Author: Mari Walker

Tuesday, March 18

Let the Tears Fall

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. – Joel 2:12

It was one of those mornings where nothing was going right. I had driven to meet up with friends, but couldn’t find them in the massive crowds, so I turned around to head home. On the way, a text canceled plans for later that day. It was too much. I couldn’t hold it in anymore, so while driving toward Jefferson Highway and home, I let the tears fall. The wailing started shortly after. It was the kind of crying you do with your whole body; the rest of the way home, I’m sure I was quite the sight for the drivers beside me, but I didn’t care. The frustration and anxiety and overwhelm had been building all week until finally it had consumed me. I needed the release to make room for peace.

Crying is a biological response to overwhelm; it’s how our bodies deal with stress and grief. The act of crying soothes the soul and can, in fact, bond people together. Just as the physical tears clean the eyes, the act of releasing the emotions cleans the heart. I was so consumed by my own version of what the day, the week, my life was supposed to look like that I had allowed the spaces in my heart to fill with junk. On that Saturday in my car, it was only after I was emptied that I could feel God’s guiding hand for that day.

That’s what Joel’s message in chapter 2 reminds me of. The Israelites had turned from God (again) and he was urging them to clean out the space in their hearts for God to fill them up. The call to fast, to weep, to mourn is more than just a direction for them to feel bad about turning away. To truly weep for something is to let it overtake you, to give in to the emotions and release the control we think we have over things. Just like with me in my car, it was only after the Israelites cried it out that the Lord could move into those spaces. They had to first give up all of themselves — the physical needs in fasting, the emotional control with weeping, and the ideas that they knew what was best with mourning — in order to receive the blessings God had planned for His people.

God has blessings planned for you, too. Cry it out if you need to, so that your whole self is free to receive them.

Hannah Froehlich

Monday, March 17

I Learned It From My Mama

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. – Matthew 23:37

In the depths of Lent, we are reminded of God’s profound love, a love that echoes the tender care of a mother for her children. Jesus’ lament for Jerusalem reveals just how much God loves us, even when we resist or reject it. Just as a mother hen gathers her chicks, Jesus longs to gather us under his wings, offering refuge and comfort.

The image of divine protection resonates especially this year, as I navigate the bittersweet journey of life without my mom in it. Her death has left a void that can never be filled. Yet, in her physical absence, I find myself clinging more tightly to the promise of God’s motherly love – a love that is unconditional, sacrificial and ever-present.

As my mother’s daughter and as Jane and Livia’s mama, I have learned and continue to learn to understand the transformative power of maternal love. It’s a love that urges me to embrace all that I am so that I can know, accept and love my daughters unconditionally. My motherhood journey is a spiritual path, leading me to a deeper understanding of God’s lavish and expansive love.
In this season of grief for me, the assurance of God’s love fills me with a sense of security that overflows, reminding me that life, when lived in God’s presence, is indeed full to the brim. This fullness is nourishing, a spiritual sustenance that satisfies deepest longings, filling with a joy that spills over into every aspect of life.

God, open our hearts to be full to overflowing with your motherly love. Help us trust – even in our desert moments, times of loss and longing – that your love remains steadfast and full. Amen.

Mari Walker

Saturday, March 15

Marius

The offices of Marius, chief architect and engineer of Tetrarch Herod Antipater

Marius stood on the balcony outside his workroom looking down at the workers below busy at their task of raising the walls of the new wing. In his mind he could see the finished structure, an enduring monument to Roman building skill. He marveled at the good fortune which had brought him from a minor office in the Roman Legion to his high rank in the Galilean court.

Stepping back into the workroom, he glanced at the small boy sitting at a table by the window, studying an open scroll before him while chewing on the stylus of his wax tablet.

“Judah,” he said, “have you solved the problem?”

The boy looked up, smiling. “Yes, sir. I think so, but it’s a furry monster.”

“Romans can conquer any monster they face. Let me see what you’ve done. Well, now. That looks quite good. I think you can wrap up your math studies for the day. It’s almost time for your Hebrew lesson.”

“Do I really have to learn Hebrew, Father? I’m a Roman and I’m going to be an engineer like you.”

“Judah, you’re a Roman like me, of course, but you’re a Jew also like your mother. You are a very lucky boy. Romans have spread good roads and fine buildings with peace and justice throughout the world. The Jewish people have taught us about the things of the spirit. Remember how sick you were last year? We were all afraid we would lose you. But a holy Jewish man, a rabbi, answered my plea for help. His great power healed you, and here you are healthy and fit. Now, run along down to the kitchen and see if Cook has a treat to reward your good work today. You have time for that before Hebrew lessons.”

Marius had barely settled down to work when his scribe brought him a fresh dispatch from the tetrarch. “He calls upon the whole court to join him in Jerusalem for Passover this year. There are rumblings among the people that the Teacher is the predicted Messiah and that he will declare himself their king this year. The tetrarch wishes to use his influence to avoid bloodshed.”

Marius shook his head. “I know this prophet to be a great and good man and no threat as a rebel. Give the orders for our household to pack at once.”

When Judah returned to the office a few minutes later he brought a jar of pudding with him. “Look, Father, Cook has made this pudding for us. It’s full of dates and apples and nuts. She says it’s to serve at Passover to remind us of the mortar anchoring the bricks made by the Hebrew slaves.”

“Mortar never tasted this good, son, but we’ll be going to Jerusalem for Passover this year, and we will take some of this with us to share. If it’s possible, we’ll give some to a very holy man and you will meet the one who healed you.”

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 14

Even in the Desert

And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” – Luke 4:12

Deliverance
Expectancy
Safety
Ecstatic
Reliable
Triumphant

We’ve all been in the “Desert” at one time or another. I certainly have and I must admit there are times when I feel like I’ve failed God. As I read Luke chapter 4 verses 1 through 13, I noticed a very important detail. Each time Satan tried to tempt Jesus he replied with, “For it is written” or “It has been said” followed by the word of God. It can’t be that simple right? So, I decided to be mindful of the words I spoke especially in times of temptation. Yes, even when I am driving and someone cut me off or drove too close.

I was tempted a few days ago. I was in the turning lane when a young man pulled out in front of me blocking my view. I was livid and I yelled out, “Oh no you didn’t! For it is written, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself!” I felt silly and started laughing as I turned down the street. Then I realized I wasn’t angry anymore.
We might fail sometimes but we have the word of God to help us resist temptation. We just have to be willing to allow His word to live in my hearts.

During times of distress
Enter into a time of prayer
Sing praises to God
Expect deliverance
Rejoice in victory
Trusting God to bring you through

Heavenly Father when we are tempted or in despair help us remember your word. Hide your word in our hearts. In Jesus name amen

L. Darlene Dickson

Thursday, March 13

Finding God in the Desert

“…you will rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given you and your household.” – Deuteronomy 26:11

I’ve never been to a desert, but I don’t think I’d like it very much. I have a hard enough time in Southeastern Louisiana. As a proud Midwesterner, I am not built for heat. As a person struggling with Multiple Sclerosis, I really don’t like heat as it can trigger symptoms and make me even more miserable. These “winter” days with highs in the 80s are far from my ideal. In the past, February has been a tough month for me because of the never-ending snow and slush and cold, but this year it’s the relentless sun and heat that are beginning to wear me down.

I often find myself longing for a respite from the heat. I want to be able to wear sweatshirts outside. I want to walk my dog more than half a block before her tongue lolls out the side of her mouth. I wonder at the people who actually enjoy this. It can be hard to find the joy when so many of the things I’d like to do are unavailable to me due to the weather. I’m lost in a desert (well, at least it feels like it).

Sometimes I get lost in the desert of life-the business, the stress, the to dos. Yet even in these moments when I feel depleted and dried out, God still blesses me. Despite its reputation as a desolate place, full of dead things, the desert is actually full of life. There are animals and plants that thrive in deserts. Unlike a mirage, these blessings are real: the nap stolen in fifteen minutes of downtime, the connections made with others running to and fro, the rest that finally comes exactly when you need it. God’s love, mercy, and abundance is present even in the bleakest of places. When the heat feels like too much, when the desert of life feels too barren, when you don’t know when you’ll ever find your way out of the endless stretches of struggle-God is there, too. Sometimes, we can even see him better when there aren’t so many distractions.

Next time you find yourself in a desert, look around. God will be there.

Hannah Froehlich

Wednesday, March 12

Death as a Wisdom Teacher

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The United Methodist Book of Worship

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” – Genesis 3:19

Yes, it is that time of year when we hear those words and are reminded. The great baseball legend Yogi Berra said “It ain’t over until it’s over!” But the services of Ash Wednesday remind us that after what Yogi said there comes that time when plainly and simply…it’s over. We are reminded of our frailty and our immortality And for many of us the whole season of Lent is a not-always-comfortable reminder that we are growing older.

Recently, I’ve been a part of a book study of THE MIDWINTER GOD, by Christine Valters Paintner. In it Paintner invites us to consider death as wisdom teacher. Most all of us fear growing older at one time or another. What if our culture were one where the experience and wisdom of elders was deeply honored so that the unavoidable act of becoming older, the surrender of physical health and vitality, was rather seen as being replaced with wisdom and vibrant spiritual life? What would it be like if death were regarded as a sacred threshold? What if accompanying the dying on their final journey is seen as a holy responsibility?

In the Rule of St Benedict he writes “Keep death daily before your eyes.” Rainer Maria Rilke tells us that death is a vital companion who serves a necessary purpose of plunging us into the wondrous depth of life. “Death is our friend precisely because it brings us into absolute and passionate presence with all that is here, that is natural, that is love.” Perhaps it is not just about physical death but all the losses and deaths and letting go throughout our lives?

James Hillman offers that “What is human is frail, subject to death. To be human is to be reminded of death and a perspective informed by death.” He goes on to say that if we are soul-focused we will be death-focused, to be death-focused is to be soul-focused.

This does not mean we are morbidly preoccupied. But it is a genuine honoring of the giftedness of the time we have. It is the grace of that gift. It is not knowing when our life will end.

In this season of Lent and especially in the words celebrated on Ash Wednesday, it is remembering our limited time. It is helping us to really reflect on and to recommit to what is most important in our lives. It is to open our eyes to the grace of our limitations and the fullness and wholeness that brings.

Rev. Larry Norman

Tuesday, March 11

Something Relinquished

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. – Matthew 6:16

I’m going to give up something for Lent this year. This has never been my habit. I usually add something positive to my daily activities instead, like intentional daily prayer for the leaders of our country or sending short notes by mail to folks who might be lonely. But this year I will be giving something up, something significant that brings me pleasure. This decision is driven by the tumult and suffering I see all over our planet, those images and reports that are seared into my brain and bring so much pain that robs sleep. Sometimes I feel like I am bleeding with the hurt of humanity.

When you think about it, life is like a forced Lent. You don’t get to choose what you give up – a precious loved one, robust health, a good job, etc. Whatever I give up, I want to be involved in a true struggle, something that is difficult and reminds me of the sacrifice Jesus made for us as well as the life-strangling challenges of hunger and homelessness and disease that so many men, women and children all over the world endure.

I am so fortunate to be able to choose.

Precious Jesus, we willingly follow you into the wilderness, for we have the assurance that you will be there with us. As we hold up the mirror of self-examination, give us the honesty to recognize our sins and shortcomings and the courage to die to ourselves. As we reach for rebirth and renewal, help us embrace true servanthood and live into the Kingdom – here and now. Amen.

Betty Schroeder

Monday, March 10

Praying the Rules of Methodism

Lent is a time of reflection and growth, a time of working to leave old, debilitating habits behind and growing into a new way of living, full of abundance and grace. The rules of Methodism give us a way to aspire to be better people and to hold ourselves accountable to the changes we wish to make. Lent gives us a season, a defined period of time, to focus on spiritual growth. I invite you to join with me during the season of Lent to pray the rules of Methodism each morning when you wake up. The morning prayer goes something like this:

Dear Lord, in this day, help me to do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.

Maybe tape these prayers on your bathroom mirror, or someplace where you will be reminded each day to say the prayers.

The evening prayer invites reflection:

Dear Lord, in this day have I done harm? Have I done good? Have I stayed in love with God?

I have done this practice off and on for over 20 years and I have to admit to you, that regularly when I pray, “Have I done harm?” the answer is “Yes, I’ve lost my temper or spoken harshly or not been as kind as I might have been.” In my reflection, I can add to the prayer, asking God to strengthen me so I don’t make the same mistake again, and apologize to someone, if necessary. Luckily, when I pray, “Have I done good?” there are usually actions I can celebrate where I did the right thing. I ask God to help me continue those actions. Lastly I pray, “Have I stayed in love with God?” That’s a tough one. How can you tell? Well, for me, if I have not thought of God since my prayer in the morning, I haven’t. This reminds me that God is with me throughout my day in a thousand little ways, and that it is important for me to notice and acknowledge that, just a simple thank you, saying grace at lunch. It doesn’t take much, but it is vitally important to remember that God as the Holy Spirit is in you and with you always, willing to help and guide you if only you ask. Blessed be God, day by day. Amen.

Rev. John Gilmore

Saturday, March 8

Tobias

Cana, the vineyard of Tobias, cousin of the apostle Nathaniel.

Tobias had put in a good morning’s work in the vineyard. As he walked back to the house, his mind was on a hearty lunch and a siesta. These plans were interrupted, however, by the sudden arrival of an unexpected guest.

“Nathaniel!” he shouted. “Welcome, cousin! It’s been almost two years since you’ve come by. What news do you bring? How are your studies with the Teacher going?”

“Greetings, Tobias! You can’t imagine how much I’ve learned. I wish I could sit down and share his words with you, but that would take days. There will be time for that later. Tobias, I need to ask for a favor.”

“Ask away. You can have whatever you want – except the vineyard. That has to stay in the family.”

“I don’t need things, cousin. I need you. You know that the first time I saw the Teacher, I knew he was the Messiah, the one who is going to restore the kingdom to Israel. In our early days together, he would say his time had not yet come. Now that time is here. He is preparing to go to Jerusalem for the Passover.”

“You all go up for Passover every year.”

“This year is decisive, Tobias. The kingdom will be declared. All of us in the Twelve are sure of it.”

“But, surely, you know the danger. The Roman troops are quick to smash any hint of revolt. The Temple leaders– even here in Galilee we hear the stories – are banded together against Jesus. You may all be killed.”

“They are strong and we don’t hide our eyes from that fact, but Jesus is stronger. He has an inner power that will defeat them all.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Come with us. I talk boldly but there is a little core of fear I can’t put by. Join us as we march to Jerusalem. Stand with us against our enemies. Be with us at the Passover.”

“I’m not a fighting man. I grow grapes and make wine. But I have seen the Master’s power firsthand and I wish to stand with him. So, I’ll come with you.”

“We’ll have to leave at once to join the others on the road. There will be many walking with us.”

“It will be a peaceful army marching to restore the Kingdom without the shedding of blood. Our Passover will be a festival of joy. I will bring the wine. There was a wedding here not long ago where excellent wine was served toward the end of the celebration. I still have some jars of that wine left. I will bring it with us to our feast.”

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 7

With All That You Are

“Now therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. – Joel 2: 12-13

Every Lent I begin to pray about what I need to give up for forty days. I’ve given up candy, potato chips, and sugar. I even gave up fried foods of any kind and accidentally lost fifteen pounds! Oh but, my favorite fast was the one I failed at daily. I decided for forty days that I would say only positive words. I went on a “word” fast. For the next forty days I could not respond to anyone or any situation in a negative way.
My son Kevin was in kindergarten and I explained the “word” fast to him. He definitely held me accountable every chance he got.

“Mom, you said that you couldn’t fuss at me.” Kevin whined.

“No son” I replied “I can fuss at you, I just can’t say negative or bad words.”

“Well saying, “You’re grounded” is bad!” stomping up the stairs.

“Look you little smart aaaa angelic boy! Don’t make me add another day to your punishment!” I yelled.

I prayed and cried every day because I messed up every day. Yet, God was slow to anger, full of mercy and kindness towards me. I still do a word fast from time to time but only for an hour or two. Whatever fast you choose for these forty days, remember to give God your heart.

Heavenly Father as we fast the next forty days draw us closer to you and wrap us in your love, grace and mercy. In Jesus name amen

L. Darlene Dickson