This is the fourth in a series of six posts leading up to Easter.  This period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance as we reflect on what Jesus did for us. On the last night of his life, Jesus is arrested by a large mob. Have you ever been struck – as I have – by the vastly different way that Jesus and his disciples respond to this horrible and unjust event? Peter lashes out with a sword, trying – in vain – to physically protect Jesus. Then, in just a few moments, he and all the other disciples run away in fear. Yet Jesus, the one who actually is the focus of the mob’s anger, accepts his fate peacefully and calmly. What explains these two widely differing reactions? Why isn’t Jesus fearful like the disciples? And don’t say, “Because he’s Jesus.” The real difference is prayer .  The extended time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to the arrest.  The time of prayer that Jesus embraces…and the disciples ig...

This is the third in a series of six posts leading up to Easter. This time period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance as we reflect on what Jesus did for us. The season of Lent helps us be intentional about taking more time to be with God, by laying aside other things that so often garner our attention. Today I wanted to highlight walking a Labyrinth as a way to unite our minds and bodies in the experience of prayer. There is something unique about the rhythm of walking, while praying, that helps us sharpen our focus on God. A labyrinth is a circular path that heads in one direction, leading toward a central point. We pray as we walk toward the center, then we pray as we turn and walk out. Labyrinths are of ancient design, and have been used by Christians for hundreds of years as places to meet God and pray. On our property, we are creating a prayer garden (called The Lavender Pavilion) and we built a labyrinth at the center. I love to invite ...

This is the second in a series of six posts leading up to Easter.  This time period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance  as we reflect on what Jesus did for us. The beauty of a season like Lent it that it prompts us to be intentional about nurturing our faith. We set aside time…we change our focus…we let some things go…so we can cultivate a greater desire to be led by the Spirit, and to more faithfully follow Jesus, so our lives will be more pleasing to the Father.  One way to cultivate a greater desire to follow Jesus is by choosing to abstain from (or limit our use of) something we enjoy. We deny ourselves and, in response, we give ourselves greater freedom to focus more on God. The most common way we do this is by fasting from food. However, I think there are many ways we can “fast”, so I’ve attached a list of suggestions for you to consider. Unfortunately, as should be obvious, our culture is addicted to consumption ...

This is the first in a series of six posts leading up to Easter.  This time period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance as we reflect on what Jesus did for us. One way to approach Lent is to spend time reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Without his intervention in our lives, we easily can succumb to temptation. The beauty of a season like Lent it that it prompts us to be intentional about nurturing our faith. We set aside time…we change our focus…we let some things go…so we can cultivate a greater desire to follow Jesus and live in a way that is more pleasing to the Father. Today I want to talk about that tug of temptation which so easily can grab us.  Why was I running around the classroom, chasing after Lance with a ruler in my hand? I usually was so good in class; it obviously was all his fault. I had been working hard on math, but Lance (who sat behind me) was tantalized by my braids and he couldn’t resist giving them a tug. I turn...