The month of March has arrived with all of its variables and changes. One day it is warm and balmy, and the next day it is chilly and breezy. One day it is cold and rainy, sleeting, or snowy and the next day it is COLD and sunny. It also borrows days from April sometimes according to the Old Timers.

Isn't March much like our lives? There are so-called good days and bad days, there are days when we are busy, busy and there are days when we are idle, there are ups and downs, joys and sorrows, tears and laughter and death and dying.

The March wind is the 'broom' nature uses for spring cleaning. Dead leaves, trash and other debris is blown around or away, so that the new growth of spring such as flowers and flowering shrubs can 'spring' forth. Our observance of Lent reminds us to start spring cleaning in our lives by getting rid of all things which would interfere with our growth such as old real or imagined grievances and slights, hurts, fears, worries and our mistreatment of others. Lent has been preparing us for Holy Week. We, then are reminded that Christ bore the cross and therefore all our sins are forgiven if only we believe.

He opened wide his arms when being crucified to enfold and include all who believe. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life". John 3:16. I pray that after our personal spring cleaning, that we may experience new growth in Christ's love, by accepting His offer.

Happy Easter,

Your Sister-in- Christ,

Gwen