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Prepare for Lent

2/12/2015

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Are you prepared to launch into Lent with gusto?  We are less than a week away from Ash Wednesday.  Start planning now if you have not already done so.  How will you pray, fast, and give alms?  There are many helpful hints on the internet and other places about how to make your Lent a holy and fruitful time.  Please don't let these precious days slip by without growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

What does your prayer life look like right now?  How would you like it to look?  Spending time each day in prayer is essential for us to grow in union with God.  Our earthly relationships require spending time with one another if they are to grow and mature; the same is true of our relationship with God. Plan now to enrich your prayer life during Lent.  What do you need to do to more fully open yourself to God's grace?  Do you have a set time for prayer each day?  Do you have the discipline to maintain that commitment?  What role does the Bible play in your prayer life?  Do you allow God to speak to you as you read and meditate upon the Sacred Scriptures?  Are you fond of any particular devotions?  Will the Stations of the Cross be part of your prayer life during these 40 days?

From what will you fast?  Certain items typically make the list--alcohol, nicotine, candy, chocolate, ice-cream, etc.  In addition to our favorite sweets and treats, will we make a commitment to fast from gossip, profanity, and other hurtful behaviors?  Will we refrain from watching questionable movies or television shows?  Are we willing to seriously look at anything and everything to evaluate if it is bringing us closer to God or if it is driving us farther away?

How will we serve others during these days?  Giving alms isn't simply about giving money; it also challenges us to give of ourselves.  How will we build up the Kingdom of God by being a faithful witness to those around us?

Finally, the season of Lent gives us the opportunity to develop good habits that last a lifetime.  We aren't simply embarking on a 40 day sprint.  We are engaging in the first leg of the journey which lasts a lifetime and beyond.  Plan now to rocket yourself into a splendid Lenten season! 
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The Risk of Change

4/23/2013

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On April 23, 1992 McDonald's opened its first fast food restaurant in China.  This change opened up new markets for the corporation and subsequently increased market share.  Change in this case produced positive results.

On April 23, 1985 Coca-Cola announced that it was changing its secret flavor formula and "New Coke" made its debut.  For those of us old enough to remember this event, the results were less than stellar for this corporation.  Change in this case did not produce positive results.

As individuals, we each experience change in our lives.  Sometimes these changes bring us closer to God; other times these changes lead us astray.  However, we are not simply subjected to external circumstances that determine all of these changes.  We are called to be proactive and seek out holiness in our lives.  When we speak of change in regard to our faith journey, we are speaking about conversion.  Are we growing in union with God?

We may not be making corporate decisions that could earn us millions of dollars if we call the right shots, but our decisions regarding faith and morals have much steeper consequences than dollars and cents.  There are eternal ramifications linked to these decisions.  Have we accepted the redeeming love of Jesus Christ?  Does our love for God and our faith in Christ Jesus guide the decisions we make on a daily basis?  Do we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to give us the courage and perseverance we need to be faithful?

As we continue our 50 day celebration of Easter and move closer and closer to the great Feast of Pentecost, are we sensing the Holy Spirit stirring in our lives? 
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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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