Fat Tuesday! My Lenten Journey Begins tomorrow!

Good evening all!

Natalie P. Moisa, your "average lady", here!

Today marks the end of the ordinary time in the church, and Lent begins tomorrow, also known as "Ash Wednesday".

Unfortunately, I haven't the chance to do a "proper" Mardi Gras celebration, ever :( But next year, I shall strive for it.

I LOVE Mardi Gras masks! Did you know that the reason behind wearing them was that way no one can recognize you while you are losing your inhibitions? ;) Sweet, huh?


But, I did get this great job offer and I start tomorrow!

YAYYY!!!!

But back to the entry.

Yes, Lenten season is about to begin. The time of year when I keep hearing people say how they are going to give up petty things for Lent. What are petty things you might ask?

I have heard people giving up things such as:

-Not drinking alcohol/soda
-Not eating junk food
-Not watching TV
-Not going shopping
etc.

I've heard more, but I am keeping the list fairly small. But the point I am trying to make, is that people think they are doing the right thing during Lent by giving up things that are so easily given up.

Why not strive for something harder? 

Lent time is about prayer, fasting, and sacrifice.

Yes, sacrifice.

Want to do something sacrifice-worthy for Lent? Give your time to help at a soup kitchen, donate things you love to people who really need them (clothes, coats, shoes, blankets, toys.) Read to the elderly at hospitals.

Also, if you are going to give up something, do not tell anyone, or announce it like it's something to be proud of, or something so horrible. Pride has no place during this time.

Think of the parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee. From Luke 18:9-14

"He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

As I spoke in the last post about "A Fresh Start", my resolutions will tie into my Lenten Plans.

I am not here to brag about it, but I do want to share with you what I aim to do during this Lenten time, besides praying more (which I must work on) and fasting.

-Being a better person towards others
-Helping out more around the house
-Keeping my room cleaned (Yes, this is a big chore)
-Giving more time to help my church, community, and family
-And read my Bible more.

So that is it.

I want to leave you with Josh Groban's rendition of "You Raise Me Up"

Goodnight All!

-Natalie P. Moisa, your "average lady".