Holy Monday — A Heart Made Clean
I find myself remembering my Holy Lands experiences from years ago. I walked where Jesus walked. Something in me stood still and came alive all at once. I was deeply moved by what I saw, what I felt, and by the quiet, undeniable sense that I was standing on holy ground. I stood on the…
Palm Sunday — Our King has Come!
Oh, what a Savior. Oh, hallelujah! Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week — the grandest story ever told — that started with a baby coming quietly into our world. No spotlight. No royal announcement — just a humble stable, a young mother, and a promise wrapped in swaddling clothes. That baby grew into…
Holy Week – Holy Jesus – Holy You and Me
We commemorated Jesus’ victorious ride into Jerusalem on Sunday. Shouts of “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” (John 12:13) were the outcries. Just a few days later, Jesus was led out of Jerusalem, in agony, to the sneers and jeers of people who didn’t know they were slandering God’s…
Happy Palm Sunday! What Did Jesus See?
Not long ago, a new couple moved into an apartment across the hall from us. We welcomed them, and after that, would have casual conversation with them. The wife was always in a wheelchair. I never asked why. But one day, no questions asked, I was prompted to pray for her. They welcomed the prayer,…
Hosanna! Holy is His Name!
My insides cringed when he said it. Sucking in a short, sharp breath, I realized that I would never grow accustomed to hearing Jesus’ name used while swearing. My head bowed slightly as my heart prayed, “Jesus is Lord.” We know that God’s name is holy. The commandments given to Moses reveal that. If that…
Turn on the Spotlights
I think I get my frugal and prudent spending habits from parents who were products of the Great Depression when every penny counted. My Mom would sing out “Shut off the lights! Turn up the air conditioner!” And, in the winter, “Turn down the heat and put on a sweater!” I see her in me.…
It’s Palm Sunday and Here He Comes!
This day kicks off Holy Week and the recollection of the final week of our Lord to the cross and His resurrection. Today, churches will celebrate in different ways. Some will simply acknowledge it, or not, while others make a big deal about it. At some churches, the people meet and process around the outside…
He’s Just a Stubborn Donkey
That’s what I said when I tried to move Bryson’s donkey away from the stable door. He wouldn’t budge. But, NOT this donkey that I’m speaking of today. Happy Palm Sunday! Today, we celebrate our Lord’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where He was welcomed by crowds praising and worshipping Him and laying down palm leaves…
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…