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!

Birthday Snow!

 When I was a little girl I had a prediction about the weather.  If we did not have a white Christmas, then I forecast that I would get a white birthday.  This was reasonable because my birthday is in January. Oftentimes it held true. One or the other (or both) always had snow.

This year the weather has been very mild.  Christmas was balmy.  January has had several days reaching near 60 degrees.   The other night , the weather person on TV said that this year, with a mere two inches of snowfall this season, it is the 3rd least amount of snow EVER recorded for our area since they have been keeping track.   I suppose it is making up for last year when we had a total of 45 inches of snow, making it one of our snowiest.

So imagine my delight when I wake up this morning -- my birthday -- to find -- SNOW!!
Not much...but it is snow.  Somehow it makes me happy. 
It will be fleeting - the sun will soon warm the day and melt the snow away.  But for now I will choose to believe that the snow is a birthday present to me.  Perhaps my parents convinced Mother Nature to send this gift to let me know they are watching over me and to wish me a Happy Birthday.

Hooray for Birthday Snow!

   

"It's White....It's Cold...."

"It's white... it's cold...you can lay down in it and make angels..."

The first snow of the year fell a couple weeks ago. My grandson excitedly took on his role as "big brother extraordinaire" as he explained to his 2 1/2 month old sister all about this new stuff. 

His expression is priceless!  She is so lucky to have a big brother who will make sure she understands all the things in life that are new and/or confusing. 

Adversity - Our attitude is key

Black Friday is not for me

The day after Thanksgiving.  You know what that means.....Black Friday.  Here are my reasons for not participating in this cultural event.

1. Long lines - I heard one local store had a line of 1700 people waiting this morning. Crazy!
2. Lack of sleep - Why would I want to wake up in the middle of the night to go shopping?
3. Crowds - So many people, too much to do, not enough merchandise - enough said.
4. Shopping in general - I have never been a "shopper" why start now?
5. Crazy-  I just have to wonder what the US looks like to the rest of the world.  I think we're crazy when I see the reports on the news.  I dont need any help on being embarrassed on my own.
6. No Christmas list - To be successful on Black Friday you must have a Christmas list.  My list is never ready by Thanksgiving Day.
7. Sale anger - Whenever I see sales, I always have to wonder about the time I bought things at full price.  Usually it is the week before something goes on sale.  It makes me angry to think of all the money I really didn't need to pay.
8. Stuffed recovery - I am still recovering from too much food on Thanksgiving to navigate crowded aisles.
9. Budget constraints -  Black Friday = shopping cart full of items = $$$
10. Plan B -  For those like me who choose to skip Black Friday, there is always Cyber Monday!

 Did you make a purchase on Black Friday?