by Mary Jo Hallberg, Parish Nurse
We have transitioned from our joyous Epiphany celebrations that declare Jesus is the light of the world, to our penitential Lenten Journey, remembering Jesus’ death on the cross. As you ponder your Lenten Journey, I invite you to consider the intentional practice of Sabbath Keeping. We have talked about why God commands us to keep the Sabbath in Adult Forums, in book discussion groups and perhaps in your own homes.
Marva Dawn asks us to move from understanding to taking action:
“The important point in all our imitation (of God) is its deliberate intentionality. We don’t just think God’s values are good. We embrace them wholly…. To embrace is to accept with gusto, to live to the hilt, to choose with extra intentionality and tenacity.”
Consider choosing with extra intentionality and tenacity the practice of Sabbath Keeping on the four Sundays of Lent.
Some suggestions include:
• Attending worship
• Choosing to not spend money on Sunday
• To cease all work
• Enjoy a Sabbath meal with family and/or friends
• Take time to read something you have been meaning to read
• Read the Bible
• Read and discuss a Lenten devotion
• Take a walk, snowshoe, ski • Call a friend who lives far away
• Write a letter
• Play a game with your family
I then invite you to call or email me to tell me of how you chose to practice Sabbath Keeping. Let us as members of this faith community pledge to support each other in our commitment to remember the Sabbath and to rest in our Savior, who is himself the Lord of the Sabbath.
Health Tips
Humidifiers are a great way to counter the drying aspects of winter heating – dry skin, dry nose, cracked or chapped lips. Plan to clean yours every three days. Whenever possible, read and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Unplug the machine, and remove all standing water. Clean removable filters as instructed by company. To remove mineral deposits, pour one cup of white vinegar into reservoir and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse well and wipe dry. To disinfect against mold and mildew, make a solution of one teaspoon chlorine bleach to one gallon of water, allow to soak for at least 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly several times. Water should be changed daily.
Need a quick healthy snack for your kids? Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla, and then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of whole-grain cereal on top. Peel and place one banana on the tortilla and roll up the tortilla for a sweet, crunchy treat! (Ten Smart Snacks for Teens, National Diabetes Education Program, US Department of Health and Human Services)