The Ashes

It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, and ashes mark my forehead. But, it is so much more. This time of moving towards Calvary's hill, this time of reflection and repentance, this time is crucial.

In year's past, I would pick something to give up during Lent such as coffee or chocolate. But did the fact that I went without a latte really bring me any closer to Jesus? Umm, no. Some of my friends shared that they weren't giving anything up this year, but they were adding instead. As I pondered this, I couldn't help but see how this could truly be meaningful. We add more prayer, more time in the Word, more service, more love, more Jesus. And when we have more of Jesus, we become the less. But, He desires all of us; He wants our hearts.

So, what should our responses be? Scripture says that we are to rend our hearts, not our garments. As a sign of grief, people would rend, or rip and tear their clothes. So, here is where we pretend. We say the rote prayers, we go through the motions, we give up superficial things that ultimately cost us absolutely nothing, but what of the state of our hearts? Rend: to rip and tear into pieces by force.

And what does this look like? This more of Him and the less. And being undone. And the rending of hearts that are contrite. And all this has become my Lenten prayer. I want to have a contrite, obedient heart.

As I left church tonight, there was a sweet fragrance hanging in the air. I smiled as it resonated in my spirit: I want my life to be a fragrant offering to the One who made the ultimate sacrifice.

And as I close, I wanted to share a link to the DeHoog family's blog {click here}. God has led them to pursue the adoption of Samuel, a four year-old boy from Russia with spina bifida. Kind friends, please take the time to look at their blog and say a prayer for them?

Blessings. xo.

Awestruck

The moon tonight was stunning; It was high and bright with a ring like a holy halo. By His word He hung the moon, and the stars that scatter into the expanse and shine like jewels are from Him. Even before that, even before everything else that was good, even when the earth was formless the Spirit of God hovered over the deep, dark surface (Genesis 1:2). Hovering, like a mother bird caring and protecting its young. And He thought of me (and you). And the very same deep calls out to deep.

It was set it motion from the very beginning, this plan for saving. I try to wrap my mind around it, this extravagant grace. And that the Creator of the Universe, the Holy Uncreated One, desires a relationship with me (and you). He loves us with an everlasting love and draws us with unfailing kindness (Jer. 31:3).

Tonight, I am in awe. Honestly, there shouldn't be a time when I am not in awe, but things get in the way. I have let things get in the way. I have, at times, taken the sacred for granted. I am thankful beyond words can express that God works in the midst of it all. I can look back and see the ways in which He has guided me. And just as He placed each star in the heavens, he has placed me on this journey.

Something is stirring within me; it feels like excitement. It has been awhile. All of my tomorrow's are in His hands, and simply knowing that truth brings such peace as I desire to know Him more.