He's Alive - Hallelujah

Praise His glorious name. He IS alive!


Happy Resurrection Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Easter, It's Not About the Bunnies

By Fr. James Martin S.J.

It’s not about bunnies. It’s not about coloring eggs. It’s not about chocolate. It’s not about flowers. It’s not even about spring or signs of “new life” in nature after a long winter. So what is Easter about?
It’s about something almost terrifyingly serious: Jesus rose from the dead.

That’s one reason why Easter hasn’t been completely subsumed by the consumer culture. (Though department stores and cheesy movies like “Hop” try their best to do so.) Christmas, which can be cast as the cozy story of Mary and Joseph and their little baby Jesus surrounded by cuddly animals in a manger, is easily domesticated. Easily tamed. More easily sold to the masses.

Easter, on the other hand, is untameable. The man whose followers imagined him to be the Messiah, the one who would forcefully, even violently, deliver them from the hands of their oppressors (For isn’t that what the Baptist said?) was tried, beaten and executed like a common thug. What’s more, after the crucifixion the Gospels portray the disciples not as stalwart stewards of their master’s legacy, but as abject cowards, cowering behind locked doors for fear of someone trying to arrest them.

Then on Easter Sunday everything changes. It changes so much that it’s hard for them to take it in. In one of his first of Jesus’s many “appearances,” one of the women doesn’t even recognize him. Several disciples refuse to believe the story—one until he actually touches the man. But Christians believe, and I believe, that it’s true: Christ has risen from the dead.

Sounds strange said so bluntly, doesn’t it? But the resurrection is the heart of the Christian message. If you don’t believe it, then you’re not Christian. Not really, as St. Paul would say elsewhere: “If Christ is not raised, your faith is in vain.”

About that new life: it is in fact “new.” Christ is not simply “resuscitated,” that is, brought back from the dead with the understanding that he’ll die some time in the future. No, he lives “forever and ever,” as the Bible (and Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus) say. It’s a completely new kind of life. And a completely new kind of reality.

That may be one reason why the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s appearances after his resurrection are so confusing. As I said, in one passage he is mistaken for the gardener. But for the disciples he was the most important man in their lives: How could they not recognize him? In another account, he seems like a ghost—for he seems to pass through doors and suddenly appears before the disciples. And in another passage he is clearly physical. “Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones,” Jesus says in the Gospel of Luke. What’s going on?

To my mind, the confusing accounts point out impossibility of describing what the disciples were seeing. What was it like? Well, he was like a ghost…but not really. He was flesh and blood…but something else. No one had ever seen anything remotely like this; no words could encompass the reality of what theologians call the “glorified body.”

So everything changes on Easter. And what Jesus said during his earthly ministry (love one another, pray for your enemies, give to the poor) now takes on added meaning for the disciples.

Easter is not about bunnies or chocolate or eggs. It is an event that makes a claim on you. Either you believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead (or his body was stolen, or the Gospels are made up, or the disciples simply “remembered” him and passed on his message). Or you believe he was raised from the dead. In which case everything changes for you, too.

James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, culture editor of America, and author of the bestsellers The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and My Life with the Saints .

May your Easter be filled with the hope of His resurrection.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

That's My King

I'd like to introduce you to my King. Do you know Him?



Easter. It's more than chocolate bunnies, dying eggs, and new clothes. It's about hope. Do you know Him?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) ⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Shore It's the HodgePodge

 

1. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time or have a significant conversation with two people? It would depend on the crowd. But I'm more likely to visit with everyone. You never know who you'll meet. There might be that one person who is in need of a kind word or engaging conversation.

2. What objects do you remember from your parent's living room? A stand up ashtray. Disgusting habit. Smoking. My dad quit the same year I did. So thankful for that. Anyway. The one in our living room next to my dad's chair was similar to this one.

3. Do you hog the bed? Steal the covers? Snore? I sleep right at the edge of the bed. It's a remnant from my previous life when I was kidnapped by aliens. lol. I am getting better. But it's something I don't think will ever go away. 

4. Speaking of Easter dinner....what is your favorite way to cook/eat lamb? Or does just the thought of that make you squeamish? If you're not cooking lamb what will be your entree du jour on Easter Sunday? I'm more of a ham or fried chicken kind of gal for Easter dinner. Cooked by someone else.

5. Let's throw some politics into this week's mix-oooohhh...Do you know the whereabouts of your birth certificate and when was the last time you had to produce it to prove you're you? I absolutely know it's whereabouts. I haven't had to produce it in a little over ten years when I applied for a passport.

6. As a child, how did people describe you? Wow. Can you believe it? They would say, "That girl sure is childish." ahaha.

7. What do you complain about the most? Probably the weather. Cold. Snow. Ice. Rain. Especially when they are combined. Ugh!

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm not from the 'shore, nor am I a California Girl. I was raised in Iowa near Sioux City and this song comes to mind:

 

Is there a song you relate to yourself or where you grew up? Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Matthew 6:22 (NKJV) “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Lent

Do you celebrate Lent? I'd love to hear your take on this special season. During my growing up years, there was not a focus on Lent. Easter? Yes. Lent? No. Yet, the final days that Jesus walked this earth were filled with ministry, healing, prayer, preparation, and suffering. I have given up small things and, what I consider, big things.

Last year I wrote a post on 101 Things to do for Lent (Not just for Catholics). Perhaps there is something in that list that will peak your interest.

This year, I am doing two different things. The first is giving something up. Making a sacrifice. I want it to be intentional that each and every day during this Lenten season I am reminded of the sacrifice Christ made for me. The second action I am taking is to be a better steward. With my clothes. What??? Really? Let me explain.

I first ran across the idea from Sarah @ Life in the Parsonage. She took up a 30 for 30 challenge. Sarah got the idea from Kendi Everyday who is a master at this. The challenge is basically select 30 items of clothing from your wardrobe and only wear those items for 30 days. Tops, skirts, slacks, dresses, and shoes. I don't know about you, but I get into a rut with my clothes. So I go buy something. Not that I really need anything. I have plenty of clothes. Buying something new is just easier sometimes than trying to figure out what to wear.

So, since Lent is 40 days. I'm going to do 40 for 40. Select 40 items from my current wardrobe and only wear those items for the next 40 days. No buying any item of clothing.

Sound easy? I'm thinking, ummm, no. But I'm up for the challenge. I want to be a better steward and getting a handle on my clothing will ultimately curb my spending. Which in turn, will result in wiser purchases. Better stewardship. Yes?

The Lenten season starts tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9. I'd love to hear how you will be observing it this year. Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV) ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

TSMSS - Easter Passion

You'll find more songs at Amy's.



The Purpose of the Passion can be summed up as--a second chance! The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides a second chance for mankind to walk in relationship with the God who created them. The Scriptures make clear that through Adam sin entered the world, but through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ there is justification for every man, woman, boy and girl--if they only place their trust in Him.
The passion of Christ provides a second chance for each of us to be right with God by being forgiven of everything and anything we have ever done. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives you and me the ability to live life to its fullest because we can be free of guilt and be guided by a purpose that eclipses all that the world has to offer.
Mel Gibson, in his movie The Passion, captures both the need and the power of the second chance available to us through Christ. Jesus is praying in Gethsemane when the guards of the high priest arrive to arrest Him. The guards approach and ask for Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus identifies Himself and Judas comes up to Him and kisses Him, saying "Hail, Rabbi." Jesus asks Judas why he is betraying "the Son of Man with a kiss?" Judas is stunned and steps back.
The guards move in to arrest Jesus. Suddenly, Peter explodes into action, attacking the guards. Ultimately, Peter pulls out a sword and cuts off the ear of one of the guards. Peter is eventually subdued, and Jesus tells him to drop his sword, saying, "Those who live by the sword die by the sword." Then Jesus reaches down, picks up the guard's severed ear, and looking into the guard's eyes, heals him.
Jesus stands up, and the remaining guards move in and arrest Him--striking Him and handling Him roughly. They shove Him along the road and begin to leave. The healed guard is still on his knees, unmoving. His fellow guards tell him to get up and come along, but he cannot. The guard can no longer participate in anything that brings harm to the Christ.
He was left in the garden of Gethsemane to marvel at what the Savior had done for him. In the film, Peter, left behind, then comes face to face with the guard after Jesus healed his ear and touched his life. This is especially poignant, as within hours Peter would need that same forgiving touch of Jesus and a second chance.
This is the same Peter who had walked with Jesus (Matt 4:18-20). This is the same Peter who boldly declared that Jesus was the Son of God (Matt 16:13-17). This was the same Peter who committed to follow Jesus to the death (Matt 26:35). Despite all of this, Peter denied even knowing Jesus, not once, but three times (Matt 26:75). Was this the end for Peter? Was Peter beyond the forgiveness of Jesus Christ? Not at all! Following the resurrection, Jesus gave Peter a second chance (John 21:15-17).
The Purpose of the Passion is to give each of us a second chance. Whether you're like the guard who came face to face with Jesus for the first time or whether you're like Peter who had walked with Jesus in the past, declared who He is to others and even committed his life to Him, if something is separating you from the abundant life Jesus has obtained for you--a second chance awaits you. That's the Purpose of the Passion.

Take this opportunity for your second chance today, This Day. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 20:17-19 (NIV) ¹⁷Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, ¹⁸"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death ¹⁹and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

Flashback Friday - Easter

It's Flashback Friday with Linda at Mocha with Linda. With Easter rapidly approaching, what better time to reflect back on how families celebrated.

What was Easter like when you were little? For example, did you receive a basket with toys and candy? Was the Easter Bunny part of your family's celebration? Did your family integrate both secular and spiritual aspects of the day? Did you dye Easter eggs. . . .and did your family eat them afterwards? Did you usually get a new outfit? (Post a picture if you have one!) Does any Easter stand out particularly? You might also share how your Easter today is similar or different to your childhood. 


Honestly, I don't have many vivid memories of Easter celebrations. There are fleeting mind pictures of a new dress, new shoes, even an Easter hat but it's difficult to put those pieces together into a recognizable story. Most of my remembrances are from Easters celebrated with my daughter. Coloring eggs. Filling plastic eggs with candy and other goodies. My then SIL and I would combine forces for our children to make it a more festive event. 

The family Easter egg hunt was always after church. Wouldn't want to get those new clothes soiled. lol. After the first egg hunt and pictures had been taken, we'd change clothes, eat dinner (yes at mid-day....lunch for most people), and the children would take turns re-hiding the eggs for more hunts. Well, after the plastic eggs had been relieved of their treasures. 

What about you? What memories do you have of Easter celebrations? Please join us at Linda's spot, Mocha with Linda. 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

O the Sacrifice, O the Glory, O the Love

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NKJV) For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Romans 10:9 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Thankful Thursday and 30 x 5 Update

Welcome to another week of Thankful Thursday. This challenge is to list five (5) things you are thankful for. This is sponsored by Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey. Stop on over to her spot and read the other participant's thankfulness. I promise you will have plenty of food for thought and be richly blessed. I'm guessin that you will have an "ahha" moment and think....yep, I'm thankful for that too. So here's my five for the week:

Easter - The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus who loved you (and me) enough to suffer the cross and give us hope.

My husband - Yep, he's in my top five again this week. He has labored so very hard to get us moved and make sure everything is functioning at the rental.

My friend, Jess - For giving up her Saturday to help me pack.

Restaurants - Bear with me here..... My cookware and pantry items are still packed, so I haven't been cooking. We're eating out a lot.

My boss - He's given me so much flexibility in my work schedule to accommodate the move.

That's my five. If you're not familiar with why we celebrate Easter, please investigate it further. It's a tremendous testimony of love and hope. Find out today, This Day, how One man can change your future, your destiny.



30 x 5 for 2 weeks - There were days when I really didn't want to do my 30 minutes, but having about 60 other women as accountability partners gave me the incentive I needed. Thank you Linda @ 2nd Cup of Coffee for hosting this great challenge. Be sure to stop by and see how other "Challengettes" feel about their two weeks.

I last posted an update on my progress Friday night, April 3. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were challenges in themselves with moving from one house to another. Even tho I was not able to set aside 30 solid minutes, I averaged over 10K steps per day on my step counter. Plus all the bending, squatting, lifting, and stretching that is required when packing and moving.



I have appreciated both of these challenges: Thankful Thursday and 30 x 5. They provide motivation, personal growth, purpose, and camaraderie. Challenge yourself, you'll be thankful you did.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Acts 4:10 (NIV) then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Wordless Wednesday - Holy Week

Romans 5:10 (NIV) For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!