"The Wonderful Cross"
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live.
(Chris Tomlin Lyrics)
What a glorious day it was this Easter Sunday. We ventured "home" to celebrate and it seemed like "routine" to me. I guess the formal word would be tradition. But, it just seemed simple, like it was what we were supposed to do. We were unexpectedly surprised with the blessings that flowed from the visit~not only to my parents welcoming home but to the church were I grew up.
It's where we were married, where my parents were married, where I was baptized...
here's where my heart lingered for a while during the service. Memories of that Sunday evening when I was 8 came rushing over me.
New life.
That morning's church service was packed with sentimental, heartfelt testimonies which we weren't expecting. We knew it would be a switch up from the more contemporary church we are members of as a family. We were prepared for a slower, traditional worship time, for the singing of sweet hymns we love so much and for the blessings that come from a true Baptist small town church.
What we weren't expecting were the hearts of those precious people to outpour and express emotions like they did. It moved us. I looked at my man to see tears running down his cheeks as an elder in the church walked (barely) to the pastor and wrapped his arms around his neck then began to plead to the congregation through the pastors mic attached to his chest. He so gently testified how important the decision for new life was. He begged with us through his shaking voice how the decision is the most important of your life~how you are never the same once changed by the blood of Jesus. His wisdom, experience and sincerity were caught through the sunlight shining through the stain glass windows and I felt the inside of the church glowing as he spoke. I loved it. I would have chosen no other place to be standing at that very moment alongside my most favorite people in this world.
The cross was not easy. And, we were never promised easy along with the forgiveness.
This was not part of the deal. Sometimes, I find myself acting like a two year old over stuff that seems so unbelievably crazy compared to the cross. I gazed at it towering above the baptism that morning where I became made new. I was almost paralyzed for a brief moment in disbelief of how, after all these years later, I must still appear like a toddler to Him most days.
I am thankful for the reminder I was given this blessed weekend.
Friday may be dark....But, Sunday is coming!
Job 23:10
But He knows the way I take:
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
My Streams in the Desert Devotion reminded my on Monday of this sweet promise. Because I am His, He knows which path I take. I understand its not gonna always feel good and easy isn't gonna lighten my every step. However, because He has prepared it and perfectly planned the route for ME to "come forth like gold," I set out again with a heart full of joy. "The fire will never consume but only refine. And, the refining process will be complete, not a moment too soon or too late." He paid a price I never could have and never have to and because of this very weekend so many years ago, I grab hold of my cross and follow Him.
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life."
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live.
(Chris Tomlin Lyrics)
What a glorious day it was this Easter Sunday. We ventured "home" to celebrate and it seemed like "routine" to me. I guess the formal word would be tradition. But, it just seemed simple, like it was what we were supposed to do. We were unexpectedly surprised with the blessings that flowed from the visit~not only to my parents welcoming home but to the church were I grew up.
It's where we were married, where my parents were married, where I was baptized...
here's where my heart lingered for a while during the service. Memories of that Sunday evening when I was 8 came rushing over me.
New life.
That morning's church service was packed with sentimental, heartfelt testimonies which we weren't expecting. We knew it would be a switch up from the more contemporary church we are members of as a family. We were prepared for a slower, traditional worship time, for the singing of sweet hymns we love so much and for the blessings that come from a true Baptist small town church.
What we weren't expecting were the hearts of those precious people to outpour and express emotions like they did. It moved us. I looked at my man to see tears running down his cheeks as an elder in the church walked (barely) to the pastor and wrapped his arms around his neck then began to plead to the congregation through the pastors mic attached to his chest. He so gently testified how important the decision for new life was. He begged with us through his shaking voice how the decision is the most important of your life~how you are never the same once changed by the blood of Jesus. His wisdom, experience and sincerity were caught through the sunlight shining through the stain glass windows and I felt the inside of the church glowing as he spoke. I loved it. I would have chosen no other place to be standing at that very moment alongside my most favorite people in this world.
The cross was not easy. And, we were never promised easy along with the forgiveness.
This was not part of the deal. Sometimes, I find myself acting like a two year old over stuff that seems so unbelievably crazy compared to the cross. I gazed at it towering above the baptism that morning where I became made new. I was almost paralyzed for a brief moment in disbelief of how, after all these years later, I must still appear like a toddler to Him most days.
I am thankful for the reminder I was given this blessed weekend.
Friday may be dark....But, Sunday is coming!
Job 23:10
But He knows the way I take:
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
My Streams in the Desert Devotion reminded my on Monday of this sweet promise. Because I am His, He knows which path I take. I understand its not gonna always feel good and easy isn't gonna lighten my every step. However, because He has prepared it and perfectly planned the route for ME to "come forth like gold," I set out again with a heart full of joy. "The fire will never consume but only refine. And, the refining process will be complete, not a moment too soon or too late." He paid a price I never could have and never have to and because of this very weekend so many years ago, I grab hold of my cross and follow Him.
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life."
Our very last Egg Hunt at FPP... Sniff, sniff
This day will always be remembered as the day Daddy found his athlete. Adelynn, you got so consumed with the "race" that you completely ran past the eggs in an effort to make sure you made it to the "finish" in front. This came after a very aggressive soccer match were you held your own against a boy at least two heads taller than you. I am still deciding what I think about your obsession with Power Rangers.
I spot a Gold prize egg. It was your year, Anna Grace!
The Easter bunny was not the only thing hopping down the bunny trail this Easter.
~The Hunt~
Baby Charlee will be joining us for this special weekend next year. Can't wait to meet her this summer!!!
~Happy Resurrection Day 2014~
