A few years back I gave up FACEBOOK for Lent. Another year I gave up soda. Another chocolate. Simple things that I believe didn't really matter to God either. I had a feeling he wanted more from me. So last year instead of giving up anything I GAVE of myself. Be it a smile for someone at the store when I didn't feel like smiling. A word of encouragement to a person who didn't know how to take another step. Doing a chore that my hubby usually did because he was so busy and needed help. It felt really good. For forty days my journal not only held thoughts and prayers for others, but actions I gave to make someone else's life just a little bit better, if only for that moment in time. If anything, a seed had been planted, and just maybe, something just might have grown. I believe that is what makes him happy and what he wants from us. Not just through Lent or Christmas, but all year.
When I began this journey wanting him on board, my spiritual counselor said to tune into him daily, hourly if needed. Day after day, week after week, I read, listened, watched everything Jesus. I made him my first thought every morning and gave him my last pray at night. It eventually become a routine after a few stumbles and even some falls. With each bible study I got closer and closer, and am looking for my next study before I am even done with the one I am already on. My head and heart spin out of control, wanting to devour more while at the same time getting all mixed up in the message. I can't wait to get back to small groups. I have missed my ladies. Until then, my computer is my compass.
So this year I am doing another 40 Day Live Lent Challenge with Margaret. After discovering her last year, I have enjoyed her spirit and the way she can creatively bring the bible to life. I bought and printed out my coloring book and tonight, before bed I will dive into coloring live with Luke.
Reading through Luke will be a pleasure, plus it ends with Acts which I have already been reading for a few weeks now with Lisa Harper's, Believing Jesus online bible study!
I'll be doing double duty for a few weeks since I still have 3 session yet to go with Lisa, but I can manage it. Just as Lisa's finishes up, Margaret's Acts portion begins 3 days later.
