He Is Risen!

Dear Reader,

Lent is over.  Easter Sunday is over, but for Catholics Easter is still in season (I probably won't be doing much about that as no one in my family seems to be very fond of celebrating the liturgical year as I am and I am not interested in doing it alone at this time).  For the first time and for the third year that I have been participating I was not able to finish my photo project!!  But that is okay because I found so many new things that happen during Lent.  I learned about my other Christian brothers and sisters in the faith.  I felt absolutely saturated with love for the church as a body so I know I got the point of Lent for sure! 

Here are some last reflections.

As I have said in the past, I am not Catholic but I observe some practices of the Lenten season.  It makes me a little sad to see the immaturity and snobbery of a handful of people on Facebook who are against the practice because "it isn't in the Bible."  It is true.  Lent is not a Biblically mandated practice.  There are actually no HOLIDAYS given to observe in the New Testament.  It is okay to not want to observe or practice any holiday traditions.  What I find annoying is the arrogance of the statement- "Let's give up Lent for Lent."  I think they are trying to be humorous, but I feel it comes from ignorance and fear.  The people who say this have most likely never observed Lent or even given much thought to self denial and fasting.  It bothers me.  It saddens me.  But I won't condemn or judge.  I don't know their hearts.  Only God knows.  I pray that their eyes and hearts may at least be sensitive to those who do observe this most glorious season.  My church (pictured above) is a small one but mighty in the LORD.  It is very Baptist, but not full on fundamental.  We have a lot of love and fellowship.  I praise God for His church. 

 I also learned about Letting it Go.  It isn't just a super popular Disney song.  Lent got pretty crazy this year with all I was doing and not doing.  Many times I let the laundry and dishes pile up (not that I am on top of  it most of the time but it got tremendously bad this time).  I spent extra time in prayer, the Word, and at Mass.  I had to let go of the guilt of being behind in chores.  I would only recommend this for a season as this could probably drive some people up the wall (myself included).  That is why Lent is only 40 days.

Gratitude Journaling as been an on again off again thing for me.  I do enjoy it when I do.  I have continued it through most of Lent but honestly it got away from me near the end.  So grateful for grace and will gladly start again tomorrow as I have finally caught up on my Bible reading. 

My awareness of Christians around the world has been open this year.  This was my first year totally committed to participating with CRS rice bowl.  They have links to videos of people around the world who are struggling but also learning to thrive with the help of Catholic Relief Services.  Plus during our annual Pastor's enrichment conference this year George Verwer was the speaker.  It was eye opening and convicting.  I am more aware then ever before about "the harvest". 

Lent has always been a healing time for what I believe is Seasonal Affective Disorder.  God's promise never to flood the earth again can be very comforting in Oregon where it never seems to stop raining.

 St. Patrick's Day is usually a nice feast day to break up any monotony you may feel during the Lenten season.  Unfortunately for us this year we were on a trip coming back from Seaside but stopping in Lincoln City for a wedding.  It was a great day but there was nothing Saint Patricky about it other then the fact that I wore my shamrock scarf and we watch Teen Titan's Go "Leprechaun Life".  Thankful I didn't have any expectations so I was happy to be in a fancy hotel with a fireplace drinking hot cider and writing and reading. 

One lesson I want to be better at learning during Lent is being welcoming and hospitable.  I struggle with this.  I am not social.  I am easily flustered and I guess I don't let the Spirit lead.  I rejoice that I have the ability to welcome people in my life, but I don't know when this will be bigger lesson for me. 






Thank you for being my ever patient reader.  It will take me about two more posts till I can wrap up Lent/Easter.  It has been a humbling and whirl wind time.  Praise Be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Amen