Although it seems as if Christmas was yesterday, today begins the season of Lent, a time of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving for those that observe it. As a middle schooler, I walked across the street from school to church with my friend Laurie once a week to pray the stations of the cross. As a teenager, I gave up my drink of choice, Pepsi, from the can, during the forty days of Lent. Now, I use this solemn time to pray more intentionally for all the heartache, divisiveness, natural disaster, fear, and uncertainty in our world today.
Before we begin Lent, however, we celebrate Mardi Gras like we have for years. Nothing fancy. Just a special meal, a few festive decorations, and a delicious dessert. This year, I tried a new recipe that was a huge hit! I will leave the link below. Madison brought the most fantastic cornbread, and Peyton added the best King Cake ever.
I have a crown and nails like yours. They're such a stark reminder of His sacrifice for us. We serve such a good and Holy God. Have a blessed day Billie Jo.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed season of Lent, Billie Jo.
ReplyDeleteAnd it begins here also. This year TheHub and I have similar lenten goals, which is very nice.
ReplyDeleteLove all of this so much! Being extra reflective today, even with a miserable cold. And not enjoying the large snowstorm beginning in the northwoods. But I think of Him and I won't have one more complaint. He gave ALL. 🙏
ReplyDeleteI pray your Lent is fruitful for you. Mardi Gras celebration looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWishing you safety if you get that storm, I was reading it was going to be tough. Shall I mention its 85* here? No? ((grin))---wishing you a Lenten season full of love, happiness, and family. Jesus is the reason for the season, my hope and prayer that more folks will come to this realization.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am really loving your blog headers, grin.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so yummy! I love how you left the nails and crown of thorns on the table. It is so powerful!!! Our church has it up front in front of the altar. One picture is worth a thousand words.
ReplyDeleteP.S. LOVE your header,and how you change it! Not many bloggers do!
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo~ Your header is beautiful! Did you paint it? We truly need everyone to pray for peace in this world that's so full of turmoil and pain. What a beautiful centerpiece for for your table, I love that it's in the center, exactly where we need to have Christ, in the center of our lives and hearts. Your Mardi Gras looked fun. I love how you celebrate all fun things in life. Hugs, Barb
ReplyDeleteI adore your centerpiece. I would like to get something like that for my table next year.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing table decoration. Such a reminder of what Christ went through so that we might have eternal life.
ReplyDeleteLent was always a time of giving up something one valued when I was young.
ReplyDeleteI love this post and your prayer intentions for Lent. I hope that this season of Lent is one when we can all turn our thoughts and actions more toward Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteI can't add anything to what's already been said...we so need a time focused on prayer and guidance for what's happening in the world. I'm often anxious...at 4:30 this morning I was suddenly awakened by hearing "Mama!" in my sleep...checking quickly to make sure the kids were safe, it was just a dream, but still, I can't shake the thoughts. Your plans are perfect, I'm going to do the same...Hugs, Mary
ReplyDeleteAlthough our church doesn't formally follow lenten traditions, I'm very concious of the time period before Easter that we're now in. I'm trying to conciously pray for peace on this earth that we now reside on. I have never celebrated Mardi Gras, but would love to try a King Cake someday.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
The king cake looks delicious! I love your simple lent table decor.
ReplyDeleteLovely blog. I love the fact that there is no negativity...whining. Some blogs seem to be publisher just to give the writer a forum for what is wrong in her life/world...
ReplyDeleteYes, the Lent season has begun. And I remembered no meat yesterday. Peyton's King Cake looks Yummy. The girls make this every year as well. The colors of Mardi Gras are so pretty and bright. The cornbread and gumbo sound delicious for this festive day. And the plates and decorations are delightful. But most of all, I love what sits at your table during this special Lent season. So good of you to pray for all the disasters going on in the world, Billie Jo.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Just came by to say hello, what a lovely blog you have. Blessings to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Thank You, Lord Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI love how festive you are in all seasons, and in all traditions.
ReplyDeleteDearest Billie Jo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit.
You posted this on the day after my accident...
Lent has been very painful for me this year,
Hugs,
Mariette