February 18, 2010 6:41 PM
Ash Wednesday reflections
I know. It's Thursday. But this week and each individual day seems to be slipping by too quickly and I am still reeling from our recent Snowmegeddon which saw 9 members of the Curtis family currently resident under one roof for 10 days.
In wild and wonderful western Loudoun, we are currently winding our way through narrow passages with snow piled high on either side and ice under our tires. School buses don't come out as far as we live, so I drive the kids to a pick-up point. School is starting an hour later - to give us a fighting chance, I suppose.
Zach and I took all the younger kids to the 9:00 Ash Wednesday service at St. Francis. So glad I went. Ash Wednesday has some of my favorite readings:
First Reading:
Joel 2: 12 - 18
12 "Yet even now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13 and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a drink offering for the LORD, your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep and say, "Spare thy people, O LORD, and make not thy heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, `Where is their God?'"
18 Then the LORD became jealous for his land, and had pity on his people.
Psalm:
Psalms 51: 3 - 6, 12 - 14, 17
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in thy sight, so that thou art justified in thy sentence and blameless in thy judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
12 Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners will return to thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of thy deliverance.
17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Second reading:
2 Corinthians 5: 20 - 21
20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 6: 1 - 2
1 Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.
2 For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
[My emphasis on that first verse, because it is one of my favorites.]
Gospel:
Matthew 6: 1 - 6, 16 - 18
1 "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
16 "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
18 that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Non-Catholics may be surprised by how much Scripture we share at every Mass. I know as an Evangelical I heard the myths that Catholics do not read the Bible. We actually have a reading from the Old Testament, Psalms (often cantored/sung), New Testament and the Gospel. Actually, I love that the Mass has so much scripture and the trust we have in the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of each one who hears it rather than a 45-minute explication of what one man thinks two or three verses mean. (If you detect a note of bitterness, it's because I still cannot forget how our last nondenominational pastor came to our house and browbeat me with a couple of cherry-picked scriptures to prove to me that Catholicism was wrong. He never got that that was his opinion about what those scriptures meant.)
I'm not here to sell Catholicism, but I will say this: After 20 years of evangelicalism and two years of being Catholic, I have found that there is a satisfaction that comes from the traditions and rituals of the church (and that includes the denominational churches which are liturgy based and which observe the seasons like advent and Lent).
I think as an evangelical I always hungered for the symbolism and reminders I was not allowed to have. Looking back, it seems like a deprivation of sorts as we human beings are multi-dimensional - not just intellect, but body too. Just as in Montessori, the incorporation of the senses into learning creates a stronger bond, so the concrete reminders of who God is and who we are strengthen our faith and give us a way to pass down our spiritual heritage to our children in a way that will be with them always.
At Ash Wednesday Mass there were many homeschooling moms with lots of children - we definitely have some very strong, faith-filled families at St. Francis - and it was so sweet to see the children who are too young to receive the Eucharist get to come forward to have the ashes placed on their foreheads. Their mothers may or may not have explained to them why we do this, but the important thing is that they sensed the spiritual atmosphere and when they are older that early encounter will provide a foundation for abstract understanding.
This is an understanding Maria Montessori had of the child's development which led to her approach to education. Before the age of seven or eight, the child is not capable of abstract thought, and so we build a foundation through the senses which will make the learning easy and joyful later on.
I had spent much of the night before Ash Wednesday lying awake convicted of my own sins and very much looking forward to this penitential season. I know that some evangelicals scoff at that - just as they scoff at the Crucifix, saying Jesus is no longer on the cross - but they must not understand that we are all working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13) and these periods of deep reflection are opportunities for us to become more conformed to the image of Christ.
I can't do that on my own. I need God's help. Church traditions help me stay focused on His word, His love for me, the sacrifice of the Cross, and the necessity of humility. The imposition of ashes is a reminder to me that I am in the world, but not of it and that I am only and always a work in progress.
After Mass, I felt satisfied and challenged at the same time, and grateful for the traditions which I now understand to be so important. After driving the kids to school, I went grocery shopping. In the check out line, the woman behind me told me I had dirt on my forehead. I said, "Oh, No, I'm Catholic and today is Ash Wednesday."
She wanted to know more and so I told her: "It's the beginning of Lent. a period of soul-searching for Christians." She looked intrigued. And intrigued is a good place to be. I suppose if I were Bill Bright I would tell her the Four Spiritual Laws and she would either accept Christ right there and then in the middle of Giant Food store or I would walk away thinking she was bound for Hell.
But God has so many more options and is so much more subtle than we are. I find myself trusting God more these days and relying less on my own steam. Who knows how He might get this woman's attention next time? The important thing is that our witness be winsome. And patient, like Our heavenly Father.
Even if you are not Catholic, you can help yourself to daily Scriptures chosen specifically to help us make the most of Lent. You can find them at EWTN.
Posted in Catholicism, Inspiration, Lent, My life | Permalink
Comments
Hi Barbara, I too went to Ash Wed. Services. In the Lutheran Church we read the same scriptures as you did @ Mass. We had the imposition of ashes and also communion....There are other Protestant churches that also observe Lent. Several Presbyterians and Methodists in our area. You might also be interested that the Lutheran have Prayer Beads that are used for Lent. I only became away of them last year. I Think only the Big Lutheran Churches use them as an option. Our Ash Wed. service was so beautiful. Our hymn theme for the service was "LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE". Just a beautiful hymn and beautiful words. Our Organist did all his extra music using this hymn with different arrangements. Oh so wonderful..PRAISE GOD FOR GIVING US JESUS AND THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORSHIP HIM IN WORD,AND SONG...May your Lenten Journey bring you closer than ever to our Precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Love, Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca Wold | February 18, 2010 7:29 PM
Thanks for this very thoughtful piece on Ash Wednesday! I took my little four year old with Down syndrome to Mass (as we always do) and while he was a stinker yesterday and wanted to run around, we held him tight and made him behave. He too received ashes and he was quite taken by them. Over the past few months his speech as finally begun really emerging. He now repeats words and lately, has even made a statement about a situation like, "mum, mess". Anyway, we showed him our ashes and he kept saying "ash" all day and lifting up his hair and then approaching each of his siblings and touching their ashes, "ash". Even today he was looking for my ashes, now long gone.
Lent is such a wonderful, grace filled time! The liturgical cycle of Advent, Christmas, Ordinary time, Lent, Easter, and then Ordinary time again fit the rhythm of life perfectly. I always feel very blest that I am a Catholic and can live these seasons throughout the seasons of my life. There are always new ways to grow spiritually and new revelations to ponder as they correlate to the seasons and to the newest stage of my life as a wife and mom of children.
Julie
Posted by: Julie | February 18, 2010 7:51 PM
Barbara -
I think it is interesting that you comment on how much scripture is in the Mass. I have been more and more aware of how much scripture is in Mass. (And I am talking about more than just the 1st and 2nd readings & the gospel).
However, I still have to agree, as Catholics, many of us do not open our bible and read it. I am in year 3 of a non-denominational bible study, (which honestly does have some prejudices towards Catholics) but it is the first bible study that I have felt really connected to the word of God.
It has enriched the Mass for me. I am making connections that I never have before.
I do think, that many Catholics, miss the boat on reading/learning the bible. You do need that intense study to be able to open the Word of God and let the words during Mass touch you in different and amazing ways.
Posted by: Lyn | February 18, 2010 10:52 PM
"I think as an evangelical I always hungered for the symbolism and reminders I was not allowed to have."
You have hit the nail on the head. This is what I have been trying to put into words for years. I was raised in the Assembly of God and after the first couple of services I attended with my husband's family at their local Episcopal church, I felt much more comfortable with the liturgy and the sheer amount of scripture. I remember my AoG pastor once spending an entire summer preaching about the Prayer of Jabez. Nothing else.
I also wanted to say that I'm glad I'm not the only one with a rambunctious kid at an Ash Wednesday service. My 2 year old son would not stop talking or making crash noises with his toy cars. He would also loudly shout "NAMEN!" every time he heard "Amen" causing everyone around us to start giggling, and would "sing" along with the Celebrant. When we went up to receive our ashes, he was very well behaved but then started pointing at my forehead saying "Oh NO!" or "Ewie!" for the rest of the service.
And my husband was walking around all evening singing "The Imposition" to the tune of "The Inquisition" from Mel Brooks' "History of the World". What an interesting beginning to Lent...
Posted by: Courageous Grace | February 19, 2010 1:09 AM
You are right, Lyn - this is a weakness you see in many Catholic churches. Not in mine, which offers several Bible studies. In fact, an evangelical friend bumped into me a couple weeks ago and said she was greatly enjoying the Bible study she was attending at my church.
Having heard so much about the reverse - and knowing that evangelicals hope through their Bible studies to "show them the light" and pull Catholics away from their churches to be "real" Christians - I was surprised.
It would be nice if we could appreciate each other's strengths. Unfortunately, evangelicals who believe Sola Scriptura have no respect for the history, traditions, and teachings of the church. They seem to feel no one was really "saved" before Martin Luther came along. Many converts from evangelicalism couldn't help themselves after reading the early church fathers and understanding how believers celebrated the Mass long before the New Testament was written.
I hope you will not forget that there is more to it than Bible Study and that it will help you appreciate the church more.
I also want to say that because I went to Catholic high school and lived my adult life as a pagan, when I did have a born-again experience on March 21, 1987, I assumed the Cahtolic church was a "dead" church. I judged all Catholics as non-Christians, except the few I met whose faith was obviously vibrant. They were a mystery to me.
When I became Catholic two years ago, my immediate thought was "Why didn't they teach this to me?"
But as time went on, I began to understand that it was like the seed falling on hard ground. It could not take root. Maybe my heart was too scarred, maybe my lack of context as there was not faith and only hurt and hardness in my family - for whatever reason.
It's wrong to blame the church. Whats right is to start doing what you can in your church to bridge the gap. Have you thought about starting a Bible study in your church? I suggest that because I understand the evangelical world and no matter how politely you are treated, it is only because they hope to bring you to a "real" faith the way they understand it, which does not include Catholicism
Here's a little story: When I lived in California, my next door neighbor was Catholic but she spoke like what I thought was a"real" Christian and attended an evangelical Bible study. I was confused about how to categorize her (and isn't that presumptuous that as an evangelical I felt I had the right to do so?)
After I became Catholic, I called her to tell her and she was very happy for our family. She told me that after many years of attending the Bible Study and feeling comfortable that it finally dawned on her how the other women felt about her when her father died and they gave her their condolences because her father, who had just died, had died in an unsaved condition and was going to hell. This, though he was a faithful Catholic (Portuguese) husband and father.
It was a lightbulb moment for my friend. Having been an evangelical for 20 years, it sounded very typical to me.
When I decided to become Catholic, the music minister at our church prayed at choir practice - with 13-year-old Maddy present - "Lord, please help Barbara in her confusion. We pray for her continued salvation" - or something like that. Maddy was so mortified and confused. She knew her mom was "saved"! And btw, I have heard this from 2 other people who were there at the time and deeply offended.
All by way of saying, don't assume that because evangelical Bible studies are welcoming and polite that they respect who you are. In my experience, they don't.
Posted by: Barbara | February 19, 2010 7:46 AM
Barbara, Thank you for this lovely entry. I too loved these scriptures in this mass. I also love to hear conversion stories. I am new to your site so I don't know if you have ever mentioned Rome Sweet Home, by Scott Hahn, which details he and his wife's conversion (he was a protestant minister). Or Patrick Madrid's Surprised by Truth, which is a collection of conversion stories.
Love the site, thanks.
Posted by: Jane | February 19, 2010 8:07 AM
Hi Barbara,
I sometimes feel at a loss in trying to defend my Catholic faith to others. You are so knowledgeable and so good with words! Would you be able to give me some advice? I have a Protestant friend who kind of laughs at Catholics not eating meat on Fridays during Lent and informing me that I don't need to follow that because it's not written anywhere in the Bible. What should my response to this be? I was so taken aback when he said that, that I felt at a loss for words. I could really use some guidance in how to respond. God Bless and thank you!
Posted by: L | February 19, 2010 8:32 AM
I think I'll join in the Bible reading for Lent with all Catholics. There is something special knowing that we are all reading the same scriptures.
On another note, someone I know posted on facebook that they commented to a cashier that they had a smudge of something on their forehead. The cashier was agitated and said "It's Ash Wednesday". The poster didn't like the attitude of the cashier. This irritated me because shouldn't we be a little more aware of what's going on in the world? I thought we were supposed to be culturally sensitive (as Evangelists). I can understand the cashier's irritation. She was probably told that by the preceding 50 customers and it was getting old.
I'm just tired of Evangelicals who are insensitive.
Posted by: Debra | February 19, 2010 9:32 AM
"""She wanted to know more and so I told her: "It's the beginning of Lent. a period of soul-searching for Christians." She looked intrigued. And intrigued is a good place to be. I suppose if I were Bill Bright I would tell her the Four Spiritual Laws and she would either accept Christ right there and then in the middle of Giant Food store or I would walk away thinking she was bound for Hell.
But God has so many more options and is so much more subtle than we are. I find myself trusting God more these days and relying less on my own steam. Who knows how He might get this woman's attention next time? The important thing is that our witness be winsome. And patient, like Our heavenly Father.""...........................................................................................
Wow this reached into my soul today. I'm evangelical and have always felt inadequate when they talk about witnessing and evangelism. I'm a bit shy although I'm happy to interact and share with people when it's obvious they are open or ask questions. I've always felt that I miss the mark because I don't have a burning desire or plan to move someone to salvation "in the middle of the Giant supermarket"
Your comment made me think that maybe my lack of desire is not as bad as I thought. Maybe I should just respond as God gives me prompts and let Him do the rest. I realize that is what all evangelicals SAY to do but in practice in studies and sermons I get the distinct feeling I'm supposed to do the work and go bring them in by force if necessary.
Posted by: Joy | February 19, 2010 9:53 AM
Maybe I should just respond as God gives me prompts and let Him do the rest. I realize that is what all evangelicals SAY to do but in practice in studies and sermons I get the distinct feeling I'm supposed to do the work and go bring them in by force if necessary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joy, thanks so much. As a writer, my job is to bring attention to whatever God is bringing to my attention today, trying to be like the pen in His fingers (don't mean that presumptuously, but in a spirit of willingness to be led). Sometimes it doesn't sit well with people so it is very encouraging to hear that it meant something specifically to someone.
Kafka said "A book should serve as the axe for the frozen sea within us." I believe writing should move us - the writer and the reader - and force us to examine ourselves more honestly.
But that does make a writer vulnerable :)
Your comment made me laugh out loud. For 20 years our family was involved in many denominations - Baptist, Covenant, Assembly of God, Cornerstone, Episcopalian, and various non-denominational "Bible churches." I love that God has given us this bbreadth of experience in the Body of Christ and I love my brother and sister believers as a true family. But as in a true family, you can see the foibles and failings up close and personal.
The notches in the shotgun approach to evangelization has always driven me crazy - and the burden it puts on lay people to "win souls for Christ." The Christmas pageants where the congregation is whipped up to bring in unbelievers for entertainment that turns into a Rope-a-Dope situation at the end. Likewise the Super Bowl get togethers where believers are expected to turn off half-time and proselytize.
The Catholic Church is much more gentle in its approach - and I feel trusting in God. Each church offers RCIA classes in the fall to people who are curious about the Catholic faith. They have many months to ask questions and are never pressured to make a decision. yet each year many do.
Posted by: Barbara | February 19, 2010 10:13 AM
Barbara,
I love those scriptures - the one in Joel especially touched me today.
I just want to say, as one who attends an evangelical church and has been in a bible study with Catholics, I do *not* judge them or think less of them ... I know that is the prevailing tone because many in the evangelical church grew up in homes where their family was Catholic by tradition but not active in their faith and so their perspective is colored by that... but I do appreciate the beauty of the liturgy and symbolism of the Catholic church and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. :)
Also, could you answer a question for me? What is the reason for the ash? I mean, I know it is symbolic, but is there a specific reason for the ash? And when was it started?
Our church's youth group had an Ash Wednesday service for the teens and my son had the ash on his forehead but he couldn't explain why. (I don't know if it wasn't fully explained, or if he just didn't pay close attention).
Thanks!
Posted by: Christina | February 19, 2010 12:06 PM
Thank you for sharing these beautiful scripture readings and thoughts on Lent. I do not know a lot about Lent and we are going to be studying it with my Air Force Spouses Bible Study next week. I do know about Advent, but not from attending any particular type of church. From home. We have a rich tradition of studying the prophecies and promises of God, learning about how God keeps his promises, and celebrating his first and second coming together. It is a tradition that my siblings and I have continued with our spouses and children. I am convinced that the church needs to be family centered and not depending on a particular church or denomination to bring the Word or the traditions to the next generation - it needs to happen in the context of relationships to be the most effective (this goes back to the instructions God gave his people on how to instruct their children during O.T. times). Anyhow, my sister and I have been talking about how Easter is really the most significant holiday, but never felt like it because we didn't celebrate anything like Advent during the Easter season and we wanted to do that. We have been gathering all sorts of ideas, but would love to know more of those that have been most meaningful to you. Also, I would love to know what music you listen to specifically during the Lenten season. You have mentioned the Messiah before, but do you have any other recordings that specifically coincide with Lent and Easter celebrations? (I was reading about the Messiah that it got moved to Christmas because there was a wealth of music for Eastertime already and not much for Christmas. Do you know what any of that music would be or where to get ahold of it?) We really appreciate any input you can give us to enrich our home celebrations of this season. Thanks for sharing from your heart about all this.
Posted by: beccy | February 19, 2010 12:54 PM
Barbara,
I so appreciate your writing. I too was touched by the scripture reading at mass that you posted. It is surprising to me at the amount of people who do not read their bibles, but this truly includes all, catholics and evangelicals alike. While I have searched prayerfully with my whole heart, I have been drawn to some of the ways of the Catholic church, but can not agree with all of its ways, biblically. At one point in my life, I was one of evangelicals that cause shame to our Lord Jesus, for I truly did not believe a Catholic could be saved. Their faith seemed to be based on rules and you MUST do this and that. Our faith is just that, faith. No amount of works can get us to heaven. But, just as we love the Lord with all our heart, we want to please Him, and no one from the outside is going to understand that. It all stems from His love, and loving Him, with a desire to do His will.
Saying that, what is your viewpoint of the infallibility of the Pope? And this may be my ignorance, but I have always been so offended by the glorification of Mary and the saints. We are all saints, our prayers go up as incense, a sweet aroma to our Lord. After reading your comment on the hard rocky soil, I thought let me reexamine this once more, to see where I could be misunderstanding. I once asked a friend about the specific issue of praying to the saints, and she explained to me that they pray on our behalf. I guess I don't understand the scripture behind this. Again, this is not meant to be inflammatory, but seeking clear and direct answers in light of the scriptures. I thoroughly enjoy your blog, and I appreciate your openness. I love that you stand firmly on your convictions, as that is a trait that seems to be lacking in our current society. Thank you for the blessing you are in my life. :)
Carey
Posted by: Carey | February 19, 2010 1:44 PM
Hi Carey -
I am not a theologian. I will say that I came into the Catholic Church as an act of obedience when God called me. I did not fully understand some of the things I had heard criticized as an evangelical myself. I took my step in faith, just as I did when I became a born-again Christian on March 21, 1987. I could not have defended all Christian beliefs then. I just trusted God.
My faith has always been childlike and I have been obedient in many things that made no logical sense to others - like having a three-year-old with Down syndrome and a two-year old and then adopting a baby with Down syndrome, and 50 weeks later, another one - giving us four kids under 5 - 4 with Down syndrome. I'm only saying that I have never expected that God had to make sense to me before I followed Him anywhere.
My husband, on the other hand, was so taken aback by the furor that erupted when I announced my decision that he began to read the early church fathers and church teachings. His was a much more academic approach, but it led him to become Catholic six months later. No pressure from me. I was only being obedient to my call, I wouldn't expect it of anyone else.
That said, I think the problem with Evangelicals judging Catholics is that they get their "information" from prejudiced evangelical sources. So for those who need answers and theology, I can recommend the following Catholic sources - which will state what the church teaches rather than what others think it teaches:
Catholic Answers: http://www.catholic.com/
Catholic Aologetics: http://www.catholicapologetics.org/
Scott Hahn's website: http://www.scotthahn.com/
Catholocity: http://www.catholicity.com/links/119/
EWTN: http://www.ewtn.com/
I also have books listed under Barbara's Picks: Catholicism in Perspective
I know at least 50 families who became Catholic after years of evangelicalism. All of us lost friends and had difficulties with our families. It's not an easy price and we paid a heavy price. Each of us is different. What I love about the teaching of the church is that it is clear and consistent. It breaks my heart that there are many Catholics who don't get it, and even those who misrepresent and shame our church. But that's not the fault of the church. And I've learned that just as those who judge Christianity based on reprobate Christians are wrong, so also are those who judge Catholicism based on Catholics wrong.
I think everyone should be open to learning. My goal is not to convert everyone to Catholicism, but to stop the misunderstandings, prejudice and fear.
We need to work together on the things that really matter. I just don't believe God is pleased with quibbling over Bible verses and judging those who are really only His to judge.
love,
barbara
If
Posted by: Barbara | February 19, 2010 2:22 PM
Though we're non-denominational Protestants, I decided to practice Lent this year. For the last few years, my preparation for Easter had mostly been about planning the menu for Easter dinner! And I wanted the Resurrection to mean more to me than that. So I'm making a Lenten sacrifice, taking up a spiritual discipline (praying the Liturgy of the Hours), and increasing almsgiving.
A co-worker from Right to Life offered to help me with the kids so I could go to Ash Wednesday noon Mass with her. Katherine and Joshua were wonderful in the service and got ashes on their foreheads. Katherine loved her cross and talked about it all day. I've been reading the Office of Readings out loud to the kids, and I love that God's word is soaking into them.
Besides the caffeine-withdrawal headaches from giving up coffee, I am really enjoying how Lent is making me more spiritually aware.
Posted by: Becky Miller | February 19, 2010 5:20 PM
