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"Are we like Judas, who was so overcome by his sin that he could not believe in God's mercy any longer and hanged himself, or are we like Peter who returned to his Lord with repentance and cried bitterly for his sins? The season of Lent, during which winter and spring struggle with each other for dominance, helps us in a special way to cry out for God's mercy." Henri J.M. Nouwen, Show Me The Way.
A powerful question, isn't it? Judas or Peter?
Lent has begun, this time of "springtime for the soul." I suspect the imagery of winter and spring struggling is especially poignant for many of us this year. Perhaps this long, harsh winter can itself be part of my Lenten discipline as the struggle of seasons intensifies. Perhaps rather than despairing in the piles of snow and naked trees, I can live in the hope and knowledge that spring will, indeed, ultimately triumph; that when the forecast mentions snow and ice, I respire "Yah-weh" breaths and hope in the merciful fecundity of spring; that this time of grappling seasons is not unlike the contention in my own soul.
Judas or Peter?
Brother Mick's message is "Limits, Boundaries, and Freedom." "The power of all temptation is the prospect that it will make me happier....How do we understand our freedom as offered by God? Is it a freedom from or a freedom to choose?" Worship begins at 10:15 AM after the 9 AM learning and sharing hour. There is an elective on Spiritual formation to which everyone is invited even if you can attend only one! We'll also have corporate singing in the rec room from 9:55-10:10 AM.
Penny Power is in full swing. Bring your nickels, dimes, quarters, pennies, and bills to drop into the big jug for this MCC food program project.Relief Sale Penny Power
Although I'm not quite 55, I may have to slip into the "Alive with 55" group on Tuesday to hear Marvin and Mary Lapp, parents of Glen Lapp who died while returning from a medical camp in a remote part of Afghanistan while serving with MCC, share their story.
God of compassion, reveal yourself to each of us
today that we can truly understand a little bit more of your love and grace to turn from our ways of self harm and harm of others. Help us to
listen to your whispers of encouragement and direction. As the winters and springs of our souls wrestle for dominance, teach us; guide us; grant us mercy. Thank you for the
life of each reader, and give each one courage to step onto the Kingdom Way; to
be transformed into the beings we were created to be. Supply wisdom and courage, insight and
protection, healing and hope. In your name, Jesus, we lay our thoughts,
desires, thanks, and requests. Come Kingdom of God. Be
done will of God, here, on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN
A powerful question, isn't it? Judas or Peter?
Lent has begun, this time of "springtime for the soul." I suspect the imagery of winter and spring struggling is especially poignant for many of us this year. Perhaps this long, harsh winter can itself be part of my Lenten discipline as the struggle of seasons intensifies. Perhaps rather than despairing in the piles of snow and naked trees, I can live in the hope and knowledge that spring will, indeed, ultimately triumph; that when the forecast mentions snow and ice, I respire "Yah-weh" breaths and hope in the merciful fecundity of spring; that this time of grappling seasons is not unlike the contention in my own soul.
Judas or Peter?
Brother Mick's message is "Limits, Boundaries, and Freedom." "The power of all temptation is the prospect that it will make me happier....How do we understand our freedom as offered by God? Is it a freedom from or a freedom to choose?" Worship begins at 10:15 AM after the 9 AM learning and sharing hour. There is an elective on Spiritual formation to which everyone is invited even if you can attend only one! We'll also have corporate singing in the rec room from 9:55-10:10 AM.
Penny Power is in full swing. Bring your nickels, dimes, quarters, pennies, and bills to drop into the big jug for this MCC food program project.Relief Sale Penny Power
Although I'm not quite 55, I may have to slip into the "Alive with 55" group on Tuesday to hear Marvin and Mary Lapp, parents of Glen Lapp who died while returning from a medical camp in a remote part of Afghanistan while serving with MCC, share their story.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad,you righteous, sing, all you who are upright in heart!
God of compassion, reveal yourself to each of us
today that we can truly understand a little bit more of your love and grace to turn from our ways of self harm and harm of others. Help us to
listen to your whispers of encouragement and direction. As the winters and springs of our souls wrestle for dominance, teach us; guide us; grant us mercy. Thank you for the
life of each reader, and give each one courage to step onto the Kingdom Way; to
be transformed into the beings we were created to be. Supply wisdom and courage, insight and
protection, healing and hope. In your name, Jesus, we lay our thoughts,
desires, thanks, and requests. Come Kingdom of God. Be
done will of God, here, on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN
Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol
Carol
"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd
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