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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Easter is upon us!

I am so excited about Easter this year. Let's start with the obvious, it's Isaiah's first Easter. I can't wait to put his basket together and fill it with little goodies that he won't even remember. hahaha
But seriously, Isaiah's name means "God Saves". Isn't that what this whole Easter thing is about? It's not about bunnies, eggs and candy (even though that is such fun with little ones). It's about MY HEAVENLY DAD sending HIS SON to this messed up world so that He could beat Him to death.....ALL FOR ME! That's right, He did it for ME because He loves ME! And guess what? He did it for YOU too! How awesome is that? Last weekend it was explained to me this way, "God sent His son to walk on this Earth knowing His fate. God balled up His fists and BEAT THE HELL out of HIS SON for us. So that we can be FORGIVEN and so we can have SALVATION." If that isn't a powerful lover I don't know who is. Is HE the lover of your soul and your heart?
I have heard this song a lot lately and every time I hear it I just want to shout it out loud and dance, just like my heavenly father dances over me!

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
HERE IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST I LIVE!

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
THEN BURSTING FORTH IN GLORIOUS DAY
UP FROM THE GRAVE HE ROSE AGAIN
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

I am so looking forward to a powerful service at church on Sunday. We have a very cool testimony we are sharing. Cardboard testimony! What an awesome way to show how God is working in people's lives today. To see the sin He has taken and restored. To see real people with real struggles leaning on HIM because HE is our FATHER. If you are looking for a service to attend I hope you will join us at TBA Church on 540 A!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Birthday Wishes

Happy 1st Birthday to my bestest friends baby girl, Katelyn Jane Miskel. We love you and we are sad we can't make it to your very special party! Tell your mom to take lots of pictures for us. We love you and miss you!


Another Birthday shout out to my newest sister in law, Krissy D! We are so looking forward to your visit in July. Enjoy your special day.

Easter Cookie Recipe

I came across this Easter cookie recipe in my MOPS cookbook. What a great way to explain the love of Jesus and His resurrection to your kids while spending some great quality time together. ENJOY!

Make the evening before Easter.

YOU WILL NEED TO PREHEAT OVEN TO 300 (THIS IS IMPORTANT-DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU'RE HALF WAY DONE WITH THE RECIPE)!

1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooded spoon
tape
Bible

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus arrested He was beaten by Roman soldiers.
Read John 19: 1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar.
Put 1 tsp. vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19: 28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar.
Eggs represent life.
Explain the Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10: 10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.
Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23: 27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup of sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He love us.
He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34: 8 and John 3: 16

Beat ingredients with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents - in God's eyes - the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1 : 18 and John 3: 1-3

Fold in the broken nuts.
Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matthew 27: 65-66

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain the Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27: 65-66

GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16: 20 and 22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow.

On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28: 1-9

Monday, April 4, 2011

The GP's came to visit!

Last week Cappy and GranDebbie came for a visit. What a fabulous time we had. Isaiah was spoiled rotten and I enjoyed every minute of having extra sets of hands. I spent one whole day being a total bum, it was great. I also got a chance to go volunteer at my school and teach some kindergarteners. I guess I will always be a teacher in my heart. It was such a fun time (even the 30 minutes we sat in the bathroom with 20+ kindies while tornadoes passed us by). Thanks Jennifer for welcoming me into your classroom and letting me teach! We also spent one afternoon walking Lake Mirror, exploring Hollis Gardens, having lunch at Garden Bistro and playing at Barnett Park. The week seemed to fly by and we are so looking forward to the GP's next visit in June. 3 months is a long time but I know my little buddy is going to keep me busy so the time will fly by. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all your help with Isaiah and in the yard. We love ya'll so much and cherish the time we get to spend with you. Here are some pics from the week. ENJOY!