My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

Saturday morning I wrote about this journey.  It is now Sunday evening, and I have had some time to reflect.  I have had some time to think about what my counselor said, as well as review my OolaPlan.  Here's what I've discovered.

It's not that I don't have enough time that is the problem; it is time management.  I have taken some very key steps to working toward my goal.  So, let me share.

First of all, I took my counselor's advice and exercised for a very limited amount of time -- about 20 minutes each day.  It is not a lot but it is better than not moving at all.  It is progress. I slept really well for the first time in months.  A much-needed 11 hours, and it was a glorious sleep!  Yes, it's a lot but considering I spend most of my life in a sleep-deprived stupor, I do allow myself that luxury on the week-ends.  Oh, and it wasn't I slept until noon, either.  I woke up at 8:00 a.m.  I just fell asleep exceptionally early.

I did my grocery shopping yesterday instead of today.  It is a change.  It also forced me to plan out my meals in advance; all of our dinners for the week.   I have lots of fruits and veggies to snack on, which will be sliced up tonight and ready to go.

Cooking for the entire week is an afternoon-into- evening project. I must confess, it is not particularly fun.  But while waiting on various things, such as the charcoal in the BBQ pit to light, I went for a walk.  All of this is being done in an effort to ward off careless eating habits, which I have gotten into over the past year.   During the week, I come home dead tired and late, so as far as I can tell, this is the only way I am going to be able to have a decent meal.  So, I have prepared my salad, low-cal beef stew, spinach stuffed shells, and cooked up two types of chicken. I have frozen fish filets in the freezer which literally take minutes to cook and egg beaters for when I'm in a real pinch.  All of this food will be packed into storage containers so they can be microwaved in minutes.  Tastier and certainly far healthier than what is in the frozen food aisle.

Yes, this is all just baby steps but for me it's more like, giant steps.  Mother-may-I kind of steps (those of you from the 60's will understand that reference).  Today I ran for the first time in -- oh say, 20 or more years?  I have been feeling in my spirit like I want to run -- even able to envision it, but lacking the courage to do it.  Today, I did it.  It was about 3 blocks. (and no, it didn't take me 20 minutes to do it -- I also walked intermittently!)    Not a lot but certainly more than I dreamt I could muster. 

I'm ever the work in progress.  I am starting to feel good about me.  Las Vegas is very much about the exterior.  I've got my inner groove going, now it's time for the outer.  I'm just at the very beginning of my journey but I believe it will be a good ride.

So for those of you who don't believe it can be done, hang with me.  Let's prove our inner naysayers wrong.  Join me on this journey.  I am sure there will be slip-ups but also, some very good successes.  And let's face it, if I can do it?  Anyone can!

Moving Forward: Forgiveness



"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."  Matthew 6:14

March 21st marked the one year anniversary of my divorce.  I have sort of been a mess this week-end; crying intermittently.  I'm not sure why.  I am happy with my life.  According to people I know, I look better than I ever did.  So, why do I feel the way I do? 

Divorce is hard.  It is not for the faint of heart.  God sets out some very stringent guidelines for a divorce to take place.  Either one of the partners steps out in adultery or a non-believer walks away.   That's it.  My marriage met the criteria but still, there is a sense of loss. 

Most people who I saw and told about the anniversary "high-fived" me on Friday.  Congratulations were to be given.  I had survived that crucial first year.  I went on a date; didn't realize it was the anniversary of my divorce when I set it up but there it was.  It was an OK date.  Found myself shedding a tear or two during the movie, "God's not Dead".  Not sure if it was necessarily the movie or just me.  I tend to think it was me 

Part of this process of moving forward has been to forgive my ex.  It's hard to do.  I know that I have forgiven much but so hard to forget.  I overanalyze by nature.  I don't understand the things that went on in our marriage.  I want to.  I don't understand how I could have stayed so long.  I want to.  I don't understand how I even ended up where I am today.  I want to.

I do know that forgiveness is the key to a new life   Jesus tells us to forgive.  He forgave those who mocked and tortured him.  He is our example.  It took me a long time to figure out that in order to heal we have to forgive.  I came to this realization about 20 years ago.  Healing takes time.  Forgiveness takes time.  It is possible to survive but you have to read Scripture and understand the power of forgiveness.  We don't forgive the person who has done wrong for them; rather we forgive them for us.  The power of forgiveness sets us free. 

As I pray tonight and continue to ask for God's healing of my heart and forgiveness of others, I also will ask that they too will forgive me.  I know I am not blameless.  I accept responsibility for my part in the ending of this marriage.  I have been given a fresh start.  It is because of God's forgiveness that I am able to move forward.  I am not who I was 32 years ago.  Nowhere close to that person.  It is because of Christ that I am who I am today; forgiven and free.

All things Oola

Well as I continue on this crazy journey called life, I am learning more and more about Oola.  One of the biggest things that Oola proposes is to be grateful for both the good and the bad in your life.  Sort of has the ring of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 

After re-reading this morning's blog and shedding a few tears, I decided to make a list of all the things I am grateful for; mind you, this is not comprehensive but it is a good start.  I am organizing by the 7 F's of Oola -- Faith, Family, Friends, Field, Fitness, Finance and Fun. 

Faith:
I am grateful for the freedom to worship as I please.
I am grateful for the freedom to not be persecuted for my religious practices.
I am grateful for my home church, my pastors and my church family.
I am grateful for the Bible.
I am grateful for God's peace that surrounds me.

Family:
I am grateful for my children and grandchildren.
I am grateful that they love me unconditionally.
I am grateful that they miss me when I am not around.
I am grateful that God has allowed tremendous joy and memories through them.

Friends:
I am grateful for my best friend of over 50 years.
I am grateful for my friends in St. Louis.
I am grateful for my friends in Las Vegas.
I am grateful for my friends in Kuwait.
I am grateful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people on social media.
I am grateful that all have been chosen by God to be in my life for a very specific purpose.

Field:
I am grateful that I not one job but two.
I am grateful that I love both jobs.
I am grateful that I get to use my creativity to perform in my job.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with special children.
I am grateful that I have discovered my love of writing.
I am grateful that God's hand is always on the work that I do; whether teaching or writing.

Fitness:
I am grateful that I am physically able to exercise.
I am grateful I have enough to eat.
I am grateful for the wonderful weather in Las Vegas, making exercise possible nearly everyday.
I am grateful that I have people who want to encourage me.
I am grateful that God gave me patience, perseverance and an indomitable spirit.

Finance:
I am grateful to have enough money to pay my bills.
I am grateful to have enough money to put food on the table.
I am grateful to have the necessities in life.
I am grateful that my retirement is growing each and every day I step into work.
I am grateful God gave me the wherewithal to be a survivor.

Fun:
I am grateful that my requirements for fun are very low maintenance.
I am grateful that fun exists in this world.
I am grateful that I have friends who are fun.
I am grateful for people who want to see me have fun.
I am grateful God taught me how important it is to have fun again.

So as I continue on this journey, I am grateful God allows to wake up each and every day and walk down this path.  It has been filled with ups and downs but blessed, each and every step of the way.  Even though it is my life, I am grateful that God allows me free will to live it out according to His plan and purpose.  I am grateful for God.   I am grateful for it all.

My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

I must confess, this morning I was having some real trepidation about writing on this subject.  I have been nothing but honest in my blogs and that includes today.  I have had several false starts on this journey.  Some would say setbacks.  It's more than that -- it's deeply rooted in childhood and fiercely difficult to conquer.

I see a Christian counselor.  He is, in my opinion, worth every penny  I have spent so far.  I am seeing him because of issues I struggle with regarding self-worth and self-esteem.  Last week, he asked me to make a list of how I think God sees me.  I took it one step further.  I made a mental list of how I see myself.  Strangely enough, the God list and my list were identical.  So where, you might ask, do I struggle with these issues?  It is my physical self.

You see, growing up, I was never quite pretty enough or thin enough in my father's eyes.  He was a man that demanded perfection and had his own ideals of what made a woman beautiful.  I did not meet that standard.  Apparently, a father is crucial to building a daughter's self-esteem.  My father, although well-intentioned I believe, belittled my weight and my looks; specifically, my hair.  I certainly wasn't born with hair this curly, so why was I wearing it that way?  If my weight was up a bit, he commented in biting ways; ways that when I repeat his words to my counselor, make me cringe.   Sometimes, I cannot even look at him as I say them.   I cannot imagine ever saying to my children the things he said to me.  My father was not a harsh man, just opinionated and outspoken.  And so, as a result, I do not like the exterior.  My interior is, in my opinion, far more beautiful than the exterior.  Therein lies my struggle.

My weight is not anywhere near where I want it.  Yet, I confided to my therapist that even when I was at my thinnest and most physically fit, it wasn't enough.  I asked him -- what is that magic number?  At 105 pounds, I felt and saw myself as fat and unattractive.  What, for me, is enough?   This is the heart of my problem. 

Also, I struggle with the side-effects that most abuse victims do -- they hide behind something.  For me, it's my weight.  When I lost weight after my divorce, men began to notice me in a huge way.  Complements, propositions and sexual innuendo;  things that I am not comfortable with.  I believe this also had a lot to do with my returning to my old ways of eating.  If you are not attractive, you blend in with the scenery -- don't draw attention to yourself.  It also helps you avoid coming up with excuses as to why your faith takes precedence over your physical desires. 

In the months leading up to my divorce and post-divorce, I wasn't eating -- on a good day, 700 calories.  This is not sustainable.  I knew that and yet, liked that feeling of being in such incredible control of myself.  Was I setting myself up for failure -- most definitely. 

However, being blessed with the brains God gave me, I know my weight and physical fitness levels are not healthy.  I know that I should love myself enough to do this for me.  The question is, do I?

My counselor asked me to come up with a plan this week for reaching my goals. I already have a plan. Yet, his is tweaking mine a bit.  For fitness, he asked me to walk 10 min/day.  I never saw that coming -- I've always started with 30-45 minutes.  However, 10 minutes, I can manage.  Despite my lack of time, 10 minutes is something I can do.  He also asked me to purge my cabinets and fridge of all unhealthy stuff except a couple of low calorie treats -- done. Later today, I am  purchasing some dishes that I can freeze  and store food in for the week.  I will also be grocery shopping and cooking for the week.  My steel-cut oats are finished.  Salads and fruits will be readily available and all pre-planned meals.  I will also take a walk later and enjoy the beautiful weather!

My personal goals as far as weight loss are to lose 5 pounds a month.  Very doable in my estimation.  What is the magic number?  I have no idea.  I have lived my life in clothes that range from a size 5 up to a size 20, and everywhere in between.  I do know that my past does not have to determine my future.  I can be the person I want to become.  Dream it, plan it, do it.  Very Oola.

Lent: A Season of Reflection

During the Lenten season, I usually go to church services every Wednesday night.  It is a time of blessing, as I reflect, draw nearer to God and leave all my burdens behind.  Last night, I did the same thing; only it wasn't in church, it was in an Italian restaurant off the Strip.

A friend of mine from grade school was in town.  Although I knew I was missing church and felt slightly guilty, I also knew that the opportunity to see her was rare; and I wanted to do that more than attend church; so, we met up for dinner.

We had an opportunity to talk -- really talk.  We had not seen each other for more than five years.  I didn't realize she didn't know the circumstances of my divorce and she did ask me about it; not to pry but just to see how I was doing.  I did what I usually did, and told the story -- the whole story.  The unabridged version.

When I finished, I felt God telling me, "Okay.  That's it.  You no longer need to tell your story."  You see, I have retold this same story countless times.   It no longer has emotion,  it is no longer cathartic.  It is just a story.  Yes, it is part of my life but it is in the past.  Retelling no longer serves the purpose it once did, which was to heal.  Now, it is just a recounting of my past.

I didn't have a rock last night -- I had a boulder that was chained to me and holding me back.  It is one that has pressed down on me for years.  I handed that one over to God.  He told me "It's time.  Let go of the past.  Redefine yourself.  You are no longer that person; you are new in Me." 

So, God now has my burden.  It was handed to him in that little Italian restaurant.  I found God in a "hole in the wall".  I also rediscovered friendship and bonding over a glass of wine and some  fabulous ziti.  

Lent continues to be a time of reflection and a communion with God.  It may not always be as we plan but rather, as He plans.  Each day is new.  We are new, as we continue to grown in Christ.  It was a blessed evening.  Thank you God for that time of renewal and friendship.  And most of all, thank you for taking away all of my burdens, for reminding me that I am no longer the person I was 32 years ago or even a year and a half ago.  Most of all, thank you for reminding me that you are bigger than the walls of a church. God is everywhere; we just have to know where to look.

Lent: A Season of Reflection

Last Wednesday night's Lenten service was beautiful.  As in the week prior, we were asked to take a rock as we entered the sanctuary.  I like my rock.  It is an oddly-shaped stone -- polished, dappled with hues of black, brown and white, with a gorgeous pattern of lines.  It is polished and smooth to the touch.  I caress it throughout the service.  I know what it is for.  It is to represent something that we wish to hand over to God.  I know that after communion we will leave it on the prayer rail, symbolizing that it is gone from our lives and handed over to God.

As the service begins, I contemplate what this rock will symbolize.  I handed over my anger the week before.  That actually worked really well, as I felt lighter after the service.  Yes, I had most certainly handed over that burden and it was truly with God.

The service was exceedingly meaningful. It always is -- it touches my heart and very spirit.  I love the way we have open communion -- anyone can receive it.  It is a gift from God, and one of the reasons I love the denomination that I am.

I continued to think about my rock.  Communion time was drawing near.  I truly was a blank slate.  What could I give to God?  Anger, gone.  Patience, I have.  Relationships?  Possibly.  The ushers were coming. I walked to the prayer rail and kneeled... and I prayed.  God, what is it I can give to you.  And from that, came my answer -- turn your entire life over to Me.  And so, I used that rock to symbolize my life and my obedience to His will.  I would turn over my entire life to Him.  And so I placed my beautiful rock on the rail -- and held out my hands to receive God's blessing.  I thanked Him for the gift of His Son and the salvation I receive because of His sacrifice.  I walked back to the pew -- at peace once more.  I know that I am in His perfect will. 

God is Alive and Well



I want to share what I hope is encouragement for those who are feeling discouraged; those who are struggling with life.  I have been there.  I still have my ups and downs, despite the fact that my divorce has been final for nearly a year.   Some days are harder than others and yet, I push through because I have my boys, who live with me.  I have my daughters, who although out of state, rely on me for advice and motherly love.  I have my grandchildren who, well frankly, need a grandma to love and spoil them, even if it is only once or twice a year.

This past week was not an easy one.  I had issues with my ex husband, issues with people I was dating, issues with students -- it seemed like it was just one thing after another.  Yet, there were also many blessings.

I was blessed by an audiologist who wrote off over $1000 on my bill, so that I could get much-needed hearing aids without paying anything out of pocket.  I did not ask for it; he offered.  Apparently, I have a genetic hearing problem; would explain why I didn't talk until I was four.  My hearing became so bad that I was struggling at work to hear my students.  I decided it was time.  My insurance covers $2000 toward a pair of hearing aides, which are terribly expensive.  I went with the cheapest ones; and yet, they were still unaffordable.  And yet, He made it so.

I made a new friend at DivorceCare; a woman who shares many commonalities with me.  More importantly, who was willing to stay late and pray with me on Monday night.  Her prayers were like music to my ears.  He put the Holy Spirit in her heart to pour out such incredible praises, requests and thanksgiving.

I called a student loan company in order to figure out how I am going to get out of debt from these student loans which seem to bind me to my ex-husband forever.  Divorce did not end that prison sentence; I am now shackled to him by financial issues and truly at his mercy as to whether or not he chooses to pay, despite court orders.  The man I spoke with was incredibly kind, and said he felt the Holy Spirit telling him to give me a one year deferment by phone.  He told me that he wanted that to be an encouragement to me.  He whispered to that man to give me hope.

I called a creditor yesterday.  After a year, I'm still trying to get on my feet and make things right.  They are allowing me to make payments that are about 2/3 lower than what they originally wanted.  He softened their hearts.

My accountant and his wife, who so generously gave me a large discount on my fees.  Again without my asking.  He whispered in their hearts that this is help I needed at this time.

A friend who will offer encouraging words and listen to me complain ad infinitum when I have a rough week -- without any judgment whatsoever.  Someone who listens and gives of his time willingly; and can make me smile even when I feel like crying.  He gave him a heart to inspire others.

How can I thank all these people who have so generously given their time and helped in ways that I cannot even fathom.  Words cannot even express the outpouring of my heart.  All I can do is say "thank you" and "God bless you" -- words that almost sound less than sincere; and yet, they're not.   More importantly, how can I even begin to express to others how much my faith means to me and how real He is?  That He is there -- watching over me ever so lovingly.  More so than anyone on this earth possibly could.  And yet, He whispers in their ears, their hearts, their minds -- He uses them as a connection to me.

This past year and a half has seen me on my knees more times than I care to count.  I have cried more during my divorce and after it,  than I have in the 52 years preceding it.  And yet, God is there

 I have no doubts.   He knows my pain.  He sends angels to lift me up -- encourage -- build me up in His holy name.  For those who doubt that God is there or that he doesn't exist....I encourage you to really pray about this -- even if you don't believe.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart; He will.

By the way, He's not just there for the bad times; He's also there for the good.  And yes, He provides me with many wondrous sights to behold.

My daughter had a baby yesterday -- my fifth grandchild.  Although a long and somewhat tense delivery from my end, mom and baby are doing well.  A healthy and beautiful baby girl.  He blessed me richly.

The students that I have been tutoring for nearly a year, are just now starting to trust.  They laugh and have a good time while getting their work done.  They have gone from all F's on their report cards to higher grades in 2-3 subjects.  He allowed me to see miraculous changes in these special children.

A child I was working with who struggles with reading.  I listened to him read -- really listened and realized it is not a reading problem but a speech problem.  God put me in that circumstance to point that out to his guardians.

The blind girl who danced at today's pep assembly when she heard the music; such rhythmic movements.  Even in blindness, there is joy.  Who but God can make us see -- really see -- the gift of  that child's spirit brought out by the sound of music?

People we've prayed for through the prayer team I serve on; God shows us miracles all the time.  People who have a poor prognosis will recover, baffling their doctors.  Marriages that are broken become healed.  People dealing with addictions break the cycle and are clean.  Abuse victims who are finally healed from their post traumatic stress disorder.  The list goes on.  He shows us not just the power of prayer but His healing power. 

He IS there.  He holds us -- through the arms of another.  When we struggle to walk on a rocky road,  He steadies us by sending someone who has walked down that very same path.  When we can't see through the tears, He wipes our eyes with prayers that others offer us, healing the pain in our hearts.  When we are in the very pit and it's dark and we can't see the light, He sends us a beacon of  hope;  Jesus. 

I write these words to offer comfort.  I know I had a rough week.  I also know that God continues to be in the midst.  Despite my week, today is a good day.  I saw the face of God and all His glory.  Knowing that offers me comfort.  It offers me hope.  I pray it offers you the same.  Be blessed by the knowledge that He is with you, wherever you are...

God's Not Dead:  http://youtu.be/CgTx8KOsRRw

Dear God

Dear God,

I've written many letters to you over the past few months, but this one is one of my more important ones.  I am sad today -- I am sad because I don't understand many things.  I am filled with confusion; granted not from you and yet, I know You have the answers I am seeking.

I have recently started to date.  No surprise to you.  God, I don't understand men -- I don't understand society -- I don't understand this great plan You have for us.  I meet wonderful men and then, at the end of the evening comes the question of sex.  No, they are not looking for now, but certainly before marriage.  I, on the other hand, choose to wait -- I choose to wait because I want to honor You.  You have brought me through so much that I feel I owe You that much.  I can't even say I owe "me" that much because I have been so beaten down over the years.  Yes, I want a pity party -- where's the hats and horn blowers?

It is not the time to date.  I am realizing that now -  as it is painful to explain myself over and over again over a casual dinner or coffee. It's as if I have to rationalize why I am making the choices that I am.   I guess I do -- to myself as well as to the men I'm seeing because frankly, I think sex is great -- probably the best part of creation itself.  And yet, you designed it under very specific circumstances; in order to prevent hurt. Yet, I'm feeling hurt and the sting of rejection.  Still, it is not the hurt I would feel if I were to give in and have 15 minutes of pleasure (and I'm being generous here!)

I guess I'm sad because I already feel hurt.  I feel rejection before I am even "out of the gate".   The men I see are nice, listening, caring people.  And yet, they are just that -- people.  They want more.  More than I am capable of giving.   More than I want to share.  Sharing the story of my life when they ask is pretty difficult but going beyond that and explaining why sex is off the map -- even more so.  They don't get it.  Or maybe they do, and that's why they back off -- because they know they are not wired in the way that I hope they would be.

 I know one day you will send someone to me.  Someone who will "get it".  The day when I am ready -- and when it comes, I will run into their arms and hold on tightly.  I know all things are according to Your plan and purpose  That you send all sorts of people into our lives and at different times in our lives.  I met an amazing man the other night and we shared an incredible chemistry.  And yet, the timing is all wrong.  I am sad that we have to say goodbye.  It is hard, no matter what the circumstance.  You made me this way; you made me in such a way that I overanalyze and want a reason for everything.  My mind needs this.  But You are who You are -- and you never promise we will ever understand; most likely, if we did, we would not be able to wrap our brains around it.  We simply do not think as you do.

So God, I thank you for this experience.  It has made me realize that I am not ready for a man in my life.  I am not ready to accept anymore pain at this time.  I've had enough.  I've lived through a lot and boy, another broken heart is more than I can withstand at this point in time.  Thank you for helping me understand why I cannot date at this time.  And thank you for sending wonderful men for me to meet.  I think we will remain friends but beyond that, well only You know what the future holds.
I praise Your holy name and ask you to hold all these gentlemen in the palm of Your hand, that one day they may understand where I am coming from - and even if they don't, that's okay as well.  Guide them in Your path.  You are the Alpha and Omega -- the Creator of all and I praise you now and forever,

Lisa

Lent: A Season of Reflection -- Ash Wednesday

Wednesday marked the start of the Lenten season.  It was the celebration of Ash Wednesday.  I started my day with some ups and downs.  I had been looking forward to it for a few weeks and yet, I was having a bad day;  anger at my ex-husband; I'm sure Satan was having a field day. So, I did what any Christian might do in that circumstance, and that was to reach out to other Christians and ask for prayer.

The prayers came in.  And as I was waiting on them, I began to reflect.  I had also found a Facebook post about fasting.  It talked about how fasting could be fasting from guilt, anger and other negative emotions.  It does not have to be a fast from food or as I had planned, social media.

And so, I made the decision to fast from anger.  Anger at my ex-husband and to work toward complete healing and forgiveness.  It is time -- I need to let some things go.  I need to move forward and let the past remain in the past.  No more anger, as it can take root and go from anger to bitterness.  That's the last thing in the world I wish to be is a bitter divorcee.

The remainder of the day was fairly harried.  I was on the go from 6:30 AM until I went to church, which was 6:15 PM.  In fact, I thought I might be late but thankfully, I wasn't.  We were to take a rock from a basket.  I went in -- seated near the front, which makes me a bit uncomfortable, but the church was pretty packed. 

The service was beautiful.  Peaceful.  The troubles of the day faded quickly as I got into the quiet mode of worshipping our God.  It was a communion service.  As we prepared for communion, the pastor motioned to me.  I went to see what he needed and he asked if I could man one of the communion stations.  It was the one with wafers and grape juice, directly in front of the center aisle.  I was more than happy to oblige.  I love to be part of the worship service -- it is always special.

Both pastors were in front of me putting ashes on each congregant's forehead as they came down that very aisle, where I was asked to stand.  First the children, then everyone else.  I watched as I saw the amazement on the children's faces.  I remember one year, a little girl asked me if it hurt.  I'm sure that's what some children were thinking.  The pastors ever so gently and lovingly placed the ashes on each person's forehead or gave a blessing, if the person did not want the ashes applied.  I looked at those faces of everyone.  I felt incredibly close to God to witness from that perspective.  For a moment, I think I must have known what it felt like to actually be a pastor and what a blessed experience!

After everyone had gone, I finally was able to receive the ashes  and take communion.  Later, my pastor said he knew that my helping would interrupt my communion time but also, he knew I would be blessed by the experience.  I was indeed.

As for the rocks, those were symbolic of our burdens.  We were to leave them at the prayer rail.  Mine symbolized my anger.  I left it up there with all the burdens of the others. 

It's been two days since that service.  I still feel an incredible peace in my spirit.  God blessed me greatly by allowing me the opportunity to witness Ash Wednesday from a completely unexpected viewpoint.  Despite the challenges that may come our way, God continues to show Himself to me.  It is a peace I revel in; it is His grace at work.

About Lent:  "Lent is a season of sacrifice and moving towards the cross with Christ; it is also a time of celebrating God's miraculous grace and everlasting love.  More than anything, Lent is a season of preparation and practice.  We prepare for Christ's death and resurrection, and we practice our discipleship through faith, through community, through prayer, and through sharing our experiences with one another."  (from the Green Valley UMC church bulletin 3/5/14)

Lent: A Season of Reflection

 

 

 

March 5 is Ash Wednesday, signaling the beginning of Lent.  It is a time of preparation for Easter.  In many Christian traditions, it signals a time of growing even closer to our Lord. This may be done by fasting, as a means of sacrifice, as Jesus sacrificed himself for us.  For myself, I generally fast some sort of social media because it takes my focus away from God.  I do this voluntarily; not because it is mandated by my church.  There are many distractions in life and somehow, thinking about Jesus nailed on the cross while I am perusing a dating website, just doesn't seem like the right thing to do.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays, leading up to Easter. 

 

It is my intent, to bring you a series of blogs that have to do with the Lenten season.  It may be devotionals or a full blown article; however, the Holy Spirit moves me.  May this be a time of reflection and growth in your faith as you draw nearer to Christ. 

 

"...This is what is written:  The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."  Luke 24:46-47