Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

The Practices of Lent: Fasting and Reflection

Lent, a 40-day period for fasting and abstinence (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

Lent, in the Christian church, is a period of penitential preparation for Easter.

In Western churches it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides a 40-day period for fasting and abstinence (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

In Eastern churches Lent begins on the Monday of the seventh week before Easter and ends on the Friday that is nine days before Easter. This 40-day “Great Lent” includes Saturdays and Sundays as relaxed fast days.

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.
Daniel chapter 9, verse 3, NLT

man with hands folded in prayer — photo from Lightstock .com, stock photos and graphics(affiliate)

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Posts to read and share as you observe Lent

words for Lent – Good news

And before anyone can go and tell them, they must be sent. As the Scriptures say, “How wonderful it is to see someone coming to tell good news!”Messiah selections from the New Testament

Keep reading

March 28, 2020March 30, 2020

a word for Lent – Glory

Even though Messiah tells the story of Jesus, whose birth, life, and death are recorded in the Bible’s New Testament, many of the lyrics come from the Old Testament, like this passage today from Psalms.

Keep reading

March 31, 2017April 6, 2020

a word for Lent – Alleluia

Often referred to as the Hallelujah Chorus, this passage is the most recognized part of Handel’s Messiah. If you have ever attended a live performance of Messiah, you probably stood during the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Keep reading

April 14, 2017April 2, 2020

Sorrow-a word for Lent

Charles Jennens gave George Handel the lyrics to Messiah, verses primarily from Isaiah, Psalms, Paul’s letters to the early church, and Revelation.

Keep reading

March 25, 2017March 1, 2023

The Art and Science of New Mexico

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must see for those interested in Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

updated October 30, 2023

If you like art in any form- paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodcarving- I recommend you plan a trip to northeast New Mexico to visit Santa Fe and Taos .

It’s easier now to visit than it was three years ago due to the strict pandemic protocols in place then. Their COVID-19 response was aggressive but successful in minimizing disease and death.

The Science

the state has been “very proactive at implementing science-based decisions.”
Sara Del Valle, a mathematical and computational epidemiologist at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

New Mexico’s Secretary of Human Services Dr. Scrase said “it’s really exciting to have a governor who values science and evidence.” Reopening decisions did take economic interests into account, he notes, but ultimately, they were driven by data about health and safety. “I’m really proud of that.”

Read more at this Scientific American article

How New Mexico Controlled the Spread of COVID-19

The Art of Santa Fe

You will be able to visit gallery after gallery, shop after shop for days on end, and still not see them all. If you arrive by air your art tour will start right at the airport which is small but sets the tone for what you will see during your stay.

As you step outside the terminal you will be greeted by the bronze statue Reverence by artist David Pearson. As described in an art guide,

“Hers is a pose of prayer, of openness to powers beyond all understanding,.. Her ancient gesture is transformed into one of welcome and benefaction in her perfect placement at the Santa Fe airport. “

statue of a young woman with outstretched arms

the Taos New Mexico airport terminal, an adobe building

The Art at Taos- City and the Pueblo

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must-see for those interested in Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

a statue of Jesus Christ in a church — a statue of the **Sacred Heart of Jesus** located inside the **Loretto Chapel** in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

All photos by Dr. Aletha

Exploring the HEART of health and art in New Mexico

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

man and woman at dinner — Dr. Aletha and Raymond

Raymond and I found several charming and tasty restaurants in Santa Fe

More from our trip

Discover Madrid, New Mexico: A Ghost Town Adventure

This post describes a visit to Madrid, New Mexico, while attending a unique wilderness medicine conference in Santa Fe. It highlights the area’s artistic vibe, mentioning that the film “Wild Hogs” was shot there. Additionally, it shares an enjoyable sunset horseback riding experience nearby.