The beginning of Lent...

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  Lent has been observed for centuries by the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutherans, and Eastern Orthodox and Anglican churches.  It lasts for 40 days; most likely because Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days.  The purpose of Lent is to prepare oneself for celebrating Easter, which comes at the end of Lent.

We do not attend any one of the above churches, but go to a Saturday night service at a Baptist church.  Three years ago, our pastor taught about Lent and encouraged us as to observe Lent as a way to prepare our hearts for Easter.  He suggested that we fast from something we enjoy, a food or activity, for the 40 days, then be ready to give a testimony about what God did in our hearts through our small sacrifice, if we chose to share it with the congregation.

Last year, we were encouraged to do the same but add some form of service to God or others that we don't normally do.  Easter has definitely become more special to us because of observing Lent.

This year, our pastor has provided us with the 40 day devotional, 24 Hours That Changed the World, by Adam Hamilton.  I will pass observations from this book on to you during the weeks leading up to Easter.
Should be good!!

Decorations
Our Easter decorations are centered around the new life we have in Christ, most often portrayed through the Easter eggs and bunnies scattered around the house.  This year, I also want to add some crosses to the decorations.

 I changed out the brown candle on top of the champagne glass to a blue candle.  And put some pink "grass" in the bottom of the large glass piece on the buffet and topped it with some faux Easter eggs I purchased at Real Deals.  (I really like this store.  They have wonderful decorative items that really are great deals.)

 I made these three "eggs" about 20 years ago.  I cut three egg shapes out of wood with my scroll saw, sanded the edges, painted them Easter colors, sanded the edges again, and painted the background designs then the words. 



Today's Recipe - Egg Sausage Casserole
My mom serves this casserole for many holiday breakfasts and I have served it for Easter morning for years.

6 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
6 slices bread, crumbled
1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
7 oz can diced green chiles (opt)

Combine all ingredients and pour into a sprayed 9x13 baking dish.  Soak overnight. (Since the dish is cold, place the casserole in the oven while it is preheating to prevent the dish from breaking.)  Bake 40-50 minutes at 350 degrees F until edges pull away.  Serves 15