The "Good" about Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion, a horrible and brutal death. Scripture tells us Jesus, sinless Son of God, was betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross, suffered, shed his blood, and died (Matthew 26- 27).

So what's good about Good Friday?

All people have sinned, and our sin separates us from God. God is just and required punishment for the sins we have committed. But God showed His love for us by sending His only Son to die for us (Romans 3: 21- 26; John 3: 16-17; Romans 5: 8). The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (Hebrews 9: 22: 1 John 1: 7- 9).

Good Friday is good because God loves us, and His Son sacrificed Himself for our sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead.  His tomb remains empty. He is alive forever (Matthew 28; Revelation 1: 18).  Whoever believes in Him has the promise of eternal life (John 3: 15- 16).

Will you believe?


Father God, you are righteous, just, and loving! Thank you for proving your love for all mankind by sending Your only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins! We have sinned against you. When we confess our sins, you are faithful and righteous to forgive us. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to believe and trust in Jesus.  In the name of Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior, amen.

Using "Resurrection Eggs" to Illustrate the Easter Story

 

I use "Resurrection Eggs" to illustrate and reinforce the Easter story with young children.  "Resurrection Eggs" kits can be purchased at Christian book retailers, through Amazon, or you can make your own.

The kit contains plastic eggs filled with objects representing different parts of the Easter story,  and a booklet containing the Biblical account of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

After children locate the hidden eggs, read the Biblical passages, opening each egg in story order. Children delight in discovering the objects and how they relate to the Easter message.

Follow up with a children's Easter song. We like Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna by Cedarmont Kids.

God's blessings to your and your family as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!


What tools or activities have you used to help little ones discover the true meaning of Easter?

Significant Ornaments: Island Life

My husband's work assignment transported us to Trinidad and Tobago, a two-islands nation located off the northeast coast of Venezuela. We traded our "life in the suburbs" comfort for the land where the steel pan originated.

Days after arriving in Trinidad, the earth shook under our feet. Our first (and not the last) earthquake. What was I doing here? Surely, the Lord did not bring me here to kill me. At the end of that stress filled day, Creator God provided a glorious sunset!

We desired to experience as much as possible.  We marveled the leatherback turtles nesting at Grand Riviere, and the scarlet ibises (the national bird of T&T) roosting in the deep green mangroves of Caroni Swamp. We sipped coconut water out of its shell. We savored doubles (two flat pieces of fried bread filled with curried chickpeas), and shark & bake. I learned to play "Amazing Grace," and "The Entertainer" on the steel pan.

New things, life-changing things, were born. I started my first blog - Callaloo Tales: Our Adventures in the Caribbean and Beyond. I planted a "Praying Grandmothers" group.

We're grateful for the opportunity to live among the expats and the locals and experience different cultures.  The friends we made touched our lives forever, and we will never be the same. 


For our 2006 significant ornament, I purchased a Trinidad-shaped souvenir key chain, and tied red, green, and gold Christmas ribbon around it.


My Trinidadian friend, Lee, gave me the "palm tree" pottery ornament when we repatriated in 2008.

What special ornaments hang on your Christmas tree?































Out of the Fire...

Something explosive cracked above our heads. As my husband investigated, neighbors rushed to our front door, informing me our house was on fire. Lightning hit the roof, and the attic burned. Volunteer fire fighters rushed to the scene. Dale and I stood watching in disbelief. Thankfully, the blaze was extinguished and no one suffered injuries.

 

Displaced for five and a half months during reconstruction gave us a new appreciation for home and for the fire fighters who risked their lives to save it.

 

That experience of loss and rebuilding led us to begin a new Christmas tradition - the significant ornament - to symbolize the most meaningful event of that particular year. I purchased a panda fire fighter ornament. It was 1997. Years later, we have a box full of special tree ornaments- each with a story.





 As I pull each significant ornament out of its storage, I remember the stories. As the fire fighting panda is unwrapped and hung, I whisper a prayer for first responders.

Thank you, Lord, for brave men and women who risk their lives to protect people and property in crisis times. Bless them with wisdom, strength, and courage. Protect them from harm and injury. Protect their families. Meet their every physical, emotional, and spiritual need. Comfort those who mourn loved ones lost in the line of duty. In the Name of Jesus, who gives life and peace...amen.