Lent II

Tomorrow is the second Sunday of Lent and I have just finished listening again to all of the "Love Life" series from this week. "Love Life" is a Lenten series offered by the Society of St. John the Evangelist. This is a religious order of the Episcopal Church and these brothers have often been a lifeline for me. I have retreated at their monastery and guesthouses in Massachusetts. This Lenten video series is about "Living the Gospel of Love". Each of the videos is presented by a brother who talks about the Gospel of John. On Wednesday of this week (Revelation 3: Acceptance) Br. Curtis Almquist talks about "feeling" God's love. Sometimes I know God loves me and sometimes it is so hard to feel loved by anyone, especially God.  Almquist, in his meditation, says this, "...I think love is ultimately not a feeling it’s a decision and it’s God’s decision and God adores you." He recommended writing these words on a piece of paper, "God loves me", and taking it into the day with us. 

God loves and adores you

Looking at that paper at times during the day was a gift to my memory, a reminder that God has decided to love me and I am living in that love whether I feel it or not. At those moments when I opened the folded piece of paper and looked at the words, a flood of feelings came over me. The battle waged by darkness in my soul could not stand in the face of that "tangible light" - the words: "God loves and adores you." I KNOW in my heart that this is the message of scripture (the whole of it!) and that little piece of paper became a laser light of proof to me.  You can listen to these videos by going to www.ssje.org and clicking on the "Love Life" series at the top of the page. You can subscribe to these videos (which are about 2 minutes long) at that site also and each one will be sent to your email daily during Lent. 

Pumpkin sleeping in Bella's crate

Bella is spending a few days with my friends at Mepkin. She loves it there and it is an opportunity for me to get some things done around here. Last night after I made Pumpkin get out of my lap so I could knit, she got in Bella's crate and went to sleep. Does this mean she misses Bella???? She has managed to sleep in Bella's other bed as well. This is why I have animals...they are live entertainment 24/7.

Fireplace in my "new" living room

The house painting is finished as well as the new tile work around the fireplace. Wish I had a "before" picture to show you! The house feels like it is finally "mine". Before it had yellow/white walls and the wood around the fireplace was honey colored. The tile was white with tan and yellowish designs in it. This tile is slate and the natural color variations are beautiful! I'm happy... Now, today, it is time to clean out the garage....