Unleavened Passover Bread

2 cups White Flour, unbleached all purpose
2 Tbs Olive Oil
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup Water
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Mix well all ingredients in a medium size bowl by hand or with an electric mixer until a stiff dough forms. Remove the dough to a lightly floured countertop, kneading until a smooth consistentcy.   Bake for 8 minutes, flip the bread over on the pan, bake for about 8 more minutes.

Reaffirmation of this Project

Yesterday I fasted, contemplating and praying about what role God wanted me to play in this world and in His ministry. What became clear to me is that I need to keep doing what I am doing but more so, including this blog. Whatever role I happen to be in at the moment, I need to do it to my best ability, seeking His guidance, giving Him praise, and repenting when I err. As a man, I need to seek to be a Godly man, as a father - a Godly father, as a husband - a Godly husband. Even though I have a job and activities that do not often allow direct mention of Jesus Christ, I can still represent Him in a way where others find Hope, Joy, Peace and Encouragement in their lives.

I had an unexpected opportunity to share the Lord today. It was in no way planned. During the baptism at the East Unit prison, I felt called during a time lull to stand and share my conversion and testimony to about one-hundred fifty men in blue. I asked permission from the visiting pastor, but he was kind of obligated to say yes. I hope I didn’t offend him. I just couldn’t stay quiet. Since I am the Transition teacher, I couched my message of transitioning from a man of the world to a man of God, such as Saul to Paul (Galatians 1:11-16). It was an honor and a blessing to share my story.  For security purposes, the image included is not from my event.

On my way into work this morning I heard this:

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me, Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed...

But the voice of truth tells me a different story, And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!", And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory" - - From Song, Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns"

My Most Significant Ash Wednesday Ever

Last night I rushed to the church to attend the Ash Wednesday service, and I got there right on time.  The irony was I didn't know why I was there, other than its a Christian tradition and that's where I needed to be.

The Pastor did a great job explaining to us the reason for the holiday.  She explained that on this day, ashes are placed on the foreheads of the congregation, marking each forehead with the sign of the cross.  Traditionally people also wore sackcloth, or clothing made from the rough material of burlap. This ritual echoes the ancient eastern tradition of throwing ashes over one's head to signify repentance before God.  In her sermon she explained that this day signifies the first day of Lent, representing the first day Christ went out into the wilderness and fasted for forty days.  At the end of the forty days will come Good Friday, the day of Crucifixion and then Easter, the day of Resurrection.

The scripture she read was 1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.  I really like this approach to the term sacrifice.  When we obey, we are giving up self-will, which is very much a human sacrifice, shown to us by the ultimate sacrifice and act of obedience - Jesus giving himself up on the cross.  He obeyed His Father.

I don't know if I fully understand the significance of the event, but to me it is a day of sorrow and repentance for the things that I've done wrong, my disobedience to God, keeping His commandments and most of all the affect it has had on those around me.  After receiving the charcoal marking on my forehead, I went to the alter to pray.  I prayed for forgiveness and the strength to follow Christ fully in the future.  When I arose, I felt the relief from the forgiveness that we receive from Jesus, but still sorrowful because those I've sinned against that are not so easily willing to forgive, and are unlikely to forget.  I struggle with regret and shame from some of the things I've done wrong.

The good news is...is that Christ is working in us and in the lives of others.  We interact, and in doing so bless and sin against our fellowman and loved ones.  It is a cycle of love, forgiveness and accepting each other for our humanness.  At the alter I also took a vow of sacrifice for the next forty days.  My sacrifice is self-will.  I made a promise to God to study the Bible everyday for this period, and I look forward to doing so.