Jesus is King

Merry Christmas, everyone!  May the Lord bless you and yours throughout the years.

Lent - To Observe or Not To Observe

The season of Lent began yesterday.

From About.com:

What is Lent?

The Christian Season of Lent

By Mary Fairchild

Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting,repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

Not all Christian churches observe Lent. Lent is mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist,Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Orthodox Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday (called Clean Monday) and Ash Wednesday is not observed.

The Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.

Since the Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, it would appear that this is a man-made observance.

I think reflection on Jesus’ suffering, sacrifice and resurrection makes sense; however, I wonder if a man-made prescription is necessary to do this.  Reflecting on our Lord and Saviour and the mercy and grace we receive from Him should be thought of more often that just 40 days before Easter.

Life is Good

Our Women’s ministry at church is kicking off a 12 week Beth Moore study on the Book of Daniel this evening. My small group tackled the Book of Daniel last year; however, a few of us are going to partake of this study to get another perspective. I am looking forward to it.

I just have to share my new favorite shoes: Merrell-Barefoot. I got them on a recent trip down to visit my dad and his wife :~) They are extremely comfortable and I love the color!

This weekend is the MS Walk in our area. I thank all my sponsors ~ I met my goal; yay! I am praying for little or no wind on Sunday as it will be my first ‘official’ walk wearing a skirt. Of course, I walk all the time; this will just be a bit different.

Praises to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

AWESOME

My devotional this morning had me stopping and really thinking of the “little” things we normally don’t think about. The verse is “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The corresponding thoughts: “Consider the delicate balance in the following ordinary occurrences that affect our daily lives: Hurtling through space at an average speed of 18.4 miles per second, Earth is constantly changing its position with the sun. Not only is the earth orbiting around the sun, but it’s also steadily rotating at 1,070 miles per hour. Each day, as Earth stays on her prescribed path, gravity continues to hold us to the ground, adequate fresh water exists, our hearts beat, our muscles move, our brains think, our cars continue down the road, we smile and the sun shines. God has made all these miracles and sustains them, each moment of every day! We have countless reasons to thank God for holding all things in his divine balance. Apart from God, we really can do nothing. Jesus says that when we stay connected to him in our daily lives, we will receive his power. Today, let the God who runs the universe and sustains each heartbeat connect with your life. Tap into the life that Jesus gives!”~Jennifer King

When I think of some of the things mentioned above, it stops me in my tracks. Yes, I know that ‘God is bigger than the universe’ and I truly believe that He is the Creator and Lord of my life; however, I usually go through my day not thinking about breathing, walking, talking…

Praise God!

Here is a quote from my daily devotions that “spoke” to me:

“Practically speaking, light shines most effectively through joyful lives. True, lasting joy comes from hope and peace found in a rich relationship with Jesus. Joy radiates from a sincere heart and illuminates our surrounding world, often with no words spoken.”

Joy doesn’t have much to do with stuff, feelings, others. We need to remember the true meaning of Joy :-) As with any relationship, we need to work at ours with Christ. The deeper into the relationship we are, I’m guessing we will have more joy!