Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this day and keeping warm. This morning I went to my exercise class and also made G.F. cake and a S.F. cinnamon raisin bread. We plan to find an Ash Wed. service to attend tonight as Lent begins.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Do we readily admit to ourselves and others that we are sinners? We sin daily, and just ask those close to us! We don’t hear much about the word sin today and even pastors don’t readily say it, but the truth is, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Today we begin the season of Lent and Al and I put purple paraments on the altar at church last Sunday in readiness for this special time. Purple is associated with mourning as in Jesus crucifixion; but it is also for royalty as we think of His resurrection. On this Ash Wednesday Christians all over the world are joined together in acknowledgement of our sin and need of a Savior. We receive ashes on our forehead in the sign of a cross which symbolizes and reminds us of our sinfulness and mortality. We all deserve death but Jesus came and paid the price for all who will receive Him. We are not excluded from the body of Christ because we are sinful, but it is the very fact that we acknowledge our sin that we are included. We are a gathering of fallen people that know our need of a Savior. I look forward to the season of Lent as it seems like a time to be quiet before the Lord and to draw closer. I often am led to give something up, as a small sacrifice in what He has done for me. But this morning as I read online the words of Pope Francis it is not only what to give up but what to put in its place. “Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and have trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressure and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness and be filled with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. Fast from grudges and be reconnected. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.” We can all add to the list from our own hearts and I might add to fast from hurry and to enjoy each moment with Him. May this Lenten time remind us that we are far from perfect but we are forgiven, loved and cherished!
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord how He would have you spend this Lenten time and draw you closer to Him. 
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy