Tag: Contemplation

Contemplation

The Lenten season is a great time to be introspective and examine the life I lead. Am I practicing what I believe? Am I being regularly infused by God’s Word and evaluating my thoughts, words, and deeds against that? Am I more concerned about what I think others should be doing that I am not spending enough time making sure I am in a spiritually healthy place?

When I travel I have a lot of time to think, reflect, plan, ponder, and pray.  I love the opportunity to get out of my space, observe people, and the changing scenery around me. I might see mountains, an ocean, streams, lush vegetation, and desolate deserts. And all these different views have my mind bouncing all over the place. As my mind moves from person to person and situation to situation the process of praying helps me pull all my thoughts together (even if they are a jumbled mess) and give them to God.

It is important for me to slow down from the busy-ness of these days and reflect. When I drive, I just pray but when I am a passenger, I always benefit from writing things down – it allows me to be reminded of things I have worked out — because sometimes I need reminded that I already worked through a situation. But, mainly, slowing down and spending time in prayer helps me to get out of my own situation and have a conversation with the One who knows me and knows the ones I care about.

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. [Romans 12:11-13, NIV]

Blessings as you spend time contemplating during this Lenten season!

Liz

PrayerPrompt: HOSPITALITY

Take the Time!

burnoutwGod is always working in my life but sometimes I just have to slow down and pay attention. That is a part of why I like cycling, especially on a path. The freedom to ponder situations is so important for me. But it is also important to view things in light of Scripture and that means I have to be in God’s Word to get His perspective. I know that if I am unchecked by Scripture, I can muddle all sorts of things rather quickly.

The very moment I think my life is too complicated for contemplation I know I am desperately in need for some. Reflection always leads me to prayer and God adjusting my attitude towards a person or circumstance.

Feeling bogged down and out of time? Stop and pray for your perspective and the day. Don’t budge out the very thing that will give you precisely what you need to accomplish the task!

On the Road,

Liz

Preparations

It’s been a day, a week really, preparing for Easter Sunday in the many ways one might do that:

* travel arrangements
* menu planning
* food shopping
* egg dyeing
* wardrobe additions
* cleaning
* decorating

In all this busyness has there been enough consideration of The Cross, The Christ, The Crucifixion?

There is still time to contemplate the incredible exchange that took place.

+ His life was given for yours.

+ You are worth the sacrifice He made.

+ You are worth the breath He gave.

+ Your value is not in what you have done or who you are.

+ Your beauty and value is in the eyes of your Beholder, your Savior, your Risen Lord.