Finding My Way Back to Center

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” (Ps. 71:5)

Several months ago, my workload increased to the point where I was working upwards of ten to twelve hours a day, seven days a week, consistently for almost four months. While I was excited that my business was doing so well, working those kinds of hours took a toll. I let a number of things slide—things like my blogs and social media posts and my next cozy mystery—things I had worked hard to build but didn’t have time to maintain. I didn’t participate in get togethers with friends because I had deadlines to meet. I stopped reaching out as much. I started reading books and Bible studies that I still haven’t finished. Continue reading “Finding My Way Back to Center”

Why Do We Celebrate Easter?

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen…” (Mt. 28:5)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Independence Day, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a forty-day period of prayer, reflection, and penance that leads to Easter Sunday. It represents the forty days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry. Continue reading “Why Do We Celebrate Easter?”

Lent: A Season of Sacrifice

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen…” (Matthew 28:5)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection that leads to Easter Sunday. Continue reading “Lent: A Season of Sacrifice”

The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:17-18)

As Easter draws closer, we look for ways to deepen our spiritual life and draw closer to Jesus. Fasting is one spiritual discipline we can use to do this.

When fasting, we give up something we enjoy – food, liquids other than water, social media, TV or movies – and we use that time to study Scripture and pray.

Fasting can be done any time, not just at Easter or as part of Lent. Some people fast before making a big decision (see Acts 13:2-3; 14:23). Some people fast at the beginning of the year to reset their minds as the new year begins. Continue reading “The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting”

Growing During the Easter Season

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Ps 119:37)

The Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and penance that leads to the celebration of Easter Sunday. Lent represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry. Continue reading “Growing During the Easter Season”