Scripture | water2breathe

I’ve been doing a “Lenten Log” on the youth group’s Facebook page. Someone suggested I post a few of them on my blog, too. You know, so both of my readers can see them…

Jenny’s Log

Lent

Day 1

When I was kid, I had Catholic and Lutheran friends (yeah, that’s right, I had friends) who “gave up” things for Lent, like chocolate or pop or movies or whatever. I never really got into this practice, but I did think it was kind of cool to “give up” something in order to “make room” for God.

Then several years ago, I heard about another Lenten practice: instead of giving up something, you could ADD something extra for those 40 days: prayer time, walks, read a religious book, etc. This is another way to “make room” for God.

So this year, I’m re-reading the Gospel of John, a little bit every day. I’m hoping it’ll help me think about Jesus and the things that Jesus did while he was on earth–and help make the resurrection celebration at Easter more meaningful.

Today is Day 1. I’m starting off slow, just reading chapter 1, verses 1-5. Verse 5 is actually one of my favorites: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Darkness can mean a lot of things: death, suffering, sorrow, poverty, sickness–all the stuff in life that really sucks. This darkness tries to beat out all the good things–love, hope, faith, joy, truth. But it can’t. The light is always stronger.

Always.

Five New Things I didn’t know I liked until this week:

1. Spider Rolls at Shanghai Bistro. Sounds weird, has crab shell in it, and looks a little like something you’d find under a log—but yum.

2. “Tens,” a card game that Carley taught me at the Youth Group Lock-In. I lost, of course (evidently luck is an important factor). Fun, though.

3. Bye Bye Birdie. Chi Hi did a great job last weekend putting on this musical, which, surprisingly, has nothing to do with birds. Kyla was fantastic as “Short Chorus Girl.”

4. The book of Hebrews. When the Sunday morning Bible study group decided to read this in-depth for the spring, I was less than thrilled. But it’s growing on me. 4:16 is my favorite verse so far: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

5. Giving Ellie a bath. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still traumatic for both of us. But she manages to be so cute when she stands in the tub, alternately glaring at me and looking indignant. Plus her fur’s all soft and fluffy afterward.

What new things did you find this week?

Lent Log: Making Room for God

Five Things Friday: All Things New