have a lot of friends who will actually be having babies in the next month, so we're going to make sure to take them dinner once or twice so they don't have to worry about that on top of caring for their newborn. Thanks for sharing what you've committed to for Lent!

Elle said...

I second Southern Living comments... in that I believe what God cares about most is having a relationship with you and knowing YOU, and if you are most comfortable worshipping and learning about Him within a Catholic church, then I don't blink twice, because at the end of the day what God wants (thus what I should want) is for everyone to know Him...

So I'm proud of you for finding a faith that you are comfortable in, and for being able to accept other who don't follow your exact example, and for also clearly being able to explain why you believe what you believe!

I follow Lent not because I am Catholic but because it is part of the church calendar (which not only Catholics follow), and because Praying, fasting and giving alms are traditions (Richard foster would call them disciplines) that any and every Christian can grow closer to the Lord through....

Jackie said...

Best of luck this Lenten season! I haven't "given up" anything in many years. I did this very religiously while in middle school and high school (I grew up in Catholic school), but it all started going downhill since college.

This year, I do want to focus more on being a better person, and helping the community more than I do. Tonight, we are off to mass to get our ashes, and I'll be on the lookout for some any organizations within the church that is looking for assistance.

katie lake said...

Thanks for pointing out that denominations other than catholicism observe lent. I am methodist and always give up something (not so good about the taking something on). People constantly ask me if I'm catholic.

As for what I'm giving up - cokes. I do this one almost every year because I get practically addicted ha!

Anonymous said...

Love it!! That's a really good thing to give up. I do participate in Lent, and I am not catholic (baptist actually), but I feel this is a perfect time to give up something for God. To show that something I take full advantage of, as often as possible, doesn't mean more to me than Him :)

So, I'm giving up a boy that has caused major sorrow in my life over the last 6+ mos (I'm giving the entire situation to God), and I'm also giving up all fast food. I eat it because I'm lazy, and I don't want to take the extra 5 mins to make my own food - I don't want to be lazy anymore!

thanks for your post!

Sally said...

That's neat, I read about St. Gemma recently her story is really inspiring!

Ruth said...

As long as you are comfortable with where you worship tht is all that matters. My mother raised us Presbyterian and threw a fit when I joined the Methodist church. But it made me happy thankfully the rest of the family was happy for me.
Good luck with your goal for lent.

The lady of the house... said...

fabulous blog! it's so wonderful being inspired by lovely women all over this great land!

Lipstick said...

What a great post!!! Thunderous applause to you for following your heart to convert to Catholicism. I can imagine there were some difficult conversations with your family along the way.

Also, I really love your discussion on sleeping in. I really struggle with this too. I actually miss our old, crappy, uncomfortable mattress! You have inspired me and I am joining in. I too need to get up no later that 6:15 so know that you have a bloggy buddy that is dragging herself out of bed at the same time! xoxo

Sara said...

So, I just started reading your blog from finding you on Twitter. I too became Catholic last Easter and did it for myself, although my husband is a cradle catholic.

Personally, I gave up talking on the phone in the car and I'm going to learn to pray the rosary.

Brittany said...

Aw. As long as you feel comfortable I think that's all that matters! I think it's very inspirational you took all the classes and converted!

Beau went to college at a Catholic college in Memphis so you can only imagine what was given up for Lent there (ie beer etc..haha).

Good luck with your no sleeping in doll!

Allie said...

Okay first of all let me say that I have been a blog "lurker" for awhile now, and yours was one of those I was creeping around, so I'm so glad to finally have got going on my own blog so that I can stop stalking and say hi :)

I am cryingggggggggg laughing at your comment and the Teapot/Puggy song!!!! How could I think you are a freak when I sing "All the single pugs, all the single pugs, all the single pugs - now put your paw up! If you like it then you shoulda put a leash on it..." haha! Have you seen that Hefty trash bag commercial where they sing "HEFTY HEFTY STINKY STINKY!" - that is my new favorite, to pat his tummy and thighs and say "HEFTY HEFTY" then point to his mouth and bum and go "STINKY STINKY" ahhhhh!

And the nicknames, oh the nicknames! We call Oliver: Ollie, Wawaver, Wazie, Wa, Pugziver, Pugsie...clearly it takes a special person to be a Pug parent -I love being in the club! (My husband says pug owners are like a cult haha). Anyways, to end my rambling, nice to meet you and Victoria!!!

Mrs. Z said...

As a protestant history major who will be received into the Catholic Church this Easter, I can TOTALLY relate. You said it well. My ashes yesterday apparently really got to a co-worker of mine, who can't stop making stupid comments about it. Thanks for telling your story!

sugar said...

My favorite indulgence is sleeping in! I too am a night person. So I totally understand your sacrifice. I have never participated in lent. My son has for the last 3 years and has been encouraging me to do so. I'm thinking about it.

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