This week we celebrate Ash Wednesday. I knew the basics about this first step in the Lenten season but found a few surprises when I dug deeper into its background.Ash Wednesday As early as the mid-fourth century, Christians have observed a time of preparation before the Easter celebration. The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. The forty days of Lent recall the 40 day fast of Jesus in the wilderness after his baptism (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:1-2) and Moses' 40 day fast on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). It is a time of simplicity and preparation.The principal themes of Lent are repentance, baptismal renewal, prayer, fasting, and service to others.In my Lutheran church we bring back the palms we used last Palm Sunday, burn them and use them for the ashes used on Ash Wednesday. Why ashes? Using ashes as a sign of repentance is an ancient practice, often mentioned in the Bible (e.g., Jonah 3:5-9; Job 42:6; Jeremiah 6:26; Matthew 11:21). The early Christians adopted the … [Read more...]
Listen to Jesus – Lectio Divina
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17: 1-5 Listen to him!I wonder, Lord, how I would react if I were Peter, James or John that day, high on the mountain.Would I be like Peter – so self-centered, only thinking of myself? “It is good for us to be here.” I am not sure if I witnessed Your transfiguration and the miraculous appearance of Moses and Elijah, standing there talking with Jesus, if I could … [Read more...]
Grateful for Ordinary Days – Quote of the Week
Normal day, Let me be aware of the treasure you are!Mary Jean Irion … [Read more...]
Who Gives You Strength? Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is Our History is Our Strength. Intriguing title isn’t it?The web site says, “The stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength. Until relatively recently, this sphere of women's history was overlooked and undervalued. Women’s achievements were often distorted, disdained, and denied. But, knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone. And role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century.”Living a reflective life is a spiritual discipline I know I need to practice more. I need to take the time to look back over my personal history, and identify my strengths. This month also opens the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people, especially this month the women in my life, that have empowered me … [Read more...]
Spiritual Lessons from the Pixar movie UP
Ok, I know this movie was released in 2009 – so I am behind times but this past weekend my husband and I watched and thoroughly enjoyed the Pixar film, “Up.” We laughed. We wiped away a few tears. And the movie’s lessons linger with me.Basically UP is the story of an older man, revisiting a dream from his youth. When he was younger, he and his wife both dreamed of going to South America on a big adventure. After his wife dies and life as he has known it changes all around him, he decides to go on that adventure even if he is alone. But he is not alone as an eight-year-old boy stows away on his trip. As they explore together, they met a menagerie of talking dogs, an evil villain, and a really cool bird.This movie is full of rich lessons:· Treasures can be found in even the oddest of relationships. Everyone has a story and we can learn and grow from sharing those stories with our fellow companions on life journey. Makes me wonder who am I missing, ignoring or walking past on my … [Read more...]
Tomorrow’s Troubles – Lectio Divina
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34Today’s trouble is enough for today.Trouble filled my world this week, LordWorries about the future.Canceling much-anticipated plans.Heaviness with unexpected change and new responsibilities.Yet I feel Your presence as I walk through each day.You whispered to me this morning, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. I will be with you.”Thank you Lord.The weight of the future lifts from my heart because Your heart holds each coming day.The tension from my shoulders and neck relaxes with Your tender touch.As I peek out the window to the coming week, I know all time is in Your hands.No matter what troubles bubble up tomorrow or the next day or the next – I will keep my eyes on You, not the difficulties.You hold the future, Lord. And that does not worry me at all. … [Read more...]
Using Your Gifts – Quote of the Week – Henry Van Dyke
“Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best."Henry Van Dyke … [Read more...]
One Question: What Would You Ask Jesus?
Ice breakers! Love ‘em or hate ‘em – they do help to create a group spirit and build relationships. Sometimes they are fun. Other times, thought provoking.I attended a retreat a number of years ago where the first night they had us line up in two lines facing one another. We had 60 seconds to talk to the person in front of us before a bell rang and we moved onto another person. We shared: If you were having lunch with Jesus, what one question would you ask Him?I will never forget the answer I heard over and over again:Am I doing ok?Most people said the question with lots of hesitance and obvious self-doubt as if they weren’t doing alright, God wouldn’t love them as much.Why is it so hard to bring the love God has for each of us from our head to our heart?Why don’t we really believe, grasp onto and share with others this unconditional, overwhelming love?Why can’t we accept ourselves, as imperfect as we are, as God’s children?I watched a Chonda Pierce video last weekend where she … [Read more...]