Blessings and Brokeness - Day 2

Today was eventful.
It felt like Christmas as an amazing friend honored me with some much needed resources... just in the knick of time. They just kept coming...and I was overwhelmed with gratitude!

It felt like heartbreak, as I grieved with other friends who lost their jobs today.

A little sweetness... and alot of bitter.

Jesus, I wonder if your journey was like that while you walked the Earth.
How I long to have a peek at one of your really good days... you know, where you laughed and maybe played a bit. I'm sure I'd be touched to see a time when the loving-kindness of one of your friends caused your heart to feel such bliss.
I know so much more about your painful times... of being mocked, scorned, judged, accused and even worse.

How often did you smile? Was your laughter like a giggle or a roar. Wow, Jesus... did you snort???
:0)

I like thinking about You... imagining You.
Focusing on You.
It really helped today... because I saw you in the beautiful moments... and I clung to you in the Brokeness.

Thanks for being YOU.
amen.

Ash Wednesday...

So, I didn't go to church anywhere and have ashes put on my forehead... but I think it's a pretty cool ritual. This t-shirt made me laugh.

In all my years, I can not say that I have actually seen anyone walking around with the ash marks still on their forehead. Weird? I wonder why not?

I'll put that on my list of things to consider next year. It might spur some good conversation, after all.

That reminds me of something I was thinking about during my prayer time this morning...

I was wondering if the way people broadcast what they are fasting took away from the depth of the season. What I came away with, is the fact that this ritual is a community effort... a communal practice. The people spoke openly about this in days long ago and I believe that it is a wonderful way to walk through rememberance together.

Once again, since I am new to Lent, I decided that just to be sure... I would keep my public proclamation of no coffee and no sugar, but I will also make a few private commitments as well.

Day 1 has proven to be interesting. My public confessions were well minded. I did not stray. However, my private ones were not as successful. I wouldn't say I failed miserably... but I did already unintentionally miss the mark.

I have no intention of chiding myself... only observing and learning. So to that, I say... I will be more mindful to ask the Holy Spirit's assistance in keeping my intentions in those areas.

Are you observing Lent this year? Have you always/ever?

If so, what does it mean to you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Blessings,

Tracye

Sigh-Lent... here I go.

I am filled with several emotions tonight, as I set out on a new adventure. Although, this is not a new practice for many of my friends of other denominations.
It comes at the perfect time... and it comes at the hardest time.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, which begins the observence of Lent. It is the beginning of a 40 day ritual, where believers prepare themselves through fasting, giving and repentence... to better remember the death, burial and resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ during the Holy Week of Easter.

This year, I feel compelled to participate.

I do not know much at all about what it means to do this... but I know that some time of denying myself, getting outside of my own need and turning my eyes toward Jesus is exactly the prescription for what ails me right now.

Over the next 40 days, I will be blogging ... as a way of making and keeping a public confession of commitment. I would be honored if you would share the journey in whatever way you feel inclined.

Looking forward to the journey...

Tracye