Easter Monday!

It's now official. Lent/Holy Week/Easter is past. (is that possible?)! What a glorious time it was!!!!! And, I went on Facebook last night and this morning! YIKES! This time to post pix from the past 44 days and check on friends.( that's what I missed, most! )! I hope I don't slip back into old habits again, but of course, first thing this morning, I did get on FB. (eye roll). It's going to have to be a discipline for me to not do that first thing every morning. While I love seeing what is going on in my friends lives and to catch everyone that's asked me for some updated pix of the grands, I hope that I will be more disciplined and not get on any more during the day . And, always AFTER I do my Bible Study! Another thing, I won't be hopping on all day long. I don't know why, but sometimes I would find myself getting on while waiting for a store to open/ sitting at a traffic light/ when I was bored. That is the habit I am trying to break most. And to ask myself, "why do I really want to get on FB/Instagram so often? What did I do before social media became the craze?" This "social media" world is almost out of control. And I was part of it!

I truly learned a lot of other things during this Lenten Journey. I learned more about my faith. About my new denomination. About how to handles stresses. I learned a lot about...ME. I know , now, I can stick to disciplines! I also have dropped some  personal weight, (as in pounds) , along with dropping the weight of social media. The question is, can I keep both under control? I will, God willing! I feel lighter/less stressed/more in control. Yes, life keeps throwing the usual curve balls, but I'm trying to let those go and get right back up to bat. Many things have been shown to my by God that life isn't all  about ME. MY kids or MY grandkids. While, obviously, they are utmost important in my life, there are many other facets of life that needs attention. I'm on a learning curve and trying to focus more spiritual things as well as sharing what I know. (As little as that may appear to  be!)!

I will continue to blog ! Not every. single. day. Whew! But, strangely enough, I loved blogging early in the morning before the sun came up and before I got busy with everyday things! It was awesome! So, I will continue doing that. Every morning, during Lent, God just filled my spirit with so much to think about and share. I'm so thankful for the past, what, 44 days???? I never had "writer's block". Not once. I believe it was because God had called me to do this during Lent. And, I am going to compile these writings and see what I might want to do with them.....

So what did I take away most from my Lenten experience??? One of the main ones was praying more.I've always been a PRAY-ER but I have stepped up my Prayer life. Praying intently for several God put on my mind. I'm still praying for those people and will continue to. Some are in the middle of a health crisis. Others are looking for other employment. A few ,I don't even know personally, but am praying for them  as if I do know them in that way. It doesn't matter if they don't know me, but hopefully, they will feel some peace in some of their circumstances because of being lifted up in prayer---even by a stranger. Isn't that what we are called to do? I'm also trying , when I pray, not to pray so selfishly. The "santa claus litany of prayers" list I am trying to whittle down. Yes, God wants to hear my prayers for me/myself/my family. But, I'm learning, ever so slowly, to widen that prayer circle and have me/mine at the very bottom.

Spring Break begins for Hoover kids this week ! We are excited to be going to visit a friend who has a house in Orange Beach, Ala. Can't wait to hang with Nat/Kemp and Daisy for a few days! And, this coming week-end, Katie/Jon/kids are coming to celebrate a "belated Easter" week-end with us. Life continues to come at breakneck speed and I love it! So, I will be busy but still trying to stay connected with God during all parts of my life.

Praying that your SPRING time will be filled with: Flowers/friends/Faith/Fun. we, in Alabama, have more storms than anything else in Spring and it is quickly replaced by good ole Alabama heat. Our Spring lasts a milli-second so I am going to enjoy it! (even though I am coughing and sneezing as I write this!)....

As my Lenten Journey ends, I truly thank you for following me while on my Journey. I am amazed at those who have visited my blog, (I see the numbers and I am shocked), and for overlooking my poor English skills and misspelled words, etc. I loved English Class in school but did NOT like contractions/sentence breakdowns, etc. LOL. Thank you for encouraging me and texting and emailing me. That means everything!

Please, come back often.I'll be here. If I miss a few days, I'll be back. May God continue to pour His blessings on you and yours!

Easter Vigil !

HE IS RISEN! He is risen , indeed!

The Mourning Clothes have been removed! 

Let the Celebration Begin!

Here are a few pictures from last night's Easter Vigil. It was amazing! The lighted Paschal candle was brought in and we lit candles from it. The result was beautiful/moving/amazing! I will write more, tonight, but for this morning----please, even if you don't attend church other Sundays, give God a chance today! Go and worship and sing praises with the voices of many that celebrate our Risen Lord! who guarantees you a place in heaven if you believe on Him.  I can promise you that you will be welcomed and not judged....For the many believers, today there are no denominations (and won't be any in heaven either , lol)--we are all of one accord and will be singing the exact same hymns!  

 Christ the Lord is Risen Today! Alleluia !!

Easter Vigil at Christ the King Anglican Church

 Go and worship our King today! Who is the King of Glory???? Our Christ who sits on the throne! Alleluia!

The Vatican

Silent Saturday

I call it "silent Saturday". The day after and the day before! But, for the disciples it was just "the day after". The questions/fear/agony of watching your best friend die. I can only imagine what this day was like for them. Some getting together, talking it out. Crying. Angry. Confused. And, , of course, I think most  about the women were doing/thinking. Especially Jesus' mother and Mary Magdalene.  A sleepless night on Friday night. Not wanting to eat or fix any food as they were distraught. Sickened almost to being physically ill.But,there were people to feed and life had to go on. I can imagine if I had been there not wanting to even do the simplest things such as making a meal. But, everyone had to eat. So, began the routine task of making bread. Mine would've had a saltier taste with my tears falling into the dough. I imagine myself taking that ball of dough and slapping it as hard as I could on the table---in anger/frustration/disappointment/sadness.Throwing that bread down over and over as a physical act of frustration and pain. And grief. So much grief! Also I can imagine that if I  were there just "chomping at the bits" to get to the tomb. To gather the spices and ointments for the body. Not wanting to prepare His body but at the same time wanting to touch His hands once more. Stiff and cold from death , and , now, those precious hands that healed so many, filled with blood and gaping holes.

But, most of all, I can imagine the children and their questions .  And the adults trying to give some answer as to why this incredible man who loved them so was crucified. But, knowing children, not understanding that death is final. No more Jesus running around throwing them in the air. How would they explain that?!  And so many children loved Jesus! It is said that this Man loved them.They were always trying to get to him and the disciples would try and "Shoo them away". But, Jesus would tell them:"let them come!" ( I love the King James version of the verse Matthew 19:14:
"But Jesus said, Allow little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
I just bet he was a "child magnet". Jesus. Laughing with the kids. Opening his arms wide and letting them all jump all over Him. Chasing them around the city. Listening to them. Healing them. Talking to them. Making flower bracelets for the little girls. Throwing stones across the lake with the boys. Yes, Jesus' death affected EVERYONE, but the children, especially, were probably all devastated and confused.But, just maybe, they understood better than everyone else did that they WOULD see Him again. Children. They get it sometimes when we adults do not.

Last night was the "Good Friday" service at church. Somber as we walked in. I was thinking to myself that it was like I was going to a funeral. And, in fact, that's exactly what we were doing.  A large wooden cross was placed before us with a crown of thorns on top.  We would venerate the cross in our own way. (kneeling/standing/praying there).In our bulletin was a blank sheet of paper. (the dreaded "note of confession" to symbolize that Jesus did, indeed, die for all our sins upon the cross and blank so that , if we wished, we could write down what was heavy on our heart). I groaned to myself as I knew what this was. Even though I am ALWAYS confessing my sins, this was different because I had to write down the word(s).  there were buckets placed there, on each side of the cross,that collected the papers.Of course, you didn't have to write anything down if you didn't want to , but I knew what mine was before I walked into the chapel and was ready to be free from it. Maybe. But, the question was: did I really want to "give up" that sin? It's one I like to hold on to, actually. It's a "leverage sin" for me. One that doesn't crop up that often, but when it does, I like to use it. Strange, how certain sins become your "friend". You hate the sin but you use it when you need it. Know what I mean? So, with much trepidation, I wrote it down. And folded that square about fifteen bazillion times until it was "itsy bitsy" tiny. Just to make  absolutely sure nobody saw MY sin. Most people just folded their "sin" paper in half. Not me! I wanted mine REALLY folded up. Because I was ashamed someone would see it. And I can imagine those buckets felt like they weighed a ton as they carted them off to be destroyed after the service. I've heard that has happened  before--especially during Emmaus Walks! Those little slips of paper, burdened with the sins of the writers, were so heavy to lift some needed help lifting the baskets ! Amazing the sins people carry. I am no exception...

After that, the service included some beautifully haunting songs as we sat in the silence of the church with the altar that had been "stripped" at the Maundy Thursday service. The priests wore black as did the Deacons.It continued in it's very sad and purposely so, way.No "passing the peace". No happy squeals when you see friends. Just sadness as we took Holy Communion from the reserved sacrament (presanctified bread and wine. I am learning all these new words , being a new Anglican! And, btw, loving it)...
So,I ask, who can be happy at a service that commemorates the death of the One who saves you? It's hard as you know. It's hard to say good-bye to anyone who dies. But, imagine saying goodbye to Jesus had you known Him?????

Tonight is the Easter Vigil!  I was asked to make photos for what the Anglican church calls the "Vigil of the Resurrection". (I attended one service like that , years ago, with Mr. Fry, at St. Michael's. But have forgotten what all it is. So, I'm excited). The church starts off in darkness and ends in the light of Easter. (does that mean it lasts till midnight? Not sure! But, most likely,the church will be gradually getting more light in the chapel as the service goes on until the ringing of the bells that shows that "dawn"has broken and that Jesus has risen!). 
 I'm  just so excited/ glad I've been asked to be the "official photographer" for tonight!  (Several people are being baptized and several children are having their first Communion tonight as well). So I get to get right up to the front and see faces and make beautiful snapshots of this very time, in the life of the church and the lives of the members! 
Yes, tonight's service is also called the "Christian Passover"! And I really can't wait! I'm ready to throw off the dark and sin and move forward!  And I loved reading in our bulletin that "they mystery of an instrument of death {the cross}, being transformed into a symbol of life". The somber/sad mood of last night will be replaced with the coming of the Light. And with that comes amazing freedom....
So, tonight, whether you're at a Easter Vigil or not I have a suggestion. Sit in silence. Embrace the darkness but don't fret about staying in the darkness. Hold on. The LIGHT is coming.......

"He endured the nails the spitting, vinegar, and spear and reed;
From that holy body broken blood and water forth proceed
Earth and stars and sky and ocean, by that flood from stain are freed". (from "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle": public domain)

Today you may be in the dark, but tomorrow comes light, my friends!

 #holdonHeiscoming #donotstopnow #keepwalking #hopeisinthemorrow #theLIGHTiscoming

VIA DOLOROSA - Sandi Patty

Good Friday 2016

Today marks the darkest day in human history. There are really no words to write about the Passion of Christ. But I will try and attempt a feeble  story of how maybe I would've reacted had I been there. Here's how I would put myself in the story.....

During His last supper with His disciples Jesus  tried to explain to them during the Passover meal that things had changed from traditional Passover. Last night one of our new priests explained it so well, that it was two very distinct acts. It was  the last Passover and the first Holy Communion. But, the disciples couldn't understand that during that time.  Nor would I have been able to. I was thinking about the disciples and what if I had been one  and what it would have been like had I been there. Funny,  I  already know  what my reaction would've been. Because it's a reaction I choose all too often. Had I grasped what Jesus was trying to say, I would've done my usual: Put my head in the sand. ...Yes, me, ever "joyfuljan", my "cockeyed optimist self", that would've rationalized to the others and probably would even say: "it doesn't mean what He makes it sound like. He's just leaving us for awhile. He needs to re-charge His batteries". Yep, I would've been doing that very thing and trying to convince that idea to my friends at the table.....UNTIL.

Until He got up and put a dish towel across His lap and went and got a basin of water.

I would've flipped out at that. I can imagine my response now. Like Peter, I would've screamed, "NO WAY! No! Let me do it for You!" I probably would've bumped the basin and water would've splashed.All over Jesus/me and the floor.  I can imagine that He would look at me with THE most love and tender expression in His eyes . And I can imagine He would brush the hair from my face and make me look at Him.

MAKE ME get my head from out of the sand. Not forcibly. No, He wouldn't have made me in a forceful way. But, His eyes would've spoken "Look at ME". And  maybe, even possibly would say, "Sweet sister, I must wash YOUR feet." And, against everything in me, the turmoil/ the embarrassment/ the "I- don't -want -You -to -do- this- because -I -should -be- doing- it -for -You" face I would be presenting , STILL I would've sat down, fumbled with my sandals and  would still be trying to tuck my curled toes under the seat. My last attempt at refusal. But, looking into His loving eyes, I would finally let Him gently pull my dirt encrusted feet towards Him. Dirt so dark and deep it went deep under the toenails. Deep dark sins that I would try to hide represented by my feet. 

I can imagine I would see His head, bent down as He pulled my curled, dirty, filthy feet towards His pure and holy hands. I would see Him as He did his bidding.  His hair, thick and black , probably a bit damp from the tight space in the Upper Room and also a bit damp from His own sweat. His own fear at what would come. But, we wouldn't have known that then. I can imagine as My Lord washed my feet how suddenly , in an instant, I felt clean. Not just "foot clean" but clean inside. Free. Head fully out of the sand. Ready to accept whatever was coming because I would have the courage to. Letting go of my reluctance to look at issues with fear and accepting situations as they were. I can imagine, while I would've hated for Him to continue washing my feet, that I never wanted Him to stop.  Hours later would have a crown of thorns pushed down on that beautiful head. 

I wouldn't/couldn't imagine that then.If so, I would've tried to hide Him/ send Him away so that He wouldn't have to face what was coming. Instead, that night, I would've just given final acceptance to an act of servanthood that I didn't understand. But, after leaving the Upper Room that night I'm sure I would be going over and over in my mind why my Lord become a servant , one who even washed dirty feet, for ME?

Then, on Friday. Friday  at the cross the whole"servant thing" would loom in front of me. I bet I would've stood at the cross in agony, sobbing.

But one thing for certain. My head would have NOT been under the sand. Because of the night before. Because I was given new courage to be able to witness, NOT accept, but witness my Lord giving up His life.  I wouldn't know it then, because Sunday would explain everything, but on Friday night I would've been crushed. Crushed but courageous.  Because I would've seen that Man on the cross, the One who had the night before washed my filthy feet, give up His life. And I think, I HOPE, I would've had an inkling that He did so for me. And for my friends. And for all who followed Him. But, for that day, that Friday that dark, horrible Friday, I know what I would've done. I would've laid at the foot of the cross. And wept. and wept. and wept.
But  one thing would've been for certain. My head would've been fully "out of the sand". I would've had the courage to go on despite witnessing the worst act that was ever executed. I would have new courage. And even ,possibly, a spark of hope for something miraculous to come from my encounter with Jesus. If I had been there, as I would start to leave,  I probably would've walked down that lonely hill, alone in my thoughts. But, I know me.  I would've even looked back one last time. One last time to see His face. Only by accepting the inevitable, the death of My Lord, would I have the courage to do so.
( and if only I had known what was to come.......)


#crying4Him #suchlove #whatgreaterloveisthis #GoodFriday #badFriday #savingFriday

Lenten Journey

3 days left on my Lenten Journey? How is that possible?  *FYI, I was "called out" by a stranger saying "there are only  40 Days in Lent". Well, DUH. this year, however, is longer! this Lent goes 44 days. (so there)! *

today, while the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday) is technically 44 days - See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/node/425#sthash.WQC0ozRx.dpuf

today, while the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday) is technically 44 days - See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/node/425#sthash.WQC0ozRx.dpuf

But today is Maundy Thursday ! Going and looking at all my Israel pictures make me wish I could be in Jerusalem for the next 4 days! I can only imagine all the pilgrims lining the streets! Or be in Rome at St. Peter's Square! With throngs of people waiting to hear from the Pope these next few days. But, I am here--in Hoover, Alabama and instead I look , not at the busy Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem or the throngs of people in St. Peter's, but gaze outside at the , still darkness, towards our little lake. The sun still hasn't come up, and it's still dark. When the sun does come out, it will be just me and the lake. Me and God. Just like it's always been. For being a pilgrim is a solitary thing. Sure, you can walk with other pilgrims on the journey. But, in the end, it's just you and Him. Me and Him. And, at the end of the journey, (the end, being the end of life), again, it's only the two: me and Him. (and in your case: YOU and HIM).....

Maundy Thursday a definition from the internet (sorry but the easiest to explain) : 
 
"Maundy Thursday is observed during  Holy Week on the Thursday before Easter. Also referred to as "Holy Thursday" or "Great Thursday" in some Christian denominations, commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover  meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. In contrast to joyful Easter celebrations when Christians celebrate their resurrected Savior, Maundy Thursday services are typically more solemn occasions, marked by the shadow of Jesus' betrayal.
While different denominations observe Maundy Thursday in their own distinct ways, two important biblical events are the primary focus of Maundy Thursday solemnizations:
Before the Passover Meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. By performing this lowly act of service, the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of His love. By his example, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service.

For this reason, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.

During the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces, giving it to his disciples and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Then he took the cup of wine, shared it with his disciples and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you."

These events recorded in Luke 22:19-20 describe the Last Supper and form the biblical basis for the practice of Holy Communion.  For this reason, many churches hold special Communion Services as a part of their Maundy Thursday celebrations. Likewise, many congregations observe a traditional Passover Seder meal".

What Does "Maundy" Mean?

Derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice.

Having walked this Lenten Journey, I have pulled you into my life/my vision/my travels. You've seen a part of me. (Note: A PART of me. and I but my best self forward here, of course!). But, there are so many parts of me.  Parts revealed that are good and parts (& sadly, some not so good) and parts unseen. Parts of joy that I love to share. But also parts of worry/hurt/sadness that are only mine to keep hidden (except from Him. He sees them whether I share them or not). And I'm sure you are the same way. Yes, many things are there. How I deal with them is sometimes I DON'T, I hide my head in the sand,  but other times, most times, held to my heart and try to even hide them from God for I am ashamed. Thankfully, most are lifted to God and requests to help me deal with those issues. Sometimes I do this while lying in bed before I get up.Sometimes in shower as the hot water pulsates over me---almost like a purging.Other times face down on the floor in my bedroom---my most vulnerable position----obviously, when I am alone and when I can truly bow before Him. But, during the day also the short "arrow" prayers. A quick "thank You!" or a "please, God, help!" goes up. Some days it feels like one big prayer. One big open wound that needs to be bandaged by our Great Physician. And the worst? Other days that  I simply forget to pray. FORGET? Yes, some days, when things are going like clockwork, I'm all THAT--I feel so proud and happy that things are going well and I forget it's not about how I got things right--it's selfish. I get caught in the moment and just go through life. Those are the days it is "all about me". I am embarrassed at those days when I think back. So many of them. Those days when I act like a 3 year old (sorry, Ella Kate! LOL! Katie told me yesterday "Ella Kate has been so demanding and rude! "Feed me!" or "give me a banana!"). I was reminded I do the same to God some days "help me!" or "take care of this!"  (at least I do say "PLEASE"! ). Or even worse than that, those days when I think I have taken care of it all. A "self made woman".....


On this special day, Maundy Thursday, we are all reminded of His great love. Taking the role of the servant--washing His disciples feet. Humbling Himself. As I go through today, I will be thinking on these things. Instead of being a demanding 3 year old today, I will, instead, try to be a more thankful
"60 something year old" (not telling you EXACTLY how OLD I am lol)! Sounds easy, but for me,sometimes not at all. Sometimes I become , not only selfish for me, but for all my children. I put THEM on the throne as well. That also is wrong. My children/grandchildren are not perfect as I am not perfect. Yes, I will give my life for them. yes, no greater love do I have than for them. Except my love for God. And , when those days come, when I toot the horn of JLPF or my children/grandchildren, I hope I am reminded there is only one who can sit upon the throne that i love to inhabit or put my family on. And the only One worthy of that seat  is :Christ the King.

#journeyiscomingtoanend #servanthoodrevealed #Christtherolemodel #canIdoless #whydoIstrugglesohard #MaundyThursday #theLastSupper #ChristtheKingsitsonthethroneonly

Lenten Journey

Here's a few scenes from  some of the( *MANY)tapestries in the Vatican. The first two were of the Passover when the angel of death struck all the firstborn males. The last one was a roman soldier with Jesus who had just died. The faces on the tapestries are amazing and to think they are woven together, centuries ago!

As mentioned before in earlier posts, I love the Christian author, Max Lucado. His words speak volumes to my heart and his descriptions of how he envisions scenes from the life of Jesus, blows my mind. I was thinking of the scriptures of when Mary took down her hair and washed Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume. John 12: 2-3. As a woman who has had long hair her whole life, why wouldn't I love that story? LOL!  But, I can so picture this scene. Women during the time of Jesus did not let their hair down. And to do so in front of a man was almost blasphemy! 
While in Jerusalem , I  got several items to take home as souvenirs of my trip that were unique and special. And this one was no exception. Actually, Terry is the one who chose this one while I was busy bartering about something else in the marker! I left him looking at the  handpainted , large wooden egg painted icons, by monks. He was fascinated with those eggs. They had so many of them and they ranged in size and stories depicted on them. The monks that painted them, spent their days carving the eggs/ painting the eggs and choosing special scenes from the Bible. The one Terry walked up with  from John 12: 2-3. I love it b/c the one he chose  represented so much to me.  Hair (lol)--serving--women in the Bible--faith , to name a few. (Guess I need to find it and make a pix of it before I end this post, right? Now I'm freaking as I can't seem to remember where I put my egg!  LOL!)....*3 hours later!  WOW, it took me THREE hours to find my Icon Egg! Geez!!!! I was in panic mode but found it in a box, finally! It's one of my treasures and I was so afraid it had gotten thrown away. Here it is in all it's beauty! :) (it is painted all the way around, too. So glad to have my beautiful egg back on the sideboard where it belongs! (and will stay!)!

Here is what Max Lucado says about that scripture.....


“Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12:2–3 NIV).
Is Mary in the kitchen? No she is worshiping, for that is what she loves to do. But this time Martha doesn’t object. She has learned that there is a place for praise and worship, and that is what Mary is doing. And what is Mary’s part in the dinner? She brings a pint of very expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus’ feet, then wipes his feet with her hair. The smell of the perfume fills the house, just like the sound of praise can fill a church.
An earlier Martha would have objected. Such an act was too lavish, too extravagant, too generous. But this mature Martha has learned that just as there is a place in the kingdom of God for sacrificial service, there is also a place for extravagant praise."

From Cast of Characters
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008) Max Lucado

#carryontowardsEaster #myiconegg #beautifulreminderofMarysloveofherLord #eggbackonsideboard #Easteriscoming #buttravelthejourneyfirstthisweek #MaryworshipedatHisfeet

Lenten Journey

Holy Week is upon us and I looked again at some of my pictures from our trip to the Holy Land. Today I'm sharing one from the UPPER ROOM. I remember walking those stairs and feeling so overwhelmed that this could possibly be the very room that Jesus had his Last Supper with His disciples before His death. we walked up the old steps and walked into the small room. It was pretty overwhelming , for sure. What was I thinking as I gazed there???

I will be thinking of walking those steps and wondering how those disciples thought and felt. They did not know what was coming, they just assumed it was another dinner, but oh how shocking the night turned out to be. Especially when Jesus began to wash their feet. Like Peter, I would've freaked out. So, today, thinking of ways I can serve others. Not just in big ways, but small, yet significant ways. For me, sometimes, it's just letting go of my point of view and listening to the opinion of someone else, whether I agree or not. This, to me, is in a way serving someone else. Listening. Without judgment. Without condemnation. Simply: Listening . It's truly a gift to someone . Sometimes that's all He asks of us. To give others a chance......

sorry for the blur. These were made from my scrapbook page and I just shot a pix of the pix :)

 #walkingtotheupperroom #longwalkup #whatdidyouseeintheupperroom #serving #Jesuswashedfeet #canIdoless

Day 40 Lenten Journey

Holy Week begins....This week is such an important week in the life of any Christian believer. I always say that if you don't walk this week, Easter won't be as glorious to you. I'm thankful to have been in denominations that understand that. As a new Anglican, even more so this year. During this Holy Week: because started on Palm Sunday and then  on to  Maundy Thursday, then Good Friday ,  the Saturday Vigil and then finally comes Resurrection Day aka Easter Day.  I'm a reader on Maundy Thursday night service . Exodus  12: 1-14. The Passover verses. I hope my little Sunday Schoolers are listening and remember why Passover is celebrated by our Jewish brothers and sisters!

Speaking of Passover, here's a few pix from our classroom on Sunday. Three of my kiddos were late so they didn't get in the pictures, but you will enjoy seeing the others tasting some of the Passover foods (well, remember, stretch your imagination on the foods!  No offense to any Jewish friends reading! LOL!)

The kids had a blast, as you can tell! And, I even had to get them to clean up and line up by themselves as I had to scoot out early to get "miked up" for a reading in church. They did awesome and I do believe the "hands on" lesson was a hit. Hopefully, more than that, they will remember what Passover was and that Jesus ate Passover when He was their age, too! (only, maybe a LITTLE different foods. LOL).....

 *Oh, and this little lamb lost her front teeth. Recognize her? Yep, my own little "Flower Grandchild"aka, Toothless, DAISY.

*****************************************
As you journey towards Easter, this week, go read Exodus 12: 1-14. I will be thinking about the Lamb that was slain on Passover, but looking at it from the Christian view and  with much more emphasis on the Lamb than the other foods and the sacrifice that was given on my behalf (and yours).....  Hard to grasp, this love.

 https://youtu.be/ZzPoEiWZbWQ


#passoverfoods #CTKpassover #dontmissthesignificance #powerful #watchthelamb