Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Fat Tuesday


Having more time on my hands (and mind), I like to find ways to make days go from ordinary to extraordinary, so this year for the first time, I am recognizing "Fat Tuesday" A.K.A. 'Mardi Gras'. I did some research on it, and while I don't agree that we should gourge ourselves just because it precedes 'going lean', I think that it can serve for a fun day. For me, Ash Wednesday (tomorrow), and following Lent (in giving up something, and not eating meat on Friday) went out the window as I learned that my salvation was not based on works, nor was anything I could give up as great a gift as Jesus and His work on the cross. Further, I realized that actions in themselves, done without understanding, such as giving up something for Lent is useless to my relationship with a living God. I now know that the intent of the heart is more important to God than the action itself. So, for many a year, I refused to give up anything, instead concentrating on just being consistent in my relationship with the Lord. However, the Lord has a way of adding meaning to everything in our journey with Him. I now see the value, and strength of my strict religious upbringing, for by it I was taught the 'fear of the Lord'-only to now know about the 'love of the Lord'. Okay, I've gone on long enough-- back to Mardi Gras.
After researching it, I decided to make it a fun day. My friend Rita is coming over for a sewing session, and we'll of course do lunch. Nothing fancy, but I'm going to make a grilled lime-cilantro chicken salad, orange muffins with orange butter, and chocolate brownies. (Talk about gourging!)
Of course, nothing is better than gourging also with the ones you love-- my husband and daughter Trish. So for dinner this is what we're having... Shrimp Scampi, rice pilaf, roasted garlic asparagus, and for dessert...Paczi (Polish Funnel Cakes) ~ I guess the Polish were Catholic too). So with this line up, I have to wish you a happy Mardi Gras-- this is a first for me, and I'm having fun planning it!

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