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Death-to-self

Personal Growth, Spiritual Fitness, When life is Hard

What is Grace? + Can you Have a Stronger Life of Grace?

what-is-grace-life-of-grace

Intro to the New Life of Grace Series!

As I write this I am tired, spent from the demands of another long day. I sit down to refuge in the sound and the texture of my .05 G2 as it softly and smoothly scratches its shiny black ink across the page to let some of the pent up thoughts flow, that I might make sense of them. This is my “self-care”. At least, that’s what they tell me. “Writing” gives me my joy, my spark, my strength to carry on.

But, as the evening sun warms my shoulders and with it life and hope return to my soul, I am reminded that true strength never came from anyone’s self-care, no matter how much they enjoy it.

Oh no, my friend, our strength does not come from what we do for ourselves – our strength comes from what He does for us! It comes from beauty, silence, contemplation, and prayer. Ultimately, it comes from GRACE.

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Fasting, Seasonal Reflections

Why Fast? 5 Surprising Reasons to Embrace Spiritual Fasting

Growing up the focus was always on making sure we were fed. We lived, laughed, and loved around the table. Meals were everything and treats were the solution to every problem as well as the perfect means of celebrating every joyful moment. We had a generous, loving, and happy home. When I was first introduced to the concept of fasting, I could not wrap my brain around why anyone in their right mind would ever think that voluntarily depriving oneself of such a bonding, healing, and delicious necessity could possibly be a good thing.

I fought the concept tooth and nail for over 10 years.

But, somehow, despite all my best efforts and my long list of excuses, I could not silence the incessant tugging at my heart that somehow fasting was more than just a good idea (or a bad idea), it was a calling.

Endurance, Self Care, When life is Hard

Is Self-Care compatible with Christian “Death-to-Self”?

Is Self-Care compatible with Christian Death-to-Self?  This question is especially important in a culture where self-care is preached as the solution to every problem and depression is still at an all time high.  Are we just not doing enough “self-care”? Or could dying-to-self actually be the solution to life?

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:24-25