All Things

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

And all things wise and wonderful;

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens up.

Each little bird that sings, 

He made their glowing colors and He made their tiny wings.

Happy Sunday

Open the Wonder of the Easter Story

We have enjoyed doing the Resurrection Egg Hunt with our boys for several years now. Each year it is exciting because we forget what is in each egg. Donkey, Coins, Cup, Crown...Empty! It is a great way to celebrate Easter.

Open the Wonder of the Easter Story

Resurrection Cookies

Resurrection Cookies

Read the entire recipe before beginning. Try to do together Saturday night before Easter Sunday morning.

Ingredients
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let the children beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste a bit of it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high for 11 - 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3 1:3

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a waxed-paper covered sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Mark 15:46

Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66

Go to bed! Explain to your children that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20-22

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9

He Has Risen!

God Will Be With Me in the Hard Times

I am the Ground

 I am the ground.

The plow cuts deep, again and again and again!

It cuts away my roots, my desires to be altogether,

my desires to look good.

It turns me over, inside out, till I am a mess of crumbly soil.

The rains come; seed are planted.

I miss the lovely pasture I used to be,

with calves frolicking in the sunshine,

butting heads, coming to me for nourishment.

Here I lie, useless and alone - except for this farmer who constantly runs over me with his tractor, seeding, cultivating. 

I am changing.

I finally recognize the farmer.

Lord, do with me as you choose, for I belong to you.

Plant the seeds, cultivate out the weeds, 

send the sunshine and rain.

Oh Lord of the harvest, may I yield abundantly for you

whatever crop you choose.

Amen

By Judith Vander Wege

 

Centershot

Centershot

Making Christ the Target of Our Lives

The boys participated in Centershot this spring at our Church. Centershot teaches students the life-skill of archery while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ at the same time.

 Centershot was an eight week program.

 Atticus getting ready.

 Coach Mike, standing close to give help.

 A fantastic turnout!

 A  surprise for us...Sam received 1st place in his age division.

We were so excited. 

This was both Sam and Atticus first time shooting archery. 

Yay!

 Sam asked for photos to be taken with his coach, Sean.

   And his coach, Mike.

A big thank you to all of the Centershot staff for helping the kids. Our boys were ready to go every Tuesday night. They enjoyed the Bible study and learning archery.

On the Road Friday

Today we are going to travel to a special place. A place that if you have not entered, I want to encourage you. 

 

" I accept you as you are."

"I believe you are valuable."

"I care when you hurt."

"I desire only what is best for you."

"I erase all offenses."

We could call that the ABC's of love. 

It may seem a bit scary at first. I know, I was scared. I did not grow up in a home who went to church, read the Bible or talked about God. 

I was 28 years old, when I first entered a church and started to learn about Jesus. Yes, I was afraid. I did not know anything! 

If you are scared and are not sure, no worries, you do not have to know anything. You just need to have an open heart.

Yes, Jesus, really loves you. 

I know this for a fact!

This Easter season open your heart.  Give Him your heart.

       

The Day and Hour Unknown

The Day and Hour Unknown

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It's like a man going away. He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

Therefore keep watch because you do  not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do no let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone; "Watch!"

Mark 13 32 - 37

God's household

1 Timothy 3   12 - 16

A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.  Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Why Don't We Pray About It?

Why Don't We Pray About It?

Sometimes we do not pray because we honestly aren't sure it will do any good. We figure that because God is sovereign and omni-everything he has everything under control. It seems logical that he's going to move according to his timing and will, regardless of our requests.

Let's be honest now. We probably all feel this way at times.

Yet, Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 clearly urges the Thessalonians to pray. For him, for the message of God to spread. Paul does not give up.

Perhaps Paul realized that when we stop praying we hail Satan as victor of our struggles. When we stop praying for others who are having trouble, we leave them without support.

We leave ourselves without God's presence at a time when he most wants to be with us.

Let us join together to pray for our nation, famlies and friends.

      

All things...

All things bright and beautiful, 

All creatures great and small, 

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors and made their tiny wings.

The purple headed mountains, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky.

  

 

Merciful

We are most like beasts when we kill. 

We are most like men when we judge.

We are most like God when we forgive.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Matthew   5:7

I am linking up with Lori at Life, Love, and Laughter in a Large Family  with think quotes.

Think Quotes - He walks with...

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

I can tell you from experience, this is true. 

You make a difference

In this great big world, you make a difference.

I will bless you...and you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12:2

The ready writer

My heart overflows with a good theme...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1

I am teaming up with Lori at Life, Love and Laughter

The 1 question I ask when I’m afraid. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

The 1 question I ask when I’m afraid. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff



Today I am sharing a great post by Jon Acuff. My husband introduced me to Jon, and I find  him to be a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy this. Let me know if you walk away feeling stronger. I did, it was a good reminder for me.
Have fun reading.

On the Road Friday

On the road to National Day of Prayer

First Thursday of May

A note from President Harry S. Truman

But all of us - at home, at war, wherever we may be - are within the reach of God's love and power. We all can pray. We all should pray. We should ask the fulfillment of God's will. We should ask for courage, wisdom, for the quietness of soul which comes alone to them who place their lives in His hands.

Pray for America

The Lord reigns forever, he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness, he will govern the peoples with justice. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:7-10

Pray for Government

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord. 

Psalm 86:9

Pray for Repentance

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Isaiah 55:7 

Pray for Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 

James 1:5 

Pray for Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27 

 

  

Lite-brite

I still have a few of my toys from when I was growing up. I still have my lite-brite. I loved playing with it, designing fun pictures or making the patterns that came with. I recently helped Atticus make up one that says....

Star 

Wars

He enjoyed creating. We all enjoyed sitting in the living room admiring it. 

Did you have a lite-brite?

Do they still make lite-brite?

Have a wonderful day!

Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my way.

Psalm 119:105    

Sharing Popcorn

We live about three miles from Barron, Wisconsin. Barron has become the home to many Somalians.I am not exactly sure of how they stared to move to Barron, but I do know it had something to do with the employment opportunity they received from the Turkey Store. It has created tension for some, opportunity for some and confusion for many.

Sharing Popcorn

My story starts with a little girl named Josie. She is the little sister of my boys friends Drew and McKenna. She is an outgoing little girl, full of love and mischief.

Saturday was our first Soccer game. Sam was busy playing soccer, we were busy watching the game and Josie was busy sharing popcorn. 

The soccer game was held on the field located close to the apartment complex that houses most of the Somalian population of Barron. Several of the Somalian children were watching the game or playing with the other kids. Atticus was busy playing with some of the boys and girls. Josie made friends with one of the Somalian girls, they played together, visited and eventually sat in the lawn chair next to me, sharing a bag of popcorn Josie's dad bought her.

I smiled and I thought...it could be that easy. We could simply share a bag of popcorn! If we would let it be that easy. Difference in culture, not understanding each other and  putting up walls. Both sides are guilty.

I pray for the Somalian people of Barron. The boys have had opportunity to reach out to some of the kids, they are so receptive and are so thankful for the friendship we show.

Thank you Josie for sharing that bag of popcorn!

Let's not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest - if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Resurrection Cookies

Resurrection Cookies

Read the entire recipe before beginning. Try to do together Saturday night before Easter Sunday morning.

Ingredients
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let the children beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste a bit of it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high for 11 - 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3 1:3

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a waxed-paper covered sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Mark 15:46

Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66

Go to bed! Explain to your children that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20-22

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9

He Has Risen!

 

Have your way

How often must God prove to us that He is the shepherd and we are the sheep...that he is the Vine and we are the branches, before we bow and quietly whisper, "Have Your own way, Lord"? Seems to me that if the Son of God found it necessary at the crossroad of His earthly existence to pray "not as I will, but as You will" we would be wise to use the same words often-like everyday!

Not as I will, but as You will.

Matthew 26:39 

Devotion by Charles R. Swindoll