The Secret Garden Chronicles ~ A Lenten Devotion - Updated for 2023

UPDATE:  In my last post HERE a couple of days ago, I asked the question "Do you practice Lent? What does it mean to you? Do you "give up something for Lent", or do you try to do something meaningful to observe the preparation for the Easter season?"  I got several varied and interesting responses to this question.  My thought was that perhaps there is a bit of a misconception out there about what "Lent" really means.   According to "Wikipedia", (a surprising resource for something in the religious realm), this is what it means: 

"Lent is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry. Wikipedia"

 Traditionally, Lent is the 40 days prior to Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on "Maundy Thursday", when we remember the 'Last Supper',  the night before Good Friday, the day we remember the great sacrifice of Christ for our sins on the cross.  I know that in some church traditions the season of Lent is a time of fasting and/or "giving up something for Lent"...and also the giving of "alms" for the needy.   Perhaps some have had negative experiences with Lent, when they were forced to give up something special for that time period without truly understanding the significance of why they should do so.  To me, if a person really doesn't understand the "why", then most likely the desired results of growing closer in their relationship with Christ probably won't happen. They will become resentful and possibly angry for having to give up something when they really didn't want to. 

I was not brought up in a tradition of "giving up something for Lent".  I really don't recall understanding anything about Lent at all as a child and even as a young adult.  But in recent years I have found that setting aside this time, much like the season of Advent in preparation for the birth of Christ and its deep significance, Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for a better understanding of the great sacrifice Christ made for me on the cross...when His precious blood was shed for me and for my sins...so that I could enjoy the great joy of being set free from my sins, and because of Christ's resurrection from the dead...I can also look forward to eternal life in heaven, forever with my Lord and those who also have died in faith believing in Him.  Certainly, I can do this anytime. I don't need to wait for "Lent", but so often we get caught up in the busyness of this life and world and we begin to get a bit off kilter...we need a "reset" and a time of reflection and renewal in our spiritual life.  This is a wonderful time to do that.  

Here is what I wrote a couple of years ago...interestingly these first couple of pictures were in February of 2020, and our bluebirds are here again now at the same time, and I think they are already pretty well settled in their house/nest.  

(February 17, 2021) The Bluebirds came back again to their home on Still Waters Pond. I hope they will stay this time. They keep coming and going and can't seem to make  up their minds if they like it here or not. 

This post was originally written in 2017 on the first day of Lent from my Secret Garden at our old house in Salt Springs. I then revisited it in 2019.  I wanted to write something fresh and new today, but as I re-read this I decided I couldn't really improve on this...and as it is too chilly this morning to go sit in our new "The Secret Garden" beside Still Waters Pond,  these thoughts and moments from the past experience will have to do for now.  I pray that your Lenten experience will be filled with moments of peace and "quietude", as you contemplate the riches of God's amazing grace and love for you.

Original Post 3/1/2017:

Today is the beginning of the season of Lent... click HERE for more information about the meaning of Lent (according to Wikipedia).   

And then click HERE for one of my previous posts regarding this topic.

As I have stated in my previous post linked above,

 "My approach to Lent is that it is not so much about making a "sacrifice", as it is about moving forward in the right direction, a new beginning; a clear resolve to obey rather than sacrifice."

So today as I sat in the Secret Garden

(This was in "The Secret Garden" at our previous home in Salt Springs)

contemplating how the Lord would have me approach this Lenten season this year, I was directed to look at a few different scriptures:

Joel 2

12.  "Now, therefore, says the Lord, 

Turn to Me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.

13.  So rend your heart, and not your garments;

Return to the Lord your God,

For He is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and of great kindness;

And He relents from doing harm.

Romans 12:1-2

1.  "I beseech you therefore brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,

HOLY, Acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service.

2.  And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable

will of God."

And then in verse 6 it says:

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,

let us use them..."

Instead of sacrificing some thing for Lent, my prayer is that I would turn to the Lord with ALL My heart...truly "rend" (tear open, look inside) my heart, and  be that "living sacrifice, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD; and that I would be more fully committed to using the gifts that God has given me for His honor and glory.  I pray also that the Lord would transform me, renew my mind, and create a clean heart within me.  (Psalm 51:10)

In the past few days I have been contemplating the word "Quietude".  Click HERE for a previous post about that.   I truly didn't realize that this was a real word that we use in our vocabulary. I thought it was a Latin word for quiet, and actually I believe that is where it originated.  But here is the definition of the word according to Dictionary.com"

qui·e·tude

ˈkwīəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

1. 
   

   1.
   

   the state of being quiet; tranquility; calmness; stillness; quiet.

My "One Word" for 2017 is "REST".  It would appear that "quietude" and "rest" go together quite nicely.    I'm wondering how the Lord is going to dovetail these two words as I approach His throne during this season of opening my heart before Him...

"For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:

'In returning and REST you shall be saved;

In QUIETNESS and confidence

shall be your strength.'"

Isaiah 30:15

"The work of righteousness will be peace,

and the effect of righteousness,

quietness and assurance forever."

Isaiah 32:17

"You will keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on You,

because he trusts in You."

Isaiah 26:3

I believe that God is leading me into a place of "perfect peace", as I REST and TRUST in His Word, and in "quietness and confidence" be assured of God giving me the strength I need to face whatever challenges may lie ahead.

I look forward to experiencing what the Lord is going to show me during this time of "quietude", as He prepares my heart to remember Christ's great sacrifice for my sins...and the 

gift of eternal life that He gave to all of us who would believe, on His Resurrection Day!

Hold on friends, 

Easter is coming!

(All photos were taken as I sat in the Secret Garden today (in 2017) contemplating these thoughts and passages. I found it to be a very tranquil and serene setting watching the Cardinal and the Chickadees...as they watched me as well.  God is so good! Amen?!)

Back to the Present (2023).  I hope you enjoyed this journey back in time and that it was a quiet respite for your soul. May we truly appreciate this time of reflection and renewal during these next 40 days, on our journey to the cross and then thankfully, to the empty tomb!  Praise God!  Many of you may have already commented on this post in previous years. Sometimes it is interesting to go back and see where we were in our thoughts at that time.  May we continue in our growth in our relationship with Jesus. Amen.

A Season of Preparation for Peace

 Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent... click HERE for more information about the meaning of Lent (according to Wikipedia).

  

Much of what I have written here below has been shared with you in previous posts in the past several years around this same time.  But I believe the whole purpose of Lent is to prepare our hearts for Easter, and to focus our attention on the great sacrifice that was made by our Savior Jesus Christ, for you and me.  So here are some thoughts from God's Word as well as my own application of those passages. I've included some photos from here at Still Waters Pond that hopefully will be a blessing and bring peace to you today.  In the midst of the current strife going on in our world (i.e.; Russia vs. Ukraine, as well as our own issues here in our own country), we need as much peace and comfort as we can find.

My approach to Lent is that it is not so much about making a "sacrifice", as it is about moving forward in the right direction, a new beginning; a clear resolve to obey rather than sacrifice. 

"Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

As in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams."

I Samuel 15:22

Joel 2:12-13

12.  "Now, therefore, says the Lord, 

Turn to Me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.

13.  So rend your heart, and not your garments;

Return to the Lord your God,

For He is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and of great kindness;

And He relents from doing harm.

Romans 12:1-2

1.  "I beseech you therefore brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,

HOLY, Acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service.

2.  And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable

will of God."

And then in verse 6 it says:

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,

let us use them..."

Instead of sacrificing some thing for Lent, my prayer is that I would turn to the Lord with ALL My heart...truly "rend" (tear open, look inside) my heart, and  be that "living sacrifice, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD; and that I would be more fully committed to using the gifts that God has given me for His honor and glory.  I pray also that the Lord would transform me, renew my mind, and create a clean heart within me.  (Psalm 51:10)

In the past few days I have been contemplating the word "Quietude".  I truly didn't realize that this was a real word that we use in our vocabulary. I thought it was a Latin word for quiet, and actually I believe that is where it originated.  But here is the definition of the word according to Dictionary.com"

qui·e·tude

ˈkwīəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

1. 
   

   1.
   

   the state of being quiet; tranquility; calmness; stillness; quiet.

"For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:

'In returning and REST you shall be saved;

In QUIETNESS and confidence

shall be your strength.'"

Isaiah 30:15

"The work of righteousness will be peace,

and the effect of righteousness,

quietness and assurance forever."

Isaiah 32:17

"You will keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on You,

because he trusts in You."

Isaiah 26:3

I believe that God is leading me into a place of "perfect peace", as I REST and TRUST in His Word, and in "quietness and confidence" be assured of God giving me the strength I need to face whatever challenges may lie ahead.

I look forward to experiencing what the Lord is going to show me during this time of "quietude", as He prepares my heart to remember Christ's great sacrifice for my sins...and the 

gift of eternal life that He gave to all of us who would believe, on His Resurrection Day!

Hold on friends, 

Easter is coming!

Some Thoughts About Lent and Current Events

 It seems like it was Wednesday just the other day...these weeks are flying by so rapidly. Today is actually Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. 

An interesting tree I found while walking this morning. Can anyone identify it?

 Lent is a good time for some introspection and spiritual cleansing and renewal.  A time to focus on our personal walk with the Lord and how we can draw closer to Him as we invite Him to purify our hearts and minds and restore unto us the "joy of Your salvation".  (Psalm 51:12)

 Hubby and I  took a walk this morning before the rains started...the skies were already looking quite promising of a good "cleansing rain".

And yes, the rains did come and stayed around all day. Actually, this picture below was taken yesterday when it was also raining...I wanted to sit out on our deck and watch the birds, and hubby took this picture of me sitting there...

Yes, I was sitting there in the rain, holding my umbrella and drinking tea and watching the rain and the birds... (I know, if you are on Facebook you have already seen these pictures)

This is what I was watching...this Little Blue Heron was tip toeing by in the rain...

 I love the patterns of the raindrops on Still Waters Pond...

 Hey, who are YOU looking at?

He moseyed on by and I soon had to to back inside as I was beginning to get a little damp

This morning, following our walk,  we stopped by our local Ace Hardware store. I realized that I needed to stock up on some bird seed before my surgery next week so that the bird feeders would stay well supplied for our birds so that I would have plenty of birds to watch while recuperating. (And they happened to have a good 2 bags for the price of one bag of bird seed sale going on.) 

As I was walking around the store I bumped into this cart and was surprised to discover this young chick looking out at me. What a sweet little face...

He/she wasn't alone, and they looked like they really wanted me to take them home with me...

I don't think they like being imprisoned in these cages...but I had to tell them I was sorry that I couldn't take them home with me. This one below looks like he is wearing an interesting hat, and his face just looks like he is really hoping someone will rescue him soon...I do hope they won't have to stay there much longer. They are getting too big for those cages...and they need to be free to roam a bit...

Bye bye little chicky. I do hope you will find a good home soon.

One other thing I was looking for was a bird house for the Bluebird that came by the other day. Thankfully they had one left, and I had a coupon to get 30% off, and so that was a great find!

So we came home and waited for a break in the rain that had already started to fall, and as soon as the sun came out we hurriedly attached the birdhouse to the tree where the Bluebird had been sitting the other day.  Now I just hope he will come back and bring the family!! That would make for some good entertainment while I am recuperating.

In our devotions this morning we read several scriptures that help us to understand the season of Lent. Here are the references for you to consider. I won't reprint all of the verses as they are lengthy, but when you have time you may want to read them for yourself:

Matthew 6:1-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Joel 2:12-18; and Psalm 51:1-19. 

I especially found the book of Joel chapter two to be very interesting. That is one book that we don't read very often and even though it was written for the people of Judah around the time of the "invasion" of a plague of locusts that destroyed everything in its path and impoverished the people, I found it rather prophetic and appropriate for our country today. 

With the concerns over the possible "invasion" of the  Coronavirus, this could well be applied to our nation today.    The subtitle over this section of verses reads: "Only Repentance Can Avert Invasion".    Interesting that our pastor also preached about repentance in his message on Sunday.  Repentance goes hand in hand with this season of Lent leading up to Easter.  Certainly something for each of us to consider personally and pray for our nation to consider as well...

12.  "Now, therefore", says the Lord, "Turn to Me  with all your heart, 

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning...".  

13.  "So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, 

For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; 

and He relents from doing harm...."

I hope that this Lent season will be a time of drawing closer to the Lord for you and for me as well. I am certainly trusting in Him to be with me during this time as I undergo surgery and then spend probably the whole season of Lent recuperating. I pray that I will be back up and around and ready for action by Easter.  But I hope to use this time to truly be restored both physically and spiritually as I rest "Beside the Still Waters"... Seems like God had this all planned, didn't He?  

Have a blessed rest of your week.