Without Sugar.
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It is the start of Lent (Latin for 40). It is to bring to mind Jesus' fast for 40 days and temptation in the desert. Lent is a time before Easter (46 days) in which some choose to fast and abstain from certain luxuries.
Wikipedia says that "The traditional purpose of Lent is penitential preparation of the believer – through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial. Its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday which then culminates in Easter Sunday, marking the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ."
I grew up with a Mom who would continually give up sugar year after year for Lent. I was always impressed and amazed by her discipline. Sometimes I tried to do it... but I never could keep it up. I would slip back into the habits.
But this year I have felt God impress on me to be without white sugar during Lent... avoiding soda, brownies, candy, chocolate, cake, etc. And also fried food: burgers, fries, etc. Now for some of you this might be an easy thing. But I have a serious sweet tooth and fast food addiction because it's easier to get something from a dollar menu than prepare food for all my kids while we're running errands, going to medical appointments, etc. And we live so far away from everything we can't just run home for lunch and then go back out again.
I'm hoping though that by setting an example for my kids that I can help influence their lifestyle habits and choices. Finding healthier ways to replace sweets with fruit. Eating whole grains instead of white flour and eating REAL foods instead of processed foods.
I'm excited to turn to God for help in my time of need. To be reminded why I am abstaining. To prepare my heart for repentance, self-denial and to feel much better. I know at first I will feel rough and yucky but hopefully after the first four days my energy will increase... and I will feel good.
So the reason I'm telling you is that there is something powerful in telling people about things you are choosing to do or adhere to. It provides accountability. Also, hopefully support. So please pray for me and cheer me on as I give up sugar this season of Lent...
Wikipedia says that "The traditional purpose of Lent is penitential preparation of the believer – through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial. Its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday which then culminates in Easter Sunday, marking the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ."
I grew up with a Mom who would continually give up sugar year after year for Lent. I was always impressed and amazed by her discipline. Sometimes I tried to do it... but I never could keep it up. I would slip back into the habits.
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| Bye-Bye Sugar. |
I'm hoping though that by setting an example for my kids that I can help influence their lifestyle habits and choices. Finding healthier ways to replace sweets with fruit. Eating whole grains instead of white flour and eating REAL foods instead of processed foods.
I'm excited to turn to God for help in my time of need. To be reminded why I am abstaining. To prepare my heart for repentance, self-denial and to feel much better. I know at first I will feel rough and yucky but hopefully after the first four days my energy will increase... and I will feel good.
So the reason I'm telling you is that there is something powerful in telling people about things you are choosing to do or adhere to. It provides accountability. Also, hopefully support. So please pray for me and cheer me on as I give up sugar this season of Lent...
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