Ash Wednesday is not usually thought of as a blissful holiday, I know. But this year, I have already found some bliss this day and hope that it continues throughout the Lenten season. I have found bliss in the reminders that Ash Wednesday offers to me: of Christ's suffering so that I could live...of God's love that frees me from all bonds...of God's faithfulness and peace that he offers me so freely...of Christ's determination to triumph over evil.
Over the years, I have gone back and forth with "giving up" something during Lent. Some years it feels like the right thing to do and other years it does not. A family joke every year growing up was my grandfather always giving up watermelon and cigarettes; well, watermelon wasn't in season and he didn't smoke, so his Lenten fast was easy for him!
I have given up desserts, sodas, sugar, snacks...all of these were good reminders of the sacrifice I should be making for Christ, but they were not extremely meaningful. A couple of years, I added things to my daily routine instead of giving something up. I added daily prayer time and devotions, Bible readings, meditation. These were a much deeper thing for me and I really enjoyed it.
Last year, a friend in my Sunday School class told me about a Lent Calendar that she was using during her 40 day focus on God. This calendar had a different suggestion for you to follow every day during the season and there were some interesting additions and subtractions to your daily routine! The Lent Calendar is created each year by Mars Hill Church, the home church of one of my all-time favorite writers and preachers in our modern age: Rob Bell. I half-heartedly followed the calendar last year, but this year I am focused and ready. I have a copy of the Lent Experiential Calendar on my desk at work and in my kitchen at home so that I have no excuse to forget to read it daily!
If you'd like an idea of some things on the calendar:
Today's suggestion is to have an ash cross put on your forehead. (I should be able to do this tonight at our worship service at church...day one: done.) Tomorrow's suggestion is to write a prayer to God explaining the habits, behaviors, and sins you want to die to this Lenten season.
If you would like to download and print the calendar for your own use, just click here.
Have a blessed Ash Wednesday and a deep, meaningful Lenten season. I hope that you find bliss in it!
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Today's Bliss: Energy
It has been a while since I last posted anything here; the winter blahs have been in full force for me lately. I have also had some stress at work and it has overwhelmed my ability to think clearly and feel at ease in my office. But today was different. Today, I felt energized, motivated, ready to face the day with gusto! Today I greeted the day with a new sense of confidence and readiness to face whatever came my way. It was a good day, especially considering it was a Monday!
As a look back at my day and ask why I felt so renewed, the only answers are: rest and God. This weekend was incredibly restful and relaxing at our house. With little on the agenda, I had time to catch up on some things, accomplish looming tasks, and enjoy time with N. This was complimented by yesterday's church service, which was a very refreshing time. The service began with all of us making a list of things that we wanted to get from the service. I noted: comfort, peace, direction. These pieces of paper were then collected and placed on the altar. Taking time to really think about what I needed from the service was powerful and it really helped the experience be a meaningful one.
Another major highlight of the service was the music. We had a choir visiting from Boston and they had some soul. They moved me with their spirit, energy, and ability to communicate faith through song. I clapped, swayed, and rejoiced with them! The sermon was good also, a reminder of the light that we are called to shine in every corner of the world that we live in. A reminder to be what we are called to be: a shining example of God's love. One of the most powerful parts of the sermon was the gentle reminder that every single person we encounter has God's light inside them...whether they know it or not, whether it is obvious or not, it is there and we are called to help bring that light out so that it can shine in the universe also.
When I left the service, I felt that I definitely received all of the things that I listed on my paper at the beginning of the service. And I was reminded of my very favorite scripture verse. One that I have tried to live every day (even though I frequently do not succeed as much as I wish I could).
Philippians 2:14-18
Do everything without arguing or complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
The feeling of peace that I felt after the church service was still with me today. Praise God! And I pray that it will be with me tomorrow...and the next day...and I pray that others around me will have the energy and peace to faithfully face the day before them as well.
We are all called to be bright lights in this world. I hope you will help me shine like a star. I'll try to help you, too.
As a look back at my day and ask why I felt so renewed, the only answers are: rest and God. This weekend was incredibly restful and relaxing at our house. With little on the agenda, I had time to catch up on some things, accomplish looming tasks, and enjoy time with N. This was complimented by yesterday's church service, which was a very refreshing time. The service began with all of us making a list of things that we wanted to get from the service. I noted: comfort, peace, direction. These pieces of paper were then collected and placed on the altar. Taking time to really think about what I needed from the service was powerful and it really helped the experience be a meaningful one.
Another major highlight of the service was the music. We had a choir visiting from Boston and they had some soul. They moved me with their spirit, energy, and ability to communicate faith through song. I clapped, swayed, and rejoiced with them! The sermon was good also, a reminder of the light that we are called to shine in every corner of the world that we live in. A reminder to be what we are called to be: a shining example of God's love. One of the most powerful parts of the sermon was the gentle reminder that every single person we encounter has God's light inside them...whether they know it or not, whether it is obvious or not, it is there and we are called to help bring that light out so that it can shine in the universe also.
When I left the service, I felt that I definitely received all of the things that I listed on my paper at the beginning of the service. And I was reminded of my very favorite scripture verse. One that I have tried to live every day (even though I frequently do not succeed as much as I wish I could).
Philippians 2:14-18
Do everything without arguing or complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
The feeling of peace that I felt after the church service was still with me today. Praise God! And I pray that it will be with me tomorrow...and the next day...and I pray that others around me will have the energy and peace to faithfully face the day before them as well.
We are all called to be bright lights in this world. I hope you will help me shine like a star. I'll try to help you, too.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Today's Bliss: Service
Our church is a weekly site of feeding, housing, healing, and entertaining for homeless men. Every Friday night a diverse group of twelve men enter our doors for a hot meal, a warm bed, some friendly conversation, a movie marathon, and a dose of love. N and I are regular helpers for the ministry, lending a hand when we are able. Last night we had the unique experience of serving alongside my parents. They joined us for the evening, helping to feed the men...then N and my Dad stayed the night with the men as hosts. It was a very uplifting experience and it made me feel like we were doing something right.
Hearing one of the stories that was shared during the evening made me remember that the pain we all carry is a burden, challenging us to focus on love, focus on forgiveness, and focus on the light that Jesus is for us all. Some people have stories that really make you stop and think: how did you overcome all that you have had in your path? I look at my blessed, blissful life and I am so grateful for a wonderful family. For parents to serve alongside. For love that I have never had to beg for or earn. Struggling, hurting people are everywhere and something as simple as a backpack for a homeless man that needs some help carrying his few belongings can make a huge difference in his life.
One of the main things that we see Jesus do throughout the New Testament is serve. He heals, teaches, guides, provides, and helps all of the people who need it. He was never worried about himself; only others. His ultimate act of service was dying so that we could live. So that we can live and help people who need it. So that we can show love to the hurting, suffering people that he has placed in our path. Acts big and small can change the world and can help people see that even in the darkest day there is hope. There is a Father who can save them and heal their hurting hearts. There are people who care about them and want them to succeed. There are places to turn to for help.
God has gently reminded me of a way to truly find bliss. Love your neighbor (Luke 10:27) and serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13).
Hearing one of the stories that was shared during the evening made me remember that the pain we all carry is a burden, challenging us to focus on love, focus on forgiveness, and focus on the light that Jesus is for us all. Some people have stories that really make you stop and think: how did you overcome all that you have had in your path? I look at my blessed, blissful life and I am so grateful for a wonderful family. For parents to serve alongside. For love that I have never had to beg for or earn. Struggling, hurting people are everywhere and something as simple as a backpack for a homeless man that needs some help carrying his few belongings can make a huge difference in his life.
One of the main things that we see Jesus do throughout the New Testament is serve. He heals, teaches, guides, provides, and helps all of the people who need it. He was never worried about himself; only others. His ultimate act of service was dying so that we could live. So that we can live and help people who need it. So that we can show love to the hurting, suffering people that he has placed in our path. Acts big and small can change the world and can help people see that even in the darkest day there is hope. There is a Father who can save them and heal their hurting hearts. There are people who care about them and want them to succeed. There are places to turn to for help.
God has gently reminded me of a way to truly find bliss. Love your neighbor (Luke 10:27) and serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13).
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Today's Bliss: Church
This month has been slow and lazy. I have been in a winter-mode, recovering from a beyond busy and crazy December holiday rush. My to-do lists have been short and my hours have been filled with reading, t.v. watching, and resting. I told you I was lazy!
Today our church held a retreat for the new Church Council and, as I am now a committee chair, I was expected to attend. I was not exactly excited about going, but I was glad to hear about the coming year and the part that I could play in the church body. I expected a meeting. What I got was a worship and reflection experience. The group shared their hopes and dreams, talked about personal journeys, and discussed things we can do to encourage Discipleship, both in ourselves and in our community. There was serious discussion, laughter, singing, eating, and fellowship.
For me, it was good to be pulled from my lazy winter reverie and get my brain in gear. I had time to think: about scripture and its message to me, about the sacrifices I should be making for my faith, about the calling that I have in my life, and about the community that I have been placed in by God. It was refreshing to have my spirit lifted, to celebrate communion in this small group, and to feel joy as I realized that I am exactly where God wants me to be. Not every day is perfect, in fact there are some days that are frustrating and painful, but this church and these people are my home for this time in my life.
I am really looking forward to the year ahead of me. I hope that I can be tuned into God's voice, plugged into His community of grace, and serve as a good Disciple.
I pray that you will find a place where you can serve and thrive. It is a freeing and uplifting experience. It is bliss.
Today our church held a retreat for the new Church Council and, as I am now a committee chair, I was expected to attend. I was not exactly excited about going, but I was glad to hear about the coming year and the part that I could play in the church body. I expected a meeting. What I got was a worship and reflection experience. The group shared their hopes and dreams, talked about personal journeys, and discussed things we can do to encourage Discipleship, both in ourselves and in our community. There was serious discussion, laughter, singing, eating, and fellowship.
For me, it was good to be pulled from my lazy winter reverie and get my brain in gear. I had time to think: about scripture and its message to me, about the sacrifices I should be making for my faith, about the calling that I have in my life, and about the community that I have been placed in by God. It was refreshing to have my spirit lifted, to celebrate communion in this small group, and to feel joy as I realized that I am exactly where God wants me to be. Not every day is perfect, in fact there are some days that are frustrating and painful, but this church and these people are my home for this time in my life.
I am really looking forward to the year ahead of me. I hope that I can be tuned into God's voice, plugged into His community of grace, and serve as a good Disciple.
I pray that you will find a place where you can serve and thrive. It is a freeing and uplifting experience. It is bliss.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Today's Bliss: One More Weekend
I have had a long, restful break from work this holiday. I am very blessed that I was able to have so much time with my family, with Scooter, with N, and with myself. When I am not running around in the midst of a hectic schedule, I have the opportunity to read, think, write, and accomplish things that have needed some attention for a while. I am so glad that the year has ended in this way!
One of the things that I am doing this week is reading a book called Catch. (I am studying for some church duties that I have for 2012.) I am only about half way through, but it has been an interesting read so far. The writer comes from a church that focuses solely on ministering to the non- and nominally-religious in their community. When I read this, I thought: isn't that what we are all doing? But...is it? Really? How many churches worry more about their current members than those outside their walls? One point in the book that really got me thinking was a statement about church congregations. The author was encouraging her readers to help their church's congregation focus on the mission of ministering to the non- and nominally-religious. She wondered what the church members were more worried about: reaching out to their community or whether or not they got their parking place and their pew of choice. Huh...good question. I think that every church has a mix of people and each person has a different focus for some reason or another. But no matter our differences, our primary identity should be love. Receiving it from God, showing it to each other, and showing it to our community.
I hope that 2012 will bring more depth to my faith and my love for the people around me.
I have one more weekend of my break. I have some fun things planned for the end of this long respite and I look forward to enjoying every minute of it! I hope you feel blessed and blissful as you enjoy the last two days of 2011!
One of the things that I am doing this week is reading a book called Catch. (I am studying for some church duties that I have for 2012.) I am only about half way through, but it has been an interesting read so far. The writer comes from a church that focuses solely on ministering to the non- and nominally-religious in their community. When I read this, I thought: isn't that what we are all doing? But...is it? Really? How many churches worry more about their current members than those outside their walls? One point in the book that really got me thinking was a statement about church congregations. The author was encouraging her readers to help their church's congregation focus on the mission of ministering to the non- and nominally-religious. She wondered what the church members were more worried about: reaching out to their community or whether or not they got their parking place and their pew of choice. Huh...good question. I think that every church has a mix of people and each person has a different focus for some reason or another. But no matter our differences, our primary identity should be love. Receiving it from God, showing it to each other, and showing it to our community.
I hope that 2012 will bring more depth to my faith and my love for the people around me.
I have one more weekend of my break. I have some fun things planned for the end of this long respite and I look forward to enjoying every minute of it! I hope you feel blessed and blissful as you enjoy the last two days of 2011!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Today's Bliss: Room In The Inn
Tonight, N is sleeping on our church's gym floor. He'll probably only sleep an hour or two, then get up at 4:00am to clean bathrooms, move mattresses, tidy the kitchen, and mop floors. Our church is a Room in the Inn host. Every Friday night, we host 12 men who have no where else to go. Some of them wait for hours outdoors in a line for the opportunity to eat a hot meal and sleep in a warm place. I helped with food service, but N is giving up a night of sleep...that is a big sacrifice to serve a fellow man in need.
With Christmas upon us, thinking of just the phrase "room in the inn" makes me stop and think. Mary and Joseph needed room so that Jesus could be born...and they never found it. Well, they found a stable, but that was hardly sufficient for childbirth and caring for a newborn!
Here I am with many material blessings, a warm home, bountiful foods that I like to eat, a job, a loving family to help me when I ask them to...I could go on and on! Surely, we all have some "room in the inn" to offer to people who are hurting. Maybe I don't open up my front door to people, but I can pass on some bliss and some blessings by helping out a brother who needs a sack lunch. Maybe I don't offer counseling, but I can lend a listening ear. Maybe I skip a night of washing my own dishes to wipe tables and clean plates.
I have a lot of "room" in my life to give to others. Sometimes I excel at this; other times I don't. In 2012, may we all ensure that we focus on offering love, hope, and grace to people who need it.
With Christmas upon us, thinking of just the phrase "room in the inn" makes me stop and think. Mary and Joseph needed room so that Jesus could be born...and they never found it. Well, they found a stable, but that was hardly sufficient for childbirth and caring for a newborn!
Here I am with many material blessings, a warm home, bountiful foods that I like to eat, a job, a loving family to help me when I ask them to...I could go on and on! Surely, we all have some "room in the inn" to offer to people who are hurting. Maybe I don't open up my front door to people, but I can pass on some bliss and some blessings by helping out a brother who needs a sack lunch. Maybe I don't offer counseling, but I can lend a listening ear. Maybe I skip a night of washing my own dishes to wipe tables and clean plates.
I have a lot of "room" in my life to give to others. Sometimes I excel at this; other times I don't. In 2012, may we all ensure that we focus on offering love, hope, and grace to people who need it.
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