Ash Wednesday

Well today is the official beginning of Lent, and this year I have decided to try a full Lenten Fast. Thats right not just my usual two week fast, this one is going to last almost 47 days. According to custom it all ends on April 15 the day before Easter, so my Mother better be ready for a hungy hungry hippo this year for Easter dinner.

As the Lenten fast is a little different from my regular fast I am going to commit to my personal ground rules right here and now.

1. No Meat
2. No Fruits or vegatables, however juices are acceptable
3. No Alchohol (obviously the hardest part of the fast)
4. No Treats ;-)
5. Because this is a longer fast than I have ever tried. I am going to allow honey and nuts, which the church deems as acceptable.

So those are the nuts and bolts of my Lenten fast for 2006. Normally fasting is to be done as a very silent act. One is not suppose to make a show of it. I hope that this blog does not fall into that category. Cory suggested I track my progress on the blog so that I will be able to look back and see how my moods change the further I get into the insanity. I am sure I will get a little cranky as the hunger sets in.

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged so there is much I wish to say. I will try to get it all out over the next forty seven days as a daily blog entry will also be part of my Lenten activities. I am also hoping to finish Barclays Commentary on the New Testament prior to Easter (That was my goal). In order to achieve this I will have a pretty crazy reading regiment over the coming weeks. With the coming of Easter, I will also try to put some christian (I hate that word, so lets try another) some HUMAN thoughts regarding my reading and the journey that this fast will no doubt prompt.

For all my heathen friends out there who normally dont give up something for Lent. I recommend you all try it. Christian or not (after all I am not a christian) the idea of Lent seems pretty noble. Simply give up something for a month and a half. You can give up anything, but I would suggest giving up something you know you will need to give up sooner or later ie. fast food, smoking, drinking. And for all of you who are up to the challenge of becoming a better person, I suggest you document your Lenten activity in my comment box.

Good Luck to all. And I will see you at the finish line (IN this case, hammered to a cross, if memory serves me correctly)