Lenten Challenge #25: Word up

Today we are challenged to share a Bible verse with others.

A verse that has been very significant to me for much of my life is from Psalm 139 love the whole psalm, but especially verse 13

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

My mother did not want ten kids. When she was pregnant for the fifth time she was very resentful and unhappy. She had four little boys under the age of 5; she did not want another baby. And then, she told me, I was born the little girl her heart desired, and she promised God she would never resent another pregnancy no matter how many she had.

I felt bad, not glad, when she told me this. I felt like I was somehow responsible for the large family, all the work.

But when I found this verse it was like ointment on a wound. God knew me and loved me from the beginning. God was there with me in my mother’s womb. Thanks be to God.

Lenten Challenge #24: Stand

“Choose not to shy away from a cause today.” Today’s challenge is to consider what cause you are passionate about and then to listen for God’s prompting on what you might do about it – daring to believe that you can be used.

Many years ago I signed my first internet petition. Now I get bombarded with requests. I appreciate those who send along links to information that background stories can be checked. I don’t sign my name unless I believe in the cause.

As well, I support various organizations that are trying to make the world a better place. Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support, International Teams, along with my local and national church are the ones I give to regularly. I also give a small monthly donation to Avaaz, and sometime to Open Media because I believe in an open internet. My voice may be small, but many voices together can make a big noise.

Lenten Challenge #23 Last Rollo

Would you give away your last Rollo? What is it that you think you cannot live without? Today’s challenge is to give away something that is important to you.

As I am now in California, I made a choice not to bring my laptop computer. I have an iPhone and an iPad, so I am still well connected. But the laptop is heavy to carry around the airport, plus it is challenging to figure out how to carry it, my camera and my purse in one carryon bag. So I left it at home. (I have borrowed Trina & Gary’s computer to do this.)

In the eight years I’ve owned that laptop my lifestyle has changed. When I had only a desk computer I would spend far less time in front of the screen. But the laptop can come with me anywhere. And it does.

I have not given it away, nor do I intend to, but I will live without it for 10 days.

Lenten Challenge #22: Essentials

Today’s challenge is to offer someone a care package. Something essential to their health/happiness that they might not have time or energy for, but your gift can give them so much more.

Today I am packing ready to leave for California. Cheryl and I had lunch with Mom at noon as I will miss the next two Sundays. Now my bags are packed, my house is clean and I’m about to take the small dog over to Myron. After a few hours of sleep (I hope) I will be up early to go to the airport.

Mina is also excited, waiting for me to come. She wanted to go to bed in the middle of the afternoon – so tomorrow will come faster. Love you, Child! So glad to be able to spend some days with you again.

Lenten Challenge #21: Global Warming

Today’s challenge asked us to consider our consuming. “Small things, every day, make a difference.”

When Trina and Gary moved to California I changed the way I spent money. I wanted to visit them twice a year. Every year they’ve been there plane tickets have gotten more expensive, as have many other things, especially my condo fees. Ever since that first trip the first question I ask myself in a store is, “Do I want this, or do I want a plane ticket?” It’s amazing how little I really need.

I hope one day I will not have to make twice-yearly trips to California. I hope I will always remember to carefully consider how much I am consuming.