A few months ago, I joined an online writers’ group with the intention of having some writing fun in my retirement and learning from others. I had no idea that God had another plan in mind. As I began reading posted writings, as well as the comments and reviews, I started noticing a few Christians. Soon I was asked to join a group of writers who sometimes post about how God is working in their lives, a way of sharing their faith.

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After doing this the previous January at our retreat, I wanted to single out a word for 2020.  I had a word in mind and, with the encouragement of a friend, began to think and pray about it.  I don’t even remember what my original word was, but I had a clear sense that God wanted me to select a different word…“perspective”.  So I went with it.  Little did I know how appropriate that word would be for the year ahead! 

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What are you giving up for Lent?

Somehow the practice of fasting in preparation for Lent has become a bit mainstream, a bit self indulgent. We hear a lot of ‘What are you giving up for Lent’ and the response is chocolate or sweets or some other diet driven answer. Really? Honestly, I don’t think Jesus cares if you like chocolate.

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I have been a Christian all my life and have loved and read God’s word regularly. I have read through the whole Bible several times, always using a Bible Reading Plan that broke the text into manageable readings for each day. This time I tackled my reading differently. I tried to read each book in one sitting, or in the least number of days I could manage.

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In addition to Scripture, we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us discern God’s will. And also, the counsel of godly mentors. For myself, scripture tends to be the most reliable revelation of what pleases God. Sometimes it is difficult to hear the Holy Spirit, and godly mentors are not always immediately accessible. But, from a young age, I was encouraged to memorize scripture. How many times the counsel of God comes to me from verses I have memorized many, many years ago!

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I am a nurse working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Since March, I have been working with both patients positive for COVID-19, and negative for COVID-19, depending on the day and the needs of the hospital. The ICUs, along with the rest of the hospital, have always been busy, even prior to the craziness of 2020. It seems that COVID-19 has exacerbated this business, testing the breaking point of each unit and each hospital. I’ve witnessed coworkers go through seasons of exhaustion and burnout, as I myself have fought to find the motivation to approach each shift with a positive attitude and a heart to serve my coworkers, my patients, and my patients’ families.

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