It's Time to PREPARE

“People nowadays take time far more seriously than eternity.”

- Thomas Kelly

Can you believe that it’s already March and the season of Lent begins this coming Wednesday?  For many people, Easter is just a time for chocolate peanut butter eggs, marshmellow bunnies and jellybeans. However, many Christians use the 40 days leading up to Easter as a time for fasting, sacrifice, and renewal of faith.

There are two questions that you may be wondering about: (1) Why Lent? and (2) Why 40 days? First, nowhere in the Bible does it say that we are required to observe Lent, however as Christians it has become a custom that has been observed for more than two thousand years. As for the second question, the number 40 has many Biblical references. Here are a few examples: God sent rain for forty days and forty nights in the great flow of Noah (Genesis 7:4), Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18), and the Hebrew people wandered in the desert for forty years while traveling to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33). In connection to the events leading up to Easter, Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2).

Our observance of the Lenten season can become a way of imitating Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, but I must stop right here and make a confession. Year after year, I’ve used the Lenten season as a time to “give up” something (mostly sweets), in hopes that any sacrifice I made would benefit me, possibly even resulting in weight lost. God did not design fasting as a tool for penance, beating ourselves up, or developing will power. Looking back, my efforts seem so selfish. After all, it’s not about me. It’s all about Him!

No matter what way we choose to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter, the purpose should be so that we can think, act and live His way in all that we do.

This year in light of my journey to seek God’s peace, I want to make this Lenten season a special time of self-reflection and prayer, preparing my heart, mind and spirit for the celebration of the Resurrection. I also want to be able to “sparkle” in ways that share the good news with others.... Jesus is not dead... He is alive!Lent is a time “to prepare,” not only for Easter but for the fulfillment of God’s promises. As He is changing me, I want to keep my eyes open to the way in which He is “making me new.” And so, this week I will begin the first step in my Lenten journey, “Self Reflection.” Here is a sample of just a few of the questions I will be asking myself...

• Do I put forth a conscious effort to nurture my personal relationship God and others?
• Have I continued to cut out the “stuff” and busy-ness that keep me from God?
• Do I have a gracious, forgiving and fruit-filled attitude toward others?
• Have I continued to seek God’s direction when it comes to commitments, clutter, and chaos?
• Am I reaching out to others, and being a good steward of my gifts, talents and resources?
• Is my peace contagious?
• Am I reading my Bible and studying God’s Word on a daily basis?

As God transforms us so that we are more like Christ, our changes happen at different times and in different ways. And the questions you and I use for self-examination may be different, but I pray that as we reflect on our answers, God will reveal not only our positive changes but also areas we still need to work on. Every Christian looks forward to God's promises by living a life filled with God's peace, reconciliation, righteousness, fairness, generosity, forgiveness and steadfast love. Praying that your week is filled with blessings, as we anticipate the coming Easter season.

God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“ ...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ”

- John 10:10

It’s Fun Being Anonymous!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Check out the picture: Avoidance or Anonymous? I know these people personally, so I say it is the second choice. What about you.... do you “hide” because you don’t want to get involved or because you want to remain anonymous?

It is my passion to share God’s love and peace through words of encouragement. I’m always looking for unique ways to reach out to others, and if those opportunities happen to involve “anonymous” acts, all the better! Today I am going to share with you two ministries that offer ways to make a difference in the lives of those who are hurting, lonely, and in need of uplifting words.

Anonymous Encouragers... was founded in June 2010, by two sisters from Texas. Jessica and Jennifer started this Christian ministry because they wanted “to do something tangible for God.” It didn’t take long for their idea to catch on and word spread quickly when K-Love radio mentioned it on the air. In fact, that is where I originally heard about this awesome ministry.   And because of my passion for writing letters and sending cards, I knew that I had to check it out for myself.

According to their website, “Anonymous Encouragers is a Christian ministry designed to encourage individuals and communities. By writing simple cards, anonymous encouragers spread God's love and faithfulness to individuals and communities around the world. Anonymous encouragers do not write these letters to receive personal recognition, but to serve others selflessly for God's glory.”

I absolutely love any organization that encourages others to send “written words of encouragement” ... you know, it only takes a stamp! (I just can’t say that enough.)

There are many ways that you can become an Anonymous Encourager. You can send anonymous letters to people in your community, or choose to use AE requests, or maybe you prefer writing to the U.S. military. You can also request that an encouraging letter be sent to a friend or family member... all it takes is a “click.” To find out how to get started, read more about how AE began, find inspiring stories from the encouragers and recipients, and even find “letter-writing” tips, check out their website....

http://anonymousencouragers.weebly.com/index.html

Make a Child Smile (MACS) ... celebrating 12 years of making kids smile! Founded in May of 1998, this organization has been a source of support and encouragement to children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses, and their families.

The purpose of MACS is to share the children’s stories and give website readers the opportunity to mail a cheery card or letter to brighten their day. You can click on the “Featured Kids” page to read a child’s story, see their picture and find each child’s mailing address. You don’t have to sign up for anything.... just send lots of encouraging mail to as many kids as you wish!

I have been blessed to be involved with this organization for a number of years and can tell you that it has been such a rewarding experience. Even though I sign my name to the cards and letters that I send, I think of my efforts as “anonymous” for two reasons: (1) I don’t know these children personally and they don’t know me, and (2) because the families’ days are filled with doctor’s appointments, hospital visits and very busy schedules, I don’t expect anything in return. The joy comes from knowing that I am sending God’s love to the hurting. I am making a difference in the lives of others!  Check out the website and “Frequently Asked Questions” to find out more.

http://www.makeachildsmile.org/about.shtml

It’s Friday, Let’s Sparkle.... action required...  Why not consider letting your children get involved with the MACS outreach. Even young children can experience the joy of serving others. You will be amazed at the power of a picture.... connecting the face of a sick child with a name, and sending a card.... what a great opportunity to teach your children about compassion. As you work together and share the blessing of helping others, it can also become a great prayer opportunity for the entire family!

Mark 9:41 (The Message) says Jesus was pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.”  There are eternal blessings to each and every act of Christian service... anonymous, or not.

As you enjoy your weekend, don’t forget to buy some stamps! Remember... it’s fun being anonymous.

God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Make me an instrument of your peace.” – St. Francis of Assisi