Spring is coming

The first day of Spring is March 20th. We’ve been slowing down through winter. Learning to let go of running, going, doing a million and one things. I hope you have rested.

Something Lovely

This year, I don’t feel that same get up and go feeling when the first rise of temperature goes above 35 degrees. This is normally called Springs cleaning. I am allowing myself to slowly come up through the dark ground and cold days of winter. I will go when spring comes.

I did buy myself some photo boxes. I am getting rid of all the bags, envelopes, and oddball booklets I have pictures in and putting all the photos in the photo boxes.

Tiny organizer moments work for me.

Lent is coming

You can join me over at Substack for that series – I will be sharing my thoughts on the series and event happening as our church family joins together in Lent this year, and I also will be reading and sharing through a devotional called The Hardest Part by Kate Bowler. 

The Elements of Lent

Lent is a time set apart to fast and pray. Its focus is often repentance and renewal in the faith. What are the different elements of lent?

PRAYER:

Lent is meant to reset us to a routine of daily bible reading and prayer. This focus on prayer encourages us to draw close to God.

FASTING:

Fasting – the word fast is from the Hebrew word that means to cover the mouth. Fasting then is to stop food from entering your mouth for a time to seek, pray, and speak with the Lord.

But when you fast, put oil on your head [as you normally would to groom your hair] and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by people, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:17-18 AMP

Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food.

Dallas Willard

We are called to fast. When to do that depends on the circumstances. But overall fasting from food for 24-72 hours is a normal timeframe and fasting gives us the sensitivity to hear the Lord. But Lent in 40 days. So, we fast a meal a day, or week, or if the Lord leads, we fast social media, TV, sugar, coffee, or some other thing that draws your attention.

• We become sensitive to His voice like a sheep hears its master. (John 10:4)
• Our prayer increases in power. (Mark 9:29)
• Invites divine protection. (Esther 4:16)
• Able to overcome temptations. (Matthew 26:41)
• Deliverance from things that bind us (Isaiah 58:6)
• Clears away impurities and things that are toxic to us. (Daniel 1:15)
• Resets us to have new desire for God and spiritual. (Colossians 3:2)

ALMSGIVING:

Serving others in some way. Whether it is praying for people, calling the lonely, giving of money, helping in a soup kitchen, or even lend a hand to a neighbor. Intentional servanthood reorients our lives away from our selfish tendencies.

This journey of self-examination often reveals areas needing improvement, inviting individuals to confront weaknesses, biases, or distractions that may impede their faith journey. ¹1

Birthday Vibes

He turned 17 today. I took this photo because it was the first time he stood to play the electric guitar at church. He has been sitting behind that music stand since he started on the team. It was so good.

He is strong, talented, kind, tenacious, intense, independent, capable, determined, hardworking, I am so proud of the young man he is.

Song

For several days when I sat down to write I would take a little time to see if there was a song that would catch my ear. This one did. It was the first song I sat and let play to completion. Its real, raw, and a good reminder to me to pray for my Husband, Sons, and Son in Law.

Again, You can join me over at Substack for the series on Lent.

Thanks for Listening,

Starla