“And in pursuit of the better, Adam and Eve lost the good.
In pursuit of knowledge, they lost wisdom.
In pursuit of themselves, they lost themselves.”
Erin Loechner from Chasing Slow
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Happy Friday Dear Reader!
Weather in The Wilderness Place has been nothing short of perfection! Today will be no exception and I am looking forward to an afternoon out with my Sweet Man. First, I am joining Kate Motaung and others where we write five minutes on a one word prompt.
Today’s word: SLOW
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Yesterday found me baking my favorite healthy muffin recipe and listening to Annie F. Down’s That Sounds Fun Podcast. (you can find That Sounds Fun Podcast on iTunes, Episode 26) The girls from She Reads Truth were guests, the topic Lent.
The scent of oatmeal and cinnamon danced in the breeze of open windows, my journal and favorite pen lay nearby. I found myself taking copious notes with one hand, stirring batter with the other.
If you practice Lent, you know it is an intentional time of slowing. Time to make space for Jesus.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (ESV)
What I can do is slow myself and create space. Space for my Savior to increase as I decrease. More of Him. Less of me. This is the crux of Lent.
Nourishing may call for sacrifice. Sacrifice of that thing I hold tightly, most likely even justify. I can let it go, give it up, and be nourished.
I have found myself in both these places, the nourishing and the breaking. I have grown in both places.
I have heard the still small whisper, almost certain of that thing I need to release that He may increase. I have yet to say it out loud or share it with my Sweet Man. My story has taught me, if I am willing, if I yield to the letting go, the reward will be great.
I am curious to know if you practice Lent. Do you find the practice of decreasing that He may increase a place of nourishing and growth? You can let me know by commenting below or emailing me here.
“But the thing about apples is that we’re always biting off more than we can chew. It is hard to see which bites might nourish and which might cause us to choke.”
Erich Loechner from Chasing Slow
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Because it’s Friday my favorite day of the week, below I am sharing a few things I am loving right now:
This white tee shirt. If you know me at all, you know that I am forever searching for the perfect white tee. I have finally found it!
This Lent Devotional written by my sweet friend, Susan Shipe at hopehearthome.com You can pick your copy up here:
This podcast: https://christynockels.com/podcast/
This post: Living in the Fringes of Exile
Gifts of Grace
Love your graphic and your quotes. Great job of reminding us that we all have the same amount of time and we can use it wisely.
Thank you Karen for stopping by!
XO
Tammy
For the last five plus years, I’ve prayed through my FB friends list during Lent. It’s been such a powerful act and truly helped me to slow and remember what this season is about. I’m in the 6 spot this week. I need to listen to Annie’s podcasts.
Tara, what a wonderful idea!
Thank you for stopping by!
XO
Tammy
I really just began to participate in any Lenten practices last year, when I joined in with Bonnie Gray’s #OneWordLent series. This year, the timing of Susan’s Devotional came together with a Spiritual Discipline that I had already been drawn to: Silent/Centering Prayer. So, I am laying down my expectation of what I think prayer looks like, and taking up more of Jesus in this different (for me) practice of prayer. Thanks for your good words today! Blessings to you!
What a beautiful way to practice Lent Bettie!
XO
Tammy
I love the post but the real question is what tee shirt????
https://www.everlane.com/products/boxcut-tee-white?collection=womens-tees ?
XO
Tammy
So good, my friend! I have not even really known about Lent for long –maybe a few years now. Of course, I love the Slowing down part… that making space for Jesus part!
Karrilee, me too! It’s the act of making more space for Jesus that draws me to practice Lent!
Thank you for stopping by!
XO
Tammy
Beautiful, Tammy. One year I “added” something different to my quiet times … Sometimes I read through a Easter advent devotional … I love the focus on Christ’s sacrifice.
Me too Dianne! Some years I’ve taken away and others I have picked up something. Both places have been sweet fellowship with God!
XO
Tammy
This was beautiful, Tammy. I ❤ this: “What I can do is slow myself and create space. Space for my Savior to increase as I decrease.” So true!
Have a great week! Shauna (your FMF neighbour in #26)
Thank you Shauna for stopping by!
XO
Tammy