Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting, and is about six weeks before Easter Sunday (April 9, this year.)
During Mass (for Catholics) or worship service (for Protestants), the priest or pastor will usually share a penitential and reflective sermon. The mood is solemn – the mass/service may have long periods of silence and worshipers often leave the church in silence.
At the end of the mass/service, the congregation is invited to receive the ashes on their foreheads. Usually, the priest or pastor will dip his finger into the ashes, spread them in a cross pattern on the forehead, and say, “From dust you came and from dust you will return.”
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
Lent is the period leading up to Easter. It’s one of the most important times of year for Christians around the world, a time of solemn observance and preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. From its start on Ash Wednesday until its conclusion on Easter Sunday, Lent has been a traditional time for fasting or giving something up or abstinence.
The Lenten period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him. Believers set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Stella's Place 
Stellars….
Beautiful Churches/Chapels Around the World…
Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal
Duomo di Milano, Italy
Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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That top one looks like the cathedral Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan – stunning in person!
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I normally don’t care for modern designed chapels, but this one fascinates me. I wish I could visit there.
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The non-denominational chapel doesn’t have a regular congregation, though it apparently does have a Sunday morning service. But that seems to be the only organized function. As to the pastor is who presides, the article didn’t say. The building is mainly for visitors/tourists. Weddings are also held there.
I’d love to just sit inside and meditate or pray, looking out at God’s creation and thanking Him for the many people around the world who built and those who continue to build beautiful and inspiring structures.
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Louisiana’s Abandoned Sea Fort
Posted February 4, 2023 – IT’S HISTORY
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I believe hurricanes have destroyed several old forts down here.
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Mornin’ kids!
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Mornin’ Wee!
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Mornin’ Stella!
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Hunter? Pretty steep ramp that.
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Ha! Mornin’ Weather!
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Ol’ SackOfCrap just can’t seem to go up OR down…
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Good afternoon, Wee! Can’t find any close-ups. One article says it’s a female staffer.
The comments are fun, though. There is one by someone calling himself “Mas Tito” in which he’s mimicking the walks of various leaders. He’s got Brandon down pat and Trump, too. LOL!
Also, this just came over the transom….
Biden stumbles up Air Force One stairs again leaving Poland
https://nypost.com/2023/02/22/biden-stumbles-up-air-force-one-stairs-again-leaving-poland/
What’s really fun is all the media trying to make out this is the greatest national leader tour since Caesar.
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Hiya Lucille!
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Good morning! Gray day today. I suppose that’s appropriate for Ash Wednesday.
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Evening. Was sunny, humid and slightly uncomfortable 80* today.
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I’m jealous! It is sleeting now.
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Mornin’ All. We are back to 6* and windy this morning. The wind feels like needles on my face. But it is warm inside.
I was disappointed we are going to miss the service this evening. The lady I. ride with doesn’t drive at night and the service starts at 5:30. Maybe next year. Hope you all can make it. Have a nice day and stay safe those who are in the path of this ugly looking storm.
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Good day, aus! We’re at 19 degrees right now and it’s lightly snowing. Mounds of snow everywhere. This is definitely the worst winter since moving to the Panhandle in 2016 or it seems that way to me…haven’t checked the stats.
For the dog walks, these can be purchased most anywhere….
I bought one but don’t know what I did with it…LOL!
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That would definitely help keep the face and ears warm.
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I think you must be getting all of the snow before it moves east. It’s been raining here today.
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The sun popped out about an hour ago but now it’s hiding. Being sort of trapped inside you’d think I’d be more inspired to clean house or go through papers deciding what to throw out.
Wish I knew a teacher to give all the historical and political clippings, magazines, books plus videos to. My Canadian relatives aren’t likely to care much about American history, even those who have dual citizenship.
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Trump’s on the way!
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Our implacable President! That he’s willing to step back into the fray is really quite remarkable. Competent men who know they can get the job done against all odds gain my support and respect, though frankly he’s the only leader I’ve ever felt that way about.
Although the Deep State, all Dems and RINOS plus their media from FOX on down is against him, it doesn’t matter to this fearless leader. God bless him!
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Here’s how the FBI and CDC are Tracking the UNVACCINATED
Facts Matter with Roman Balmakov – February 20, 2023
Chasing down teachers in New York (and they aren’t the only ones) is one more step in the Biden trashing of our Constitution.
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A friend just sent me this…
FEBRUARY 22: On this day in 1630, an American tradition was born.
The Pilgrims had been in America for nearly a decade. But poor shelter, bad weather and, worst of all, the flu had made it less than a pleasurable experience. So the dark and frigid February cold was causing a serious outbreak of depression among the recent settlers.
Then a small party of local Indians, led by a minor chief named Quadepina, entered the village to cheer up the Pilgrims. What they carried was many ears of dried corn. Just what you need to perk you up–no deer, no turkey, no meat, no hope.
But Quadepina did not suggest grinding the corn into meal. Instead he put the corn on the heat above the fire. In a few minutes, the corn began to burst, or more correctly, pop. The Indians picked up the “popped corn” and began to eat it.
And one after another the Pilgrims, just to be courteous, did the same. Holy Smokes; they thought, this is what freedom is all about–light, crunchy and full of healthful fiber. And, so a nearly 500-year American tradition began.
Bring something new to the marketplace and intone the introductory words of Chief Quadepina: “New, light, healthy and tasty.”
To celebrate find someone named Priscilla Redenbacher and have a few pops.
P.S. George Washington was born Friday, February 22, 1732.
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