In the busy routine of our day, we pass by the local school, the library, the post office.  We pay no attention to the business going on there because we are headed somewhere else.

Yesterday I read Matthew 27 and was brought to think on verse 39:

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

Jesus was being crucified on the cross.  He was suffering not only the pain of the crucifixion, but even greater – He was bearing the weight of every person’s sin – past, present and future. Yet, here were some in their daily routine going here or there.  They passed by Jesus and wagged their heads without even  stopping to consider Him.  In so doing, they were also bypassing their means to freedom from sin, death and hell.

What are you doing, today, my friend?  Are you so busy with your life that you haven’t stopped to take a long look at Jesus?  Will you just pass by Him, and wag your head because you don’t have time to consider His great love that sent Him to take your sin’s penalty by dying on a cruel cross?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Eternity is just ahead for all of us. He died for you.  He lives now for each of us, too.  He lives to intercede for us, and He is coming soon!

Don’t just pass by Christ today…stop and consider Him. You can go here to understand why Christ died for guilty sinners like each of us!

Thankful for the cross,

This was a week of many blessings! Let me start with last weekend – our Ladies’ retreat…

Carol Trahan was used of the Lord to give us Truth about the things God brings into our lives.  We may have a lament right now, but God will bring it to an end that will glorify Him!  We saw that in the lives of Leah, Hannah and Esther.  Such a joy.

Our church ladies worked so very hard to bring this retreat about!  There are too many tasks to name, but everything was done beautifully, and for God’s glory.  We had great food, good fellowship, wonderful workshops, and beautiful decorations.  It was just a fun weekend with other women around God’s Word!

Sunday brought a double birthday for me! My physical birthday is 9/11 and my spiritual birthday is also 9/11!  This year I celebrated 50 years of knowing Christ as my Savior; what a blessing!

I got to celebrate with my family, minus Paul, Whitney’s husband.  We had a grilled steak dinner at home after church.  It was topped off with White Chocolate Raspberry cupcakes, made by a talented baker at church!  We had a sweet time at the patio table outside enjoying the meal, family time, and lots of laughs!

The picture of the French Toast and Bacon was my birhtday breakfast (tradition) delivered to me by my sweet husband.  French toast is his specialty!  Birthdays are big events in our family, as you can see!

The next picture is a screen shot I took of my parents as we chatted on Skype on my birthday.  I love them both dearly and am thankful we can “visit” using this means.  It almost feels like they were here!

The bottom right picture is my gift from my husband.  It has lots of special elements to it that make it really special to me.  He gave it to me and explained what drew him to this particular print.  I will always remember that sweet explanation when I look at it!  What a great reminder, too, not to be anxious about ANYTHING, but to let the peace of God rule in my heart.  (What are you anxious about today?  Pray and thank God so you can have His peace!)

Liza Jane makes every day better.  Here are some of her cute antics I captured this week:

It doesn’t matter if she’s napping or snooping, she’s just cute!

This weekend brings another retreat for me – this one for pastor’s wives.  I need God’s help.  I cannot serve Him in my own strength.  I’d appreciate any/all prayers that the Lord will meet with us and encourage the hearts of these dear servants of His!

What was the highlight of your week?

Be refreshed,