I am going to post the Lent photo a day posts up through March 10 in this post. Since Lent began on Ash Wednesday, this makes two weeks. I'll try to post weekly going forward. I will post the original posts, the photos and the writings. I will post my responses underneath.
The Lenten Season begins next Wednesday, February 26th on Ash Wednesday. If you are looking for a practice for the Lenten Season, here is one to consider: a word/photo a day. If you are looking for a Lenten Scripture Reading Plan, those are available on site at the church. Please share these Lenten practices with others who may be interested.
Today, Ash Wednesday, is the beginning of the Lenten Season. We begin with the word "dust". If you attend a service today or find a place that offers ashes, you will likely hear these words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will will return." As you reflect on today's word, what comes to mind? How do you show this word in a photograph? #dust #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Yesterday's word was #dust. This is palm branch ash that is pure of stems and grit. It is dark and rich in substance. A little goes a long way. Once it gets on your skin or under your nails, you will have difficulty fully removing it. It is a reminder that there are lasting effects, even when we are brushed by dust for a moment. As I reflect on the dust from whence I came and to which I will return, my hope is to live with passion in the time I am here, making the most of all that surrounds me on this dusty terrestrial ball. #dust #lentphoto #stelmoumc #lent2020
Today's word is "awareness". As the Lenten season starts, what captures your awareness this year? As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? Share your thoughts and any photos. #awareness #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is #awareness. As I begin my day, I am aware of the opportunities of a new day. I am aware of those who grieve recent losses and losses gone by. I am aware of my own grief in learning of the loss of a friend and a friend's family member this week. I am aware of the benefit of doing the hard and difficult, often painful work of soul work, of healing, of reconciliation. I find myself in a place of awareness, at least in day 2 of the Lenten journey. I am grateful. Peace on this day. #awareness #lentphoto #stelmoumc #lent2020
Today's word is "journey". All of life is a journey. As you begin this portion of the 40 day journey of the Lenten Season, what are your thoughts for this leg of the journey? What does "journey" mean to/for you? What comes to mind when you reflect on the word "journey"? #journey #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "journey". All of life is a journey. As you begin this portion of the 40 day journey of the Lenten Season, what are your thoughts for this leg of the journey? What does "journey" mean to/for you? What comes to mind when you reflect on the word "journey"? #journey #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Getting out into creation is a huge part of my self-care and soul-care. As I hike/walk, I often notice applications to life's journey along the path. This trail has a variety of scenes, as many do. My life journey and my faith journey have both had a variety of scenes. It has been an adventure. During this year's Lenten journey, I hope to be open to the transformative love and grace of the Holy Spirit. I am already humbled by words, experiences, actions. As Jerry Webber puts it (from my memory), 'the door has cracked open. I stand in it unwilling to run.' I embrace the journey. #journey #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Getting out into creation is a huge part of my self-care and soul-care. As I hike/walk, I often notice applications to life's journey along the path. This trail has a variety of scenes, as many do. My life journey and my faith journey have both had a variety of scenes. It has been an adventure. During this year's Lenten journey, I hope to be open to the transformative love and grace of the Holy Spirit. I am already humbled by words, experiences, actions. As Jerry Webber puts it (from my memory), 'the door has cracked open. I stand in it unwilling to run.' I embrace the journey. #journey #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is #reflection. I picked three of my pictures that show reflections. For the clearest image, the water needs to be still. For me to clearly hear the One Voice that created me, I need to be still. I am still able to reflect the image of Christ as I move around. I can even listen while moving. Yet there is something to being still that allows for deeper reflection for me. May I make time for deep and holy reflection this Lenten season. #reflection #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "examination". As you reflect on this word, consider these words from Psalm 139:23-24--> "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." As you reflect on today's word and the words from Psalm 139, what comes to mind? How do you visually show your reflections today? #examination #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "examination". As you reflect on this word, consider these words from Psalm 139:23-24--> "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." As you reflect on today's word and the words from Psalm 139, what comes to mind? How do you visually show your reflections today? #examination #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
I am reading How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going by Susan Beaumont. As I reflect on the word examination, these words on page 45 stand out: "yielding to what wants to emerge." This and much more resonates within me as I allow myself to be examined. #examination #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "forgiveness". Is there someone you need to forgive? Is it yourself? What does the word "forgiveness" bring up in you? As you reflect on today's word, what images come to mind? If a photograph doesn't capture them, what about a drawing or words? #forgiveness #stelmouc #lentphoto #lent2020
Yesterday's word was "forgiveness". This is one of the chapels at Camp Sumatanga, a UMC camp in AL. Riley and I went two years ago on Friday, March 2, 2018 as we chased beauty in waterfalls and creation on my Sabbath. As I reflect on yesterday's word, the quote by Alexander Pope comes to mind: "To err is human, to forgive divine." Forgiveness heals. It can remove bitterness and restore relationships. It can create family where there seemed to be no hope or possibility. Forgiveness restored me with God and others. #forgiveness #stelmoumc #lentphoto ##lent2020
Today's word is "gratitude". What are you thankful for during this Lenten Season or in general? Do you have a gratitude list? If you don't, consider using the remainder of the 40 days to write things daily for which you are grateful, beginning your gratitude list. As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? How do you depict "gratitude" in a photo? #gratitude #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "gratitude". I am grateful for my son's safety. I am grateful for all those working hard to bring power back to Nashville, to clean up, to comfort those who mourn. We are connected. I am grateful for the privilege to vote, to walk in the sunshine today, to talk on the phone with a friend going through radiation treatments. I am grateful for this guy, "retired guy", who loves his family and friends well. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk life with many, from my past appointment to my present one to those in community, and to those I meet from connections. I am grateful for family and friends, near and far. Shalom. #gratitude #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020 — with Riley Dickerson.
Today's word is "silence". How do you practice silence? Have you considered practicing silence for 2-5-10-20 minutes? If you are unsure about that practice, start slow. Think of a word or phrase to help you refocus when your mind wanders. Think of a word you use for God (Creator, Jesus, Holy Spirit, etc.) or a phrase that calms you (Peace, Be still, Come Holy Spirit, etc.) Practice listening in the silence. What does the word "silence" bring up for you as you reflect on it? How do you depict it in a photograph? #silence #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "silence". How do you practice silence? Have you considered practicing silence for 2-5-10-20 minutes? If you are unsure about that practice, start slow. Think of a word or phrase to help you refocus when your mind wanders. Think of a word you use for God (Creator, Jesus, Holy Spirit, etc.) or a phrase that calms you (Peace, Be still, Come Holy Spirit, etc.) Practice listening in the silence. What does the word "silence" bring up for you as you reflect on it? How do you depict it in a photograph? #silence #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
I came outside with coffee and Cliff this morning. I decided to use my Centering Prayer app from Contemplative Outreach for my silence time. It isn't on my my new phone nor could I find it. Finally, I set a timer and settled in. So much for the beginning prayer, the chimes, etc. Instead, I sat. In my silence, I heard geese, birds of all kinds-- I only recognized the crow, woodpeckers (there were several), the rooster, in addition to the geese. There was chirping, singing, honking, and machine gun pounding into trees. As I sat and breathed, my heart filled and my soul rested. I miss doing this daily. I miss doing this in a group. Yet, I made time for it today. Breathing in and breathing out, trusting the Creator to work in and through me. #silence #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "wilderness". What comes to mind for you when you think of the word wilderness? Wilderness can offer times of trial or rest, depending on circumstances. Wilderness will most always allow for the stripping away of things that are no longer needed, of things that can be let go. What can be let go in the wilderness during this year's Lenten journey? How do you reflect wilderness in a photo? #wilderness #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Yesterday's word was "wilderness". What comes to mind for you when you think of the word wilderness? Wilderness can offer times of trial or rest, depending on circumstances. Wilderness will most always allow for the stripping away of things that are no longer needed, of things that can be let go. What can be let go in the wilderness during this year's Lenten journey? How do you reflect wilderness in a photo? #wilderness #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Wilderness. I think of my outdoors time. This is Foster Falls from our family hike last May.
I seek the wilderness for renewal, for rest, for healing. It is a place that I can regain focus, where I can hear the One voice of the One who created me, and where my soul can catch up with my body. #wilderness #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "faith". What has this Lenten season faith done to/for your faith? How has this been different from years past? When you reflect on the word "faith", what comes to mind and how do you share that with others in a photo? #faith #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "faith". What has this Lenten season faith done to/for your faith? How has this been different from years past? When you reflect on the word "faith", what comes to mind and how do you share that with others in a photo? #faith #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
The photo is from the walking trail at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center and was taken several years ago on a silent retreat.
My faith is stretching this Lenten season. I am open to and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide. Though this isn't new for me, my experiences are. For the most part, I stay put, stand still in place, and attempt to "be" until I know what the next step is. This stretches me and stretches my faith, thus a photo of trees stretching tall. #faith #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "simplicity". What comes to mind when you reflect on this word? How are you practicing or how can you practice simplicity this Lenten Season? What could this look like in your life? How do you show simplicity in a photo? #simplicity #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Yesterday's word was "simplicity". What comes to mind when you reflect on this word? How are you practicing or how can you practice simplicity this Lenten Season? What could this look like in your life? How do you show simplicity in a photo? #simplicity #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
This was our simple sign several years ago to let folks know where to find the candy bowl on Halloween. Our young artist back then created the sign on a board used for breaking in TKD. Simplicity for me is doing what we can do with what we have. #simplicity #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
This was our simple sign several years ago to let folks know where to find the candy bowl on Halloween. Our young artist back then created the sign on a board used for breaking in TKD. Simplicity for me is doing what we can do with what we have. #simplicity #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "fast". If you chose to fast during Lent, what is your Lenten fast? Do you know that you only fast Monday through Saturday since Sundays are little Easters? Therefore, on Sundays, you are allowed the item you have been fasting. Does that change your fasting procedure at all? (You can look up many articles on that.) Maybe you are doing a different type of fast this year, fasting from using plastics or watching T.V. If you chose to take on a spiritual practice rather than give something up, what was that? The purpose of fasting is to make space for God. What are your thoughts on "fast" and how do you show it for others? #fast #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "fast". If you chose to fast during Lent, what is your Lenten fast? Do you know that you only fast Monday through Saturday since Sundays are little Easters? Therefore, on Sundays, you are allowed the item you have been fasting. Does that change your fasting procedure at all? (You can look up many articles on that.) Maybe you are doing a different type of fast this year, fasting from using plastics or watching T.V. If you chose to take on a spiritual practice rather than give something up, what was that? The purpose of fasting is to make space for God. What are your thoughts on "fast" and how do you show it for others? #fast #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Several years ago I gave up FEAR for Lent. I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit to share that on a Sunday morning from the pulpit. I did. I shared that I gave up fear and that my greatest fear was that they wouldn't want me in the pulpit if they knew I was a parent of an LGBTQ kid. I did not share details at that time, about my transgender kiddo. I ended up sharing at the second church that day too. I am grateful for the doors and conversations that opened. Today, in service, I said that I don't give up things for Lent, but rather I take things on that allow me to grow in my relationship with God, my Creator. That is not entirely true. I continue to give up fear daily and each Lenten season. I surrender the fear that hinders me from being and doing who and what I am called to and therefore, I live in freedom. The picture is of a tree in my backyard. I see a heart, a symbol of God's love-- for me, for others. I fast from fear and choose love. #seeaheartshareaheart #fast #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is "doubt". How does doubt play a role in your faith journey? Do you see doubt as a positive, negative, or indifferent factor? If you've never considered doubt as a healthy aspect of your faith journey, allow yourself to reflect on that some. What comes to mind you think of today's word? How do you show doubt in a photo? #doubt #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Yesterday's word was "doubt". How does doubt play a role in your faith journey? Do you see doubt as a positive, negative, or indifferent factor? If you've never considered doubt as a healthy aspect of your faith journey, allow yourself to reflect on that some. What comes to mind you think of today's word? How do you show doubt in a photo? #doubt #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Doubt helps me grow. I have learned that doubt doesn't make me any less of a follower of Christ nor does it decrease my faith. In fact, there have been times in which doubt has surprised me by increasing my faith and encouraging me in the journey. Doubt allows me to ask questions, to observe, to seek. I have walked by these stairs now for 8 months and just recently this shape caught my attention. I see a heart in the hole of the railing. When I begin to have doubts and questions, most always signs of love come out of hiding as reminders. Whether the reminder is to remember who and whose I am or to keep pressing on or to step into the places of uncertainty, they most certainly are symbolic of the Creator's care and attention. #doubt #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is fear. Several years ago I read a really good book on fear by Scott Bader-Saye entitled "Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear". I recommend it. It is reflective and thoughtful reading. Fear can have healthy responses and unhealthy ones. For example, if I have a healthy fear/respect of crossing a busy road, I'm going to use good judgement (hopefully) and not put myself or others in danger. We want ourselves and others to learn healthy fear of things, wild animals, etc. Yet, there is a time and place where fear of the other grows out of the unknown, some experience we've had, or ignorance. When you hear or see the word "fear", what comes to mind? How do you deal with fear? What is your response to fear this Lenten season? How do you represent fear in a photograph? #fear #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
Today's word is fear. Several years ago I read a really good book on fear by Scott Bader-Saye entitled "Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear". I recommend it. It is reflective and thoughtful reading. Fear can have healthy responses and unhealthy ones. For example, if I have a healthy fear/respect of crossing a busy road, I'm going to use good judgement (hopefully) and not put myself or others in danger. We want ourselves and others to learn healthy fear of things, wild animals, etc. Yet, there is a time and place where fear of the other grows out of the unknown, some experience we've had, or ignorance. When you hear or see the word "fear", what comes to mind? How do you deal with fear? What is your response to fear this Lenten season? How do you represent fear in a photograph? #fear #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
On the day for the word #fast, I shared that I gave up #fear one year for Lent and I shared my greatest fear of that time. I still fight back fear of rejection at times, for myself and for my son and our family. Yet, that isn't what I want to share today. I want to share some words from this book. I recommend the entire book. This quote is from p. 22: "Christian discipleship, that is, following Jesus, will mean surrendering the power that masquerades as security in order to love the neighbor and welcome the stranger. It will mean avoiding the safe path in order to pursue the good. But in a culture of fear, we find such risks all the more difficult, since our natural inclinations lead us to close in on ourselves when we face danger. How can we maintain the posture of the open hand hand in a world that scares us?"
I encourage you to read, re-read, pray. This resonates so much with me and how I want to live, love, and lead like Jesus. #fear #stelmoumc #lentphoto #lent2020
What are you doing this Lenten season for reflection?
Rev. Deb
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