HOPE40 - Day 29 - Follow the Light

Week 6: HOPE IN THE JOURNEY

As we enter week 6 of Lent, take a moment to pause and reflect on the road we have walked thus far. This has been a journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, toward deeper trust, intentional living, and the quiet, powerful hope that anchors us in Christ.

All of what you have experineced the last 5 weeks has been forming you for what lies ahead. Holy Week begins next Sunday. The cross is drawing near. But so is the Resurrection. Let’s walk this last stretch with hearts lifted, knowing that the journey itself has been holy. You do not walk alone. And you are closer than ever to the hope and joy and that do not disappoint.

Today's Scripture: John 8:12-20

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“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12

Jesus speaks directly to the heart of your Lenten journey: He is the Light. He doesn’t say you will never encounter darkness, but He promises that you will not walk in it...not dwell there, not be lost in it...if you follow Him.

Lent is a journey marked by intentional movement towards the resurrection. You began this season with ashes and the reminder of your need for repentance. Week by week, you have journeyed through hope in Christ, in your body, in your relationships, in struggle, in waiting. All along the way, the Light has been with you, even when the path felt long, or dry, or uncertain.

Jesus’ words are a promise for every pilgrim heart: You are not alone. I am with you. I am your Light. When the road grows long and dim with the cross looming ahead, remember that the One who walks with you has already conquered the grave. His light shines in your decisions, your sacrifices, your perseverance. Even if your journey this Lent hasn’t been perfect, He has not left your side. And He never will.

So take heart. Keep walking. Hope is not just at the end of the road, it is found in every step taken with Him.

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, Thank You for walking with me on this Lenten journey. When I am tired, be my strength. When I am unsure, be my clarity. When I feel lost, be my Light. Help me to trust that even in the dark moments, You are near. As I draw closer to Holy Week, fill me with renewed hope, not just for what is ahead, but for right here, right now. Let every step I take this week be a step toward You. Amen

HOPE For Your Health - Progress over Perfection

You have made it to Week 6, and you’re still in it! That’s no small thing. As you have experienced, fasting is not just a physical discipline; it’s a spiritual journey. You have been invited to walk with Jesus, to embrace sacrifice with hope, and to let your body and soul be gently stretched and strengthened.

Our 16:8 fasting window continues through Holy Saturday. How’s it going? Have you been able to consistently hit that 16-hour mark? If you have had setbacks, don’t give up. Progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. Each day is a new opportunity to offer your body as a living prayer.

Tips to Stay Consistent:

Hydrate well during the fasting window, herbal teas, black coffee, sparkling water, or just plain water keep you feeling steady.
Plan your meals ahead so you’re not reaching for quick fixes. Stick to whole foods and nourishing choices.
Unite the hunger to Christ’s sacrifice. When the stomach growls, offer it up for a special intention: your marriage, your children, someone who is suffering.
Rest when needed. Fasting isn’t about pushing yourself to burnout. Let your body slow down and reset.

This week, continue the extra layer of gut rest: no sugar, no alcohol, and no white flour. These small denials of pleasure are powerful reminders that you are not slaves to your appetites, you are free. And fasting helps you reclaim that freedom in Christ.

You are almost there. Holy Week is around the corner. Keep going. Keep hoping. The resurrection is coming.

You can do this. Not by willpower, but by grace.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Joy in the Journey

Marriage is quite the journey, isn't it? Sometimes it is joyful, sometimes challenging, but it is always sacred. Along this road, you can experience moments of deep connection, and at times, seasons of struggle or distance. What brings you through both the light and the shadows is the presence of Christ walking with you.

Jesus’ promise in John 8:12 offers hope not just to you as an individual, but to you as a couple: If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. That means even when communication falters, when life gets chaotic, when misunderstandings arise or suffering knocks at your door, you are never without direction. Jesus is your light, your shared compass in the covenant you made.

Hope in the journey of marriage looks like choosing to return to one another, time and again, even after conflict. It looks like praying together when you don’t have the words. It looks like forgiveness, humility, laughter, and choosing love again and again and again. And it looks like inviting Christ to be the center, not just when things are hard, but in the ordinary moments, too.

Reflection/Discussion Question:

Where are we letting Christ’s light lead us?

Where are we trying to walk on our own?

There is always hope for greater unity, deeper intimacy, and more joy, because the Light of the world walks with you.

SHEET PAN CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS

I still have some asparagus left from last week. This is what happens when you buy a costco size bag and only a few people in the house will eat it. I used to request a "no thank you bite" from my kids if they refused a veggie. I don't do that any more since the 2 girls left in the house have every opportunity to make themselves their favorite sautéed broccoli, peas or green beans....just clean up your own mess!

This recipe is so versatile! Use whatever veggies you have on hand and ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
12 Yukon Gold baby potatoes, quartered
1 medium carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 small zucchini, sliced
4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tbsp honey Dijon mustard
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Arrange chicken on one half of a large rimmed baking sheet.
Arrange potatoes, carrots and zucchini in a single layer on the other half of the pan.
Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with 2 tablespoons of the oil.
Mix the coriander, salt and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle half of it over the chicken and veggies.
Bake for 15 minutes.
While that is baking, in a small bowl mix the lemon juice, mustard, the remaining oil and seasonings together.
Take the pan out of the oven and place the asparagus between the chicken and the veggie mixture. Just push things to the edge of the pan a bit to fit it in.
Spoon the lemon/mustard/oil/spice mix over all the chicken and veggies.
Turn the oven to BROIL and return the pan to the oven on the 2nd rack down (not on the top rack closest to the heating element)
Broil for about 10 minutes, checking regularly, until the edges of the chickan and veggies are browning, getting crispy and the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Garnish with fresh herbs and fresh squeezed lemon juice.