ROLLING BACK THE STONE…

It’s almost Holy Week, which culminates with celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. It’s a crazy time of the year if you are a pastor, but it is my favorite.

This year, it’s all got me thinking about the tombs and stones in our lives. We all have tombs in which we find ourselves dead to whom God has really created us to be…you know, those places where feel lost, broken, even unforgivable.

And there’s the stones too. Stones that keep us in the tombs, seemingly isolated from the love and grace of God….you know, stones that are our own ego, our stubbornness, those who hurt or oppress us in some way, maybe even a disease or a grief to heavy too bear or other demonic forces that do not have our or God’s interest in mind.

But, as in the beginning of the Word-Made-Flesh-Jesus story, an angel showed up to move the stone and told the women, there to attend the body, “Do not be afraid.” The angel rolled back the stone to reveal an empty tomb, for God had already been at work behind that stone and Jesus was risen.

So often in life we find ourselves afraid and seeking for the stone to be rolled back so we can be free from whatever it is that entombs us. But God is already there in the dark places of our lives...already there in the tomb. God’s work is done there, out of sight, without regard for the stone. God can actually set us free without the stone ever moving, though sometimes it takes an angel to roll away the stone and reveal what God has already accomplished for us…and a friendly reminder to, “fear not,” is always a nice addition.

If you are waiting for someone or something to roll back the stone in your life before you can move on…stop waiting…do not be afraid…for God has already been with you in the tomb. God has already been at work redeeming you and renewing you. You are loved, you are forgiven, you are cherished and, because of the events of that Holy Week once upon a time when Jesus rode into Jerusalem and ended up crucified, you are free already…always have been. Stones and tombs cannot change that. Remember that…hang onto it…and live in the hope of the empty tomb.

Have a blessed Holy Week and celebration of the Resurrection!

Julie

pastor-spiritual director-harp therapist-Holy Yoga instructor

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FYI

Holy Yoga update:

I am beginning to add Holy Yoga class videos to the “On Demand” section on the website. If you are a Spiritual Wellness Community Member, Holy Yoga is included….if not, you can purchase each class by donation.

Spiritual Wellness Community Membership:

The topic for April is Discernment of Spirits, a spiritual practice for how to discern whether it is God leading you or other spirits such as our own desires, the world, others with negative influence over us or even Satan. Ignatius of Loyola was the only person across Church history to actually break this down for Christians in a practical way. The book we are reading is: Discernment of Spirits by Timothy Gallagher. The topic will be introduced on Tuesday, April 4 at 4pm ET via Zoom so there is still time to join…

Spiritual Wellness Community Membership is $15 per month and includes: teaching on a spiritual practice, group spiritual direction, meditation session with harp, book discussion, and Holy Yoga classes…first month is free, and you get a coupon for one free Private Spiritual Direction session!

Announcing the Referral Program!

I would love to grow our Membership Community so we have more women on any given Zoom sharing their thoughts and ideas and struggles. One of my goals has always been to create a safe community space for women who are intentional in their spiritual journey. So, I am asking you to share the website and an invitation to join us with your women friends/colleagues/family.

For every referral you send my way that signs up for a Spiritual Wellness Community Membership, I will give you an additional month FREE or a coupon for $15 off one of my other services.

Other Angel Strings Ministry Offerings

Individual Private Spiritual Direction: $50 per hour

Sound Healing w/Harp Session: $60 per hour

Private Therapeutic Harp Session: $30 per 1/2 hour

Holy Yoga Private Session: $30 per hour

Holy Yoga classes (for non-members): by donation