KevinStoverBlog.com

• Working on the new LifePoint website. Getting ready to head out to geek-fest. #

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• My wife’s surgery postponed till April 4th. Gotta love insurance. #

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• Gave up caffeine for Lent…the afternoon lull really makes me regret that decision… #

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• Trying not to get sick…taking tons of vitamin C…still coughing up my lungs… #
• @jeremymoore Because they’re objective? I’d give them a study for a few million less.. #

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• Managing the ITs… #

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• Just woke up. No work today, slept in, going to sit down and start processing more of what I learned at Catalyst One Day… #

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• Trying to write a blog post or two. It’s not working out so well for me at the moment… #
• Finishing up work and getting ready for Catalyst One Day. #

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Happy Ash Wednesday. What, you don’t celebrate Ash Wednesday? Is Ash Wednesday one of those days that you see on the calendar and assume it’s a Canadian holiday, like Victoria Day or Boxing Day? Have no fear, I’m going to spend this post, and a few others, talking about why Christians should celebrate Lent, the penitent season of which Ash Wednesday is the first day.

Having spent a good part of my life in a fairly high church Methodist Church, sometimes I miss the traditions and liturgical flavour of that denomination. (Notice that I said I missed liturgy, not that I want to take part in liturgy every Sunday.) While I understand that those things aren’t for everyone, I think that we Christians would be doing ourselves a disservice by ignoring traditional forms of worship. I think that Lent is a great place to start for Christians who want to take a walk on the liturgical side.

What is Lent?

It may sound like something you pull from your dryer, but Lent is actually a holiday season that extends for about 6 weeks from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. It is a season of contemplation, reflection and penance in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection. During this season it is traditional for Christians to give up a pleasure in recognition of Christ’s suffering on the cross. Most believers also include a regular fast.

The Lent that we recognize today began in the 7th Century C.E. when it was changed from a 3 – 4 day long celebration into the 6 week season. 

Why Lent?

I think that the meditative, reflective nature of Lent makes it perfect for our modern world. How many things do you have to get done in any given day? A billion? (If not, I bet it feels like a billion or so.) Our lives are so hectic that a 6 week period to relax and listen to God could be just what the doctor ordered. Besides simply slowing down or Pausing, if you will, here are some other reasons you should celebrate Lent:

•  If you read this post soon enough, you still have time to put ashes on your head. Then, when people tell you that you have a smudge on your forehead, you can either a) reprimand them and explain what Lent is or 2) Explain to them what Lent is and maybe start some cool conversations. (Please note that only Wednesday, February 25th is “Ash” Wednesday. Don’t put ashes on your head all through Lent. That’s just silly)
• Give up something that’s not good for you. This Lent season, I’m giving up caffeine. That may sound trivial and non-important, but I’m seriously addicted to the stuff. I’ve wanted to quit for a while, and Lent is the perfect opportunity to do it. What are some bad habits that Lent could help you break?
• Lent can help you learn discipline.
• It can help you get closer to other Christians. As we are celebrating Lent, we do so withmillions of Christians around the world. How uniting is that?
• Celebrating Lent won’t make you become Catholic, Lutheran, or even Methodist.
• Finally, and probably most importantly, it can really help you connect with your heavenly father.

If you do decide to take part in Lent, and I highly recommend you do, keep in mind that the season is designed to bring you closer to God, not drive a wedge between you. If you try to give up something and fail, dont’ be too discouraged. Get up, dust yourself off  and try again. Heck, the name Lent seems to imply a certain amount of dust.

Why do you celebrate Lent [or not]?

• Please pray for my wife. PET scan results came back today, exploratory surgery in 3 weeks. #
• Just got back to the computer from lunch. Helping patrons with flash game issues…yay! #

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• @jeremymoore I’d love to, but today is my mother-in-law’s birthday, so we’re having dinner at Provinos in Chatt #
• @prodigaljohn If you’re interested in getting some lunch at One Day, let me know. @jamielaws and I will pick up the tab. #
• @mrcarxpert thanks for your reply about re-ordering tables. Just checked my replies. #
• @jamielaws Sorry you’re feeling so sick. I hope you’re over it by Thursday too…I have to ride in a car with you for a few hours… #

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