Discerning Grace

Join as I enter Holy Week and look at a Discerning Life and a preference for God. How do we do that and what does a “preference for God” mean? Listen as I share what I have learned from the book titled “A Discerning Life” and begin to notice where God might be encouraging you look, notice, and connect with God. Ponderings: Looking back on this Lent, how has it been different than other years? Can you notice where God was trying to grab your attention today? Is your life too busy or time so budgeted you don't get time to feel the Spirit's presence in everyday activities? What does “savor the sorrow” mean to you? Click for this weeks transcript

Many songs have been written about the cross of Christ. How can we sit with a song and take a moment to accept the emotions of the words? How can life, death, and resurrection mingle together? Reflecting on the death of her father, Flannery O'Connor wrote in her journal, “The reality of death has come upon us and a consciousness of the power of God has broken our complacency like a bullet in the side. The cross brings up many visual images for us. I wonder what you see when you visualize the cross. Ponderings: What do you see when you think about the cross of Christ? When you listened to the song ”When I Survey the Wonderous Cross” what did you notice? I wonder how Jesus would respond to me if I sang this song to him. What can I pick up from today's chat to carry with me this Lenten season? Click for this weeks transcript

This is the third and last talk on Confession in the greater series of Spiritual Disciplines. The discussion is focused on the reasons it is considered a “Corporate” discipline, one done in community. How comfortable are you with a public confession? When you are with a group that participates in a read confession, I think it suddenly levels the playing field. Yes, we are all sinners, yet God calls us Saints and His own children, what a powerful thing. Ponderings: How might confession, admitting your faults or mistakes to another, change your life? Actions, character? Would this help you grow in humility? In courage? Compassion for others? When was the last time you admitted, “you're right, I am wrong”? What do you believe about God? What changes need to be made so you can comfortably confess without the feeling of self-shaming? Click for this weeks transcript This weeks post on discerninggrace.com

Today is our 2nd chat on Confession. Building on the first chat, I will look at why your view of God affects your belief in forgiveness and your desire to confess. Then, I will lead us into a general confession of sin. Ponderings: Am I ever hesitant to ask God for forgiveness? Do you ever get tired of confessing your wrongs? Is there any physical or emotional change after confession? How might I work forgiveness into my daily life? Click here for this weeks transcript Click here for the rest of the series

This week I will begin a new Spiritual Discipline, one that is the least talked about, and if we do it is in secret. I certainly didn't think of it as a “discipline” something to practice as a young Christian. Come along as we learn together how much freedom and joy can be found in confession. Ponderings: What are your thoughts and practices in relation to Confession? Do you find yourself on either extreme as discussed in the chat? What if confession truly could bring your soul freedom? When you think about confession, what is the largest obstacle for you? Click here for the transcript

This is the last chat on Worship. A quote from C.S. .Lewis sums up the concept shared in this chat, “All enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise….We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; …the delight is incomplete till it is expressed.” Let's apply this to praise and worship. Ponder What does it feel like to be moved toward Worship? For you, what is the most important part of worship? Think about how you would explain worship to someone else. Is worship something you do? I wonder how you could stretch yourself in regards to worship? Click here for this weeks transcript

This is week two in the Spiritual Exercise of Worship. Worship is a corporate Spiritual Discipline in that we are called to worship together. To Join our souls with the Spirit of God and together with one voice recognize our universal need for the Almighty. One aspect of this need is understanding it is a personal shift from doing something to ‘being' and longing to rest under the shelter of His wings. Ponderings: Take some time to think about where you are in regard to the spiritual discipline of Worship. Are you able to move from the check off list, “I went to service”? Where else might you “worship”, if not in church? What is your definition of “worship”? When was the last time you “longed” for something or someone? Click for this weeks transcript

As we look into 2022 what does the Creator, Designer, Master want for your life? What voices are you listening to? I I don't think He is asking us to make a list of New Year Resolutions, like many do. Like : get fit, loss weight, spend less, get out of debt, find love, - the list goes on. However, I wonder if God might be asking you something else? Have you asked Him lately? Ponderings: What do I think God is calling me to this year? Am I ready to open myself up to Christ? I wonder how my life might be different if I asked God to lead and I would follow. What is your biggest fear in this new year? Do you have any heart desires that you think God has planted in you for 2022? Click here for this weeks transcript

The season of Christmas and the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child is not over. Today we celebrate Epiphany. Historically this is the day the Magi visited Jesus. The fullness of this day is for us as followers of Jesus to embrace Jesus as the gift from the Father to all of us. We recognize Jesus as the Son of God, fully man and fully God. Come listen and be encouraged. Ponderings Can I truly accept the possibility that God could speak to me in a dream? How would I deal with social ridicule after a choice I prayerfully made? In what ways can I identify with this “manger scene” family? If you put yourself in the Christmas story, who would you be? Why?

Welcome to our last Sunday in Advent. I hope the season has been meaningful for you. Come and listen as we dwell on the idea of Peace. May your heart be warmed. Merry Christmas!

Welcome to the third week in Advent. The virtue I am discussing is joy. I will read some scripture that uses the word joy, quoting from: King David, Zephaniah, Elizabeth, and Mary, mother of Jesus. These passages help us get a more rounded view of the word, “joy”. This is not an easy virtue to take hold of, but is hard won through suffering, pain, and sometimes sorrow. Like any journey with God, it is always worth it. Ponderings: If I would make a choice to chose joy twice a day, what would that look like? Can I choose joy over my body's messages? Hunger, pain, exhaustion, etc…? What would I need to change to have the time to relax, focus on God and accept His gifts? We are 3/4 the way through Advent, what makes this year different than last year? Click here for weeks transcript Click here to register for our January gathering

This is the second week in Advent. Has the business of life overwhelmed your great intentions for Advent this year? Welcome to life, the best plans can quickly unravel. I want to encourage you that you can still begin to prepare for the Christ Child. God waits for us to come, wherever you are, He is longing to meet with you, come. Pondering: What does God's love look like to me? Can I ponder the idea that maybe I don't have true control over my life? What would I have to let go of, to embrace Joy? How am I waiting or preparing for the Christ child? Click here for this series on my website Click here for this weeks transcript

Welcome to the first Sunday of Advent. Join me as we look at the meaning of Advent and the beginning traditions and what Hope means to me today. Look at website to sign up for the retreat on January 8th 10 am-12:00. As we celebrate and review together our experience of Advent. Here is this weeks transcript

This week will begin the first discipline in the category of corporate or community disciplines. We will begin with the exercise of Worship. Reading the psalms and looking at some ideas to prepare ourselves for worship. Ponder What is my definition of worship? If I am honest, how do I prepare to accept God's Spirit when I go to church? Do you come to a service expectantly? What images arise with Br. Lawrence and his idea of” The Presence of God”? This weeks post This weeks transcript

This week I am taking a break from Spiritual Disciplines to remember my father. At 91, he went to be with his Savior. Over the past week I have been reminded of the fingerprints of God all through his earthly life. Here are a few of my personal highlights.

This is our last week in the Discipline of Service. We will look at other types of service as well as the famous parable of the Good Samaritan. Join us as we stretch our hearts and minds with the example that Jesus offers. Ponderings: What benefits do you receive from serving others? What type of service makes you the most uncomfortable? What would it take for you to attempt it? Which service comes easiest to you or where is your natural bend (talent) in the realm of service? What service do you wish others would be willing to offer you? Has your heart warmed to the idea / fear of service? This weeks transcript

Welcome, I will be expanding on the different types of service we as Christians may focus on for spiritual growth. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a sampling of different ideas we may use in our walk with God. These are based on the writings by Richer Foster in Celebration of Discipline. Join me as we look at simple ways to grow in this discipline. Ponder Look over the prayer of service and pick out some of your strengths. What areas are uncomfortable to talk about or listen to? Why? When did someone last serve you? If you could add one way to serve today, what would it be? God is gracious, are you hard on yourself after listening to this chat on service? Why? God is slow to anger abounding in love. Sit in His love for 3 minutes, what happened? Click here for this weeks transcript Here is the prayer of service

The discipline of service comes in many forms. The idea of being a servant or slave to Christ can bring up a mixture of feelings and visual images. Some may be uncomfortable to us. The concept of more of Jesus and less of me becomes evident in this episode of Service. Come join as we wrestle with our pride and the idea of humbleness. Ponderings How comfortable are you with the phase “slave/servant of God”? Where do you see service blending into another spiritual discipline? What steps can you take to get your ego out of the way so you can serve? Do one act of service in secret. No one but God will see, how do you feel? Click for this weeks transcript

Welcome, join us on the final week of submission. Let us not look at gender but at the example of submission Jesus provides. Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ. For many, me included, this is not an easy discipline to practice. Let the life of Jesus continue to encourage and motivate you. Ponderings: Take some silent prayer time to submit your day to God's plans for you. What happens when you notice a need, can you give in secret, without recognition? How does it feel to let go of your need to share your point of view and allow others to make the deciding decision? When you take time to submit to God's leading, is submission still just as difficult? What if before you voice your opinion, you submit to others and really listen to their ideas before you talk?

Submission, oh how it rubs me the wrong way. Where can I change my focus and see freedom instead of bondage in my view of submission. Join me as I chat and read scripture about how Jesus asked his disciples and us today to submit to one another. Ponderings Sit with “the freedom to give up our own rights for the good of others”, what does that mean to you? How is your definition of submission changing? What if I did one unselfish thing for someone else, without a thought of anything in return? Look at your relationships, ask God to reveal any relationship that you may feel “they owe me one”. Look inward, seek out the areas where you shy away for submitting to God. This weeks transcript Checkout this weeks post at discerninggrace.com

Submission is one of the twelve spiritual disciplines. Before you skip this chat, I want you to recognize your first emotional response to the word. If it was negative, I encourage you to join me as we look at the freedom that can be found in this exercise. Also, recognizing that some churches have done a disservice in their way of teaching this topic; we will study the example of Jesus and his submission. Ponderings What was your first reaction to the word submission? Say out loud what your definition is of submission? How are you doing with the disciplines? Are you only focused on getting the exercise done? What is your biggest temptation in regards to the Spiritual Exercises? Click here for this weeks transcript

Have you wondered how to start your practice of solitude, today I give a few tips on how to begin your journey with silence and stillness. You will be reminded that as Christ is the light of the world, you are children on the light, image bearers. Come and practice a listening heart. Ponderings: Take notice of times when you long for silence this week, what were the circumstances surrounding it? How do you see Solitude as an outward discipline? Where can you find 3 minutes in your day, to sit still and let go of your anxiety, stress or busy schedule? If you could unplug, where would you want to go? Why? How does solitude fit into this picture? Click here for this weeks transcript

This is our second week in Solitude and I want to discuss a difficult time in a Christian's walk, the Dark night of the Soul. What happens when suffering, loss, and overwhelming pain, create a situation when you cannot hear God. How can you talk with the Comforter when you have no words? Come join me as we reach out to the One who knows us best. Ponderings Have you had so much pain and suffering that you are speechless before the Father? Can you relate to the term “Dark night of the soul”? What does it mean for you to sit and wait, to be silent, and be patient? What is forming around your definition of Solitude? Is there a verse, prayer, or passage that you can go to again and again to bring your soul peace? Click here for the transcript of this weeks episode

Today is the first chat on solitude. It is an outward discipline, meaning the practices can be seen or noticed by another. How is silence involved with solitude? Listen as I give biblical examples, as well as a recent personal one. Welcome, come and take a moment to listen. Ponderings What is your definition of Solitude? What is the difference between Solitude and loneliness? What are your initial feelings about the idea of solitude? I wonder what your image of solitude looks like. How does silence fit into solitude? Here is the transcript for this week.

What is your definition of Spiritual formation? Get a notebook, or journal as I will have a few ponderings and ideas in this chat today for you to write about this week. Come see what scripture says about formation and spiritual practices. There is joy in the journey.

As we enter in to our third contemplative chat on prayer, may you take time to listen and learn the voice of the one who calls you beloved. The world tries to keep your attention and energy while God waits patiently for you to come and sit with him. Today, may you draw close and hear his voice calling you. Ponder: Is there a time when I notice Jesus calling to me to sit and rest with him? Do I notice a nudge from God or the Holy Spirit when I am in certain situations? Have I found a way to turn the noises of the world down so I can hear God? Where, what location causes me to feel closest to God? Jesus used the word “come” when Peter was in the boat and Jesus was walking on the water. What word does He use when he call you?

Welcome, this is our second week on prayer. I hope you are able to ponder the idea of prayer during the week. Today I want to look at prayer not as an event but a lifestyle- to live prayerfully. So, why pray? What are your motives? Let's think about what we gain as we enter into communion with God. The root of all prayer and indeed all life itself, is desire for God. All things are made to desire God”, Roberta Bondi. Ponderings: What is your definition of prayer? Is my relationship with God a ‘love relationship”? I wonder how I would feel just sitting quietly with God? Can I sit in silence and turn my busy brain off? What if I changed my thinking on prayer and focused on living the relationship?

Today I am going to begin discussing prayer. Prayer is an inward discipline. It rounds out the 4 inward disciplines. We have looked at Meditation, fasting, and study. I want to begin by thinking about what prayer means to us and how we come to the idea of prayer. I will offer questions to help bring to mind how you have experienced prayer in the last month. Come join me as we begin to look at our own style of talking to God. Ponderings How would you describe your prayer life to a friend? What is your personal definition of prayer? What has been the most recent theme of your prayer life? Which of the prayer styles listed today are you most comfortable: praying with others words, praying with scripture, praying with your own words, or praying with no words? How do you address your prayers: Oh Lord, God, Creator, Almighty, Jesus, Savior, Redeemer, Healer? Click here for this weeks transcript

Welcome. This is Heidi from Discerning Grace. Today I am taking a break from exercises. Physical or spiritual exercises can easily move from helpful and healthy to a negative even unhealthy activity in our life. I took a break from the exercises because I was getting caught up in ‘doing things' instead of ‘being'. It is good for us to have goals, to strive and seek ever more to be an image bearer of Jesus. Yet, there are times when just being is more than enough. Taking time to sit at His feet and listen or watch or feel the world around us. As Martha was busy getting things ready, Mary sat at Jesus feet. I think she listened, she watched, she drew in the compassion he radiated. Sometimes we need to do the same. Sit, listen, watch, feel and accept his love he so generously gives.

I have been reading a book by Jan Johnson, Abundant Simplicity, Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace. I must, with strong intention, slow myself down to savor the wisdom and insight I read. My habit is to devour the new information as quickly as I can, skimming subtitles and glancing over indented paragraphs. I have so many books I long to read, I should hurry up and finish this so I can get on to the next book calling my name-“ Oh look, there is another book….” Can you relate to the idea of my sense of urgency for good things? Yet this title is “ unhurried rhythms of grace. So, I begin the learning of simplicity, slowly. There is no race, it is not an' I win you lose' mentality. Knowledge alone does not help me become more Christlike. I take a deep breath because that forces me to slow down, to be intentional. I notice the tension in my body, the aches and pains of subconsciously holding that tension. I take another breath and remember growth is slow and it not noticed in a moment, day or even a week. As I learn to live a more simple, intentional life, I will need to go slowly. Open myself to notice life, to see God's touch, to be available to wonder and enjoy. To live more intentionally. Ponderings: When you practice self awareness is it helpful or do you beat yourself up? Thinking about the verse in Matthew “Where your treasure lies there will your heart be also”, what comes to mind? Can you visualize your “treasure”? What does it look like? How am I beginning to let go of small things? Where do I spend most of my time? At the end of the day, where was my energy spent? Am I, a “shame and blame” or a “forgive and let go” type? Look on Discerning Grace website under “resources” and review the Prayer of Examen.

Welcome, today I will continue with the disciple, Simplicity. It is categorized as an outward discipline because it can be witnessed in our Christian community. Yet, as I discussed last week, its foundation must be internal. What are your thoughts in the area of simplicity? Have you a visual picture that comes to mind? Simplicity, at least at the beginning, is not simple. I believe new ideas are best integrated in small bites, tiny steps. I found a quote, taken from the book, Freedom of Simplicity, that reads, “May God give you and me the courage, the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority in our lives. To do this is to live in simplicity.“ Ponderings What you have noticed that hinders your ability to live simply? What inward changes seem to be catching your attention? What outward example of simplicity is nudging at your heart? Do you feel you are “free” with your possessions? Where is your line when someone asks to borrow something?

“Seeking the kingdom involves a closer look at, and potential rejection of, our society's view of consumerism, materialism, wealth, accumulation, and the clutter of our lives. Kingdom living means I ‘m free to receive from this world and free to give it up. We can only genuinely enjoy possessions without them destroying us when we are free to let them go and free to receive them.” A great quote from Richard Foster's book, Celebration of Discipline. Ponderings How can this ancient text, Matthew 6:25-34 be relevant to my life today? Have I seen others that live simpler lives but have not had a heart change? What is my mental picture of “living simply”? Do I talk to God about my material possessions as “mine”? I wonder what God wants to show me in regards to simplicity

This week I conclude this section of spiritual exercise in fasting. Were you able to take some time and look at the biblical examples of fasting? What have some of your thoughts been in relation to the idea of fasting? The most important piece of fasting, is praying. With the help of the Holy Spirit, chose something to abstain from, maybe something that has a hold on you, it could be: food, computer, a phone, a particular activity, videos, gaming, maybe it is something you think you deserve- a desire, it could even be an idea or thought that you continually focus on. Whatever you chose, do it with Jesus. He will guide your heart. Ponderings What words stood out to me as I listened to the Isaiah passage? What does fasting look like for me? What type of fast seems most difficult for me, why? Could pride be showing up in any areas of my life? Fasting, service, giving, etc.. Has this section been informational, maybe something to comeback to at a later date? Maybe this has challenged you to think about other areas of your spiritual life that might need a fresh look.

What are your thoughts on fasting? Have you come up with your own definition? I like the definition given by Nathan Foster in his book The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines. He writes: ”Fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these normal functions in life; it is just that there are times when we set them aside in order to concentrate. Once we understand this, we can see both the reasonableness of fasting as well as the broader dimensions to it.” Come join me as we ponder the idea of fasting. Ponderings What is your view on fasting? How do you feel when you think of fasting from anything? Is fasting really relevant today? Do I believe God can use something I give up, to talk to me? How would it feel to move from following the rules (letter of the law) to thinking about the intention of my actions? How do I feel about willingly, choosing to physically or emotionally uncomfortable? I wonder what God could reveal to me if I chose to fast.

What do you know about fasting? Is this a practice that is relevant today and how do I feel about it? This contemplative chat introduces fasting. No “how to” this week, just a chance to hear from a few heros of the faith and a time to ponder what you believe in relation to fasting. Ponderings Maybe you haven't practiced fasting before because you have been told it is not healthy and the bible says that we can enjoy all God has created, which is true. Maybe this practice is too intimidating. You have practiced fasting and the only thing you remember is being hungry and irritable. Roman Catholics fast during Lent and since I am not Catholic, that mean I don't need to fast.

Welcome, join us today as we look at 3 writers that made an impact on our Spiritual Disciple topic “Study”. There is so much that never finds it's way into our “contemplative Chat” that I do each week, I will occasionally break the series and share. Today is one of those days. Join me as we look at 3 different translations of Hebrews 12:1-3 I used the book “Spiritual Classics, selected Readings on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines” by Edited by Richard Foster and Emilie Griffin. “Spiritual Disciplines Companion” by Jan Johnson Ponderings I wonder what I like about my favorite translation. Do I take the time to look up a verse in a different translation? What would happen if I used a different translation for a week? What do I do when the words are different in other translations? What is most important to me when reading a passage? Click for this weeks Transcript

This is the last chat on the spiritual exercise of “Study”. How are you doing with this topic? Have you become more open minded or has it felt like a weight, a burden? Or are you looking forward to the next topic? We are all different. Some of us will gravitate toward one exercise more than another- that is natural, don't be discouraged if this set of “study exercises” have been dry for you. Maybe you will be excited about the next topic. The first week we looked at scripture passages to study, then we moved to others things to study- different books, references and studying other people. Today we will look at studying ourselves. As we breathe in the true breath of life, the Holy Spirit, renew our minds. Open our heart to your leading and directing. Let my heart and soul be fine tuned with your presence in my life. Ponderings After three weeks, how do you feel about the word “study” now? With regards to study, which practice is most comfortable? Why? The prayer of Examen lets us daily review with God, how does that feel? What did you think about the idea of focus or frequency? How can you apply that in your personal life? I wonder what draws you toward God each day? Can you identify things that pivot or move you away from your focus on God? You can find the Prayer of Examen at Discerning Grace

When some Christians think of study, the first thought is scripture. Today we will look at other things that believers can study: books by the faithful, biographies, theological writings, and witnessing the lives of those who have followed the ‘still small voice” of God. Studying is not just about books. Things to Ponder What is your first thought when you hear the word “Study” as an exercise you could practice? When thinking about “Study” where could you benefit from a deeper comprehension of truth in your life? Of the different ways to study, which seems most comfortable to you? Think of a time when you “studied”. What motivated you to go deep on a particular topic? Visit discerninggrace.com for more resources.

Today I begin discussing the Spiritual discipline of study. Study is another the inward discipline or personal discipline in our series called Spiritual Growth. Study takes intention and time, understanding and interpretation, then finally evaluating what you have studied. Bottom line it takes time. Your first thought is “I don't have enough time to do what I need already, I can't add something new.” I understand that. The discipline of study isn't something that is an “add on” chore. It is something that can be integrated into your life. It is the step you take to think about what you see, hear, or read. Ponderings What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “study”? Is it hard for you to listen to someone else's idea if you already have your own opinion? Are you open to changing your mind when someone makes a good point or when you notice you are already judging them? Where else can you apply the discipline of study? How do you think it would affect you if you read the same verse everyday for a week? See this episode on discerninggrace.com as well.

Welcome to Discerning Grace. This is our last week on Meditation. Donald Bloesch says: “Our goal in meditation is not simply detachment from the world but a richer attachment to God and to other human beings. As people united with Christ, we seek power and boldness for the service of His kingdom. Calvin contended that through meditation on things divine we “may refresh our languishing spirits with new vigor. I would add that we also fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit, welcoming the True Comforter to reside in our soul. Next week we will begin another inner discipline-Study. See you there. Ponderings Try the “Palms down/ Palms Up” exercise when you carry a burden or continue turning over a problem in your mind. When you look out your window, do you see any fingerprints of God? What is your view of “Meditation”? Has the idea of meditation altered in any way over the past 3 weeks? How do you think you could use meditation in your life? Come Visit me at discerninggrace.com for more resources and the transcript of this weeks episode.

Welcome, today during our second talk on Meditation, I will walk us through a practice exercise of meditation. Meditation is a type of prayer. We are seeking to spend time with God. My definition of prayer is spending time with God, or communing with Jesus. Come join me as we listen to scripture and wait on the Spirit. Ponderings Pick out a verse that moves you. Say each word slowly let each word sink from your mind into your heart. Feel the words. Speak the word or words aloud to God. Ponder the meaning. Could God be offering more than what you noticed at first? Is there more? What does Spiritual Exercises mean to me? Is the idea of Spiritual Exercises challenging me or frustrating me? Before I did the exercise, when was the last time I heard or felt the Holy Spirit move in me? Spend time with God each day. Allow at least 5 minutes a day to listen. As you sit in stillness, what bubbles up in your soul? Come to discerninggrace.com for more resources.

I am sure we all have had the experience of trying to sit down to read our bible and you get nothing out of it, you can't focus, but you “did it”. How can I come to my bible reading/ bible study differently? I think preparation is important. Just as you may dress up to go out, we need to prepare ourselves to go deeper with our relationship with Christ. The first discipline or spiritual exercise we will be discussing is meditation. Before you get to frustrated with me I want you to take a nice deep breathe, I am going to discuss the difference between eastern meditation and what the Bible is saying about meditation. Come and listen.

Under Spiritual Formation, we begin a new series on Spiritual Exercises or practices. These exercises fall into three categories: inward, outward, and corporate. Today we do an overview of why they are important and how you can begin to integrate new ways to “look more like Jesus.”

Welcome to Holy Week, the last devotional for Lent. Each prior week we looked at a different aspect of forgiveness. Today, I have shifted and am talking about a few aspects of Holy Week. From triumphal entry into Jerusalem to Passover and how that relates to us today. Plus a view into Christ's servant heart when he washed the disciple's feet.

This week we look it the difficulties we face when we say, “I can't forgive myself.”. From the self-bashing to learning to let go of guilt and shame, how do we forgive ourselves? How can we begin to accept the forgiveness freely offered to us? Join us as we finish the topic of Forgiveness.

Welcome to our fifth week together in this Lenten season. This quote has been on my mind: “The reasons for forgiving ourselves are the same as for forgiving others. It is how we become free of the past. It is how we heal and grow. It is how we make meaning out of our suffering, restore our self-esteem, and tell a new story of who we are. If forgiving others leads to an external peace, forgiving ourselves leads to an internal peace.” Desmond and Mpho Tutu, The Book of Forgiving Let us look at those closest to us- the ones that can hurt us the most- close family and friends.

This week as we respond to “I can't forgive THAT!” Let me softly remind you that even if the person has wronged you, there is still a spot in them that is hurt, broken, even defeated. That could be me; hurt, broken and defeated, the that needs to be forgiven. I pray that in that moment I am able to let go of resentment and grasp the line of hope. May I respond with “YES, I forgive, PLEASE forgive me!!”

Welcome to our third week since Ash Wednesday. This week we delve deeply into our need for personal forgiveness. How can we offer forgiveness if we are do not accept forgiveness? What did you ponder this past week and is it offering you a clearer picture of your heart?

Welcome to week 2 of lent. I am excited to share this journey with you. Here are the ponderings for this week. Can I give God 5 minutes of time when I just listen? What does it mean when it is said “ When we hold on to our anger, we are often the ones who suffer.” What happens in my heart when I pray just one verse- offering it up to God? Have I ever heard “the still small voice of God”? the whisper… When I “hear” God, is it a sense, a feeling? What does forgiveness really mean to me?

I am so excited you have come to join me as we journey though Lent 2021. Unexpected problems might arise, work might try to steal my strength, and life can just be hard. I speak from personal experience. This week alone I have had to set aside frustrations, an emergency that required a plane ride, and my own feels of wanting to escape. I want to control the situation and God just smiles. Ok, I would like the illusion of control. This could be you. Maybe it is something else entirely. What I do know is He already knows and will provide the strength is we but ask. Come join me and we can walk together.