Because He Lives, We Can Face Tomorrow
One of my all-time favorite songs (not just at Easter) is Bill and Gloria Gaither’s beloved song, “Because He Lives”. Wow! Did they ever get that one right?!! Here is the chorus: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, He holds the future. My life…
Tougher Than Nails – Holy Saturday
Yesterday, as always on Good Friday with my husband, I watched “The Passion of the Christ” movie again. Not for entertainment, but for reminding me of the unspeakable price Christ paid for me. I think Mel Gibson got it right because Isaiah 52:14 says “His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being…
He’s a Good, Good Father on this Good Friday!
I’m smiling because I posted this family photo on what is supposed to be a somber, serious day. But is it really? Were it not for THIS day, we wouldn’t have an Easter. This photo was taken at our church in Shawnee, OK. It was a big deal to dress up for Easter. Had to…
Holy Thursday — When the Greatest Became Our Servant
We’re in the throes of the most unlikely Holy Week of our lives. We won’t be attending church during this sacred time. But, nonetheless, I’ve done my best to keep the “holy” in the Lenten season and Holy Week. I’ve savored the oddities — meeting and praying with others via Zoom, joining with others in…
Spy Wednesday of Holy Week
Here in my community, it only slightly looks like Easter is near. There are a few cardboard signs and metal crosses in lawns. What I prominently see are white ribbons on neighbors’ trees. The word spread for us to tie white ribbons on our trees to show our appreciation to those who are front-liners in…
Happy Passover and Temple Tuesday
What timing! Medical and essential services personnel are on their call of duty. The rest of us are all snuggled in at our homes. Those of us in Christ, don’t work the frontlines or snuggle in fear – we carry on into each other (while apart) and into our Lord – our Place of Refuge…
The Twilight Zone on the Monday of Holy Week
Yesterday was a most unusual Palm Sunday and 25th birthday celebration with my grandson. I wasn’t at church and I wasn’t in Austin celebrating with my family. But, I was still present for both. I watched four beautiful church and mass celebrations via livestream and I was on FaceTime with my family. The day before,…
Not the Usual Pomp on this Palm Sunday
Growing up, I was always so thrilled for the start of Holy Week on Palm Sunday. The readings, the story of the shouts of praise and hosannas, the palms, and the pomp. I loved it because Palm Sunday led to Easter Sunday when I would get to wear my new Easter ensemble. attend the Easter…
Turning our Cocoons into Divine Preparation
In my interactions with friends and family lately, I’ve been referring to this time of isolation as “being in a cocoon”. I sense that we are growing in our gratitude and being made over mentally in ways that are so good for us. I saw this on a friend’s FB page yesterday. It confirmed what…
We Need Each Other to Finish Strong
I was (emphasis on “was”) a half-marathon runner up until a couple of years ago when my knees starting singing songs of “gloom, despair and agony on me”. I knew I needed to hang up my running shoes and put on my walking shoes. I remember the many hours and days of training and preparing…