Resurrection Life

We are in the middle of rehearsals for The Thorn and honestly, my family is exhausted. Our boys are acting in the production, my husband is assisting with technical needs and I’m the taxi driver, which as any mom knows can be quite taxing!

What an amazing retelling of the timeless story of our redemption. As I watched the practice, tears welled in my eyes and gratefulness flooded my heart. I remembered this truth:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

"Death and Resurrection" is no longer a theological concept that I simply choose to believe. It is very real to me. I lived in a tomb of my own making for several years. The pain of betrayal and the loneliness of the secret I kept shrouded my life in darkness. If you would have seen me then, you may have never known I was walking around mostly dead - going through the motions of life but feeling very little emotion. God met me in that place with the warmth of His love. He softened my cold heart and planted a seed of faith.

When I see Jesus emerging from the tomb, I see me. I’m alive, because God breathed His life into me. I’m still standing because He strengthened me. I see those grave clothes falling from His arms and I know I am no longer bound. I’ve been set free! I’m moving forward with hope for the future.

Sometimes I just have to stop and take a Long, Slow, Deep Breath. And then another. And then another. It feels so good to be ALIVE!

How has God breathed His resurrection life into your life?

A New Earth...that's the plan!

I was going through my son's homework folder and came across a pretty bad grade. Ugh! There were not many questions on the page and he got 3 wrong which averaged out in the "re-do" category. Teachers allow him to correct and resubmit work for additional credit (don't you love grace?). As we were looking over it, I beamed at one of his wrong answers. Odd, right?


The question was "How would your life change if people used up fossil fuels, such as coal, gasoline, natural gas and heating oil?"


My son's answer: "Not any bad changes because God has a plan for me."


SMILE! It was so great to see his faith on paper! As much as I tried to persuade him that life without these fuels would be miserable, he stuck to it!


I asked, "What if we didn't have gas for our van and we had to walk or ride our bikes everywhere?"'


He answered "We'd all be healthier."


You gotta love his positive persistence!


The reality is that our Earth has limited resources, and our dear planet seems stuck in a process of slow deterioration. Actually, it's the Second Law of Thermodynamics in action, which can be generally summed up that things tend to move from a state of order to disorder, randomness, or chaos.

As a science major, I just love it when God's wisdom pre-dates our discoveries! Romans 8 says For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

I think of this verse whenever I hear about earthquakes and hurricanes and tsunamis. The Earth IS groaning. Things are not right. But I am encouraged by the faith of my child. I agree. Our God is a planner!


Easter changes everything for us. We have new life. We have new hope. Forgiveness and Freedom. Fellowship with the Father. But we still have a decaying planet and pervasive brokenness. Easter is the climax of His-Story but the final resolution is yet to come. Observing Lent this year seemed to stir up the longing for that resolution.


Listen to Peter's message from Acts 3 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.


There is a time coming for God to restore everything! The groaning will cease. The Earth will be free from its bondage to decay. Imagine the new heaven and new earth prophesied in Isaiah 65. I'm so glad God has a plan and proud that my son is not afraid to say it even when the answer gets marked wrong.

A Tree of Life

We have a decorative cross collection in our master bedroom. I purchased a few of the crosses but most have been gifts from different people in our lives. We recently hung them up in the new house. I think it looks pretty good!

I was looking up at them this morning. Thinking about the cross, while songs from the Easter drama ran through my head. One in particular written by Shoreline's own Skip Downey...Oh how beautiful the cross. Beautiful. It is simply beautiful, isn't it? It has so much meaning to us. Loaded with love and hope and redemption.

The cross is a symbol of our redemption. And even as a symbol it has been redeemed. To be hung on a tree was to be cursed. I doubt there were any cross collections decorating homes in Jesus' day. It symbolized death, oppression and the shame and guilt of capital offense (see Deut 21).

One of the repeated phrases in our lenten readings is "You made the cross of tree of life" God redeeming, transforming this symbol just as He redeems and transforms our lives!

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham's blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God's life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it.

1 Peter 2:21 This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

Heb 12: 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

And today, I say with Paul:

Galatians 6:14 For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!

Carry the Cross

Who was Simon the Cyrene? We read about him in 3 of the 4 gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. We know he was a dad. We even know the names of his two sons: Alexander and Rufus. We know that he didn't volunteer to help Jesus...he was seized, forced to carry the cross. I wonder if his boys were with him. How old were they? What did they do when the soldiers grabbed their Daddy?



Simon was just "passing by". We read that he was on his way "in from the country." Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I looked it up on a map. Cyrene is in Lybia, Africa. Simon was actually a long way from home and I'm sure he had other plans for that day in Jerusalem. But here he is, yanked into the suffering journey of a Man like no other. Don't you wonder how he felt? Was he fearful? Begrudging? Did he keep his distance or did he take a moment to look into Jesus' sinless eyes?



The Bible is full of interesting details like this. Proper names that lend great historical value. Paul mentions a "Rufus" in Romans 16. What if it that was Simon's Rufus? I can only imagine that the journey to Golgotha would have been life-altering for all three of them.



It is interesting too, that in these same three gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus is recorded saying "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Simon had no choice but to submit to Rome and carry the cross of Christ. I, on the other hand, must choose. I'm not very good at denying myself. My Self is loud and demanding and works really hard to make sure it gets its way.



And what is "my" cross anyway? We've come a long way from the Roman Empire. It is not the cruel cross of ancient days. And mine is not a brutal submission. I know this because Jesus also said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."



Could this yoke be my cross? I'm not sure...maybe...



Look at the contrast:



Most likely Simon was exhausted at the end of that climb to Golgotha, weary and burdened after carrying the cross. It is those who are already weary and burdened that Jesus gives his invitation to come. Jesus is gentle and humble, a far cry from the Roman Soldiers who coerced Simon. The cross that Simon carried was heavy. The yoke that I am to carry is light. I have no doubt that there was great unrest for Simon and his boys that day and in the nights that followed when sleep was hard to come by. Jesus said if I carry his yoke I find rest. This burden is not the end of me. It involves learning, the promise of a future changed by growth.





Jesus is asking me to carry my cross. He is asking me to be yoked with him. This is a tender call to companionship. I will not walk alone. I love that Jesus did not walk alone. I'm glad Simon was there.

Stations of the Cross

I am digging in my heels this week and refusing to be swept away. Refusing to surrender to the chaos of all that needs to be done in preparation for Easter and choosing to surrender to the heart of the story.



I thought about all-out fasting this week but I just can't do it. I don't care if I ever see another bean in my life. Last night was our last beans and rice meal and we are all rejoicing! With the physical demands of our rehearsal schedule and late nights this week, wisdom is telling me that my body will need good healthy fuel. I feel like Jesus is suggesting.... instead of taking more away this week how about adding something?



OK, I can do that.



One thing that I know will help is our plan to attend the Stations of the Cross as a family this Friday, April 2nd. (You can join us from 5-9pm in the Shoreline Special Event Center, which is the first building on your left as you enter our campus from Burnet Rd.) We went two years ago and it was an amazing worship experience. I have a great anticipation about attending this year. I went through an online version of the Stations today and was so touched by how personal each reading was.



This story of Jesus' Passion is not just church history, something that happened hundreds of years ago. It was and is and will always be a NOW story. Paul emphasizes this is 2 Corinthians 6

As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says,

"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."

I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Now is the day. Now is the time. Its amazing how this story changed history, forever altered the future yet is meant to be experienced TODAY. How can I remember the cross today?

I can sing redemption songs. I love Paul Baloche's new project Glorious I think I'll keep it in my van this week.

I can read my Bible, there's a thought! Walking with Jesus in Matthew 26, or Mark 14 or Luke 22 or John 16.

I can remember all that the cross has done for me. My sin, my shame, my guilt, my pain, all nailed to the cross (see Colossians 2)

I can pray

Beautiful Savior. Dear Lamb of God. Help me to remember you this week. To know the love that held you to that cross. To glory in your surrender to the will of the Father. To rest in the finished work of grace. Hosanna! Save NOW!

If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Transforming Tragedy

"God transformed that tragedy,

(the death of Jesus on a cross),

by letting his death pay the price for all our sins."

I'm quoting from our lenten reading for Tuesday this week. Isn't it beautiful? Somehow our amazing God was able to transform the brutal death of his only Son into our salvation, our freedom. It was his plan all along. Jesus mentioned his impending death on several occasions to his followers. How many of them at the foot of that gruesome cross could have seen anything beyond the tragic loss of their Rabbi?

It really is AMAZING GRACE!

What amazes me still is that God continues to actively transforming tragedy. He does this.

I stand aghast like those earlier followers at the small scale tragedies in my life. Redemption? Transformation? That hope trickles into the tragic scenes of my life one small drop at a time. Sudden change, unexpected loss, disappointed dreams these are everyday tragedies. Catching us of guard. Throwing us for a loop. I've been thrown a time or two.

It's interesting the longer I live, the less space there seems to be between the shock and the hope. More recently, I hear myself saying things like "God can use this" and "I see God working in this". Strange.

I remember this passage from Luke 4, Jesus reading from Isaiah:

18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

I've always loved that moment where Jesus closes the book and says "this is happening right now before your very eyes". My paraphrase.

And it IS happening. It is happening all around us. It is happening in my life. I am poor and weak, but the Good News is that Jesus came for folks like me. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I've experienced rich mercy, rich grace. I am rich in so many ways. I have been a prisoner of denial, of pain, of fear, of shame, but I find myself daring to dream again. Free like I have never been. Chains are broken. Chains are breaking. I know what it is like to walk in darkness. Existing. Surviving. Not seeing any hope for me. I was blind but I am recovering my sight. Jesus released me. He walked me through! He surrounds me with his favor like a shield.

God, transforming tragedies both large and small.

Such a Glorious Redemption!

If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Beans...again

We are about half way through our Lent experience.

We ate our 3rd beans-and-rice meal last night and....I still don't like beans. Yesterday morning I was tossing the pintos in the crock pot and honestly I almost cried thinking about having to eat them for dinner. "Why are we doing this? Someone remind me!" Did I just say that out loud?

Yep.

Wouldn't you know, my dear boy had an answer "So we can focus more on God instead of earthly things." Gulp....long pause....say that again honey.....

"So we can focus more on God instead of earthly things, like our stuff, you know..."

Thank you son for reminding your mother of why she thought this would be a good idea. How sobering that my 9 year old remembered what my taste buds forgot. I can't decide if I should feel like a crummy parent or a good one.

I would like to take credit...but I know...he is a gift.

The Trinity

So I was making one of these new bean recipes and the instructions read "saute the trinity" meaning the onions, celery and green bell pepper. I've heard Rachel Ray use this word as a cooking term as well. This is the problem....no one in my family likes bell pepper so I always leave it out...and I was wondering which member of the trinity is represented by the bell pepper....I wouldn't want to leave any ONE out of my life's recipe!


I'm being silly. Seriously now, how often do you think about this Three in One aspect of our God? Our Opening Prayer each day ends with this sentence: Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit = The One True God.

The Shack is a wonderful fiction book that helped me experience the mystery of the Trinity in a new way. In each of our earthly relationships there is usually a dominant personality, isn't there? In The Shack, William Paul Young presents this picture of equality within our triune God that was so intriguing. Quoting Sarayu who represents the Holy Spirit: "We are in a circle of relationship. not a chain of command...What you're seeing here is relationship without any overlay of power. We don't need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best. Hierarchy would make no sense among us." The character representing Jesus goes on to say of humans: "You rarely see or experience relationships apart from power. Hierarchy imposes laws and rules and you end up missing the wonder of relationship that we intended for you"

I'm challenged today to think about The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit in perfect union and how that might be reflected in my relationships.



If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

The Daily Lent Prayer

It is very interesting, each day at the top of our Praying Lent readings there is a Daily Lent Prayer and would you believe it is the same prayer for each day? I know because, well, I noticed the pattern this week and then I looked ahead and there it is every week for each new day:


It is right out of Psalm 51:15: Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.


Honestly, I'm not sure I get what is so "lenty" about this passage. It doesn't seem to be about fasting or the cross. I've had a few days to ponder the connection, and maybe in week 5 it will mean even more...that is just the kind of thing this Living Book will do. But here are my thoughts today: So the first word is "Lord" and I thought of how many times I open my mouth unaware of his nearness or not mindful in that moment of what he would want my lips to say. Sheesh, just yesterday I said some unkind things to a loved one that I had to apologize for. What a prayer not only for each day but all day...Lord, you reign over my words.


The next phrase "open my lips" frankly flips things the other way for me, and I think of how many times I remain silent because I'm afraid of rocking the boat. Or because it's just easier to cope and deny than confront an issue. Lord, open my lips when it is time to speak. Help me not to bury and stuff and avoid. Give me the courage to speak the truth in love.


Moving on..."MY mouth will declare YOUR praise". OK, so sometimes my mouth declares my praise. Sometimes my mouth declares the praises of men. God wants to use my mouth to declare HIS praise. To draw attention to him. To lift him up so he can draw all men unto himself.


What a great daily prayer .....still not sure about the lenten connection :)




If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Written Prayers

We left the Catholic church when I was in 5th grade and it was a difficult transition. Catholicism was all we had known on both my mom's side and my dad's side for generations. I had two great-aunts still living at that time who were nuns. My mom's oldest sister is a also a Benedictine nun. She was so kind to me through this change. It would have been so much harder without her steady love. My brother was sad because we would often have donuts in the fellowship hall after Mass and our new church didn't serve donuts. Even as an 11 year old I knew that this felt like the right thing for our family.


In pulling away we let go of most of the church traditions I had grown up with, Ash Wednesday, Advent Wreaths, and praying to Mary, Jesus' mother. Maybe we thought that is the way it has to be when you leave something that is so entrenched in your family's culture. Make a clean break.


We were also a lot less likely to read a prayer that someone else wrote As if somehow a prayer that is spontaneous and unrehearsed is more heartfelt or more effective. As I was thinking about this shift, I thought of songs. How we sing songs all the time that other people wrote and they stir our hearts and we think things like: "That is exactly how I feel but I've never been able to express it." If songs can work that way I think prayers can too. I've certainly heard some off the cuff prayers that were dearly lacking. I have to say I've been enjoying reading the prayers from the Praying Lent website.


Things like:
Let us pray in quite remembrance of our need for redemption


Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.


Let me be aware of the many ways You reach out to help me today and let me stand in awe of the power that You use in such loving ways.



Maybe in my mind I might not have put the words together that way but my heart is connecting and it is so sweet.




If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Beans!

Growing up in North Dakota there were three kind of beans. Green beans, the only edible kind as far as I was concerned. Pork 'n' beans which made a seasonal appearance at family picnics complete with thin slices of hot dog. And the dreaded kidney beans in my mom's chili, they were the worst! That hard red shell and pasty white center...gag!


It wasn't until I moved to the southern regions of our fair country that I discovered there are more beans than I could have imagined. Red beans, Ranch Style Beans, Black Beans, Pinto beans, and Black eyes peas which are just like beans if you ask me! As it is with most things in life, foods that we are not exposed to as children can take a while longer to embrace. That's how it is with me and beans. I just don't like 'em.

Never the less, here I am searching cooks.com for recipes. If you have any please send them my way! We decided to eat beans and rice for dinner as a family every Monday during Lent. First as a way to fast or abstain from our normal diet remembering all that Jesus surrendered for us. Second as a way to express solidarity with the poor. Knowing that half of the world's population lives on less than 2 dollars a day and rice and beans would be a decent meal for many.

It is too easy, especially as Americans, to see what we don't have. It comes at us from every angle. But on Mondays we hope to spend a little less time thinking about what we don't have and a little more time gratefully celebrating what we do have. All over a pot of beans.

I was serious about the recipes.

If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Isaiah 58

This passage in Isaiah 58 just won't go away! Ah. I read it and I think: I'm a nice person, naturally kind and caring. My husband and I have been consistent tithers for a while now. Our family serves once a month at Shoreline East feeding the homeless. We give financially to support several ministries. We volunteer hours each week serving our church family. Believe me, I'm not listing all that stuff to impress anyone. I'm thinking of all the things that we do and I wonder if it really qualifies as loosing the chains of injustice(v.6)? Usually, it just feels so ordinary.


I can get overwhelmed at times with the darkness in this world. People who think violence is the way to get their point across. Child abuse. Corrupt governments. Human trafficking. I wonder am I truly spending myself on behalf of others (v10)? Should I feel spent all the time?


In retrospect, when we first started serving at Shoreline East, it did NOT feel normal. It was challenging for my suburban self. Sometimes we feel like we don't have any money to spare but we give anyway and God honors our trust in him. We've learned to pray, work hard, and forgive. All that tells me we've grown and I can't help but wonder what's around this corner? What new adventure awaits? The discontent I feel when I read this chapter in Isaiah seems to indicate to me that there must be more. I have a few ideas of what that might be next and honestly, I know it will not be easy. I'm not all that fond of change or the pain that so often accompanies growth.

I think the most important thing Jesus is asking is that we so keep growing, keep giving...keep moving forward. Small things, incremental changes really do add up and make a difference in our world. It's funny how the things that originally challenge us can eventually become such a regular part of who we are. We do have an amazing capacity for growth! And I'm committed to it! I want to live in verse 11 - The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.



If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Fasting

Traditionally, Friday would be a fasting day during Lent. Growing up our family did not eat meat on Fridays but we would eat fish...hmmmm....isn't fish meat? I remember reading some story of how that whole "no meat thing" came out of a church partnership with the fishing industry. Who knows? When I hear stuff like that I'm tempted to throw out the whole idea. But we are going to press through. We decided that we would give up meat at our Monday dinners because our family is typically together on that day. My husband works almost every Friday between now and Easter and we wanted to have a shared experience with our children.



I've also made a personal decision to give up two favorites, my friends Sweet and Salty. So no candy, chocolate or chips for me, and let's face it a latte is like candy for grown ups! I haven't done a lot of fasting in my life but have found it very useful. I see it as a way to cut through the static of life and really tune in to God. I love this passage from Job 23:12 in the Amplified Bible I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. So when I feel hungry I need to say "Lord you are Living Water you are the Bread of Life, let me hunger and thirst for you! When am craving a marble mocha macchiato I will remember Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Then, I have to take the time to stop and listen to the words He will speak.



There is great precedence for fasting in the Bible. The Hebrew children had regular days of fasting, the New Testament believers fasted, Jesus fasted. I don't see it as penance or punishment. It has to be about more than just giving things up, it has to be about the heart! Here are some deeper insights from the Bible:




Joel 2: 12 -13"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.



Isaiah 58:6-7 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?



There is a much bigger picture than just going without, I look forward to seeing how it will unfold for our family

By Your Spirit

Today we pray that everything we do begin with God's inspiration, continue with his help and come to completion with his guidance. Such a great prayer as we consider how we will observe lent with our family.



I know it's not an accident that I read Glenn's blog on Tuesday and that I found the Praying Lent website, I feel like it is God breathed. But honestly I can slip so easily into gut this out and make it happen, today's prayer reminded me of God's message in Zech 4: 6 and I paraphrase: 'Not by Lynn's might nor by Lynn's power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. I'm trusting the Holy Spirit to lead each step and praying that I'll really slow down and listen and soak in what he will say to us in this season. It is easier for me to "do" than to fully experience for myself.



We have some ideas and plans to do things we've never done before as a family and I know we will need God's help on the journey to see those things actually take place. That brings to mind Phil 4:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. If I can believe that God began this then I can trust that he will see it through. I know that if I trust him and lay down my agenda, otherwise known as surrender, there will be beauty and not striving.



It's funny how I can move so quickly from "I really want to soak in and draw near" to "I should blog everyday and share and...and...get far to busy to sit and soak". Oh me! Pull back the reins on Lynn's work, relax and let God work!




If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year visit this website of daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings

Fat Tuesday

Today is Fat Tuesday, a fact that would have totally swept by me if it wasn't for Glenn Packiam and the blog post Why I'm Observing Lent This Year that was waiting in my inbox this morning.

Thank you Glenn! Quoting here on the purpose of Lent:

"It is a way to "know Christ in the fellowship of His sufferings"(Phil. 3:10-11), to share in it with Him, so that we might experience the life, the resurrection, of Easter in a fresh way. It is a way of preparing us to live in perpetual Easter-- the life of Christ springing up anew in us as we lay down and let go of control and selfishness. "

So, today we feast! Grateful for every blessing of abundance God has so generously poured out.

Then for the next 40 days leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays) we fast, abstain, pray and remember the amazing sacrifice our Beautiful Saviour made, the great price he paid, the blood that was shed for you and me.

If you are interested in learning more and actively participating in Lent this year I found a website with daily Lenten Prayers and Scripture Readings