Judith

Have heard of a book in the Bible called Judith?  For most people they wouldn't know because it is not in the "regular" Bible version but if you have a apocryphal/Deutrocanonical books Bible then you will be able to find the book of Judith.  It's interesting how the canonical Bible didn't allow this book to be part of it, but if you read through the chapters, you will realize that it's not a historical book, it's rather a fairytale.  It tells of how the Jewish people at the time were prosecuted but instead of mentioning the real regime that did the oppression it utilizes other powers.  For example, Nebuchadnezzar was not the ruler of Assyria, as written in chapter 1.  He was the ruler of Babylon.  Both Assyria & Babylon were 'bad' powers who destroyed Israel in their respective reigns. 
I challenge you to read the book of Judith and see how you view this uppity woman's book!

Lent 2011

Lenten Season began on Ash Wednesday, where we repent and believe in God.  Before our Wednesday service, I taught confirmation class.  The class learnt two new words, discernment & quadrilateral.  Discernment is a process of prayer, study and reflection to deepen our relationship with God and guide us in life.  Quadrilateral are four ways that John Wesley utilized during his life time; Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason.  We have to know our OT & NT for our study and reflection times.  We find faith journeys in our tradition as an encouragement in our own experiences of God.  We also need to use our intellect/reason to make sure that we make the right decision.  We need the quadrilateral not just one of them in our discernment process of prayer, study and reflection.

My husband and I decided to give up watching tv after dinner but to re-read our books from seminary years!!  In addition, no more surfing the net after dinner!  It's a great experience to feed our minds and souls with necessary tools for our life journeys.

Our two older girls gave up "fighting" during Lent, we are hoping that after 40 days of not fighting they will continue to keep the peace!  They don't want to give up their weekend tv time!

May your decision(s) for Lent prepare you for the death and resurrection of our Lord and your life journey.

Prepare for Lent

Lent is around the corner and it's time to prepare for this important season.  Our young people will be reading Matthew 4: 1-11 and reflect on how Jesus is able to overcome temptation.  The appropriate translation for temptation is enticement where the devil entices Jesus with 'food, ego, authority'.  I failed them daily but thank God Jesus is able to overcome, which is a great way to follow.   We are vulnerable to temptation and I should be able to follow Jesus' way.

I decided to seriously read my Bible daily, pray ceaselessly and blog my reflection.  May this season a time to sanctify our lives and follow Jesus daily.