Sunday, February 7, 2010

Just an idea... A Pause in Lent?

I really loved doing the 'Pause in Advent' with so many other bloggers. MummyMad said the other day: 'I also have to say the Pause in Advent was one of the most enjoyable things I have done. It made a real difference to me family wise...' and I feel the same (thanks for the kind words, MummyMad). So I had an idea: Now, Lent is really different to Advent, although once upon a time they were not so far apart in style and content. I don't imagine that we would get so many people joining in a Pause in Lent, and I think that would be fine. But perhaps we could do something, along similar lines to the Advent event?
Lent is the time of preparation before Easter in the traditional Christian year. It's not been enhanced by chocolate calendars like Advent, and it has obvious associations with 'giving things up', because it's a time of fasting for many Christians. This can make it seem a bit negative, but I realise that Weightloss Wednesday is very popular, and that shows that there can be a lot of positive stuff coming out of self-control and even self-denial! And anyway, Lent means very, very different things to different people around the world, and it may be that people would post about something they've taken up, rather than something they've given up... And just like my funny little medieval guys here, getting together and sharing some thoughts or activities in preparation for Easter could be a lot of fun! The best thing in Advent was the way that people with such different traditions and experiences contributed their own thoughts - no pressure to conform. Shall we give it a go for Lent?

Lent starts the day after Shrove Tuesday (which is Pancake Day for the Brits and Mardi Gras for a lot of the rest of us!). This year it begins on Wednesday 17th February.
I am slowly gathering together items for my Troc and Broc Vintage Shop, and they SHOULD be ready at some point today! (I'm at the PayPal button stage, now...) Please look out for the updates if you fancy some vintage French shopping. EDIT: Maybe tomorrow? Too groggy...
And also don't forget to enter my giveaway, on the post below.

24 comments:

French Nanny said...

Those two little guys have DEFINITELY had too much advent chocolate...

Me and Ma said...

Go on then Floss I will sign up for a pause in Lent. Easter and the build up to it are one of my favourite times of year, start of longer days, new growth and all...

Jen Walshaw said...

I would love to be part of this again, although I think it is going to be more of a learning curve for me, although that isnt an issue. I want to teach the boys more about it, so it is likly to be on that level!!

Things like this give me a great opportunity to plan, prepare and discuss things with the mini's. We use craft and the likes to signify and explain it. They are older this year, so will understand a little more about Shrove Tuesday.

Elderberry-Rob said...

Hi Floss, count me in. We do lent reflection in our housegroup (church ladies who get together weekly for tea, prayer and Bible study) so I guess I should be able to find a resource from there if not my own head! I think this is lovely for all: Christian, other faith, faithless! as it can be a cleansing process and many people may have experiences they need to move on from/leave behind so could be a tool to help them too. God moves in mysterious ways!

BadPenny said...

thanks for thr reminder for Shrove Tuesday - I have my own fresh eggs this year !

Serenata said...

I would have loved to have taken part, but I think I will have to give it a miss this year as I will be jetting off to NZ four days after Shrove Tuesday.

Admin said...

I think I'd like to take part- what do I have to do?? Anna x

Admin said...

doh! Just found your Advent link- sorry for futile questioning. I would love to be a part of this.

A Bun Can Dance said...

Dear Floss
When I saw the Pause for Lent on your sidebar last time I visited, I was keen to find out more. I will definitely join you in a Pause for Lent, as it is a time which I feel can be so positive and life affirming - as indeed is Easter!
So I shall take your sidebar icon and post it over at my place and will start when you give the nod.
Have a lovely Sunday,
Denise

Michela said...

Hi Floss, I'm sorry but this time I can't join as I don't know too much about Lent..a part from the Ash Wednesday and the Foot Washing..
It will be lovely to read what you all can come up with this new theme!
Bonne Dimanche à tous!

Elizabethd said...

I'd love to join in....good idea.

Forthvalley scribe said...

I'm in. The Lúcháir web-site is going live on Ash Wednesday, and I'm including the Carbon fast Edinburgh Archdiocese is doing for Lent, so I will definitely visit and see how everyone is doing.

Pom Pom said...

HI Floss,
I'm in for A Pause in Lent. I'm reading a sweet book called, "Making Crosses" and I think I like how A Pause in Lent would blend with it, as I quiet my heart in great thankfulness for my Savior.

Floss said...

A Carbon Fast? I want to know more!

Angela said...

Lent - is that when we are living on Borrowed Time??!!
I found the Advent one you arranged very helpful, so sign me up for this one too. Presumably we begin w/end of sunday 21st and then every weekend till Palm Sunday??
blessings xx

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Sorry I think I'll give this one a miss dear Floss. We are about to enter a hugely messy couple of months with renovations in three bedrooms, ensuite and wardrobes. I can't see much time for leisure activities either. It is however giving me plenty of things to sort through and throw out. Oh it's painful sometimes, but it will be good and refreshing to be lighter in stuff.

Dawn said...

Thanks for dropping by, Floss. Sorry to hear you are still feeling poorly.
Hopefully Spring will bring you better health!

magsmcc said...

My plan was to give up Internet madness for Lent- not in a give up chocolate to help me diet way- more like Christ in the Desert give it all up and listen way! Here comes my first Temptation! You have such inspired ideas, Floss, it is lovely to read you. But I think I'll be finding the core (after many Prince Charming spciality pancakes) next week!

Rebecca S. said...

A Pause in Lent is a wonderful idea, and in Canada, Shrove Tuesday is the common term. I will have a look at the Pause in Advent to see what you did. I did do a post on patience and waiting in Advent, and was just explaining the concept of 'giving something up' to my daughter this morning.

Apron Senorita said...

I would love to participate. I enjoyed a Pause for Advent so much and it helped me focus during our relocation. In many ways the same ending for Advent & Lent; Christ coming.

Yoli :)

Anonymous said...

I would like to join in. However, I wasn't a part of the other group, so you may have to give me a bit more info as we go along with this. I am so enjoying reading your blog!

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

I'd love to participate -- Focusing on new, fresh growth after the last few weeks of dampening snow could do me some good!! :)

Pondside said...

I'd like to take part, Floss. Please sign me up!

Lx @ Twelve said...

Hello Floss,

I think I will try too - i have a feeling it will be good for me, but like brighthaven, I didn't do the christmas one, so may need some guidance.

Love Lydia xx