The Month of February

Things to look forward to in the month of February. The birth of a new grandchild on Feb. 14th. We don't know if it is a girl or boy, but we all hoping and praying for a healthy baby.

Jamie's birthday on the very same day, as her baby is to be born. Happy Birthday, Jamie!

Valentine's Day is Feb. 14th, so let's wish all the lovebirds a Very Happy Valentine's Day


We have President George Washington (22nd) and President Abraham Lincoln's (12th) Birthdays to look forward to going to President's Sales.

And last, we have Ash Wednesday to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Which is Feb. 25th.


Here is the meaning of what Lent is all about:

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is one of the principal holy days for the Western Church. Most commonly observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, Ash Wednesday falls on the seventh Wednesday before Easter (usually around February 9). Ash Wednesday begins a season of fasting and repentance (commonly known as Lent) in preparation for the Easter celebration.

The Origins of Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday's origins are tied to its history and the time of year during which it occurs. It follows the season of Epiphany, which culminates with Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The solemn proceedings that occur on Ash Wednesday bring the focus back to the sacrifice of Christ and the mission of the Church. The observance most likely comes from the biblical Day of Atonement. In Leviticus 16, the Lord establishes an annual day of repentance for the Israelites as a lasting ordinance for all their generations. Since the blood of Jesus represents atonement, the heart of Ash Wednesday is a humbling of oneself through fasting and prayer.

On this day, Christians come before a priest to receive the sign of the cross, marked in ashes on their foreheads. Over the next month, they are encouraged to fast, pray, and seek repentance for their sins. Reflection upon one's life during the previous year receives extra attention, and a greater commitment to God and the Church is offered.

This ceremony originated around the eighth century and extends back to the custom during biblical times of people humbling themselves with sackcloth and ashes. The prophet Daniel speaks of seeking the Lord for the release of his people from Babylonian exile with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3). Jonah 3:6 states: "When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust."

These are all the things that I am looking forward to in February.