There & Back Again: My First Ash Wednesday

March 9, 2011 By 30 Comments

I pulled my hair back this morning. Normally I wear it down, but long strands will sometimes flop down against my face, angling in such a way that it cuts right across my forehead.

Today, I swept my hair back. My forehead was bare.

At breakfast I told the kids I would be attending an Ash Wednesday service at a church near ours. The service was at noon, I said, so I would leave around 11:40 to get there. I assured them that it was not a biblical mandate to get the ashes and since our church doesn’t follow the custom, I saw no reason why they should feel obligated to attend; however, I would be delighted to have them join me. Did anyone want to go with me? [Read more...]

Filed Under: Not So Fast, Slow Movement, Slow-Down Fast, slowing Tagged With: , ,

Slow-Down Fast: Singletasking

March 5, 2011 By 10 Comments

simplify badge medium

As I said on Thursday, I’m trying to stay open as I prepare for this Lenten Slow-Down Fast. I’m willing to slow down in all areas, from my schedule to my spending; from my technology use to my thought patterns.

As I simplify and slow down, my desire is to find the right pace for preparation—I want to slow down for the 40 days of Lent in order to walk through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday attentively, reflectively…and then to celebrate Easter Sunday with my whole self focused on Jesus Christ, the risen Savior.

The “fast” will begin this week on Ash Wednesday, March 9, and end on Easter Sunday.

I’ll be publishing Slow-Down Fast posts on Saturdays in conjunction with Cheryl’s Simplify theme. If you would like to link up, use the Simply Linked tool above.

Ann’s Slow-Down Fast Thoughts & Plans: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Not So Fast, Slow-Down Fast Tagged With: , , ,

There & Back Again: What to Bury?

March 2, 2011 By 9 Comments

Thursday isn’t my official “Slow-Down Fast” posting day, but I was inspired to think and write about Lent today, as well as Saturday. So, at risk of causing confusion, I stuck the button on this post. For more thoughts, check in again this Saturday.

As I prepare for the Slow-Down Fast this Lent, I am open. I am willing to slow down in all areas, from my schedule to my spending; from my technology use to my thought patterns.

My desire is to find the right pace for preparation—I want slow down for the 40 days of Lent in order to be prepared to walk through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday attentively, reflectively…and then to celebrate Easter Sunday with my whole self focused on Jesus Christ, the risen Savior. [Read more...]

Filed Under: life, Not So Fast, Slow-Down Fast Tagged With: , , ,

Slow-Down Fast & Simplify: To-Do/Not-To-Do List

February 26, 2011 By 28 Comments

simplify badge medium

Join me as I embark on a “Slow-Down Fast”: a season dedicated to humbly and boldly simplifying and slowing (schedule, habits, activities, thought-patterns) in order to experience a more focused and intimate relationship with God in my everyday life.

The “fast” will begin Ash Wednesday, March 9, and end on Easter Sunday. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Not So Fast, Slow-Down Fast, slowing Tagged With:

Slow-Down Fast & Simplify: Silence & Solitude

February 19, 2011 By 25 Comments

On a day when I’m considering how to simplify, you might wonder why I have not just one blog button but two in place.

simplify badge medium

I’m inviting you to join me as I embark on a “Slow-Down Fast”: a season dedicated to humbly and boldly simplifying and slowing (schedule, habits, activities, thought-patterns) in order to experience a more focused and intimate relationship with God in my everyday life. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Not So Fast, simplicity, Slow Movement, Slow-Down Fast, slowing

There & Back Again: Slow-Down Fast & Simplify

February 17, 2011 By 8 Comments

When Cheryl Smith, one of my friends and colleagues at TheHighCalling.org, launched her “Simplify” project, I knew it was a good fit. “Simplicity.” That’s me.

My wardrobe is simple, my meals are simple, my decor (what little there is) is simple, my schedule is—usually—simple. Hairstyle, jewelry, nails, shoes: simple, simple, simple. Even my writing style is simple. If you take a moment to glance at my blog and logo design: simple.

I figured it would be, well, simple to compose and publish a post in keeping with Cheryl’s theme. I planned to link to “Simplify” each Saturday. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Not So Fast, simplicity, Slow-Down Fast, slowing, Uncategorized