The Season of Lent

Quite thankful I am for each of the churches I have attended throughout my life.  For today - one of them holds a unique place in my heart.

This church provided us a home while we were transitioning from PK Lake to Graham.  My sons sang int he children's choir, went to camps, participated in confirmation classes, and we enjoyed a delightful Sunday school class and serving on committees for finance and education.

It was here that I learned of Lent.  As Ann Voskamp wrote this week about her faith, our faith community doesn't practice Lent.  I can say the same - the places I attended before and the place I attend now - they do not practice lent.

However - I practice Lent and I am thankful for those "open heart, open minds, open doors" who taught me about this unique opportunity to experience more of this Jesus that I long to serve.

Perhaps your faith community practices - perhaps it doesn't but I would suspect we could all use a bit of time to reflect upon the sacrifice, life, burial, and resurrection of this we serve.

This might be a bit unorthodox and I certainly do not mean to be disrespectful.  I am creating my Lent Journey which is much like the journey taken so far through life and through each of those faith communities.

Want to join me?  I would love to hear your thoughts - I would love for us to spend these 40 days reflecting and remembering His sacrifice, His life, His burial, and His resurrection.

Lent thoughts for the ones like me who never knew:

*40 days prior to Easter (does not include Sundays)
*Not specifically mentioned in the Bible
*Time of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline
*The purpose is to reflect upon Jesus Christ - his sacrifice, his life, burial & resurrection.

I shared this Lent Journey with my CoffeeRoomGirls - here are a few details

February 13 - 23 Focus on Jesus' sacrifice
February 25 - March 7 Focus on Jesus' life
March 8 - March 19 Focus on Jesus' burial
March 20 - March 30 Focus on Jesus' resurrection

My plan includes photo journaling the focus, searching the scriptures for passages about the focus, prayer & thanksgiving.  

For me I am going to "give up" worrying about my children (or those dear to me) - when I begin to worry I am going to read my Note Cards of Affirmations.  

Daily I will exercise to know Him better.


Join me if you like!  Email me and let's journey together - grace4greta@gmail.com

Note Cards with Scripture Affirmations

Our Thankful marker board in our kitchen

When I think of the sacrifices I make - it only reminds me of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for me!

Always, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Thinking of Heroes....

Hero must have been on the minds of many this weekend.  Son One posted a picture with his grandad and referenced heroes.

My dad with Son One.  I love this picture - my dad just looks so happy.  Son One is his oldest grandson.  The memories they have are just amazing.

This thought of heroes is a fun one to think of - it is even fun to think about heroes being famous people - athletes - movie stars - and a whole host of others.  I am not so sure that I have ever thought who my heroes might be.  But like Son One - I would probably go with people like my dad, my mom - several of Kerry's family too - mostly people that to me are "real".  

And I guess if I had to really search my heart - I might say Jesus.  And after a weekend experience I will always say that - Yes - Jesus is my hero.

he·ro  

/ˈhi(ə)rō/

Noun A person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities.

We were at my favorite car dealership.  I have bought 4 cars with this group of people.  They are so easy to work with - and it is not the typical car buying experience.  I still remember the first time I was there.  We were on our way to a football game in Arlington - the second time with my sister in law during one of the PK Fires - the third time was this past fall - and this past weekend I went so that we could find a car for my mom.

This was the view we had when we could hear her conversations with the salesperson.  We heard everything - quiet she wasn't.  And that salesman made a million trips to and from trying to make the deal she wanted.  At one point she said something about "Uncle Charles" - then she mentioned that  "Uncle Charles" was not really her uncle.  The salesman said...well Jesus.

I could stop right there and many of us would be bothered by the slang reference to Jesus when he in fact wasn't truly referring to Jesus.  However it got much worse for me....

She said....

Let's don't bring him (Jesus) into it....He (Uncle Charles) has been more of a hero today than Jesus ever will be.



Tears immediately.

Every prayer since then - I have included her.

Absolutely breaks my heart.

As we drove that car for my mom today - on the radio was this song....

Your Love Never Fails


Thankful.... His love - never fails. And that same love that I know - that I have every day with me is the same love that will welcome her.



Always, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.