Onward..The Road is Yours to Take
This year's Lenten Blog featured diverse contributors who shared their stories, poems, and thoughts, emphasizing the weight of life's burdens and the power of faith in overcoming challenges. The curator expressed gratitude and shared two inspiring songs. The message concluded with a scripture on rising and a farewell for the season.
Our Road to Gethsemane and beyond
The author reflects on their life's journey in comparison to Jesus' path to Gethsemane, finding solace and challenge in the Gospel of John. Facing thoughts of mortality, they cling to faith and hope, finding comfort in Jesus' teachings. Embracing Easter's promise, they hold onto the commandment of love.
Where the Road Ends
The author reflects on the road leading to Easter, pondering life's purpose. They seek to live in reflection of God’s love, prioritizing eternal values and finding peace in imperfection. They emphasize the importance of trusting in God's plan and their identity as a masterpiece of God. Encouraging songs are shared.
A Resurrection Path
As Lent draws to a close, we reflect on Jesus' journey, finding joy in sorrow, love in hatred, and hope in turmoil. He healed and forgave, yet was persecuted and ultimately crucified. Through his resurrection, we find renewal, strength, and the capacity to live in hope, joy, and forgiveness.
The Last Sunday in Lent
The post contains links to musical excerpts and their corresponding lyrics. The first is a verse from "My Song is Love Unknown", expressing devotion to a divine figure. The second, "This is my Song", reflects on unity and peace. Lastly, "Remember Me" speaks of seeking solace in a higher power. All are shared by Marcie Doll.
Every Road Trip Needs a Rainbow
The author recounts finding a note with a biblical verse about God's covenant with Noah and the significance of rainbows. They express how rainbows bring joy, peace, and a sense of wonder, prompting reflection on life and dreams. The author and their companions find delight and hope in spotting rainbows in various settings.
Why Worry?
The church previously published daily devotions for Advent and Lent with Sister Carol Perry. A reflection on worrying and the futility of it, emphasizing the need to bring worries to prayer.
Plans for You
The post reflects on feeling lost and finding solace in Jeremiah 29 scripture. A hymn related to the scripture is shared. Encourages prayer. Posted by Tusi Elvi.
The Road
The author reflected on the metaphor of "the road" in their Lenten journey, drawing parallels to God, Jesus, the Spirit, and the Church. They likened God to a road offering diverse paths, Jesus as the guide to light and love, the Spirit as the inner GPS, and the Church as a starting point and companions on the journey.
On the Road to Gethsemane
Morgan James, a versatile American performer, responded to a dream by gathering an all-female team to create a fresh studio album of the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. This project offers a unique perspective on the historical Jesus and encourages deeper spiritual exploration. Details can be found at the She is Risen Project.
On International Women’s Day
This post celebrates women around the world, acknowledging their joy and suffering, leadership and oppression. The author shares a personal experience at St. John the Divine’s in New York City, encountering the controversial Christa sculpture and feeling profoundly understood by God. The author reflects on the strength and power of women, expressing a prayer for their value, respect, and love on International Women's Day.
The Rocky Road
In life, we often seek easy paths, avoiding obstacles. However, unexpected challenges arise, testing our faith and resilience. Embracing these "rocks" as opportunities to grow spiritually, we can navigate difficult times with strength and belief in a higher power. Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D., urges us to face adversity and find valuable lessons within.
Golden Hour: A Time to Pause in Awe
When we stand still to catch the beauty of the world during Golden Hour...
Everything has a Time
The passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 beautifully portrays life's diverse phases, depicting moments of birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, love and hate. It highlights the ever-changing nature of life and the world. This timeless wisdom continues to resonate with individuals across cultures and generations.
Psalm 34
Sandy D. finds solace in music, alongside prayer and scripture, to trust God in all circumstances. She shares "Psalm 34" and "Levanto mis Manos" as sources of upliftment and a reminder to praise God, and recommends "He’s Been Faithful" for its expression of God’s faithfulness. She encourages praise during Lent.
The Road to a New Job
Carmen Matias found herself adrift after resigning from her job as per city protocol. Despite two years of worry and uncertainty, she took a leap of faith, reaching out to Michael Bloomberg and securing a job at Bloomberg News. This unexpected turn of events led her to a fulfilling role and a valuable connection.
Skipping from Ashes to Lilies
The poem by Susan Ceely Philips expresses a journey from darkness to light, conveying a profound sense of faith and trust in a higher power. The narrative evolves from questioning and uncertainty to a serene assurance and dependence on divine guidance, ultimately embracing the idea of safety and security in the present moment.
A Little Less Anger
The poem and prayer express a longing for less anger, fear, and sadness, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding. It draws on religious texts and teachings to convey the significance of seeking wisdom, restraint in speech, and peaceful reconciliation. It encourages deep prayer and silent contemplation for spiritual enlightenment and understanding.
A Lenten Meditation on What the Child Said Without Words
The poem emphasizes the spiritual significance of the Eucharist through a child's natural reverence and gratitude for food. It portrays the child's genuine communion with the sacred ritual, highlighting the profound simplicity and unfeigned thankfulness in partaking of the holy meal. The child's actions symbolize a heartfelt connection to divine nourishment and love.
SONG OF ASSURANCE ALONG A PATH
The post contains Psalm 23, in which David praises the Lord as his shepherd and protector. Despite facing challenges, he trusts in God's guidance and provision. The post also includes a link to a song, "HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW" by Victory Boyd, and concludes with "A Blessed Lenten Season" and the sender's name, Sandy D.