Ash Wednesday - Turning My Heart Toward Home

Woke the girls up early today and attended an Ash Wednesday Mass.  It was the first time I'd been in that particular church, St. Anthony's, even though I've lived in the area for over 30 years.  The priest talked about how Ash Wednesday and Lent are similar to Toyota.  It is a time to be recalled.  A time to come back for adjustments to the journey to God's heart.   I really resonate with that thought. 

Over and over this week, the Lord is bringing me messages that contain a single theme:  humility.  Jesus is the very picture of humble.  I want more of that in my life.  He has made it abundantly clear that He wants more if it in my life, too.

Physically and emotionally, it's been a trying week.  Who's idea was it to put a perimenopausal woman and three adolescent females in the same house...difficult.  (Condolences may be sent to Mark and Andrew...)  But that is where the stuff of my character is shown.  What's inside the glass will come out when jostled.  God is teaching me to be a minister in my home first and foremost.  That is the true test of His love living in me.  Don't worry.  It's really not as bad as I make it sound.  There is joy and love in the midst of these trials.  His grace is giving me eyes to see it.  I am grateful.

I love this song. It was written and originally performed by Rich Mullins. He was such an intense soul. Now he's with Jesus. This remake of the song is a great tribute and I believe it really captures the raw emotion that the words portray.  (Pause the player at the top of this page before you play the video.)





As I head into Lent, I'm thinking of the words that the priest shared this morning. "Lent is a season we love to hate." I can totally understand that. I love to be drawn to the heart of Jesus. That's my safe place. But to get there, I must cast everything else aside. I go empty handed.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a

huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,

let us strip off every weight that slows us down,

especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race

God has set before us. 

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus,

the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Because of the joy awaiting him,

he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

Now he is seated in the place of honor

beside God’s throne. 

Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;

then you won’t become weary and give up.

Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT

As the ashes were crossed onto my forehead, the words "Repent of your sins and believe in the gospel," were ringing in my ears.  Yes, LORD, I do repent.  Yes, LORD, I do believe.  Amen.