When I attended the Ash Wednesday service yesterday, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. When most people think of Ash Wednesday, they are likely to think of seriousness or formality. It is a day that kicks off an entire season of introspection, sacrifice, and prayer. It is a time where we consider what sins we committed or …
Into the Desert: Ash Wednesday and Lent
This is one of the most important times of the year for Christians. It’s a time where we strip our altars bare of any decoration. Gone are the flowers that festooned the altar just days ago. This is a time of the year where we turn inward. We turn our eyes to the love and wisdom of Jesus. Even though …
Candlemas: Preparing for Lent
Candlemas is one of my favorite times of the year. It takes place on February 2nd and commemorates the presentation of Jesus as a newborn in the temple. It is situated about half way between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Even though it is still dark and cold outside, it is a time of hope. With each passing …
Quiet Time with the Lord
I am excited to get up early every morning. I see God’s glory reflected in the radiance of the sunrise with its rosy pinks, delicate yellows and golds, and soft blues. Often drinking a hot drink of tea or coffee, I rejoice in the Lord and his goodness. In fact, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude when I …
Grief and Trust
Are you there, Lord? These are the words I sometimes whisper in moments where it seems like gloominess has choked out all the light. The beginning of this year was a difficult one for my family because my uncle passed away. For years he courageously battled cancer. There is nothing quite as heartbreaking as seeing a strong person decline from …