I’ve started a “Seasons of the Soul” ebook with a picture, verse, and reflection for every week of the year. I’ll add to it every week until I have a whole year’s worth. Here is the link for the first one: the 3rd week of March. It’s a PDF; just open it and download to your computer, or work with it online. Blessings!

God often tells His people to leave the place they are living. Now, I hope to live in Wrightwood the rest of my life. But the command is not only to leave physical places – it is to leave old ways. Remember two things: 1) that we are pilgrims in this land, and 2) God never leaves us. Command to Physically Leave (Gen 12:1)  The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. (Gen. 31:13)  [God said to Jacob] “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow…

First, read the story carefully. It won’t be necessary to remember all its details since the story will change when you enter it. But approach it with a sense of caring and anticipation. Now imagine yourself in the story and imaginatively use your five senses to set the scene. Ask yourself: What do I see? (Jesus, a crowd, a temple) What do I hear? (wind, voices, silence) What do I touch? (clothes, stone, skin) What do I smell? (spices, blood, ocean) What do I taste? (wine, food, salt tears) Now that you sense what’s around you as you enter the gospel story, let the story run itself. Don’t try to…