Becoming Analise

As Lent draws near, the Lord keeps prompting me to consider how to use this season for more than just drawing near to Him and strengthening my walk and desire for Him. While those reasons are wonderful and vital for my spiritual growth and maturity, I'm challenged to use this time to focus on others as well. In the midst of considering how to prepare and fast for Lent, I came across a wonderful Lent resource from one of my favorite Christian writers and bloggers, Valerie Woerner from Val Marie Paper. She created a Lent resource called Undone , and the introduction of that article focuses our attention on Lent not being about us. I'm so excited to use her resource, as the topic is exactly what God has been showing me! She challenges believers to focus this season on how we can be salt and light to the unbelievers around us, praying for them and speaking the Gospel to them. Here are some steps I am taking in order to focus on the salvation of my unbelieving family and friends, a

2,000 years ago, Jesus was preparing to die. The Passion Week had started with His triumphal entry, and it would end with His brutal death and glorious resurrection. I cannot fathom what He experienced during the days leading up to His trial and crucifixion. He knew exactly what was coming in the next few days, and He was a willing vessel for His Father, despite the pain that the tortuous events would bring. As I read the stories in the Gospels of the events of the Passion Week (aka the week of the triumphal entry/crucifixion/resurrection), I can’t help but notice how people responded to Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem. As you read the Scriptures below, I think you will see why their actions baffle me. John 12:12-14 – “The next day, the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.’” L

I know it’s a little early for an Easter post, but the Lord laid it upon my heart to consider the Easter narrative right now , so here it goes! I don’t know about you, but I am always so excited for the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter. I love the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season – the music, the smells, the lights, the gifts, the food, the time with family. The problem with Christmas is that it can be overshadowed with and tainted by materialism and commercialism, and the true “reason for the season” can be easily overlooked and unfortunately diminished. The issue with Easter is simply that, because it’s not “hyped up” as much as Christmas, we oftentimes tend to let it creep up on us until all of a sudden it’s here, and we haven’t really taken the time to consider it’s significance much. So, here’s the challenge. Consider Easter. Study Easter. And no, I’m not talking about how the tradition of the Easter bunny or Easter eggs began … but the true meaning