A Lenten Prayer

A woman in my Lenten faith-sharing group handed this out the other night. I think it is a great challenge for all of us who often think fasting ends with no meat and less treats ... I know I need to be reminded.

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

I believe that God has created each soul, that that soul belongs to God, and that each soul has to find God in its own lifetime and enter into His life. That is what is important. All of us need to seek God and find Him. - Blessed Mother Teresa

A Time For Reflection

Today is Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent and a period of reflection in Christians' lives. I always have a million aspects I want to improve, but none more important than being more faithful to God and His plan for me in my life.

One of my favorite quotes of all times really has made me think over the years.

From this vantage point, he could see clearly that those who pursue holiness can find both holiness and happiness, while those who pursue happiness find neither.

~ from "Deadline" by Randy Alcorn

Powerful, bold and very true. Most of the times I am filled with the most holiness and happiness is when I am serving others and focusing on following where God is leading me, not when I focus on myself, my material possessions or other relatively trivial matters.

A little kick off for the next 40 days of reflection:).