Good Friday

Friday, March 30, 2018

Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday before Easter and the day when Christians around the world remember when Jesus died. Many churches have special services to remember the time when Jesus suffered on the cross. It is a time to pray, and to remember that Jesus loved us so much He was willing to die for us. Tonight our home was dimly lit during Good Friday dinner with candles and we left the lights low all evening in observance of the death of Christ.  Our meal was very simple fish, rice, and coleslaw.   We were also lucky enough to have guests with us for dinner. Then we shared why we are thankful for Jesus' crucifixion.   Our prays thanked Heavenly Father for his perfect gift for us.   This is a difficult day for me, suffering on a cross must have been the most excruciating pain.  My heart aches thinking about it and tears fall easily.   It is also difficult for me to even watch movies that portray this event.  I thank my Heavenly Father for his blessings and pray I may be an example always for my children of following Jesus.

Pink Flags

Pink flags are for temporary survey markings. These are put in place as the surveyors are carrying out their measurements and help surveyors avoid mistakes that could possibly turn into injuries.

It also means that we are taking the next big step...and we have been told that we MUST -

 Insist that our surveyor mark every corner of the building, garage, porches…etc.  This will give the excavation contractor everything he/she needs to dig the hole.  Some surveyors only mark the four corners…this is not enough to get the job done right.   Rookie that I am I have no idea if they have done this correct...I will go with yes they did!!!

The Last Supper

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem.  During the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal.  He also establishes  the special priesthood for his disciples, which is distrinct from the “priesthood of all believers.”  Christ washed the feet of his Disciples, who would become the first priests.

Spy Wednesday

“Spy Wednesday” we placed 30 pieces of silver(Quaters) throughout the house and had K find them to remember how one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver.   We opened our Story Egg and added it to the mantle.

Holy Week Day 3

 Day 3 Jesus taught people in the temple and on a nearby hill called Mount of Olives.  There is no commandment greater than these…We made hearts from our traced hands and added a picture of Jesus teaching in the temple.

Signs of Spring

 

This morning this beautiful downy woodpecker showed up in our backyard.  It was so much fun to watch for the few minutes he was here.  I’m not sure the tree feels the same way!  

Holy Week Monday

Today we read about Jesus cleansing the temple. After Jesus traveled from Jericho on Palm Sunday, he arrived in Jerusalem. There, he was angered by the corruption in the Temple at the hands of the money changers, saying, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” (Luke 19:46) 

Pizza for Breakfast

Finding something new for breakfast – easy prep

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (12-inch) precooked pizza crust Boboli is my favorite

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• salt

• pepper

• 1 cup grated mozarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese

• 1/2 cup grated colby cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon

• 1/2 cup ham cubes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.

2. Place pizza crust on pizza stone or baking sheet.

3. Whisk together eggs, cream, salt and pepper.  Stir in the provolone  and colby cheese immediately pour into pizza shell.

4. Spread the bacon and ham cubes on top.

5. Top with 1 cup or more mozarella cheese

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese mixture is set and lightly brown.

7. Cut into wedges and enjoy!

Of course you could add any topping that you know the kiddos will eat.   We like to keep it simple.  Enjoy!

Doctor Fish

So the boys said the Dr. Fish experiences was.... A tickling sensation that was somewhere between creepy and amusing. But the fish were sure good at their job. Could it be that playing 3 days of hockey made the fish enjoy their meal??  After their pedicured feet felt soft and smooth. 

As soon as we got home both of them took nice warm showers to remove any germs that they might have picked up during the experience.  

Although the procedure is banned in ten states, the health risks of fish pedicures aren’t greater than those of conventional pedicures. There are no published reports of any outbreaks of illness associated with them. Not sure we would do it again.   It is a bit pricey at $14.95 for 15 minutes.   

Something to check off the bucket list!

Palm Sunday A Time of New Beginnings

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is the Sunday before Easter and is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus’ death. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with their cloaks and palm branches.

The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, the crowds shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King. “Hosanna” was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus.

The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.

Palm Sunday precedes the arrest of Jesus on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ’s Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

This egg tells the story of the world’s most holy week.  And it serves as a reminder of the hope and love we seek.  Today we began the Easter Story and pray that this egg will bring us closer to the man we call God’s Son.  Because Jesus gave His life for us it is through HIm our salvation was won. 

Sad–People can’t handle other’s success!

From Jason Thompson:

Our ability to succeed is largely based on how we choose to view the world. Much more so than formal education, natural ability, or athletic talent.

If we blame someone else, a horrible boss, a broken system, an absent father, an unfair God, then we lose the opportunity to take control of the chance to become more knowledgeable and a cycle is formed where there is no end to the blame.

I have, honestly like all of us have, been blessed with amazing people that have helped me, supported me, lifted me up, pushed me forward -- if you don't see these people around you, look harder.

But if you think that my success, as humble as that success has been, is because I was handed something that you weren't and not because I've worked hard for it every single day of my life, then maybe it is my fault. Maybe it's my fault for making you believe that it was easy, that I didn't get up early every weekend to work at a grocery store at 15, that I didn't immensely struggle through 6 years of college, that I didn't spend endless hours consuming knowledge while my co-workers were out partying, that I didn't take great financial risks to build what I was passionate about.

Maybe it was my fault or maybe you just find it easier to blame someone else rather than taking responsibility for your own successes and failures.

Response from mom:

I wish I could handle the changes and demands in my life with a bit more grace and acceptance like you have. You are an amazing son, love you beyond words, and know that you have worked your butt off to get where you are. Wish every day could feel like a "Happy Meal" .What other people think about you, me, or family is none of our business! You rocked this world with your successes and you should own that success. Be proud of yourself and stand tall! No one knows how hard you worked and no one has the right to judge you or me! xoxo