Preparing for Easter ~ Ash Wednesday

"It’s tough in the desert. It’s bewildering.

It’s destructive. It’s hellish. Yet the testimony
of the Old Testament, and ever more strongly,
of the New, is that out of it comes new growth,
new insight, new certainty that a God of love
is at home among us." Charles Elliott

This day Christians around the world come to His altar to receive the mark of a sinner. It symbolically reminds us that God alone is Sovereign; God alone is Grace. We believers can never find salvation or peace or eternity without Jesus Christ. It is His Forgiveness we need, His Presence we seek, His Love we offer. Today begins a journey of renewal, a time to reflect on our own individual faith-walk.

Read 1 John 1:1-10

If we claim that we experience a shared life with Him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth - we're not living what we claim. But if we walk in the Light, God Himself being the Light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin. 1 John 1:6-7 The Message

Consider this!

• Where does the "Light" originate?
• If believers are "forgiven" why do we still stand before God marked as a sinner?
• Does my living reflect Jesus?

Light of the World ~ You have come that we might love. We are sinners, but You are Grace. We confess You are Absolute Truth. Dress us in righteousness, forgiven and redeemed. May our words of living reflect the Word of Life. Amen. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2009 by Donna Oswalt    

Perfectly Designed

Kindled Soul, Holy Fire

The beginning of the Easter season is approaching. I offer the introduction to Kindled Soul, Holy Fire, a book with daily Scriptures, devotions, and prayers that will help you find God's Voice in the preparation of your heart for Easter. ~ dho

If you want to purchase my book, it is available via our website at MangroveMinistries.org or directly from the publisher at ProvidenceHouse.com 

May the fragrance of Christ's Holy Love linger in your soul. ~ dho

Kindled Soul, Holy Fire ~ Copyright 2009 by Donna Oswalt 

Christ's Love

Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything I do.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 The Message

Brandon Heath's song, "Don't Get Comfortable", reminds that Christ's love reaches for each of us, where we are.  His Everlasting Love exceeds more than we can comprehend.  Listen as Brandon sings; read the words.  Where is God moving you? ~ dho

2011 ~ A NEW Year!

J.R.R, Tolkien ~
Still round the corner there may wait,
a new road, or a secret gait.


Tolkien, known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was very influential in leading C.S. Lewis, known for his Narnia series, to Christianity. Both professors of literature at Oxford in England, their interest in writing mythical stories became a common bond. British author Colin Duriez writes of these men's influences on each other and on the world of literature. Combining "reason and imagination" with the Gospel message was key. Encouragement and support for each other and their crafts defined a lengthy friendship.


In thinking about "reason and imagination" being necessary components for their stories, I find a lesson for all Christians. God created our minds for both reason and imagination.  It is logic that helps us organize our thoughts, filter information, discern truth.  It is imagination that allows us to wonder about the unknown, to believe in things unseen, to dream, to hope!


This is a new year, another opportunity to be more for Christ, to step through our comfort zones and into new possibilities for Him.  Consider this prayer as you begin again ~


I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  


And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.


Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21 NIV


Reason and imagination, logic and dreams, faith and hope . . . let this year be one of holy discernment and more, one that surpasses knowledge and more than all we ask or imagine! May God's power be at work in you in 2011. ~ dho

Unexpected Rewards!

As we open our hearts at Christmas to the anticipation of celebrating the birth of our Savior, the familiar rituals and traditions of the season bring us comfort.  Through these remembrances we once again discover the joyful music, the special recipes, the fragrant smells, and the excitement of giving! But all too often we fill the moments with so much that we don't leave room for the Savior.


Panera Bread Company has a new slogan to go with its MyPanera card: Rewarding You In Unexpected Ways!  Each time I see it I am reminded of Christmas and the unexpected ways that God reached out to a broken, dark world.  God sent Holy Light into our darkness, just as He had promised; yet, no one really expected that Jesus would come as a baby.  The shepherds in the field the night of Jesus' birth found themselves surprised by the unexpected angels and their announcement.  In time, even His own disciples thought Jesus would become an earthly ruler.  They did not expect Him to be crucified and were equally awed by His resurrection.  It was in God's unexpected ways that salvation entered the world bringing Light and Hope.  


God's unexpected ways continue today.  Scripture reminds that God's ways are not our ways.  How often we plan and decide, order and prepare ~ expect God to intervene in a particular way!  How often are we surprised by the actual outcomes?  How often are we perplexed by the unexpected ways of God?  The one thing that is always sure ~ the Holy One will always respond and provide for all our needs. 


Oswald Chambers writes: Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes.  In this season that celebrates the unexpected ways of God, let us be open to His ways.  Prepare Him room to come into your moments as He likes.  
Merry Christmas and Happy Unexpected God-Ways in 2011!  ~ dho

Casting Crowns - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day Live

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!