What is? . . . starch squares or rounds made with potato flour, sugar, lard, and weighs in with 12 to 21 grams of fat? We stand in bakery and grocery lines once a year for them . . . a fastnacht!
A popular Pennsylvania tradition we celebrate in our area is Fastnacht Day. A German word meaning before the fast. Fried bread indulgence before the hungry days of Lent.
Not a heart healthy way to prepare our heart, but does my heart good to make them up with my children and grandchildren over the years.
Many wear masks and beads to celebrate the Mardi Gras season in other parts of the country. Here in the distant outskirts of Lancaster county, we remember the custom of Shrove Tuesday as the day to rid pantries of lavish and excess . . . preparing for sacrifice.
Lavish and excess.
In the life of the church, Lent is the season designed to stretch us to reflect on the holy hope in the Lord.
To examine the self and the soul, and move things out to create more space for a deeper connection to God.
To give up forty days of yes . . .
A time to prepare for the holiness of Easter.
What does it mean to give up desserts, television, or social saturation?
A choice to step away from the usual.
It’s not about what we give up – it’s about what He gave up.
Ash Wednesday begins the forty-day journey to the cross. I hope you will make forty grace stops (along with me) and record the way . . . and may your notes of gratitude overflow to more.
For God so loved the world He gave us Jesus. John 3:16
Fastnachts
2 1/2 c mashed potatoes
1 c milk
3 eggs
2 Tbsp melted butter
2 c sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
5 c flour
Mix all together, adding flour slowly at the end. Divide dough in half. Roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut shapes. Deep fry in hot oil, turning once. Final touch, confectioners sugar.
Verna
Verna,
Ah to be in your area and enjoy a fastnacht and cup of coffee with you! Greater still would be the joy of sharing the steps of grace together. So grateful He has lavished us with His great love and mercy. Love your thoughts and words…so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Wouldn’t that be nice? I look forward to it . . .so we can chat over the way we’ve shared those grace steps together. Thanks, Glenda!
Here my husband has introduced me to Pancake Tuesday, which he picked up from living in England. Pancakes and hot curried fruit on Shrove Tuesday. It’s an interesting tradition–I’m not usually one to celebrate Lent or give anything up, but I respect those who keep the traditions alive. Haha, perhaps this year I gave up Valentine’s Day for Lent–my husband has been terribly sick all week, to the point of separate sleeping arrangements so I can stay healthy enough to teach.
Oh no . . . I hope your husband recovers quickly so you can make up for missing Valentine’s Day (your lenten sacrifice 🙂 Stay well, sweet friend.