Just a quick thought that popped into my head in the shower this morning (well actually, it is yesterday morning now). We have over time (and for good reason) associated Lent with the process of giving something up. Of a "fast" from something we'd like to have, that in some ways can tend towards an indulgence and some of us do take a break from things that are not indulgences at all but can even be looked at as an everyday essential - regular meals comes to mind :-)

My thought is this - that even while that is, in its proper place, a good spiritual exercise for us to go through at this time, is it also possible that there are things we need to take on and do or practice? Perhaps a new habit we need to form (as opposed to one we need to give up); or perhaps a family member we need to try to share a good meal with more regularly and in so doing, re-establish relationship with (as opposed to the usual giving up something edible that has become all to usual for us and maybe even easier on some level).

Don't know how this strikes you ... just thinking out loud :-) Can you think of anything that you might want to "take on" for Lent?

Grace & peace,
Deji.

Posted by Deji Osinulu at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The site is Oaktree Idea. It has been around for a while and was recently acquired by my dear friend Shelley. The idea behind this site is to build an online social network and community that is Christ centered and allows each of us to connect with our fellow sojourners in dialogue with each other and supporting one another in our individual journeys and our communal efforts.

That sounds rather "wordy" doesn't it? :-) Well it is kind difficult to explain it all very succinctly so you need to just go on over there, check it out and sign-up. They have Forums, Dialogues, Impact Groups, Blogs, Photos ... you know, all that good "Web 2.0" stuff. When you do join, give me a holler on there.

By the way, they are having a drawing for a free iPod Nano when you register and vote on site's potential new name.

Blessings,
Deji.

Posted by Deji Osinulu at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Cor. 13:4-7

Love, grace & peace,
Deji.

Posted by Deji Osinulu at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In memory of our dear friend Merry Marcotte who went home to be with the Lord this morning after a valiant battle with cancer. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Posted by Deji Osinulu at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just found out about this item on The Chan Clan's Blog about how the two coaches in this year's Super Bowl are using that occasion to share with others something else that they share in common and care deeply about - their walk with Christ. The website - Beyond the Ultimate - is where their story (along with that of some players) is being shared. Check it out!

Posted by Deji Osinulu at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)