More than a story, it's Truth!

It's Holy Week one of my most favorite times of the year. The events that happened in the life of Christ during the week leading up to His Resurrection are moving and powerful. His Triumphal Entry into Jeruslem, the last supper, the betrayal of Judas, his prayer in the garden, the trial, sentence and execution were all part of God's plan. It had to happen so we could be free from the chains of sin. So we could one day be with the Father. 

It's an emotional week just thinking of what Jesus did for me by taking my sin and shame and paying my debt overwhelms me.  As I watched the Thorn last week in Sacramento I was reminded once again how much God loves me. I was reminded of why Jesus came. I often wonder what it would have been like to live when Jesus lived, to walk with God in the flesh. How would I have responded? Would I believe he was God's son sent to save the world? Or would I have betrayed him or denied him? I don't know how I would have responded then but now I say loud and strong, JESUS CHRIST IS KING! 

I really do get very emotional this time of year. Just reading the scriptures of this week I tear up. Hearing people talk about the story of Christ, listening to songs tell the story, watching the story of what God did for you and me brings me to tears. But I will not apologize for it. I never want to lose this feeling. 

I will admit some of the tears shed during this week are because of finishing up with the Thorn and missing my Thorn Family. And I miss them because we are all passionate about the same thing, sharing the story of Christ for the Glory of God. But I really am moved by the thought of John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world, that he GAVE his only son, that whoever BELIEVES in him shall not die,but will RECEIVE everlasting life! God Loved, God Gave, We Believe, We Receive!  

It's more than just a story, it's True and it happened for me and you! Enjoy Holy Week!

The Beach!

If you spend any time with me you know that I really do not like the beach! Yes I live near the beach, yes I post pictures of Family Fun days on the beach, but I really do not like the beach. I don't like to go in the ocean. I guess it would not bother me if I went into the ocean where I could see what is swimming around my legs, but then again maybe I'm better off not knowing. I don't like the sand on the beach. I like to make sand castles with my kids, but I don't like getting sand on me.  I know, I'm a mess - but here is why I love going to the beach. I love that when I'm at the beach I see beauty. No not people in swimsuits, most of them are not looking as good as they think in their swimsuit. I find the view of the ocean extremely beautiful. The span of the ocean, the thought of the size of the ocean is overwhelming. The depth of the ocean and how most of the ocean will probably never be explored. The thought of what was written in Micah 7:19 where he talks about how our sins are cast into the depths of the ocean, never to be remembered again. Totally forgive and gone! I love looking at the ocean and remembering my sins are forgiven!
When I see the beach and look at the tiny grains of sand I am reminded of Psalm 139:17 & 18. "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!" Amazing and overwhelming amount of Love we have from God the Creator.

Some other reason I like to go to the beach is because my Family loves the beach! Tradd loves using his casting net and seine net and I love using them with him and seeing all the amazing creatures of the sea he catches. Cooper and Drayton love swimming and riding waves. Coleman loves to eat the sand - I know gross but it is what she does. Meghan loves all of that and the sun! And because I love my family, I like to go to the beach with them. As a matter of fact we have been spending the week on Edisto Island at a beautiful beach house that sits right on the beach! One of the first things I do when I wake up in the morning is open the door and look at the ocean, and listen to the waves crashing. I love to see the sun rising out of ocean and reminded that God has given us a new day - and His mercies are new every morning!
So as much as I don't like the beach, there are things about it that I love!  Just my thoughts for today - hope it blessed you!