Lent begins in next week; can you believe it? Ash Wednesday is February 18th, marking the start of the 40 days of preparation before Easter…or really 46 if you count Sundays which I totally think you should do :)  

 

Many of you know we live in San Diego. During this Lenten season, I am holding all of us in prayer as emotions feel heavier and tensions feel closer to the surface. It matters deeply to me that this space remain centered on God and faith, and in that spirit I’m sharing an image made by Salt and Gold that has helped steady my own heart—heavy for everyone involved, without exception. My hope is that it helps you pray, too.

 

Jesus said, “If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." 1 Jn 4:20  

This is a challenging invitation for all of us. It asks us to examine our own hearts, our own assumptions, and the ways we may quietly draw lines where Christ does not. There are no “sides” when it comes to loving one another, only people, each made in the image of God, each living a very human experience.
 

Lent calls us to bring our limited vision, our false certainty, and even our discomfort to Christ. It calls us to humility, to repentance, and to love that looks more like foot-washing than finger-pointing. Through His grace alone, may we allow our hearts to be softened, our vision widened, and our love made more like His this Lenten season. Together, let us pray. 

 

The beautiful artisan behind this art, Jessica Claire Bond, has a study out for Lent that I'll be completing this year. Here's the link if you'd like to join in; the book's cover - and interior - are reflections based on foot washings and forgiveness. Amen to both. 

The newest summertime patriotic quilt pattern is coming along so well!! The pattern is written and is in its first phase of testing right now; the second phase begins in about two weeks. Pattern testers, new pattern coming your way for testing in about 14 days! It's been fun to make a traditional pieced pattern after all the FPP we did last year. Here's a few snapshots into how things are going…including one of my favorite little helper learning to make half square triangles for this quilt!

 

 

 

 

 

Palm fronds are a great technique to fill empty space on your quilt, and - with Lent starting - is a technique you'll want to learn. Did you know each of our FMQ videos starts with a devotion tied into the theme you'll be learning?