The fear of change can overwhelm us, paralyze us and keep us from living. But that is not our only option.

Today I turned a bowl from two pieces of discarded wood. While I was doing this project on the turning lathe, I thought about this Lenten theme and realized what I was doing paralleled messages found in the Scriptures for this week!

After all, we all know that we are sinners already. But it is when we are ready to admit this and move on, through repentance, that we grow and bear the fruit. And this kind of repentance is not scary. It is lovely.

So if you think you’re standing – all satiated by the spiritual and tucked into the cozy hug of that cloud – not so quick. Watch your step.

We have 35+ appetites ready to take the place of our need for God and a 24/7/365 consumer culture ready to sate them.

So instead of wasting time on fruitless actions that do not satisfy, put your heart into the season and seek God through gratitude.

In spite of my life’s difficulties, I have overcome and God has shown himself faithful.

The universe has a pattern too: throwing curveballs. Sometimes the curveballs are surprising, better than anything I ever imagined, and other times they are stunning and throw me down to the ground.

We are not people whose minds should be, “set on earthly things.” Instead, we “stand firm in the Lord,” and seek hope during Lent.

Do not be ashamed, but lift your head high for the Lord God loves you dearly!