Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lenten Journey: Holy Week

A friend said her Lenten exercise is a twenty-minute walk and talk with Jesus.  Now I walk as well; I try to pray, but after a few phrases my mind
      skitters            goes sideways          blanks          shakes out empty.

After half a block I reel it in and start all over again.  A few thanksgivings, then

      meanderings      desperate pleas     veers to the left        more empty shakes.

Today I will walk; the snow is melted off the sidewalks; I will try to skitter less and be in His presence more.

But wait:  I am in His presence all the time, no matter what state I am in.

Comforting
   
      Overwhelming  
       
            Forgiving    
         
                 Belonging    
             
                      PEACE

Friday, March 22, 2013

What's it all about, Julie?

I remember how my mother was always reading her Bible. She was such a
worrier, I often wondered what good it was doing her, but this morning
as I prayed again to have more faith and trust in God's will and
sovereignty, I knew I was just like my mother. My daughter at 40
shows more confidence in God than I do. I'm shamed and blessed.

I was also thinking back to my teenage years when I just wanted to
live long enough to get married. Then when I got married, I wanted to
live long enough to have kids. Then to see my kids through childhood
and into marriage. Then to experience grandchildren. (Did those
things come to pass?) Now to get this book published and in my hands!

For Lent this year I desired to give up fear, anxiety and worry. And
even though those things aren't gone, I've thought a lot about my lack
of trust. I've remember what Jesus did for me on the cross so I could
cast all my cares on Him and go forward in life with courage. I'm
sure my mom had come to the same conclusions...over and over again.
And the book will be finished when it's finished, His will being done
in all things and in all circumstances, at all times.

So...that's what it's all about, Julie! Happy Palm Sunday weekend.