If you gave up anything for Lent, or determined to make any extra sacrifices, how are you holding up?
Me, I decided this year to go to daily Mass 5 days a week (in addition to the Sunday service). So far I’ve gone 4 out of 5 weekdays consistently. I suppose I missed the goal, but still ended in positive territory. Going to a morning service seems to start the day off a little better.
And the nice thing is, now that I’ve made a habit of it, it seems to be easier to do. The hardest part was getting started.
Well, last year I did daily Mass during Lent, and it went well then. After I moved, I fell out of the habit, and it was one of the things I wanted to do this Lent.
Unfortunately, with my class schedule the way it is and the poorly set up Mass times around town/on campus I didn’t make it every day. What I have done is said the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on a daily basis, whether at home or at school - and that’s been beneficial. I also finally located a church sort of close that does perpetual Adoration, so I’ve made a point of going down there once a week - I don’t know how long that can last after Lent because 20 miles each way is tough for me right now ($$).
The sugar thing has gone well, but at the same time - I had pretty much given that up before Lent started.
I gave up candy… and so far I’ve had one mental lapse where I just bought candy and started eating it without thinking. My roommate helped me throw the rest away. Other than that, I’ve been doing pretty well. At the rate I was eating candy, I think Lent is the only thing between me and diabetes. Go God!!!
I gave up Goldfish (which were too convenient a snack to get carried a way on since they’re small & come in 5 gallon tubs). I replaced them with Parmesian & Garlic Cheez-Its.
I gave up caffine for Lent. It was so hard to start with but it’s pretty easy now… although I could really go for some chocolate and a coffee right now drool
Although I have accidentally eaten a chocolate biscuit and lamington by mistake :rolleyes:
Also I’ve been going to weekly Lenten studies which has been a really great experience!
I’ve done well with the thing I gave up, but my nightly rosary hasn’t been as nightly as I’d like it to be. Much of the time I’ve felt physically lousy and just couldn’t settle down to meditate. I should’ve made some time during the day, actually taken my lunchtime at work and used it for prayertime instead of just eating at my desk.
I pledged to donate to a charity that works in a different subject area and try and educate myself about that topic, each week of lent. So far I’ve done:
Means for Dreams–a program where you donate money towards school projects that aren’t able to be funded out of the school’s normal budget.
The Heifer Project–provides plants/animals and training on sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
The International Committee of the Red Cross–specifically the Iraqui vicitms of war effort
Book Aid–donates reading materials and provides training in developing countries.
I must confess that most of the “learning” aspect has been limited to reading material on the various organizations websites, but it’s certainly been informative.
I gave up sweets. Not all sugar- just candy, cookies, cake, pie, donuts, that kind of thing.
The first two weeks were really tough. Seeing ice cream would make me physically shudder with desire. But now it doesn’t even seem like I’m giving anything up. I hope to be able to rarely eat sweets after lent is up. I am normally a major junk food junkie.
I decided to go to Eucharistic Adoration every day, and I was able to keep to my vow for all but three days (when I had all-day meetings), so I feel pretty good.
I don’t feel good about intending to say a certain set of prayers each day and then lasting only 3 weeks, but they take so dang long to say, and…okay, I don’t have a good excuse. hangs head
I gave up bread. Do you know how hungry I have been? I lapsed once when I got home late from work and the hubby had ordered pizza. I would love to be havin’ me some nutella on bread…or garlic bread…or bagel… or a croissant. Mmmmmm.
I’m just giving up bread, I don’t know how those people on the no-carbs diet do it.
For me, Lent involves: “Hey, wow, the program says it’s the first Sunday in Lent…cool.” That’s about it. Of course, I’m a Presbyterian…as far as I know, very few of us actually do the whole ‘give up something for Lent’ business. My fiancee is trying to do the whole no meat on Fridays thing, but slipped up last week. She’s Lutheran, and they don’t have to, but her family has always done it.
Episcopalian checking in on Lent progress. I resolved to go to a Morning Prayer service at least three times a week and have actually been able to do it four times a week. Good thing I’m a morning person, as I am going to a 7am service. I have been participating in a mid week Lenten supper and study group, which I have really enjoyed. Even made supper for the group last night. They loved my chicken and dumplings!
