As Mary anointed Jesus with the scent of sacrifice, we are called to pour out ourselves for him.

God is always running to meet us, even when we have squandered grace.

Instead of gazing at the grass on the other side of the fence, Jesus brings us back to focus on realities that will bring change and growth in our own backyard.

Jesus won't let Herod's threats or the people's opposition keep him from fulfilling his loving purpose.

Jesus' temptation in the desert shows us that God has moved fully into human flesh and can identify with our every experience.

Transformation sounds quite romantic in theory, but when it comes to the real thing - we aren't always prepared for what it truly means. Often we are too afraid to live into the new thing and revert back to old ways. Only by God's mercy are we truly made new.

"Ease on down the road, Don't you carry nothing that might be a load. Come on, ease on down, ease on down, down the road" The Gospel According to The Wiz reminds us to keep walking this journey of life even when the going gets tough.

Ambition, hope, and betrayal--key themes in the musical "Dreamgirls" and throughout Scripture too. What can we learn from Effie, Deena, and Curtis who reach for their dreams against all odds?