Lent – Intuition Diaries

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 NKJV)

Faith justifies.

Peace transpires.

Grace rejoices.

Tribulation amplifies.

Perseverance rallies.

Character multiplies.

Hope sanctifies.

Spirit of God supplies.

Love satisfies.

Paul layers foundational truth upon truth in this passage. To show us the deep, deep love of Jesus poured out through the Holy Spirit by the design of the Father.

In my art work, I challenged myself to re-examine how the layers go together. Mix-up the order to see what emerges. Click here to see how the process informed my decisions.

The layering process reminded me how faith focuses our ability to glorify God. And as we take each step to trust Him, God adds depth and texture to our lives through the celebrations and the sufferings with the results always being more hope, peace and love combined with perseverance, character and faith.

What would a layer of grace look like in your life today?

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB)

A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh . . . as time goes by. (Louis Armstrong, As Time Goes By)

I’ve wasted thousands and thousands of kisses on you. Kisses that I thought were special because of your lips and your smile and all of your color and life. I used to think that was the real you when you smiled, but now I know that you don’t mean any of it. You just save it for all of your songs. Shame on me for kissing you with my eyes closed so tight. (Faye in the film, That Thing You Do)

On Saturday, my husband and I treated ourselves to a movie date. We drove across town to the Hi-Pointe, a one screen theatre that shows old movies once a month. The turquoise curtains automatically open to reveal the screen, just before the film transports the audience back in time. This month we enjoyed watching Casablanca.

After lunch we came home, and were greeted by our younger son, who chose to spend the rest of the day with us. He and I worked on making cut out cookies for the cousins, who would join us for dinner that evening.

Hearts for Valentine’s and crowns for Mardi Gras. After dinner and cookies, we decided to watch That Thing You Do, which is my favorite movie. It’s a great story about a one hit wonder band from the 1960s. In a poignant scene, Faye, the girl who travels with the band realizes the guy she thought she loved, doesn’t really love her back. She devotes her life to him, but all he really cares about is writing songs. She tells him that she wasted thousands and thousands of kisses on him.

As I prepare for the upcoming season of Lent, I realize that I am prone to wander from pure and simple devotion to Jesus. I waste my “kisses” on loves that leave me wanting, like shopping, over eating, worrying about the future, wishing the day away, complaining about weather or any other circumstance that happens to be annoying me at the moment.

When I open my eyes to Jesus, I see that He is always here waiting for me. Waiting for me to seek His company, His words, His comforting presence and relaxing in His love. His woos me back to pure and simple dependence on Him.

He reminds me “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NASB)

As we enter this season, where we remember Jesus’ suffering and journey to the cross, and the hope found in His resurrection, I wonder if I will be able to weave adventure into Lent.

But instead, I decide to interpose Lent into adventure, by observing ad{LENT}ure this year.

I don’t know what this will look like, but I have chosen a few things to read over Lent.

One of the bloggers I follow has written a series that intrigues me, so I plan to join Victoria over at expectantly listening. I added two books to my reading list to inspire creative engagement with God’s word: Sacred Pause by Rachel G. Hackenberg and Writing in the Margins by Lisa Nichols Hickman. I look forward to sharing glimpses of GOD with you here over the next several weeks.

What plans do you have for Lent this year?