“The journey is essential to the dream.” Saint Francis of Assisi
Lent is often described as a journey. We start with ashes (and good intentions) and wind our way for forty days through a few mountains (and perhaps a few valleys) until Easter. Mayhap we get halfway and discover several spiritual good intentions have gone by the wayside.
We may fall – splat – in the murky mud of not-so-good intentions. One of the things Virginia gave up for Lent reasserted itself on her plate on DAY TWO of Lent. (Talk about lackadaisical intentions!)
Ups and downs are part of Lent, just like ups and downs are part of life. The point is, God is with us in the ups and the downs. Good intentions or not-so-good, God doesn’t leave us.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:3)
As we continue our Lenten journeys there’s no reason to be afraid.
God is with us always, always, always.
“It is God to Whom and with Whom we travel, and while God is at the end of the journey, God is also at every stopping place.” Elizabeth Elliot
grace, peace & ups and downs journeys
Virginia : )
Photos: Western Cape, South Africa
Roses in the Rubble 
Virginia: If chocolate is one of your Lenten omissions, I could send you a subtle little news item: 7 reasons why chocolate is bad for you.
Keeping mind, of course, that it is pure heresy and I didn’t bother to read past the title. ;-]
Enjoy your roller coaster ride of Lent. Love the duck in two inches of water photo. Tons of possible captions for that one.
Tim – they say chocolate is good for our hearts (& most importantly, our spirits!) 🍫🤪🍫 Vital or no, I did give it up for Lent though. Wait ‘til you hear what appeared on my plate – not chocolate but a buttermilk cheese biscuit! Plotted to give up all dairy for Lent but only made it to Day 2. Baking a batch of big biscuits for my brother could not resist them hot out of oven, so decided to give up most dairy (80% of time) – at least until biscuit supply is done! Blessings!! 🧀✨🤗✨🧀
Lent is kind of like another opportunity for New Year’s resolutions, isn’t it? Here’s hoping your giving-up thing doesn’t reappear to tempt you again … Easter is still such a long way off!
Debbie, I fell into temptation after baking batch of buttermilk cheese biscuits for my brother. Plotted to give up all dairy for all of Lent, but decided to go dairy-less @ 80% (until biscuits gone!) Still going strong abstaining from chocolate though – a tough struggle for chocoholics like me! Blessings on your Lent! 🧀✨🤗✨🧀
Ginny, I’m on this Lenten journey with you …. Reminded me of CS Lewis quote, “… no amount of falls will undo us for we shall be very muddy & tattered children when we finally arrive Home. However, the towels will be put out and the clean clothes in the airing cupboard — for it’s when we see the dirt that God is most present in us, indeed it is the very sign of His presence!”
What great imagery, Cin. I like the idea of luxuriating in bath towels of God’s merciful love after Jesus washes all the mud of our misdeeds away. Amen! 🧼🤗 🧼
another gem. thank you-love Michele
Thanks for your encouragement Michele!! Hugs to you – and lots of love! ✨💐💜🤗