Ash Wednesday: A Symbol of Life's Transitions

This week begins the season of Lent. In a world that often values certainty and definitive answers, Ash Wednesday serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality and the transitions we all face in life. It reminds us of the power of dwelling in the questions, of standing on the threshold between what was and what might be. The ashes represent both death and renewal and speak to our fundamental liminality as humans – beings who exist between dust and divinity, constantly in the process of becoming.

The 40 days ahead offer a deliberate sanctuary of reflection, spiritual discipline, and renewal. Accept the Lord’s invitation to connect with Him as He nurtures our faith and grows our relationship with Him deeper. In this threshold time, allow this to be an invitation to experience the gospel.

Every significant life change involves both an ending and a beginning. The loss of the old creates space for new growth, much as the Lenten season of sacrifice leads to the renewal of Easter. Whether leaving home, changing careers, or ending relationships, these transitions require acknowledging what must be released before embracing what lies ahead. It calls us to let go of what no longer serves us so that something new can take root. The fundamental questions of this season echo in this threshold space: how do you willingly give yourself over to death and how do you receive life?

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October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

August Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Camp News! Cherry Run Camp is my green pasture and quiet waters where the Lord continuously restores my soul. This camp was even more special as I was invited to be the missionary in residence for the nine days of camp. Sharing with all age groups about missions and how as believers and followers of Christ we are all called to go and make disciples by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a week that was fulfilling to be with my family and the family of God as we fellowshipped one with another. As missionaries, we first need to make connections and build relationships with people before sharing the Good News. The youth were given the mission to level up: 1) make connection by introducing themselves to people and making them feel welcomed; 2) ask the person what they need prayer for; 3) the youth to pray with the person on the spot; 4) the youth to share their testimony; and 5) the person is asked to share their testimony. The yo...

January Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside. Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones. It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul. The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace. Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter. What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve. It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging. It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...

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