Thursday, February 18th, 2021

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

“Today, I call heaven and earth to witness against you: I am offering you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of Yahweh your God, obeying his voice, holding fast to him; for in this your life consists, and on this depends the length of time that you stay in the country which Yahweh swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that he would give them.”

“A life of faith is a life of gratitude.” -Henri Nouwen.

A life of faith is a life that is dependent upon God; it is praising God and thanking God unceasingly. I whole heartedly agree with Mr. Nouwen, I also am acutely aware of my ineptness to be obedient. When I was much younger I found the verse and phrase “pray without ceasing” very difficult to comprehend.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSVA)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

It took some time but I think I now understand that “without ceasing” has more to do with ones actions and overall perception towards God and the life He created. Praying without ceasing seemed impossible to my young mind but as an adult I see more clearly, my praying without ceasing has less to do about my words, a bowed head and clasp hands; (although still relevant) and a lot more to do with my entire being and connection with God. I find myself praying in the most remote places, in my car, in an elevator, in line at the grocery, at scenes of accidents, and seeing emergency vehicles just to name a few. These are all possible because I know that God is with me always. He is with you too, my friends. As we journey together through Lent let us be mindful that we are all God’s children, He loves each of us and He will never leave us. Do not confuse obedience with perfection. God has never ask us for what we cannot do. We are human, not an excuse but a truth that we are born into a sinful nature. We live in a world overshadowed at times with darkness and temptations, we must seek the light, the Light of Jesus and find the perfect love that can only be found in God.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“…Though the light has come into the world

people have preferred

darkness to the light

because their deeds were evil.

And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it,

to prevent his actions from being shown up;

but whoever does the truth

comes out into the light,

so that what he is doing may plainly appear as done in God.”

— John 3:19-21

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

Pick something that happens regularly— like brushing your teeth, taking a walk or washing dishes. Say a prayer when completing these task.

~Prayer~

O God, you are not far from any of us,

since it is in you that we live,

and move, and exist.

You, who have overlooked the times of ignorance,

that they must now repent.

— After Acts 18:27-28, 30

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Show Me The Way by Henri J. M. Nouwen

• The Crossroad Publishing Company (1992)

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Hello my dear friends around the world and close to home—

As the season of Lent begins, let us be reminded that this is a time of be nearer to God. It is a time of prayer and fasting as we journey the path that Christ traveled to Jerusalem, to Golgotha and to His final victory over death. The road we must travel has been described by many as a “narrow path” and not a wide and gentle avenue. Lent is a time of recognizing and putting aside the things of darkness and putting upon ourselves the light, the light of Jesus Christ.

As we spend time in prayer, let us be mindful to listen for God’s voice. Pray is not a one way conversation, it’s easy to present our needs, wants and yes, even our desires to God; but how often do we stay alert and truly listen to God’s answers(?). In the busy and noisy world we live in, it can be difficult to hear our own thoughts at times. A challenge is to spend ten minutes every day with God, I believe this firm foundation is a great starting place to build our lives being in sync with our Creator. Who knows, it could change our lives from the ground up, up to the Heavens!

Henri Nouwen shared a couple of paragraphs that read like I had written it about my own life experiences; I found it to be very profound and very human, I hope it speaks to you as well.

Photo: Show Me The Way by Henri J. M. Nouwen, page 13, paragraph 2 & 3.

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

1. Become aware of God’s presence.

2. Review the day with gratitude.

3. Pay attention to your emotions.

4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.

5. Look toward tomorrow.

Prayer

Faithful God, trusting in you,

we begin

the forty days of conversion and penance.

Give us the strength for Christian discipline

that we may renounce evil

and be decisive in doing good.

We ask this through Jesus Christ. ~Amen

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

* Show Me The Way by Henri J. M. Nouwen

* Biblical references from the New Jerusalem Bible

Tuesday, February 16th, 2021

Dear Readers & Friends—

Tomorrow starts the beginning of the Lenten season of 2021. It is my hope and prayer to share this season with you and that together we can listen for God’s voice. May we seek God and ask Him to “Show Me/You/Us The Way” the way is a reference to “road signs pointing to decisive commitment, to deep love of God and our fellow men and women.” (1)

History of Ash Wednesday

“Ash Wednesday, in the Christian church, the first day of Lent, occurring six and a half weeks before Easter (between February 4 and March 11, depending on the date of Easter). Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting.” (2)

“In the early Christian church, the length of the Lenten celebration varied, but eventually it began 6 weeks (42 days) before Easter. This provided only 36 days of fasting (excluding Sundays). In the 7th century, 4 days were added before the first Sunday in Lent in order to establish 40 fasting days, in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fast in the desert.” (2)

“It was the practice in Rome for penitents and grievous sinners to begin their period of public penance on the first day of Lent in preparation for their restoration to the sacrament of the Eucharist. They were sprinkled with ashes, dressed in sackcloth, and obliged to remain apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter. When these practices fell into disuse (8th–10th century), the beginning of the penitential season of Lent was symbolized by placing ashes on the heads of the entire congregation.” (2)

“In the modern Roman Catholic Church, the ashes obtained by burning the palms used on the previous Palm Sunday are applied in the shape of a cross on the forehead of each worshipper on Ash Wednesday. Together with Good Friday(which marks the crucifixion of Jesus before Easter), Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence, where only one full meal and no meat are to be consumed. Although Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, it is traditionally one of the most heavily attended non-Sunday masses of the liturgical year. Worship services are also held on Ash Wednesday in Anglican, Lutheran, and some other Protestant churches. Eastern Orthodox churches begin Lent on a Monday and therefore do not observe Ash Wednesday.” (2)

I am going to be using a book by a Henri Nouwen, “Show Me The Way” and a pamphlet from Vibrant Church Communications, “Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practices” as we journey together.

Anchor Verses for Lent

Photo: Book jacket back

Crossroad•New York 1992

Pre-Lenten Prayer

From the Beginning of Time

Jesus,
you have known us from the beginning of time,
you have known us in the depths of our dreams and in the darkness of our shame,
you know us as your beloved.

Help us to own that core identity more and more in this season of repentance and mercy.
Give us the rock-solid assurance of your unwavering faith in us
as we seek the same in you.

Amen.

—Author Unknown

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

Reference:

(1) Quote from Henri Nouwen “Show Me The Way” page 9.

(2) https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ash-Wednesday-Christian-holy-day

https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/lent-prayers

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/new-jerusalem-bible-1985-roman-catholic-njb-voice/id802886356

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

Loneliness

Friends—

Please know that you are never truly alone although it can feel like it especially these days during the pandemic. I want you to know that God is always with you. He may not be visible to your human eyes but trust me, His presence can be felt. Many times I have felt His presence when I have been so distraught and there was no one to console me. God loves you and He does not want to see you hurting. You may not wholeheartedly believe me and that’s okay; however, I would challenge you by asking you to open a dialogue with God for yourself.

Isaiah 41:10

“…do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:13

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.”

Hebrews 13:5-6

“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Matthew 28:20

“…and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Proverbs 8:17

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.”

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”

Below is a link to a Meditation from the Henri Nouwen Society. I found it “comforting” to read the words that have often describe moments in my life. It can be truly overwhelming to consider all the important and critical things going on around us. Life is happening no matter where we live, work or (play). Also, below are other links you might find helpful for depression, loneliness and isolation. I am not familiar with any of them personally, please you at your own discretion. I would recommend speaking to a licensed therapist, it doesn’t mean you are sick or that anything’s wrong with you, counseling is an opportunity to speak freely about your own thoughts with an objective person listening, not judging.

Loneliness

I wish you PEACE, my friend!

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_always_with_me

https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/news/17-easy-things-do-when-youre-feeling-lonely

http://www.contacthelpline.org/emotional-listening-support

https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/loneliness/#signs-of-loneliness-1

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-palliative-care-blog/2020/march/18/support-hotlines-for-loneliness-depression-and-isolation/

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-deal-with-loneliness

Friends— I just had to reblog this post by a friend!

Embrace Connections Depression is real Too often it is hidden Inside solitude Leonard Cohen’s poem Hit me right between the eyes Took me to my niece …

Embrace Connections

Saturday, February 6th, 2021

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.”
~Proverbs 21:21

Hello friends—

Today is February 6th, 2021 and Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. That’s in just 11 days!!!! I hope you will visit my blog during this season of the Christian life. I have decided on using a devotional book written by Henri Nouwen to guide me and share with you. The book is, “Show Me The Way.” I certainly can use some clarity in my life right now. This past year and continuing today has been a struggle for me and I’m sure for many of you as the COVID pandemic continues. Let me be very clear, struggles or struggling is not a sign that you have lost your way or even your connection with the Divine…let’s be honest, life is hard right now PERIOD! Perspective helps, could life be worse, the answer should always be a hardy, YES! I am reminded that no matter how bad I think things are, they could always be worse. No matter life’s circumstances, God is in control and God loves me/you! Please hold onto those two truths. I am looking forward to Lent for multiple reasons, increasing and clarifying my relationship with God. I have missed my church family, attending and participating in group activities. I miss hugs! I miss the embrace of friends! Sending love and encouragement to all of you reading! 🤍🙏🏻

I found used and new copies of the book on Amazon and Half Priced Books:

• https://www.hpb.com/

• https://hpb.com/products/show-me-the-way-daily-lenten-readings-9780824513535

• https://www.amazon.com/

• https://www.amazon.com/Show-Me-Way-Lenten-Readings/dp/0824513533/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=henri+nouwen+show+me+the+way&qid=1612653275&sprefix=henri+nouwen+show+&sr=8-1

• https://www.amazon.com/Show-Me-Way-Lenten-Readings/dp/0824513533/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=henri+nouwen+show+me+the+way&qid=1612653275&sprefix=henri+nouwen+show+&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1612653349961

New Jerusalem Bible

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.