Mardi Gras, Lent, "Sarakosti"

What do all those things mean? 

Mardi Gras as we know it, is a two week celebration of festivities, and we are most familiar with the ones in New Orleans, Louisiana, although they are celebrated in other states as well, and I believe, around the world. Where I grew up, in Istanbul, it was called "Apokries" (in Greek). People dressed up in costumes and festive attires and visited with friends and relatives. It was a lot of fun. Anyway, the word  Mardi Gras is french and it means "Fat Tuesday", symbolizing the last day you can indulge in eating, just before Lent. Itis the tuesday before "Ash Wednesday", which is the first day of Lent... 

When I was growing up, I remember my mom observed all the rituals that went with the church holidays. She made us follow them as well. "Sarakosti" is the greek name for Lent. It is the beginning of the fasting and abstinence season in anticipation of Easter. Before starting the 40 day fast, we also had what was called  "Kathari theftera" (clean monday) and we ate "nistisima" (fasting foods), in preparation for the real thing. We ate vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, bread, seafood and legumes. In other words, healthy foods. This I believe starts 50 days before Easter, and this date changes every year, because Easter also falls on different days and months every year. In 2024 the Eastern Orthodox church celebrates Easter on May 5 (they follow the Julian Calendar), whereas the West clebrates on March 31. Anyway, we fast for 40 days. Why is it 40 days? Well, 40 symbolizes many events in the Bible. In the Old Testament Moses fasted for 40 days, before God gave him the ten Commandments. Daniel fasted for 40 days before he got a revelation from God.  The prophet Elias fasted for 40 days, and the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert before going into their promised land. In the New Testament Jesus went to the desert  for 40 days and encountered many temptations and trials before starting his ministry. Therefore, the number 40 symbolizes many things in the Christian faith. Lent starts the Wednesday after Mardis Gras, and ends on Thursday before Good Friday, commemorating the Last Supper between Jesus and his disciples.

When we fast our bodies go through many challenges. It is not easy to do. Even when we have to fast for 12 hours before going to the doctor for lab test, we stress out, so, going for these many days, seems impossible, but of course it is doable. I hated doing it when I was young, and haven't done it too often after I got older, although I really should. I know some friends who do it religiously. Actually, there are many benefits to fasting. Fasting cleanses our body and spirit. It is a time for testing and renewal. It highlights self-discipline and repentance of our thoughts and actions. After a few days we get used to it. Besides it doesn't mean we deprive ourselves from everything, mainly from meats, dairy products and indulging in excess food that is too heavy etc. Within a few days, actually the body adjusts and feels lighter and healthier.   

I know that when we think of fasting we think of staying away from food. However, if we also were to apply fasting and abstaining from certain bad habits, bad behaviors, excesses or 'vices' that we have, we would definitely emerge as a better person at the end of the 40 days. Wouldn't you agree? So what if we wrote down bad habits, behaviors and words we use and worked on substituting them with more pleasant, loving and joyful alternatives. Work on as few or as many as you feel comfortable. Maybe we can start with the most prevelant one in our daily life first. At the end of the 40 days, I think it would make a HUGE impact for us and those who we interact with.       

OK, so here is the List........

FAST FROM                        FOCUS ON                           

Anger                                    Patience

Bitterness                              Forgiveness

Complaining                         Appreciation

Critisism                                Praise & Encouragement

Discontent                              Gratitude

Discouragement                     Hope

Fear                                        Trust in God

Internet                                   Read a good book and the Bible                                                 

Jealousy                                  Love & Contentment                                           

Idle gossip                               Purposeful silence

Pride                                        Humility

Resentment                              Peace & Pleasant Disposition

Self-concern                            Compassion for other

Selfishness                               Giving to others     

Self pity                                    Joy & counting your blessings

Text Messaging                        Spend time with family

Watching TV                            Enjoy Nature/Outdoors

We are all guilty of saying some nasty words from time to time, and behaving in an unpleasant way. The list can be expanded to many more "vices", but this is a start. If we started to pay attention to what we do or say and make positive changes, one little thing at a time, we will feel so much better. This is a perfect time to fast from food as well as bad habits. It will bring us closer to God, and to our families and friends.

Enjoy the Season

 

                                   

Cats vs Dogs

 If you have been fortunate enough to have owned a cat and also a dog, you know well how different they are! Lately, I have been watching these short videos of the clever things these animals do. They are so cute and so smart. They put a smile on my face and make me laugh. You can say they have me "hooked", which means I spend too much time watching them instead of doing something productive. I do enjoy them and I give a lot of credit to the people who make it a point to post them on line. So, the other day I decided I needed to go thru and clean out some old files and emails I had kept over the years. They were mostly inspirational stories or funny cartoons etc.. I found this really cute one from a friend who has passed away. It was sent in April, 2007 (!) and it is as true today as it was then. It is about how a dog spends his/her day vs a cat! It is funny. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. What makes it even funnier today than it did then, is that I did not own a cat then. The cat came to us in July of 2007, and of course I was prepared...:))

The DOG

8:00AM-Dog food ! My Favorite!

9:30AM-A car ride! MY Favorite!

9:40AM-A walk in the park! My Favorite!

10:30AM-Got rubbed and petted! My Favorite!

11:00AM-Went to the Vet. Bummer.

12:00PM-Lunch! My Favorite!

1:00PM-Played in the yard! My Favorite!

5:00PM-Milk bones! My Favorite!

7:00PM-Got to play ball! My Favorite!

8:00PM-WOW! Watched TV with the people! My Favorite!

11:00PM-Sleeping on the bed! My Favorite!

The CAT:

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity. My Captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. 

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am...Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies". I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. 

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assasinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow-but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The Dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released-and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. 

The Bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now.....

So there you have it, in a nut shell.  A day in a Dog's and Cat's life. 

On a serious note, I received a message the other day that one of my friend's cats passed away a few days ago. She has several cats, but this one was her favorite, and she was 2 months short of 20 years old. She was the sweetest cat and we are all very sad over this loss. Her memory will be in our hearts forever.

WISHING YOU A  BLESSED AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!