Thursday Thoughts of the Cross...

Have you taken the path to the cross?

  With Easter coming, my thoughts this week are  about how quickly events turned from Palm Sunday...Everyone shouting "Hosanna!" People were thrilled to see Jesus coming into the city. Everyone was hearing about this miracle maker and wonderful teacher claiming to be the Son of God. Everyone wanted a glimpse of this man, maybe even a touch from this man.


   Today, I am thinking about the last supper...Jesus knew that he would die soon, he had the power to prevent that from happening, but he held that back...tonight he would be having dinner with the ones who were closest to him.
   I picture an intimate setting of them all gathered around the table in that "upper room". They were sitting and remembering the things of God, and Jesus gives them the symbolic lesson so many of us are familiar with today...He took the bread, and broke it and passed it and explained how his body would be broken for them...(and for us)... He took the wine and gave them, saying his blood would be a sign of a new covenant...(that promise is for us too). Then he told them to do this in remembrance of him...Jewish culture is wonderful at remembering, taking the time to stop daily living and remember God's provision as if it just happened. ...Jesus was telling them to meet and do this special bread and wine remembrance that we call communion.
   Am I doing a good job at "remembering"? I feel very convicted that during our communion services throughout the year, I probably do not "remember" with the heaviness that I am feeling this Easter week. Tonight I will be going to a "cross walk" with the teen girl group I'm involved with. I'm hoping that the things we see will help us remember all that Christ did for us...
   He suffered in ways that are unspeakable, and died an ugly death on a cruel cross...he had the power to destroy that crowd who earlier in the week sang "Hosanna"  but who was now screaming " Crucify him!"...but he chose to love them instead, and shed his blood for every one of them...and everyone of us. He gave up his will and strength, took on the ugly sins of all time and died. The Son of God died a criminals death and was buried in a borrowed tomb...for me...for you
   But the story does not end there...but there is a period of silent waiting...(see you Sunday ;) )
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I Love Spring!

  

   

    I have to say these past couple of days have just been so what I've needed! Bright warm sunshine...a gentle breeze...and time to enjoy it! Yesterday I sat out on the deck just taking it all in...the cherry blossoms seemed to come out overnight, can't wait til their fragrance fills the air! ...This makes me remember how beautiful the cherry trees were last year...and then came all the cherries!...and ice cream topping...and pie! I hope it's another good year :)

  

I am not the only one enjoying this lovely day, the cats (every farm has cats, and we have plenty) are laying lazily on the sun saturated deck. Spring means kittens, we always are "blessed" with new stray pregnant kitties...here basking in the sun are two. They are so cute when they are tiny, but we do not need more!...but for now, they are my quiet company.

   Looking at everything springing awake from a long winter's nap, I feel I MUST go and get my camera. It's as if I can hear God's beautiful creation call out "Look at me! Look at all the wonderful detail I've been given!" I am looking forward to the day that I can plant the veggie garden that I've been plotting in my head!

   I am so thankful that I live in the country...it's not for everyone I know. Things are a little quieter and slower, and I can seem to hear God's voice a little clearer out here. I am also thankful for my farm boy that I met at the age of  7 and later married, and my three young farm boy sons...ahhh life is good...

There's No Place Like Home!

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Cracked Pots, Resolutions, and Spring Fever

   As I sit down to write my reflections from the week, I find myself thinking all these seemingly random thoughts...one of those A.D.D. days...but in my mind these thoughts all go together.


   First of all, this half-spring/half-winter weather has me full swing into spring fever. I have been planning my veggie garden and what annuals I would like to plant....Oh I can't wait to play in the dirt!!! It makes me want to get out the tools and pots and my colorful rubber boots! :)


   Most people make resolutions at the start of a new year, but I find myself watching all of nature "wake up" after winter and thinking "I need to come alive and make some changes in myself". Right now, I am focusing on being more positive, healthier and to really enjoy and learn in the day to day moments.


   There seems to be a theme this week in my quiet times with God. I am part of a wonderful women's Bible study at my church, and we are studying who we are in God's eyes (instead of trying to reach the world's idea of value)...it has been wonderful. Every beautiful woman in that group has a story...joys, heartaches, struggles and strengths. We are all different, but made uniquely by our loving Heavenly Father.


   We are like beautiful clay vessels molded by the Master Potter's hands. All are different shapes and have different purposes, but all are created for a function and loved by their Creator. In our Bible studies, we talked about how the vessels made in Bible times were used for ordinary, everyday jobs like cooking, cleaning, eating, storing. These items had value serving in the purpose they were created for. They were fragile, could crack or even break....We are fragile and sometimes may crack...but we contain an incredible treasure...


   2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us, We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed"....


   Wow! how powerful is that?! We are just fragile clay pots, but if we allow the Potter who created us, fill us with His power and light, We are strong! Oh we may crack here and there, but God will hold us together....And those cracks?...well, that just lets His light shine through :)


   So if you are feeling as though you are cracking under pressures? Stop and make sure that you are full to the brim with the all-surpassing power of God. Good news!...God uses cracked pots!


I hope the following pictures help give you a visual to this idea...

I painted this pot some years ago to hold flowers on my deck...

Oops, I was going to throw it away, but then I had an idea...

I decided to give it a new purpose. The light inside warms the saucer above which has fragrance oil in it. It provides a nice glow and a pleasing scent to the room. I am resolving to do the same with my life :)
  









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Worth a Closer Look...

 A few weeks ago I was out on a beautiful snowy day doing one of my favorite things...taking pictures of anything and everything that caught my eye. Walking in the brisk air, I was talking to God like I usually do when I am out taking nature shots. Focusing on the details just shows me how big and powerful and creative He is.


   As I stood looking around for what to photograph next, I notice some snowflakes falling on the sleeves of my black fleece jacket. The detail in these tiny works of art is just amazing. I have always been fascinated by them ever since I was little and heard that no two are alike.


    I pull my arm up for a closer look... I just start to see the crystalized pattern of one lone snowflake...it starts to melt just from my warm breath...so fragile, so temporary...I begin to examine a cluster of flakes that have sort of piled up together, interlocking with each other...I'm more careful not to let my breath chase them away...they seem to last longer while grouped together vs. sittling all alone. I find myself appreciating each design I can see...my eyes change focus to all the millions of snowflakes filling my yard. Most will never be seen by human eyes...created, displayed, loved by their creator, but not noticed.


   We are like snowflakes, unique, beautiful, created with great detail. We can melt under pressure, but together, we are stronger. God put so much love and detail into these tiny frozen creations, but so much more into us. How many times do we fail to see the beauty in others...we walk by but don't take a closer look at God's treasured creation.


   I feel kind of sad that there are so many snowflake designs I will never see. I am reminded of the many times I am too busy to appreciate the people that God may send my way,... people that should be cared for,... treated delicately,...could teach me,...strengthen me.


   Lord, please help me to never take for granted the people you have placed in my life, they are your creation. Some are big and sturdy, some are fragile and fleeting, some are sharp and pointed...all are beautiful and worthy of a closer respectful look.


   I am so thankful for the way God shows me things when I look through the lense of a camera.