1. Did you celebrate Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday this year? Any memories of memorable celebrations past? Nope not really. We were going to do pancakes at church but no one really came. Maybe we will have to try again next year.

2. How about Ash Wednesday, past and/or present? There is something about Ash Wednesday that I enjoy. Probably because it enters us into the Lenten season. Last night was interesting. I really found myself reflecting on death…especially those lost in Haiti. Hard not to when we are talking about the fact that “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” I did have to chuckle last night when one of the parents of one of my youth ducked away when I went in to do the imposition of ashes. She then came back and was like Im just kidding!!!

3. Does your denomination or congregation celebrate “this joyful season”? Any special emphases or practices to share? We usually do some type of Lenten Bible study during Lent. This year it is a study by Trinity Seminary professor Mark Alan Powell.

4. Do you have a personal plan of give-ups, take-ons, special ministries, and/or a special focus for your own spiritual growth between now and Easter? Nope. I have a hard time giving stuff up but I like the idea of taking something on. Not sure what it would be this year though. Maybe Ill try to write more poetry, writings, etc during Lent.

5. What is your dream for the image of Christ coming to perfection in you, the church, the world? How can we support you in prayer? I would hope the image of Christ comes to perfection in me by me serving all God’s people, reaching out to all in need, loving all God’s people. It would be great if you prayed for peace and patience. This being single business is hard-stuff and I get frustrated by it. I also often have mixed emotions when many of my single friends are getting engaged and my married friends are having children/starting families etc. Also pray for all those that daily struggle with illnesses. Pray for my ministry at church. Pray for my friend Renee at the loss of her husband and Jon at the loss of his cousin Ben while on J-term in Haiti. Thank you!!!

Bonus: Song, prayer, picture, etc. that sums up your feelings about this liturgical springtime. For me lately, it has been Psalm 30. Ben Larson has a musical version of the song that is fantastic and I have listened to it much since his death in Haiti. I like how it talks about how weeping may come for the night but joy comes with the morning. We experience all of what Christ did for us but then he rises and promises he will come again. I love that image!!