Peace and love to all of you in the name of Jesus Christ,

The Saint Matthew UMC newsletter happens every week, 52 weeks a year. I have had a “corner” in the newsletter for longer than I can remember, but my newsletter articles are usually late getting submitted to Jason. I wish it were not true, but my organizational skills paired with a calendar that looks like mine create problems with meeting this Tuesday at 4 p.m. deadline. Today (Monday), I have set an intention to get my newsletter article written and submitted for editing on Sunday after church or Monday by 3 p.m. at the latest. I am sharing this with you because that reinforces my commitment to do this. Jason is very patient with me every week, but he also has a calendar that looks like a hurricane, and so I want to be respectful of his responsibilities and time. By setting an intention and not just a reminder, I am making a promise to myself to do better.

I wonder what other intentions I need to set in my life? My intention this season of Lent has been to draw closer to God. Reading, praying, meditating, and physical movement have all been centered around this intention since Ash Wednesday. Jesus “steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,” knowing the fate that awaited (Luke 9:51). To be more like Jesus, we must also “set our face” toward whatever is in front of us. Pick one thing when you read this newsletter. Write one word about the subject toward which you will set an intention. Share your word with someone you trust, and then tell God. And if you want to share it with me, please email me: mary.teague@saintmatthewumc.com.

My love to all of you!
Mary

P.S. We raised $3,675 toward payroll at Eastside Ministries! Thank you for your continuously generous spirit. I will keep you posted about their future and our part in keeping this vital ministry open in East Fort Worth.