Reading for Lent

The season of lent is nearly upon us. 

Lent is the 40 days preceeding Easter. It begins Wednesday, February 22.    

Christians use this time to fast, pray, confess, and give to others as a means of a type of spiritual tune-up.  It is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal.  The lenten season is highly varied across denominations and across individuals.  Some Christians adhere to all the elements of lent, others may decide to give up something they treasure during this time, and still others may not outwardly manifest any lenten behaviors.  Christians become closer to God in anticipation of Easter.

To help, Bible Gateway has three easter - devotional newsletters you can sign up to have emailed to you. 
One is for reading through the gospels during lent.  This one is sent daily.
One is Lent Devotions with scripture readings and various devotional thoughts.  This one is sent a few tiems a week.
The last one is specific to the Story of Jesus - His life and ministry.  This is sent daily. 

You can sign up at Bible Gateway  for all three or just one or two.  It is up to you.

During this season, I am going to be reading the gospels again. 

What will you do during this time to prepare for Easter ?  

Feeling Old

My birthday was a few weeks ago. 
I didn't hit a milestone birthday, that was last year.  It's been a tough year with lots of changes that have nothing really to do with age.  I just didn't think I would have to be in this place making these changes.

Through tough times, though,  you grow.  Like the saying says, "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger."    Well, sometimes I wonder if I am on the stronger end or the killed end.   Every day is another opportunity to find out! 

So, it was my birthday and it was lovely.   The people who care about me let me know that they appreciate me and recognized my special day.  I felt good - I felt young and lively -- the world at my feet.  Anything is possible!  

Then I got this in the mail:



PSsshhshhh.......  What's that you say?   That's the air being let out of my lively, young step.   I feel old.  Officially. 

New song by Crossing Music

 
Crossing Music has three new songs out.  This one is He Holds All Things.  This and their other music is available at http://www.crossingsongs.com/
 
He Holds All Things (lyrics)
Who has known the mind of God, been His counselor?

Who has giv'n a gift to God that He might be repaid?
From Him, to Him, His glory is sustained.
Through Him, for Him, all things are made.

Your hands were first to hang the stars, to plan creation's path.
Every angel, every king, Your sovereign hand has cast.
From Him, to Him, our universe sustained.
Through Him, for Him, all things are made.

From kingdom dark to kingdom's light, Your blood has made a way.
The death of sin and hope of life, Your mighty cross proclaims.
From Him, to Him, salvation is sustained.
Through Him, for Him, all things remade.

He holds all things together.
He holds all things together.
You work all things together.

(You made all things, You made all things.)

(You hold all things, You hold all things.)

You hold our world together.
You hold my life together.

(You work all things for our good.)
(You work all things for those You love.)

You brought peace by the blood of Your cross!