'BLOG THOUGHTS"

After a busy busy Holy Week I find myself a little "weak in the brain". I asked ML, "Do you have any blog thoughts?" She just laughed implying that I was on my own. That's scary, but let me reflect on some of the happenings of this past week:

• Obviously, the murder of our friend, Ann Schumacher, came as a total shock and we (and our friends) are still processing and attempting to make sense of the tragedy. The "whys" and the "ifs" will never be answered, but one thing I know, death did not defeat Ann. Make no mistake about it, she now experiences the victory of everlasting life because of her faith in Jesus Christ!

• The Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) was a true experience of God's grace at work. As people came to the Lord's table to share in Holy Communion, they first "nailed to the cross" those things that were inhibiting their relationship with the Lord. It was a powerful image to see the cross covered with purple pieces of paper signifying the request for Jesus' forgiveness and for Him to remove sin and heartache. It was a sacramental moment.

• The Good Friday service began with our focus on the cross and ended in darkness and silence. The focus was on the question "Have You Seen My Son?" asked by the mothers of James and John, John Mark, Barabbas, Judas,and of course, Mary, the mother of Jesus. Anna and Simeon narrated the drama and it only took moments for us to identify with the plights of the mothers - heartache, pain, grief, compassion, sadness, tears, mourning! One candle remained lit as we left the room. It offered a glimmer of hope.

• And then the Son rose. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!! Sunday morning began with a sunrise service at the main street park west of the church. How awesome it was as the youth led the service in word and in drama. (See Amy Nelson's blog for details). We then shared in a time of fellowship at the church - rolls, fruit, coffee, juice, even a chocolate fountain. How sweet (literally). Then came "THE MAIN EVENT!" Two worship services celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise band, video, choir, congregational singing, prayer, preaching, rejoicing - it was an incredible morning of worship. Jesus was in the house, not in the grave!! Oh that we would worship in such a manner each and every Sunday! Yes, He is risen, He is risen, indeed!!

• Oh yeah, a little family time as well. Went to my folks for an afternoon of fun (lots of it) - my 2 brothers and their families, our son Eric and wife Andrea, Brayden and Addy as well as Kyle and Molly were there. Only Todd and his wife Melissa and Owen could not be there. Which leads to my last thought.

• Melissa is to have her baby any moment. How wonderful to talk about new birth when this week began with the celebration of new birth that is available to us because of the resurrected Christ. Knowing a new grandchild is about to be born, I like the words of the song 'Because He Lives" that say this: "How sweet to hold, a newborn baby, and feel the joy and pride he/she gives, but greater still, the strong assurance, this child can face uncertain days, because He lives".

• What a week it's been. Praise the Lord!! Prayerfully I'll have pics of a baby next week.