Rubber bands...

I recently had the privledge of meeting someone at my church to discuss God-given gifts. The funny thing is that I got to compare my current gifts with a copy of my gifts from some years ago. Some new ones are developing, others were well developed and yet others, I had the privledge of scratching off my list.

Scratching off the list you may ask. I realized that while I was able to use these gifts, they were not particularly the ones that I enjoy. So I got the permission to scratch them off the list.

This may seem like such a little thing, but it was so liberating.

My friend at church explained that God gave us gifts so that we can be like a happy rubber band. All loose and happy. That when we attempted to do things that were out of our zone, it was a stretch and that would pull us. We can do it for a while, but after a long period of time, we snap.

I feel like I am so late in the game, but I believe this can give me direction on trying to make my life more enjoyable for me (and others around me).

Top ten things I miss from Lake Champion

• Being outdoors all the time!
• On demand hot chocolate
• Being surrounded by some of my favorite people
• My "Vamp It Up" nail polish gang
• A king sized bed
• No dishes to wash - thanks middle schoolers
• Watching my kids play with fish, frogs and other creepy crawlies
• Being surrounded by so many people with true servant hearts
• Walking everywhere as opposed to sitting at a desk all day
• Knowing that even sewing rings on curtains can help serve the Lord!!!

The Passion

I try to make a point of watching the Passion of the Christ, during lent every year. I feel like I need to be reminded of exactly what Jesus went through for a sinner like me.

I cringe, turn my head, and find excuses to leave the room when the pain is too much to bear...

I wonder if I would know the truth when it came to persecuting him. Would I follow the crowds? Would the words "Crucify Him" come out of my mouth?

Tears stream as I shutter at the thought of what Mary went through.

But then there is the miracle of the grave being empty...

The gift we have been given which in no way is related to jelly beans, bunnies or candy.

It is unbelievable...

For a sinner like me.

I pray for all my loved ones in this time of Lent. That our hearts become ready to celebrate this gift.

Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!