he’s alive!

I’m a crazy mess of passion, thoughts, feelings … even tears, as I try to write this post … praying it comes out coherently, explaining all I want it to say.

On Palm Sunday, we attended service here in Exuma.  It was an amazing service given by an old school Bahamian pastor that shouted, stomped, pounded and got me all riled up for God!

He challenged us … as Christians … what are we doing to spread God’s word?  Especially during this … the Holiest week of all.  Starting with Palm Sunday … ending on Easter.

What does it mean to you?  What are you doing to share the love, mercy and grace God has given to all of us?

As I sat there listening, I thought, “heck, I can’t do anything … I’m traveling and basically have no one to minister or witness to.”  And then God reminded me of all of you … He told me I could share His sacrifice and my thoughts with all of you.

I picked up this book a couple of Sunday’s ago in my church bookstore, knowing I’d be bringing it on vacation to share with the girls and help them further understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us and also the true meaning of the Easter celebration.

During the Palm Sunday service, I decided we would come home and read some of the story and also find palm branches to help illustrate further the meaning of Palm Sunday.  The girls really enjoyed it.  And I had to be careful to remember that … even though CJ came back with palm branches taller and wider than him, which left the girls giggling and not listening entirely to the story … even with those distractions, I had to remember that any seeds of information that we, as parents can plant in them will begin to grow.

It amazes me sometimes what they recall or remember … when I truly had no idea they were even paying attention.

So what do I want my children to know?  What do I want to share with you?

This is Holy Week.  This is the week that Jesus gave His life for us.  We received the greatest gift that anyone could possibly give … forgiveness, grace, mercy and salvation.

Some of you may not believe.  And that makes my heart heavy {starting to tear as I write this}.  But my prayer is that, through my faith, through my beliefs, through my sharing … that I’m planting seeds within you.

That when you have a trial, a situation … when you’re faced with a bad hand … that you’ll recall some of of the seeds I’ve “planted” here.

I believe with all my heart that our Lord Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to suffer. and die. for us.  Man, if that isn’t a humbling thought … if that doesn’t do something to your insides.

As I’ve been reading this book to the girls, I start to cry knowing the depths of sacrifice that was given. for me.  When I read about the Last Supper.  When I take communion in church … I cry every time … He broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” … “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” {1 Corinthians 11:24-25}

I love this song … there are many to choose from that would be perfect to share in this post … but this song {Sunday, by Tree63} in particular kept coming back to me.  I truly hope you’ll take a listen … all the way through.  The lyrics scroll through the song … and I’m going to share some of my thoughts after the video … please watch and listen.

For me, this song speaks to a couple of things …

First, it speaks to the obvious … the crucifixion of Jesus, which was on a Friday … Good Friday.  And that he rose from the dead on Sunday … Easter Sunday.  So even though it’s Friday and He’s being crucified … just wait … because Sunday’s coming!  Ooo, that gives me shivers!

Second, it speaks to a dark place you might be in … let’s call that place Friday.  But just wait, just stay strong, just hold on … because He promises … it.will.get better … and let’s call that place … Sunday.  Hallelujah!  Sunday is coming!

Will You Doubt … or Believe?
{quoted from He Is Alive}

Thomas, one of the disciples, was not there when Jesus appeared on Sunday night.
He wouldn’t believe the other disciples had seen Jesus.

“First I must see the nail marks in his hands,” Thomas said.  “I have to touch
where the nails were.  Only then will I believe what you say.”

One week later, the disciples met together again.  This time Thomas was with them.
Suddenly Jesus came into the room, even though all the doors were locked.

He said to Thomas, “See my hands.  Put your finger here where the nails were.
Touch my wounds.  Stop doubting – and believe!”

Thomas fell to his knees and cried out, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas didn’t touch
Jesus.  He didn’t have to.  He knew Jesus was alive!”

Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed.  Blessed
are those who have not seen me but still have believed.”

John 20:24-29

Let me repeat that … “Blessed are those who have not seen me … but have still believed.”

Hallelujah!  Sunday is coming!

7 Comments

  1. Lisa Mahnke April 2, 2010 at 8:43 am

    thank you for sharing, and for caring. if we don’t have “Sunday”, what do we really have?

    Reply
  2. heather April 2, 2010 at 9:25 am

    Love this post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and this awesome song too. I started playing it and suddenly I was surrounded by dancing little girls! :-)

    I can’t wait for Sunday! But I can’t stop thinking about Friday today…Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice…for me! And also I think if those who loved him…and lost him…and the long wait they must have had until Sunday.

    Reply
  3. Pam S. April 2, 2010 at 9:44 am

    oh man, to be at that service. i think my family needs to get out of the box (with church) sometimes. thanks for being a faithful, heartfelt & excited daughter. your sincerity is soooo appreciated (more than you know).

    Reply
  4. melissa Cornell April 2, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Praise His Name! I can face tomorrow because HE Lives!

    Reply
  5. cyndi April 3, 2010 at 9:15 pm

    There’s too much commotion going on here right now to listen to the song but I promise to listen once things quiet down. You’ve planted many seeds with me & I’m so thankful for that.

    Reply
  6. katherinemarie April 6, 2010 at 7:35 am

    I remember when you wrote about that spectacular service on your last trip. What beautiful and amazing way to prepare for Easter. Thanks for sharing this inspiring POST!!!!!!

    Reply
  7. Dawn April 6, 2010 at 5:51 pm

    i love these seeds that we are parents plant. that we think fall on rock, but instead the roots are growing strong. thanks for sharing so much of your heart :)

    Reply

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