I awake this morning, once again, to snow falling from the sky.  It has been an unusual wet, cold winter for us, or maybe not.  Maybe it has been more of a normal season and the previous dryer, warmer ones were the seasons in conflict.  Regardless, I know the world I live in is a confliction to the One who suffered and died for it.

At the Ash Wednesday service I made a promise to God to step out of my comfort zone.  In doing so I hope to defeat some of my fears and in the process to find gifts I have yet to discover.  I believe God makes opportunities for us to use those gifts He has given, but for abundant reasons we take a pass.  My promise was made Wednesday, on Thursday I got my first opportunity.  The church was in need of someone to do the children’s time Sunday morning.  I didn’t give myself time to think about it, I merely reacted with a yes expecting the dread to come after I was already committed.  But this time, the dread never came, as would be the customary.  I felt a calming peace, a joy of having this opportunity.  I knew God had responded to me with a blessing that was much greater than my fear.

Henri Nouwen once described Lent as the season during which winter and spring struggle with each other for dominance.  In my experience, spring eventually wins the struggle and the beauty created by it is magnificent! The new cycle of life begins once again bringing a feeling of warmth and hope comes alive!

I believe this ‘stepping out of my comfort zone’ will defeat much in me that has kept me from becoming the sanctified child my Lord expects.

Lord thank you for opportunities that bring me ever closer to you.

Tracie

Well it is fast approaching.  Or according to the retail stores it has arrived!  Yes, it blew by Halloween, is making a quick flyby of Thanksgiving and all the while the tinsel is hung and the trees are up throughout retail land.  Welcome once again to the extended version of the Christmas Season.   So let us go straight to the buying and selling at the Temple gates and oh by the way how about some pumpkin pie with that purchase?  I’m tired already and what’s this all about anyway?

Maybe we should start with Advent, the ancient Christian practice of waiting on Christ.  The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The Season is focused on celebrating the first arrival of Jesus the Christ and the continued anticipation of the Lords’ second arrival in power.  It is a time which will renew and restore Creation to its’ rightful place in the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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