Sunday, February 28th, 2021

Dear friends, welcome to the second Sunday of Lent. I am feeling much better today, I slept well last night and felt very refreshed when I woke. I thank God for these blessings. I pray that you experience the love of God in very real ways today.

“He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’”

— Matthew 17:5

In reading Nouwen’s words for today’s devotional, I discovered a connection with his selected verses I had never before thought of. The experience was as if my thoughts formed a circular pathway that connected seemingly separate stories from the Gospel’s of Matthew and Luke. The connectedness of share a meal, the meal of communion, as we call it now. I have missed the breaking of bread with my church family. Communion is a sacred celebration that is both personal and communal for me. It’s an opportunity to express to one another the story of Jesus’ life and how our lives are in him.

The Bible gives us three accounts of Jesus breaking bread. Each time he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his friends.

Jesus saw the HUNGRY, felt COMPASSION and FEED them.

1. ➡️ Matthew 14:19, “He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples, who gave them to the crowds.” Matthew 15:36, “and he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks he broke them and began handing them to the disciples, who gave them to the crowds.”

Jesus saying FAREWELL

2. ➡️ Matthew 26:26, “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. ‘Take it and eat,’ he said, ‘this is my body.’”

Jesus on the road to EMMAUS

3. ➡️ Luke 24:30, “Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them.”

Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christians have broke bread in memory of him. The breaking of bread is the celebration of Christ’s story with our own stories. (1).

Salvation’s story is the Father took his only son and sent him into the world so that through him the world might be saved. John 3:16-17, “For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.”

The Bible also gives us two accounts of God calling Jesus his son, his BELOVED.

Matthew 3:17, “And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’”

Matthew 17:5, “He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’”

Each time we participate in communion, the eating of the bread and drinking from the cup; we have the opportunity to experience the moment with the compassion of Jesus in a very personal manner. Nouwen describes it, “we become his life and are thus enabled to represent his life in our time and place.” (2). I love that no matter our age or the generation we live in, we can experience and celebrate the life of Jesus.

Jesus, is not a fade, he’s never out of date and is always relevant.

The Apostle Paul addressed a letter to the people of Philippi with the following, in order to commend to them, the descending direction on a ladder of life.

Make your own the mind of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God,

did not count equality with God

something to be grasped.

But he emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

becoming as human beings are;

and being in every way like a human being,

he was humbler yet,

even to accepting death, death on a cross.

— Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus loves his disciples with the same love that the Father lives him,

and as this live makes Jesus one with the Father,

so too does it make the disciples one with Jesus. (3).

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Nourish Sunday 2

Cook a meal for a friend or neighbor. We never known what people are going through, and even a simple meal can make a big difference in someone’s life.

🛐 Prayer 🛐

God you have told us

to listen to your beloved Son.

Nourish us with your word

and cleanse the eyes of our spirit,

so that we may know your glory.

We ask this through Jesus Christ.

~Amen

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

References:

(1) Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing • Page 40, paragraph 2

(2) Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing • Page 41, paragraph 1

(3) Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing • Page 42, paragraph 1

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Saturday, February 27th, 2021

Hi friends! I hope today is all you want and need it to be. I’m still tired and my spirit is willing! Thanks for stopping by my blog post today. You are a blessing to me. Some non-blog related news to share, I received my second covid vaccine yesterday, WooHoo 🙌🏻 🎉 🤍 one day closer I hope to stop wearing the mask and another day closer to greeting my friends and family with hugs!

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎❣️

💕💞💓💟💗💖💘

Questions To Ponder:

(Answers below)

1. What is the most RADICAL words written in the Gospels?

2. What is a touchstone of being a Christian?

3. What is considered the main criterion of holiness for saints?

There are a few individuals in my life that have their own special place in my heart that is there’s alone. Friends that have significantly impacted my life; lovers who changed my life for the better and family members.

Prayer is defined as an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought; an earnest request or wish; the act or practice of praying to God or a god according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Prayer is central to the Christian life, it is communicating with the Divine. As Christians, we often post prayer requests in church bulletins, newsletters, emails, personal visits, and phone conversations. Mr. Nouwen explains, “Prayer allows us to lead into the center of our hearts.” It is within our hearts where we keep our deepest and most precious “things.” We protect it. But what exactly are we protecting it from or whom? Jesus was by far the most RADICAL individual in the Bible and he tells us to do this. “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This is our verse for the day, Matthew 5:44.

🙏🏻🤍🙏🏻

Praying for our enemies is certainly not an easy task to do. It requires patience and discipline, loving others as Jesus does. Praying for those who love us in return is an easy thing to do, praying for those who hate us is much more challenging. I use the word challenging because praying for them opens ours heart to them, that intimate and protected space we treasure. I will quote Mr. Houwen as his words are better than mine, “Prayer allows us to lead into the center of our hearts not only those who love us but also those who hate us. This is possible only when we are willing to make our enemies part of ourselves and thus convert them first of all in our own hearts.” (1).

As we begin to pray for our enemies it can be the first steps to reconciliation; it can convert an enemy into a growing friendship, or perhaps two individuals that no longer hate one another but agreeing to compromises. Prayer is very powerful and praying for our enemies is the most difficult, but not impossible.

I’ve thrown a lot of information in my post today and I know it’s a lot to take in but the message is quite simple LOVE!

My authentic self knows the lesson for today is a challenge not because I don’t understand it, but because I must unlearn things I was taught, passed down to me and were culturally accepted practices. Hate did not start with an explosion, no it was a spark. And I know that things will change even if it must starts with a spark. This all reminds me of a song I sang at summer camps…Go on sing along 🎼🎶🎵

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Unplug Day 10

Unplug as much as you can – perhaps even the wifi router! Make room for connection with those close to you.

🅿️ Prayer 🅿️

O Lord, look with favor on us, your people,

and impart your love to us —

not as an idea or concept, but as a lived experience.

We can love each other

only because you have loved us first.

Let us know that first love

so that we can see all human love

as a reflect of a greater love,

a love without conditions and limitations.

~ Amen

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

References:

Answers to questions to ponder:

1. Love your enemies (page 38)

2. Love (page 38)

3. Prayer for our enemies (page 38)

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing

(1) Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing • Page 37, paragraph 1.

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Friends— I am tired! I felt the need to be honest and forthright with you because I want to be authentic in sharing my faith. I engaged in a conversation today about doing this blog series and my struggles with being tired, both physically and mentally. I love doing blog series, especially Advent and Lent as they challenge me to dig deeper and share my faith openly and honestly. I thank God for each person that visits the site and appreciate all the comments. I am also thankful for the opportunities it provides for me and the readers to exchange knowledge. The tiredness I speak about comes from expecting too much from myself instead of allowing others help me. I love my friends and I’m always ready and willing to help them, the same is true for my family. As for my professional life, I love my job and find it challenging which in truth is a good thing and as well a negative thing from time to time. After reading Mr. Nouwen’s devotional for today, I felt like I had been given the cliff notes to, “secrets to life & freedom” by Henri J. M. Nouwen!

Lesson 1: Forgive

Lesson 2: Don’t Hold Grudges

Lesson 3: Forgive

Nouwen writes this, “If I could fully accept the truth that I am forgiven and do not have to live in guilt or shame, I would really be free. My freedom would allow me to forgive others seventy times seven. By not forgiving, I chain myself to a desire to get even, thereby losing my freedom. A forgiven person forgives.” *(1)

According to biblegateway.com; the word forgive is referenced 121 times in the Bible. I think that’s a big deal!

If God forgives me, “As the distance of east to west.” (Psalm 103:12). I/we should be willing to do the same. Forgiveness is not like writing a blank check to someone you don’t know, you can forgive and move on with life. No where does it say you must become best friends, hang out together…no that is entirely something else. Forgiveness sets YOU free of the burden of not moving forward and past the obstacle. Nouwen’s message was personal for me, because it is hard to forgive someone who continuously offends us on some level…but, isn’t that what we do to God (?). When we seek God’s forgiveness, it’s in remorse for what we did or didn’t do. God does not keep a count of our offenses, and we should do the same. Only then can we be truly free. The world can be troublesome at times, never ending wars, hatred and visible hostility towards one another for some questionable reasons (my words). I need to be more compassionate, slow to anger and forgive generously. Jesus set a perfect example for loving one another, I can try a little harder. We all could do that.

➡️ When faced with hostility, respond with love.

➡️ When offended, ask yourself “Why am I offended?

➡️ Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”

Above all, know that you are LOVED, you were CREATED with a purpose, you MATTER!

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Finger Prayer Day 9

Use your fingers to guide your prayer:

~ Prayer ~

Bless Yahweh, my soul.

never forget all his acts of kindness.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve,

nor repay us as befits our offenses.

As the height of heaven above earth,

so strong is his faithful love for those who fear him.

As the distance of east from west,

so far from us does he put our faults.

As tenderly as a father treats his children,

as Yahweh treats those who fear him.

—Psalm 103:2, 10-13

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

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing

(1) Show Me The Way•Page 37-38

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Forgive&version=NIV

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Hello friends,

The above photo was taken on February 24th, 2021 in western Indiana. A gorgeous Indiana sunset. I was driving home from visiting my dad when I noticed the beautiful colors dancing in the western sky. It took my breath away with its spectacular colors seeping into one another. Bravo to our Father in heaven, creator of all things.

The RADICAL purpose of Jesus’ ministry was to do one thing; to do the will of his Father. The first recorded words of Jesus were when he spoke to his mother in the Temple. Mary and Joseph had been looking for Jesus for three days after they had left Jerusalem and attended the feast of the Passover. They returned to the city and found Jesus in the Temple, when they stated their worries to him, Jesus replied with, “Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?” (Luke 2:49). Jesus’ whole life was about doing the will of the Father, his Father. His last words on the cross, Jesus remained steadfast and sure in his RADICAL purpose, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46).

In the Gospel of John, there are other examples of Jesus’ RADICAL purpose.

—John 5:19, “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees the Father doing.”

—John 10:37, “If I am not doing my Father’s work, there is no need to believe me…”

—John 14:24, “My word is not my own; it is the word of the one who sent me.”

Everything that Jesus did and said was done completely out of obedience to his Father. I believe, there’s much to be said about this obedience and why the scriptures talk about obeying and trusting God. In fact, according to, Bible Gateway (reference below) obedience to God is mentioned 8,454 times in the Bible!

Paul the Apostle, recorded these words in Romans 5:19, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” English Standard Version

Obedience: Definition in the Bible

• The general concept of obedience both in the Old and New Testamentrelates to hearing or hearkening to a higher authority.
• One of the Greek terms for obedience in the Bible conveys the idea of positioning oneself under someone by submitting to their authority and command.
• Another Greek word for obey in the New Testament means “to trust.”
• According to Holman’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, a succinct definition of biblical obedience is “to hear God’s Word and act accordingly.”
• Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary states, “True ‘hearing,’ or obedience, involves the physical hearing that inspires the hearer, and a belief or trust that in turn motivates the hearer to act in accordance with the speaker’s desires.”
• Thus, biblical obedience to God means to hear, trust, submit and surrender to God and his Word.

Let us all pause for at least 10 minutes and reflect upon Jesus’ RADICAL purpose and follow where he leads. Jesus, Show Me The Way!

“All that Jesus does we may also do.” —Henri J. M. Nouwen

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Start Seedlings Day 8

Plant seeds in small jars and place them in the light. Let them be physical reminders that we partner with God in creation.

💕Prayer 💞

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

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/8454-obedience-God

https://www.learnreligions.com/obedience-to-god-701962

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

🏵 Philippians 2:12-15 🏵

“So work out your salvation in fear and trembling. It is God who, for his own generous purpose, gives you the intention and the powers to act. Let your behaviour be free of murmuring and complaining so that you remain faultless and pure, unspoilt children of God.”

Below I am sharing the definitions of two words I rediscovered as I was reading my Lenten devotional today by Henri J. M. Nouwen. I hope you discover a nugget or two of knowledge as well.

Gnosis (the knowledge of God, St. John)

• esoteric knowledge of spiritual truth held by the ancient Gnostics to be essential to salvation

Memoria Dei (the memory of God, St. Basil)

• This memoria becomes an inner presence, and this presence becomes prayer – life lived before God and in the awareness of his presence.

Show Me The Way…

We are asking God to show us the way. But before anyone ever gets to the point of asking and seeking God; we must admit he exists.

Nouwen shares in his book, when we say from our hearts that God exists, EVERYTHING trembles in heaven and on earth. This is because when we acknowledge the existence of God, all that is, flows from him. A way of knowing that we have come into the true knowledge, (Gnosis) of God; we openly allow ourselves to become acutely aware of how we experience ourselves. Take the time to name and claim those things that are uniquely (YOU)! The list should include everything not a list of good vs. bad, just who you are.

About me…I’m an artistic, I’m a learner, I like food, I like going to Disney World, my feelings are easily hurt, I’m fearful, I’m a thinker, I like romance, I like sunsets, I like the ocean, I am too quick to judge, I’m a giver, I’m smart, I like to talk, I talk too loud, I’m a fighter, I’m a lover… that’s a few things, get the idea. I EXIST!

Experiences of love and hatred are different, the desire of power is different from a desire of service; however, these are sameness insomuch as they relate to my existence, as to what really counts . I exist no more or no less based upon my values, likes, desires, political affiliations, etc.,

I Exist. •PERIOD•

What does count about existence, is that as soon as I say, GOD EXISTS, my existence is no longer the center of my life. This is because of (Memoria Dei) the essence of the knowledge of God, it has revealed to me and opened my eyes; my existence as deriving it’s total being, from him. Yes, him, God, I exist only because God exists!

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Clear Out Day 7

Donate personal possessions such as clothes, books, shoes, to live a second life. Take time to figure out what is essential and what is extra.

~Prayer~

You who live in the secret place of Elton,

spending your nights in the shelter of Shaddai,

saying to Yahweh, “My refuge, my fortress,

my God in whom I trust.”

You who say, “Yahweh, my refuge!”

No disaster can overtake you,

no plague come near your tent;

he has given his angels orders about you

to guard you wherever you go.

—Psalms 91:1-2, 9, 10-11

~ Amen

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

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing 

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021

Hello friends—

Our prayers and prayer life are essential for a healthy relationship with God. Prayer is how we communicate with God. In my own personal experiences it has been a great source of comfort and at times frustration due to my own lack of listening skills. Our frustration can be of our own making, due to our impatience and inability to listen to God’s voice. At times our prayers can be viewed as a monologue instead of a dialogue. We do all the talking and either don’t wait for a response or we don’t want to hear the response. Our prayers sometimes sounds like a litany of requests, thanksgiving, guidance, answers, questions, solutions, compromises and many more that are rooted in logic parts of our minds and not our hearts. Nouwen says this about prayer life, “The crisis of our prayer life is that our minds may be filled with ideas of God while our heart remains far from God.” The key to a dialogue prayer life, is our hearts! ❤️ God speaks to our hearts, when we listen with our hearts, then we can connect with God on an intimate level. God’s voice is gentle and is soothing to the soul.

🔹 2 Thessalonians 3:5 🔹

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

Our lives and the world are filled with so much noise that some of us simply cannot sleep in deafening silence because we are so saturated and conditioned to the noise. And as hard as it may seem, it is within that quietness and stillness, we can hear God’s tender voice calling to us.

When we recognize the voice of God we begin to see and hear him all around us. One of my favorite places to see and hear God is in nature. I love to take picture of things that seemingly call out to me, things of beauty that perhaps only my eyes can see. At this very moment I’m listening to the clock “tick” from across the room, as if God is saying Charlotte, you are not alone. God is in the face of strangers, a smile from someone sharing their joy with you. God is the sun rising from above a heavy fog. *This is one of my most favorite photos.

Photo credit: Me (10/03/2018)

And, borrowing from a conversation I had yesterday with my very dear friend Barry, “God is the lighthouse; anchored and leading us home.” God is always the immovable lighthouse ready to welcome us home, it is we who move freely toward and away from the lighthouse, only to be tossed to-and-fro by the waves of the world we live in and by the choices we make.

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Let Go Day 6

It is human nature to hold on to resentment and grudges. Today practice letting go of resentment and open your heart to new possibilities.

✝️ Prayer ✝️

Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me

to keep my heart directed toward you?

Why does my mind wander off in so many directions,

and why does my heart desire

the things that lead me astray?

Let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil.

Take my tired body,

my confused mind,

and my restless soul into your arms

and give me rest, simple rest.

~ Amen

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

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing 

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Monday, February 22nd, 2021

💠 Monday of the First Week of Lent 💠

~Matthew 25:34-35, 40 (NJBV)~

♥️ HOSPITALITY {vs} HOSTILITY 📛

Hospitality:

• hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition (thanked our hosts for their hospitality)
• the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. —

Hostility:

• deep-seated usually mutual ill will (glad to have gotten throughthe divorce proceedings withoutany visible signs of hostility OR showed open hostility toward outsiders)
• conflict, opposition, or resistance in thought or principle action

Hello friends and Happy Monday to all of you! 🌻💛

The Bible gives us many examples of hospitality and Mr. Nouwen reminds us it is an important virtue on page 26 of his book, Show Me The Way. “When hostility is converted into hospitality then fearful strangers can become guests revealing to their hosts the promise they are carrying with them. …but even more than that [virtue] in the context of hospitality guest and host can reveal their most precious gifts and bring new life to each other.”

Biblical stories of hospitality can be found throughout the Bible, below are a few:

1. Genesis 18:1-15 (Sarah/Abraham’s son announced)

2. 1 Kings 17:9-24 (Widow of Zarepharh/Elijah)

3. Luke 24:13-35 (Traveler/Emmaus/Stranger)

The words from Mr. Nouwen spoke to my weary heart today. As I left work I felt very tired and somewhat disappointed in myself. I thought to myself, I could have been a better version of myself, my voice could have been more soothing at times, I could have been more patient, and I should have taken more deep breaths and prayer more often. For those I work with, they probably did not see the person I’m describing, I am much too harsh with myself and more likely they accept me…flaws and all. I can say with all honesty that I had no preconceived notions to raise my voice when discussing things that I am passionate about. I did not set out to be impatient, I know I get anxious and sometimes it’s hard for my brain and mouth to work positively in unison 🤣😉

The truth is this my friend, a stranger is someone we just haven’t met or met properly. It’s good to be cautious and to use common sense, practice safety and to trust your intuitions. Baby steps friends, the scriptures tell us, when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and welcome a stranger…we are welcoming Jesus! Peace to you my friends. 💞

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Quiet Time Day 5

Spend 10 minutes today in silence and prayer. Will this be easy or hard for you?

🙏🏻 ~Prayer~🙏🏻

Dear Lord,

show me your kindness and your gentleness,

you who are meek and humble of heart.

So often I say to myself, “The Lord loves me,”

but very often this truth does not enter

into the center of my heart.

Let these weeks become an opportunity for me

to let go of all my resistances to your love

and an occasion for you to call me closer to you.

~ Amen

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

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing 

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Sunday, February 21st, 2021

Happy 1st Sunday of Lent—

Today, I am reminded of a conversation between Jesus and Peter, found in John chapter 21, verses 15-19, in which Jesus asks Peter the same question three times, “do you love me?” I’m sure there was a hint of frustration coming from Peter because each time he responded by say, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ What is interesting to me in this exchange is Jesus’ response to Peter is different each time he answers:

• Feed my lambs. (John 21:15)

• Tend my sheep. (John 21:16)

• Feed my sheep. (John 21:17

• Follow Me. (John 21:18)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2021:15-19&version=NRSVA

The Bible is very clear when it comes to how we are to love God and I found a few verses in the Bible telling us the clear answer.

(1). You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

(2). You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. —Matthew 22:37

(3). Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. —Mark 12:30

(4). You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. —Luke 10:27

Jesus, was devoted and obedient to God, constantly longing and living in his presence. What a beautiful example given to us by Jesus. When our focused desire is to love God constantly and consistently, loving others is the natural progression. It no longer seems like a competition dividing our love between God and towards others. Love is a never-ending source of spiritual nourishment, we receive and then we pass it onto others.

As we continue our Lenten journey together, let us be ever so mindful to love God will everything we are and to follow Jesus; in doing so Jesus will “Show Me/Us The Way.”

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Simplify Sunday 1

Read one chapter in the Bible today.

The prayer below was written by Charles de Foucauld and it is powerful. His life story is extraordinary if you’re interested in reading further about him I have included a link below to click on.

~Prayer~

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

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/prayer-of-abandonment-charles-de-foucauld/

https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/author/foucauld/

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation

Saturday, February 20th, 2021

~Luke 5:27-28 (New Jerusalem Bible)~

“When he went out after this, he noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting at the tax office, and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything Levi got up and followed him.”

Photo credit: Father Lemieux

Dear Friends— Thank you for following me and traveling with me on this Lenten Journey.

Follow Me!

Follow Me?

Is it a question? Is it a statement?

As believers, we have answered the call of Jesus, “to follow” him. One thing I’m absolutely sure of is, we all have had our own unique experience in answering the call “to follow.” Some have it in a slow and gradual invitation and acceptance while others have a rapid, come to Jesus moment, while others answer the call at different intersections along the spectrum of life’s experiences.

Mr. Nouwen points out in his book, “Show Me The Way” ‘Not only did Jesus come to free us from the bonds of sin and death, he also came to lead us into the intimacy of his divine life.’ (1)

It sometimes feels like Jesus/God are unreachable; compared to the ease we have in instantly connecting with people at any time or any place using the advanced technology available to us.

I can tell you from personal experiences that God is even more readily available to all of us at anytime and all at the same time. Unfortunately, I have a lapse in good judgment this far more often than I’d like to admit. Honestly, it is due to my own foolish pride getting in the way and sometimes it my shame, whatever the case my be. What I know to be true even through all my insecurities/doubts is that God is and will always there for me. I love how Mr. Nouwen explains this and does so more eloquently than I have tried, “We see Jesus as the all-knowing and all-powerful Son of God who is unreachable for us sinful, broken human beings. But in thinking this way, we forget that Jesus came to give us his own life. He came to lift us up into loving community with the Father.” (2)

What does living a spiritual life look like to you?

Jesus wants to share with us the relationship he has with the Father. Jesus wants us to follow him and to live a life transformed by love. One might even say, “Radical” love! The ministry that Jesus led was “Radical” at the time, when we can process this, we can begin to see the meaning of spiritual life. All that belongs to Jesus is given for us to receive. (3)

A spiritual life can be lived in as many ways as there are people, says Nouwen and he’s absolutely correct!

The spiritual life for some may indeed translate into a life of dropping everything and follow where Jesus leads. This is exactly what the disciples did when Jesus said, “follow me.” Mother Teresa also chose a similar path as she gave everything to follow her calling. One of my favorites example is Gladys Aylward, she felt called by God is go to China and in 1938 she led almost 100 children across 100 miles of rocky terrain to safety from Japanese invaders from the county of YangCheng.

Living a spiritual life ultimately means, “Being in the world without being of the world.” (4) It sometimes means giving up things such as jobs, homes, social groups, political activities, arts and entertainment but these are not absolute for any one person. There are things of this world that can become a compulsion and addictive to many, while others are non-affected by the same.

A lesson I have learned over time and I want to share freely with you is this, Judgment is like a two-edged sword, it will cut on the downward strike but be careful with the upswing.

“People who live in glass houses should not throw rocks.”

Strive to live a life pleasing to God, listening for God’s voice and follow where He leads. ~Peace

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Simplify Day 4

Designate a giving jar where loose change can go. At the end of Lent, give the collected money away, perhaps someone in need you see on the street, give it to your church or perhaps an extra tip to a deliver person bring you food or someone serving you in a restaurant. You may also set an intention to give to it regularly.

~Prayer~

Lord, whoever serves you,

must follow you,

wherever you are.

If anyone serves you,

your Father will honor him.

— After John 12:26

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

References:

(1) (2) (3) (4) Show Me The Way. Page 20; paragraph one. Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://fatherlemieux.com/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Inn_of_the_Sixth_Happiness

double-edged sword illustration

Friday, February 19th, 2021

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, nor the heights nor the depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What does love look like? Love is many things to many people and for a variety of reasons. My favorite author, C.S.Lewis writes about love in his book, “The Four Loves.” Lewis goes into great detail discussing each brilliantly. *(personal opinion).

These are the Four Loves that Lewis describes:

• Affection (storge)

Affection covers an array of loves. Like animals, the care of mother to babe is a picture of affection. It relies on the expected and the familiar.

• Friendship (philia)

Friendship is the love dismissed. “To the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves,” says Lewis, “the crown of life and the school of virtue.

• Romantic (eros)

Different than friendship, lovers, “are always talking to one another about their love” and “are normally face to face, absorbed in each other,” says Lewis.

• Charity (agape)

This is our chief aim, the unconditional love of the Father given to us through his Son. Affection, friendship and romantic love are each the training ground for charity to grow. It’s also a rival to the three.

*Link for additional information: https://www.cslewis.com/four-types-of-love/

As we continue our journey of Lent, today I want to share with you, “The Love of God” based upon my own experiences and thoughts from Henri Nouwen. In his book, “Show Me The Way,” Nouwen explains that the love of God has become visible in Jesus. God, sent his son Jesus to be born and be human. He is fully divine and fully human. Jesus descended from heaven to earth to live life as a human and to live along side other humans. Jesus not only lived human but also died; being condemned and crucified. He was sinless and had committed no offenses yet died a horrific death. That my friends is the picture of love. Jesus, shows us love in many ways, his obedience to his father, and his actions to care for the poor and afflicted. Jesus chose to do these things as a way to know God, and to teach us to know God.

I used to think that the best way to know God was to read my Bible, read books about the Bible, and take classes to learn about the Bible & God. These are wonderful things to do and I encourage you to pursue them, along with a prayer life. The true essence of God can only be grasp in a healthy prayer life. Listening for God’s voice and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God’s voice invites each of us to “follow Jesus.” Just as the disciples “followed” Jesus.

Is the voice of God calling you to “follow?”

“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” ~John 10:27 (NRSVA)

As for my own experiences with love, it has been both beautiful and terrifying. God has blessed with me according to Lewis, all four kinds of love. I’m better at some than others but I’ve not given up on any of them. The ability to love or even recognize love is because God loved us first. “We love because he first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19 (NRSVA)

It is in our stillness, it is in our relentless patience and in our deepest desires that will we hear the voice of God and begin to grasp his unconditional love for us.

Yes, Jesus Loves You!🤍

Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~Simplify Day 3

What is over-complicated in life that can be simplified?

Perhaps a simple meal. I have opted for white bread and bologna sandwiches for my lunch this week. Another good choice is rice & beans, it’s simple, nutritious and is found in many cultures around the world. How about you(?) anything come to mind…

~Prayer~

God, you are my God, I seek you,

my soul is thirsting for you,

my flesh is longing for you,

a land parched, weary and waterless.

I long to gaze on you in the Sanctuary,

and see your power and your glory.

Your love is better than life itself,

my lips will recite your praise;

all my life I will bless you,

in your name lift up my hands;

my soul will feast most richly,

on my lips a song of joy and, in my mouth, praise.

On my bed I think of you,

I mediate on you all night long,

for you have always helped me.

I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings;

my soul clinging to you,

your right hand supports me.

— Psalms 63:1-8

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

Reference:

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Four Types of Love