Thirty-eight days ago, I encouraged you to go on a 40-day journey in which you (and I) would draw closer to the Lord as we prepared for #Easter. Here we are on Good Friday, how’d you do?
The title of this post may be a little dramatic. I didn’t fail miserably, but I certainly wasn’t consistent with a new spiritual habit. Like the disciples in the garden, I couldn’t stay awake. I didn’t find time every day to be with the Lord in an intentional manner that would focus more closely on the history-making, life-giving sacrifice of Easter. But that’s ok.
If I were perfect, I wouldn’t need Easter. And I need it. I need the Sunday-morning empty tomb every day. It brings such great comfort in this mixed-up world to know the tomb was empty. The truth of Christ’s #resurrection is an everyday reminder that the #God of the universe … you know the One who created the heavens and the earth … lived a perfect life, never being distracted from His one purpose, took a beating no man should have survived, died a humiliating death, and three days later walked out of His own grave. That’s profound. He did it for me and you.
As this is being posted, we are at the hour of Christ’s death. The world turned dark. I wonder if even nature wept for its Creator. We know that there was an earthquake. But Sunday’s coming. In our darkest hours of life, we can remember that Sunday is coming. In the meantime, we hold on to God’s strength. God’s life-giving power.
God’s power over death when He walked out of His own grave is the same power we are offered to overcome the darkness that shadows our lives. We step out into His light, His hope, and breathe renewal.
I’ve confessed that I haven’t spent intentional time getting ready for Easter Sunday, but every day I’ve connected with our Savior in prayers that were sometimes simple. Every day, I stepped into His light and recognized where my strength comes from. Every day, He met me and accepted me for who I am, in all my imperfections. He doesn’t leave me there. We are encouraged to continuously flea from the temptations of this world. To not give in. To lean into our mighty God to overcome and walk with Him.
He will meet you as well. He already knows and loves you. Today, He’d like to walk with you because the tomb was empty on that first Easter.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of a 40-day journey toward #Easter. This time each year commemorates Christ’s 40 days in the desert, during which He fasted and prayed and perfectly refuted Satan’s temptations.
The Lenten Rose blooms around Easter.
For the Christian, this season is solemn, one of reflection and sacrifice. Lent-observing believers add Lenten spiritual disciplines such as fasting, reading a daily devotional, or prayer to prepare their hearts and draw closer to God.
At the end of Lent, we celebrate Easter, the picture of eternal hope. An empty tomb, the fulfillment of the prophecies that Christ would be crucified, die, and overcome death through resurrection.
When I think about what can be accomplished in 40 days, I’m reminded that it is said it takes 21 days to build a habit. That’s only half of our #Lenten season. If we choose to take up a spiritual discipline such as dedicated prayer time or reading scripture, in the 40 days, that discipline should become a spiritual habit. Positive spiritual habits can change the trajectory of our spiritual journey and our closeness to God.
We are all invited on this journey toward Easter. Join me. Choose something, a devotional, and read scripture every day. The Gospel of John is a good place to start. If you haven’t already, load the Bible app on your device for convenience. Or you may choose to fast something that distracts you from your spiritual journey. If you choose to fast eating, be careful of health issues that may be impacted. I’m not talking about being “hangry”; I’m referring to my friends and loved ones who are diabetic. That being said, giving up something you love to have every day, like your morning coffee. The goal of fasting is to take those moments when we miss that thing we’ve given up to look to the Lord either for strength or simply to recognize Him as our provider.
My prayer for those reading this post is that you will end the 40-day journey on Easter at your local church celebrating Christ’s triumph over the grave, and just as important, that He went to His torturous death to bring salvation for you and me. [Check out this video about Easter]
Drop me a comment below. I’d love to hear about your Lenten journey.
All the best, KK
Let’s connect. If you haven’t already, please choose to follow KK’s Candor. To stay in touch with my writing adventures, you can find me on social media, @KHRWriter.
There is a school of thought that is concerned with why animals suffer. They don’t sin like humans, yet they are burdened with living in a predatory world. To set the context for this post, I am a creationist. I believe that #God created the heavens and the earth and all that lives within both. He created the world in a mature state. Trees were full grown and produced food (Gen.1:11-12), and the first man was created as an adult (consider this when you’re trying to decide how old the earth is). I will also add that I believe that humans are just as much a part of creation/nature as plants, trees, animals, and insects; each having a purpose and responsibility to the whole. My reference will be Genesis 1 – 3.
We read about the whole #creation, and then the passage focuses on one area – the garden. The picture is described as lush and abundant with animals, vegetation, Adam and Eve. Man was created last and given the job of caring for the garden. Like all the other creatures, he was given a mate, a partner, Eve, to do life with. At this point, the creation is described by God as “very good.” Adam and Eve were given one rule, don’t eat for the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Genesis 2:17, says “…but from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” Notice that he doesn’t say that IF you eat of it, he says THE DAY THAT YOU EAT FROM IT. God knew what was going to happen. Did he set us up to fail? What does this have to do with the animals suffering? Spoiler alert – woman and man eat the fruit of the tree. While I’d like to take a deep dive into who’s to blame, let’s stick to our point of how this impacts animals.
God placed in the soul of humans the ability to reason and make choices, otherwise, we’d just be puppets. It’s out of our choices that we journey either toward or away from God. When Eve and Adam ate the forbidden fruit, it set in motion humankind’s separation from God at the same time our journey back to Him. It also began the demise of the world. (Go ahead and hum, it’s the end of the world as we know it…)
When sin entered the perfect creation, it destroyed what was perfect for all of creation. The plants we need to grow for food or beauty must survive dramatic weather along with thorns and thistles in order to produce fruit. Many species of animals will hunt or be hunted. And mankind, well, look around, unfortunately, we don’t have to look far to find depravity.
Remember the warning was that when they ate from the tree, they would die. But they didn’t die immediately. I believe two things happen here. First, the broken rule began the deterioration of man, the ticking biological clock, so to speak. Our lives on earth became finite. The second thing we see God do is shed blood to provide for man and woman clothing (3:21). In the midst of discipline, He shows compassion and makes provision.
He drew the first blood. This began the pattern of shedding blood for the covering of our sins. The cadence of blood sacrifice for forgiveness is threaded through the Old Testament. In the New Testament, God drew the last blood through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus (John 3:16).
In Genesis 3:14 – 19, God doles out the consequences for their disobedience. He begins with the serpent through which the curse of sin is placed on cattle and every beast of the field. (v. 14 NASB). It is my opinion that this is when animals became predatory. Prior to the curse, Genesis 2:30 says the green plants were to be eaten by all. Chapter 3 changes everything – the ground now is cursed with thistles and thorns making Adam’s work harder. Animals are cursed, and the serpent is put on his belly to eat dust. Eve will experience the pain of childbirth, and her relationship with her husband will be challenging. Humans are ashamed (3:10), the first of many emotions that can steal our joy.
Do animals suffer because of humans? I guess it depends on who you blame for the original sin, the serpent or Eve. At this point, does it matter who to blame? God has given us the roadmap for reconnection after sin – be it sinning against each other, or Him. Nowhere in Genesis did God change our job to care for creation. We are still the highest form of creation and still responsible for taking care of it.
Everyone suffered at the fall of creation, animals included. Sad but true.
All the best,
KK
Let’s connect. If you haven’t already, please choose to follow KK’s Candor. To stay in touch with my writing adventures you can find me on social media.
Scheduling for your book club in 2025? Check out Curtains for Maggie, a wonderfully encouraging novel about rediscovering personal passions. Contact me about leading your discussion.
Identities are at an all-time high. We have an #identity we show in person, on our fun social media sites (Instagram, Tik-tok), and with our colleagues at work (LinkedIn). We also have identities thrust upon us by virtue of the family we are born or marry into — daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law (or the male version of these roles). Multiple identities can make it hard to just be ourselves. Carrying our identities around and remembering where and when it’s appropriate to bring them out is a lot to remember.
What about identities we go looking for because someone else has one you want? I recently attended a writing conference. There were over 300 writers at all parts of the writing journey and all levels of involvement of the organization producing the event. At check-in, we were given our name badge and a series of ribbons to add to our lanyard. While I typically don’t care to wear name tags, I found myself reading others’ ribbons and wanting ribbons like theirs. For example, after registering for the conference, but before attending, I signed a contract to publish my first novel. So, I didn’t have a “contract” ribbon. People should know this important detail about me! I’m an author. Give me my “author” ribbon! Let the people know who I am! Even writing this now, I’m shaking my head at myself. How silly of me. I know who I am. Most of the time I’m confident in that.
There was a pop-psych book published in the mid-1970’s entitled, Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Spoiler-alert – the answer to the question is that if I tell you who I am and you don’t like me, that’s all I have. So, are we afraid to really explore the question? Are we running around being who we think we need to be depending on the group we’re with? Are we putting up a front we think will impress others? Are we trying to change our identity because we don’t think we’ll be accepted? Well, yes and no.
It’s appropriate at work, to relate and communicate with your co-workers about all things work-related. There are polite before-meeting conversations about how your weekend was, but for the most part, it’s pretty serious talk. If you’re out with friends, it’s appropriate to be casual (goofy even) and talk about more fun things. Attending a funeral, it’s appropriate to be quiet and reserved out of respect. And if you’re at a writing conference, it’s appropriate to wear your ribbons proudly. As long as in all situations our language and behavior match our true identity and is a reflection of our heart.
Let me encourage you to not chase the identities of others because you want what they have. Be your wonderful self. You were made uniquely you; an individual with God-given talents and skills. Oh, as long as we’re talking about God’s role in your identity, remember you were created in His image. What! Yes, the creator of the universe, breathed life in you. With that breath, you were given a purpose. Don’t hide that precious identity you were given. Part of knowing your identity is finding that purpose. Seek and find — not just a game for kids. We play it our entire lives as we grow and learn about who we are. It keeps things interesting.
All the best,
KK
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Our soul, the essence of who we are. We have a creator who breathes into us and gives life – filling our body with our soul. He designed our soul, but our human DNA comes from our parents, our earthly family tree. What an interesting partnership of that which comes from the Perfect, and that which is imperfect.
Our body houses our soul for all its earthly days. As a Godly gift, our soul is our connection with our Creator throughout this journey. We go through our days handling the realities of life – family, work, personal challenges. The here and now – the physical.
During our life, we take care of our bodies with good food, watch our health, and exercise. But how do we take care of our soul? What about how we feed our minds? How does what we feed our mind manifest in our soul? Are we taking the gift of life, and returning it void or lacking, both in how we live in this world and in the spiritual realm?
Are we growing our minds and soul to look like their Creator? Will our attitudes and actions be the fruit of God’s Spirit continually and over time working within us?
What will our soul look like when we exhale our final breath, and our soul returns to the Father? Before our mighty Creator, will we have filled our soul in such a way that He will recognize it? Will He see more of our family DNA than His?
Lots of questions. Take some quiet moments to consider, what on earth are we doing for heaven’s sake?
All the best,
KK
Colossians 3:23 – 24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Christmas Eve, 1999, I was about five months pregnant with my first (and only) child. Like most first-time mothers, I had been through morning sickness, and the reality of my changing form was the reality of a child growing and coming soon. What an amazing thing! What a scary thing! What an awesome responsibility! The church service was finishing when a man came out and began to sing Mary Did You Know, a song written by Mark Lowry.
The lyrics to the song asked the question of this young mother if she realized the impact her child would make in this world.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?Did you know that your baby boy Has come to make you new; This Child that you delivered Will soon deliver you?
While listening and relating to all the questions #Mary may have had, I was struck with the potential I carried within my own belly. PLEASE don’t misunderstand, I had no misgivings of my child being perfect like Mary’s. But I couldn’t help praying and asking the question, “what will my child bring to this world?”
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with His hand?Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod, and when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God? Mary, did you know?
As the song concluded, I was left with a profound feeling of wonder. Who was the child that I would deliver? What would he bring to this world? He would carry into this world his own God-given purpose. I just needed to not screw it up. My job was to love, care, and encourage what God had planned.
Babies are little #miracles wrapped in potential. The Christ-child changed the course of history for the believer and the non-believer. He did amazing things while here and set in motion our plan for eternity. How can our children make an impact? Perhaps you’re reading this and are #pregnant or waiting for that phone call from the #adoption agency. Consider how you will pour into a child’s life to raise them to look outside themselves for ways they will make a difference. Pray for their purpose to be made clear. We all have one.
One final note, yes, adults need to encourage the potential out of our children, but as long as we have days ahead of us, we have potential. What better example for our children then to continue our quest until our last breath?
Please take five minutes, close your eyes and listen to these words written with a young, scared mother in mind.
It’s Good Friday. One of the darkest days in history. Or at least it was for those who lived it. We know what happens three days later, but the witnesses of the crucifixion weren’t sure. Those closest to Christ had left families, homes, and jobs to follow and serve him. There they stood hiding in the crowd or just hiding, clinging to all hope that what he told them was true. He would rise from the grave and make a better way for them and millions to follow throughout time. A better way. An eternal way.
Thinking in terms of eternity is so hard when we’re trying to navigate this world and the ups and downs it presents. It has been said that there are 365 “fear not” statements (or some form of do not be afraid) in the Bible. I’ve not counted them, but if there are, that’s one for each day of the year. Many times fear not is followed by comforting and reassuring words from or about God.
Here are just a few I found. What’s interesting is that while they are words of comfort, there is often a suggested action on the believer’s part. Words of encouragement have no power unless the recipient opens their mind and heart to them. Where is your heart as you read these:
“He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut. 31:8
“Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” Isa. 43:1
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isa 41:10
“Do not be afraid Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Daniel 10:12
“But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.'”
Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted in times of unsureness. But the real key to taking in this verse is to go back to verse 10. It is there that we see that God is faithful and fulfills promises, but it’s in His time; when the time is right. I don’t know what makes the time right. Because God doesn’t function within the constraints of clocks and calendars, more than likely it’s a heart thing or having all the right people in the right place at a given time. Not a clue. So like I mentioned the other day, we just have to listen and expect to hear him and be ready to walk forward in faith.
That fateful Friday the earth shook, it was dark at noon, and nobody understood what was happening or when it would end. Ever felt that way?
Jesus felt that darkest hour when he cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Do you think the disciples were thinking the same of him? But then Christ “yielded” his soul. He gave up His life.
In our darkest hour, are we yielding our hearts to the will of God? On this #GoodFriday yield your heart, bow your head and mourn for this world’s loss was eternity’s gain. Sunday will come literally and figuratively.
Jesus walked out of his own grave to solidify our hope in eternity and in promises about our time on earth that will be kept.
We are in a storm. As a world community and as individuals. Whether you are simply going stir-crazy at home or you’ve experienced some other tragedy, it’s a storm. Many years ago when I was in a similar storm, I wrote this quote from Priscilla Shirer, on the refrigerator whiteboard, “Listen and expect to hear Him.” Funny that I never erased it. It’s something we should always remember no matter what kind of season we are in.
Before some of you decide I’m nuts, let me clarify. God speaks to His children in many ways; the Bible, encouraging words or prayers of other believers, in our conviction, or in that still small voice in our hearts. Even before the storm I’m experiencing blew harder, God was preparing my heart. I didn’t see it at the time, but there was a reason a devotion featuring Job and life challenges popped up on my feed.
This morning He spoke to me through one sentence in an email from a friend of mine, Betty Owens. She’s praying for me. And a message from Liz Curtis Higgs in her weekly Bible study reminded me of how much I am loved by our Savior. Yesterday, a former co-worker encouraged me to read Psalm 20 and 91.
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.[b] 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. 6 Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call! Psalm 20
Wow! I needed to hear about the victory that will come on the other side of the storm. We don’t
know how long it will last. So every day we get up and do what we can do. We don’t just sit down, throw up our hands, and say God’s going to get us through. Which is true, He will deliver. But living our faith and doing what is in our control every day allows us to truly feel like we are walking in sync with God’s plan. We are praying, seeking His will, listening for Him, and doing what we can to move forward in what we are seeking. Doing so, we become very sensitive to His guidance, what is an open door, and what is closed.
The winds are whipping and howling. Stressors are thundering down. Remember friend, we are all in this together, and no matter how big the storm, God is bigger.
On February 26th I committed to sacrifice one of my favorite things for Lent-soda pop. Specifically, Coke Cola or any drink that had bubbles. Coke is the hardest though. But it is such a minor thing compared to what our #Savior gave up for me and you. And many, many times over the last month when I’ve really wanted to dive into the case of #Cokes in the garage, I have been reminded of His gift. It is preparing my heart and resetting my spirit.
Our last day in the office was March 13th. In observance of CDC recommendations, the NCFL leadership sent everyone home to work. It was the most generous thing they could do to keep us working and serving millions of families who are now essentially homeschooling their children. That was the weekend that I believe everyone went nuts in the groceries as if the worst snowstorm ever was about to hit. I get it, parents are home with their children and the number of meals you serve has increased. We are now eating all three meals at home.
We must monitor how much news we watch or it all can become overwhelming. Admittedly, I check the #COVID19 map everyday praying and hoping the curve will start to flatten. I hope that all these extra make-shift hospitals won’t be used. Just give me something!
It’s in those moments when I’m feeling most discouraged that I wonder why I chose this year to give up soda pop? Someone recently told me that the crisis we are in is no surprise to God. He knew on February 26th what was coming for me and all of us, and still He laid it on my heart to sacrifice. When I stay my craving it not only makes me think of Christ’s sacrifice, it also now reminds me that there are individuals and families around the world sacrificing much more, and hurting far more than I am. It reminds me to think about others to pray for. It gives me the opportunity to look outside myself.
So, while we are all limited to staying at home or quick trips to the grocery, may our thoughts reach far beyond these limits to others we know or don’t know who are alone or hurting. And may we look to the eternal, that which knows no boundaries in time or space. We have hope. Easter is coming.
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