Within a cave of winter cold,
A newborn King gets gift of gold.
The babe is our Lord,
Who escaped the sword,
Because his dad does what he’s told.
The King
Liturgical Seasons
A Winter Lenten Challenge
Ice, snow, no electricity, no water, schools, churches and business shut down. The recent week-long Arctic blast was the start of a Lenten season that I have never experienced before. The freezing temperatures presented many challenges for us in Texas and other southern states that rarely experience such frigid weather. However, being shut in with no place to go and minimal distractions turned out to be a blessing! My prayer life was more focused, plus I had more time to write, which was something I was longing for.
Continue readingFour Facts About Advent
The liturgical season of Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. Here are 4 facts about this four week long season.
1) First of all, it is rarely 4 full weeks long! Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, and depending on Continue reading
Into the Desert: A 40-day Summer Fast
A Peaceful Option for These Heated Times
Just what are we to do?
“What are we supposed to do?” This question arose recently in a small group discussion with some of my family and friends. We had decided to get together (via an online meeting) to try and make sense of the unsettling things that have been happening in our country and beyond. As Christians, we pondered the classic question of what would Jesus do? We knew prayer was a definite answer. In addition to prayer, we also felt a need for action.
And then someone brought up fasting.
Continue readingA Happy Birthday (With Some Amazing Gifts!)
Happy Birthday Everyone!
OK, for the small percentage of people who are actually born today (May 31st) this happy birthday wish might make sense, but the rest of you might be wondering about this joyful greeting. Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, also known as the birthday of the Church – not the church building – but the people who are the Church.
Christ promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to help them after he ascended into heaven, and on Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, they were granted the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These “birthday gifts” from the Holy Spirit were pretty amazing! Continue reading