Grief of My Sin

This new journey of Lent has been one of continued failure. I can't seem to keep my vow of, get this, no sugar for 40 days!!! Me!!!! But, the reason I chose this discipline is because I knew this would be the thing that would make me think about sacrifice. Fasting from this has caused me to realize, again, the extent of my depravity. I am totally and completely depraved. It has also caused me, again, the realize the extent of God's irresistible grace. Failure has caused me to grieve my sin. Isn't this the reason for the Gospel? To realize that we are nothing apart from His grace? It is all Him...He does it all. Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience has such a way with words, and clearly tells the Gospel story. The story of Grace and of Grief.

(If you choose to visit her site, please go to the bottom of my page and mute the music player.)

"For it is by GRACE that we have been saved..." Only grace. His grace.

Season of Repentance

So many thoughts. So many happenings. I have to admit that I have never paid much attention to the season of Lent before, but my kids are attending a Lutheran school and Lent is a big part of the Lutheran tradition. My kids are now learning what it means to fast, and what it means to prepare our hearts for worship. As I ponder the sacrifice of Christ, I think of all the pain that surrounds our lives every day. Did He come to make all that pain disappear in this life, or did He come to have relationship with us? We know all pain will go when we finally see Him face to face, but what about this life we live? I think back on the last few years of my life and what I see is hard to look at. I see my nephew's mom pass away suddenly, I see myself lose a very loved unborn child, I see my own body racked with pain and fatigue, I see my dear cousin's newborn leave this earth at just 4 weeks. I have seen my son's Sunday school teacher die of cancer, and now a very loved Grandma diagnosed with terminal cancer. That list doesn't even cover everything! But, here is the thing. In all these happenings, God has been glorified. Lives have been changed for the good. God has been faithful and His presence has been made real. In my own life, pain has only caused repentance. Spurgeon says, "All your circumstances are ordered in wisdom by a living, thoughtful, and loving God." It's hard to swallow. God is so lovingly patient....He won't allow anything to happen unless we have proven to be able to walk through it. We are His children! We as parents allow a certain amount of pain in order for our children to grow. God is no different. And I am thankful! Thankful that He chose me as His daughter and treats me as such. I want to bring glory to my Heavenly Father....I want the world to see His glory. So...as our little family prepares our hearts this Lenten season, we lift up all those around us in prayer. Prayer for grace, prayer for strength, prayer for change, and above all, prayer that His glory be shown amidst pain. Prayer that somehow, this present pain would bring repentance to those God is chasing.

"Repent and live grace, repent and live forgiveness, repent and live the good news of a love that defies reasoning, a joy that defies circumstances, a Relationship that defies time. Repent and be made well....fresh start."

~Ann Voskamp

Mark 1:15 (KJV)

"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the Gospel."

My Heart IS Thankful:1000 Gifts

I have not been very faithful to keep this practice going! Will I ever learn how much my heart is blessed (not to mention God's) when I practice the art of being thankful. So, my list goes on.....

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a new day and a new week. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion', says my soul, therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:27

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my first girl

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my first girl's laughter with girlfriends

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cheers of my boy with friends over a victorious Wii game

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little girl's childish accent

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double date over tapas

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finding old friends

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Papa, Grand-Sheri & Mama June's coming visit

" And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13