What to give up...

In Poland priests do not mark our foreheads with ash crosses, instead they sprinkle ashes on our heads.



Ash Wednesday is here, time to give up something! For a change let's give up:

complaining - focus on gratitude

pessimism - become an optimist

harsh judgments - think kindly thoughts

worry - trust divine providence

discouragement - be full of hope

bitterness - turn to forgiveness

hatred - return good for evil

negativism - be positive

anger - be more patient

pettiness - become mature

gloom - enjoy the beauty that is all around you

jealousy - pray for trust

gossiping - control your tongue

sin - turn to virtue

giving up - hang in there!

I think it will make Jesus a happier camper if we gave up all these things instead of rolling in ashes and fasting.

So long my friends,

Evalina

Ash Wednesday

The Biblical custom for repentance was to fast, wear sackcloth, sit in dust and ashes, and put dust and ashes on one's head. Was this custom to be a beginning of Ash Wednesday?

I'm quite far away from the catholic church (or any church period) so I will skip the holly ashes today. Since I do not have any sackcloth to wear I will have to skip that too. Regardless,  I decided to get prepared for the Lent. I'm giving up chocolate in all forms until Easter and snacks between meals. 

A long time ago I started to stitch Jesus. I bought this kit on eBay and was totally shocked when noticed Chinese instructions. This is where I left it off... I really wanted to finish it so I bought another kit from 123stitch.com this time, just to make sure I will have all in English. Can you guess? I never put another stitch in this project again. Now I would like to finish it, really. The only problem is that I do not stitch on Aida anymore. What should I do? Should I start all over on the linen and love every stitch or smudge my forehead with ashes (I have plenty of ashes in my wood stove, not holly and not from burned last year Palms, but will do the trick) and keep going.

I also found a lovely book 'The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah' which highlights the intellectual and religious perspectives of the people who lived during the time of Jesus. It will be so cool to learn of locations where Jesus would have walked, prayed, and preached.

So long my friends,
Evalina