Prince of Peace, March 18 2025

No matter what any one's opinion is I greatly respect and admiration of the Catholic faith even though I am a cross-wearing protestant. Do they possess hiding knowledge? From documentaries’ the Catholic church was and is wise enough not to destroy knowledge, real history & art, handing down wisdom, and relics even connecting it to other religions such as Buddhism. Faith, admiration, respect and unity. If different historical decisions were made by humans leading religion there would be far more unity & peace amongst persons of faith and lay gentiles.  This is our watch and I lean towards the power of faith, love and the ‘Prince of Peace ‘. Updating on April 6, 2025 we do not have to restart but consistent successful during this lent season I am not but am today. - A. T. Yoda Brooks 

If you're not Catholic, you can still meaningfully observe Lent by focusing on personal reflection, acts of service, and spiritual growth through prayer, reading, and spending time in nature, or by giving up something that brings you pleasure for the 40 days. 

Here are some suggestions for observing Lent, even if you're not Catholic:

Spiritual Growth & Reflection:

• Prayer and Meditation:

  Dedicate time each day for quiet reflection and prayer, whether through a guided meditation app, reading scripture, or simply spending time in nature. 
• Reading and Learning:

  Explore spiritual books, biographies of religious figures, or delve into topics related to faith and philosophy. 
• Service and Charity:

  Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you believe in, focusing on helping others in need. 
• Self-Reflection:

  Use this time to examine your values, habits, and relationships, and identify areas where you can grow and improve. 
• Creative Expression:

  Engage in activities like writing, painting, or music-making to express your thoughts and feelings during this period of reflection. 

Giving Something Up (Fasting):

• Choose a Personal Sacrifice: Instead of focusing on food, consider giving up something that brings you pleasure or that you tend to overindulge in, such as social media, screen time, or a particular hobby. 
• Focus on Self-Control: Use this time to practice self-discipline and cultivate mindful habits. 
• Consider a "Fasting" from Negative Activities: You could choose to abstain from gossiping, complaining, or engaging in negative behaviors. 

Community & Connection:

• Attend Lenten Events:

  If you're interested, consider attending a Lenten service or event at a local church, even if you're not a member. 
• Connect with Others:

  Reach out to friends, family, or community members who are observing Lent and share your experiences and reflections. 
• Engage in Acts of Kindness:

  Perform random acts of kindness, whether it's helping a neighbor, offering a compliment, or simply listening to someone who needs to talk. 

Source: Generative AI is experimental.