Sweet Smelling Sacrifice

 Truly, I say to you, wherever c this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told d in memory of her.

Matthew 26:13

Two days before Passover, Jesus was anointed by a woman of "questionable reputation" with very expensive perfume.  In essence. she gave her all to Him.  Today's "activity" was a devotional about what we bring to Jesus.  How do we make Him welcome in our homes?  What do we give to Him, and what do we keep from Him?  Easy so far, huh?

I struggled today for a way to talk to Emma about these topics.  And struggle is probably an understatement.  I was reluctant to approach the subject because, frankly, it's an area where I stink.    Nonetheless, Jason and I talked with Emma during dinner. We talked about how special the expensive perfume was, and about the woman's heart (aka pure motives) in giving it to Jesus. Again, I'm not sure she "Got" it, heck, I'm not sure I "Got" it.  But it was one of the most special family dinners we've had.  And certainly left us with lots to think about.

We decided to forgo talking about Judas' betrayal.  Not because it is unimportant, but I think it was a concept too sad and too frightening today to reduce to a 2 year old level. I was definitely reminded how much Grace we need everyday to protect against falling into the same devastating denial of our King.  Thank you Lord for Your grace and Your mercy.

Tomorrow: Passover

Teaching at the Temple

"Which commandment is the most important of all?" Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'  The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no other commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:28-31

I was struck reading this passage of Jesus' Great Commandment.  Not only the daunting task of loving God, and loving our neighbors, but also the immediate understanding of the scribe Jesus spoke to.  The scribe recognized that these instructions were greater than any burnt offering or sacrifice he could offer.  What a revolution for the Jews, and how bold for him to believe so quickly.  I pray to have faith like that.

So today, we loved.  Well, we tried to.  I think this might be the first "art" or "craft" I've done with Emma at home.  The activity was to take Easter Lilies to neighbors to show them your love. I decided we could paint hearts with love to wrap around the lilies.  So during nap time, I set up our station.  And Emma loved staying in her PJs after nap--painting is dangerous with 2 year olds.

I don't have any pictures of the painting process.  Mainly because I was too uncomfortable to put my eye behind the lens while Emma had such close access to paint.  But the finished product is below.

Today, I'm not sure Emma "got it" as much as yesterday.  I fear I haven't modeled love much for her.  But forgiveness is real, and I can keep trying.  I am, however, positive that Emma LOVES having her picture taken.  She insisted on holding a lily and posing.

Most special (for me at least) today was delivering two of the lilies to two wonderful friends who threw me a "baby dinner."  Delicious food, fabulous fellowship and some wonderfully generous gifts for me and No. 2.    Grace and Kitty are dear and special people.  I hope each of you have some of them in your lives.  The Lord certainly had an interesting twist for me today.  When I was so focused on teaching Emma (and learning myself) to love others, HE used some pretty special people to love me.  Imagine what Glory will be like--to feel perfectly loved all the time! Thank you dear friends for your faithfulness and friendship.  Thank You Jesus for your sacrifice!

Tomorrow: Jesus visits Mary and Martha after Lazarus' Death.

Cleansing the Temple

And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers."

Luke 19:45-46.

Holy Week Monday.  Jesus goes to the temple.  In fact, I believe Jesus went to the temple every day of Holy Week to teach. But what he found this first day was an abomination.  Money-changers preying on those less fortunate by gouging prices for animals to sacrifice.  Jesus' anger and compassion for the victims is encouraging.  I am reminded that HE fights for us.  And not only does HE fight for us, but HE forgives me when I become the money-changer and so often debase the Lord's House and His blessings.  Lord, help me to pray without ceasing, keeping your temple (your Church and my body) holy.

In response, today we talked a lot about prayer, and keeping the "Temple" a house of prayer.  I talked about where we pray, how we pray, what can be a temple (church, our bodies), you get it.  I was a bit concerned that it might not be "sinking" in--or as much as things sink in with a 2 year old.  Nonetheless, I was set to make soft pretzels to remind us to "fold our arms in prayer"as our activity.  I was a bit skeptical because let's face it--I'm not the best at allowing my toddler to "mess up" the kitchen.  Nor was I fully confident that pretzels really relate to prayer in a meaningful way.  But once again, the Holy Spirit showed me up.

First, I made the dough. I cannot recall ever using yeast before. We'll say it was a first.  It wasn't all terrible.  Then, it had to rise. So, we sat and waited.  Any toddler's favorite activity.

And when the impatient fits started, watched the timer (and realized how dirty my microwave is).

At long, eternal last (10 minutes), Emma climbed on up and helped roll the dough into "snakes."

And shaped it.

And shaped some more.

Perfection.

And just when I thought, "ok, so she thinks this is fun, and I'm glad we're doing it--but does she GET it? Can a 2 year old GET it?"  I asked her "What do pretzels remind us to do today?"

And she said "PRAY."

Heart warmed over (and a prayerful thank you to the Lord for His guidance, NOT mine), we forged ahead and churned out a few more pretzels.  Some more "creatively" mishapen than others.

After a quick dip in boiling water and some time in the hot oven, we enjoyed our afternoon snack.

Now, if only I thought about prayer this much every day.  Or remembered how dearly I am loved, and how hard Christ fights for us.  I can confidently say however, pretzels will forever remind me to pray.  Thank you Lord for your intercession in our lives--however simple, or sometimes mundane--and for Your guidance in our children.  You continue to fill us with our needs.  May we return your blessings with thanksgiving and praise.

Tomorrow: Teaching at the Temple.

Palm Sunday

It wasn't just another Sunday today. Thank goodness.  It is Palm Sunday.  The start of Holy Week. The most HOLY of holidays.  Yet I am amazed each year how much time I spend preparing for Christmas, as compared to Easter.  It was Easter, when the WORK was finished.  When the PROMISE was fulfilled.  When the old was made NEW.  When the fallen was REDEEMED.  Oh Lord, how mercifully your people needed you then, how we need you now, and how we long for your return.

After finding my plan of activities for the week, I decided over the weekend I would blog about them...as a remembrance for our family. So, each day I'll have a bit about what we did this year to remember and celebrate the most sacred of holidays.

So, it wasn't just another Sunday.  Despite sleeping (or really not) on the couch all night with more than average pregnancy aches and moans, I got up and we were on schedule to be on time (dare I say early) to church.  This. Never. Happens.  Then, about 5 minutes from church (20 minutes from home) Emma projectile vomits.  Bless the child. She did give us some warning, just enough for me to use my 32 week cat-like agile abilities to crawl to the back seat with a zip lock and try to catch as much of the mess as possible.  But even my best efforts didn't make it a "clean" event, so around we turned.   One good car upholstery disinfecting (leather is worth every penny), one car seat cover, one smocked dress and one hour later, we loaded up again for attempt No. 2: the late service.  After all, it wasn't just any Sunday.  Ahh, success.

(timeout: Emma was feeling perfectly fine.  She just downed too much juice too quickly. We were definitely not spreading any germs to the nursery).

During the rest of the day, we tried as best we could to teach Emma about Jesus' ride into Jerusalem on the donkey. (Although, she was honestly more interested in making the donkey noises than anything else). I set the table with palm branches and she did enjoy waiving them and saying "Hosana" (or at least what sounds close to it).  It is a daunting task to undertake the "training and instruction" of children.  The facts come easy enough--but communicating the meaning of Jesus' royal entrance to the city? Well, I'm nearly 30 and I don't fully grasp it--how can I make that real for a two year old?  It is a whole new level of learning for me.

As the day rolled on, I found myself baking in the kitchen with the ipod going. I've mentioned before our love/obsession with Andrew Peterson's music.  Fittingly, I selected his album "Resurrection Letters Vol. II" for my listening pleasure.  Amazingly, I was overwhelmed how I felt listening to his song: Hosanna today of all days.    The very concept I was trying to impress on Emma.  How gracious that the Lord grants us so many different talents and skills--and how amazing when people like AP use them for HIS glory.  I've copied the lyrics below.

I am tangled up in contradiction. I am strangled by my own two hands. I am hunted by the hounds of addiction. Hosanna! I have lied to everyone who trusts me. I have tried to fall when I could stand. I have only loved the ones who loves me. Hosanna! O Hosanna! See the long awaited king come to set his people free. We cry O Hosanna! Come and tear the temple down. Raise it up on holy ground. 

Hosanna!

I have struggled to remove this raiment, tried to hide every shimmering strand. I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels. Hosanna! I have cursed the man that you have made me, as I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood. Oh, I have run from the one who would save me. Save me, Hosanna! O Hosanna! See the long awaited king, come to set his people free. We cry O Hosanna! Come and tear the temple down. Raise it up on holy ground. Hosanna!

You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent. You have carried to the grave the black stain. You have torn apart the temple’s holy curtain. You have beaten Death at Death’s own game. Hosanna! O Hosanna! Hail the long awaited king, come to set his people free. We cry O Hosanna! Won’t you tear this temple down, raise it up on holy ground. O Hosanna! I will lift my voice and sing: you have come and washed me clean. 

Hosanna.

What it must have been like to be among the crowd welcoming Christ into the city.  I pray I would have been among those lining the streets, but I fear my sinful soul doubts there would have been much evidence of the courage of my convictions.  Thank you Lord for paying that price for me. For taking it ALL.  

Sorry--no pictures tonight.  Maybe tomorrow.  It is: The Cleansing of the Temple day.

Holy Week

I came across this plan of activities for Holy Week next week. It's from Christianity Today and looks pretty fun, challenging and possibly ambitious for a 2 year old.  We'll be engaging in a modified version of these great ideas each day (I'm still praying through the Easter basket). Anyone want to join in the fun at their house too?

We made it

to the beach. For one day, at least.  Thanks to Ammy and Doc for a great vacation--even if it was one of the chilliest (Emma's word) spring breaks in recent Gulf Coast history...

Even in just one morning and one afternoon on the beach, there still seemed time enough to do plenty.  There was time to run.

Time to be buried in the sand.

Time to escape.

Time to eat.

And pout slightly.

Time for sand castles.

And time to "fly" an abandoned kite.

So closes the chapter on Spring Break 2010--although the ride home wasn't without incident as I narrowly escaped a run in with the Crenshaw county police for alleged speed violations.  I guess having a toddler and being pregnant does garner some sympathy. Thanks to aunt Cece, Emma didn't cause too much commotion as the "nice policeman" approached our window.  Instead, E simply asked "Who dat?"  Oh dear.

Finally--Happy Birthday Granddaddy!

"Spring" Break

Yes, we're alive!  The last few weeks have been a bit busy, but we have made our way down to the beach for some R & R with Jason's family.  It has been a great time, despite the winterish weather.  Emma has adopted a new look: pig tails.

Even when the water is too cold to brave, we have enjoyed getting out and for some good play time.

All the playing has lead to some early (and tired) mornings.  Where do they sell black-out drapes on the gulf coast?

AND we've managed to celebrate two birthdays.  Jason's grandmother turned 80 on Sunday. What a milestone! We're so glad we were able to celebrate with her!

And here's the happy couple.  Don't look a day over 65 do they? :)    We love you Nanny and Dad!

Monday, we celerbated Jason's aunt, "Ammy's" birthday.  I slacked on the pictures, but we had Krispy Kreme bread pudding---(the second time for Jason and me in 1 month, but the first for Ammy).  I'll say, it is as good every time.  We gave Ammy matching beach towels embroidered with "Ammy" and "Emma."  Now, all we need is some sun to be able to use them!

Tomorrow's forecast: 70 degrees and sunny...here's hoping for some QT beach time!

Around these parts

*I started this post sometime last week.  Somewhere, life intervened.  Family in the hospital, friends having babies, friends in need of prayer, baby showers, the start of another consignment season, and preparation for Spring Break.  So, I'm sorry for the delinquency---sometimes prayer and life are just more important than blogging!*

Last weekend (and this past week) have already brought tons of activities and chores!  First, a simple reminder from a two year old that "Mommy carries lots of bags."  

Emma told me last Friday that she was going "bye bye" (not unusual).  Mid step to the stroller with "baby," she realized she forgot her "purse." After retreating to the toy station to find it, she emerged with all these items and headed back to the stroller to "run her errands."  I asked her if that is what Mommy looks like when we leave the house.  She replied only "yes."  I guess that is what a purse, a diaper bag, and my bag of grant writing material for work looks like to a two year old. I actually am considering the bucket idea--not terrible and it sure is durable for those hard to carry loads....


Later that night, we gathered for dinner with our small group from church to wish some great friends farewell as they leave for the mission field this week in Brazil.  Of course, Jason did not escape a small birthday celebration.

And if that wasn't bad enough.

It actually smelled better than it looked (of course I wouldn't know the taste, but Jason assures me it wasn't terrible).  In all, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

And the company of these great friends:

And these:

and even still:

Whew.  It was a big table.  

After dinner, we headed to V and Ks for dessert. Yum.  Kala made this--

And this:

Be still my insulin. The apple pie and blueberries were AMAZING.  I brought Paula Dean's very healthy Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding--but no pictures of that one, sorry!  After the eating and good fellowship (during which we were unable to determine what exactly is a Buffalo Bill), we gave Mark and Michelle their parting gift. 

You'll have to take my word for what it is, since I neglected to preserve it on camera.  Each couple in our group took a phrase of the Great Commission, wrote it on paper, and held it up for a picture.  Then, Kala matted and framed them all.  It was really fun to do--and some people had a bit more fun than others with their pictures.  Creativity was NOT in short supply.  Regardless, I think Mark and Michelle were touched--and I think it even made it in a shipping container to Brazil.

Before everyone left, I insisted on using the self timer for a picture.

(Commenting on Tom and Vance or "Tance" as I now call them, is too easy here. See for yourselves).  

In less boy-bandish news, we have received confirmation that Mark and Michelle FINALLY made it successfully to Brazil.  They are two of the most incredible people you'll ever meet and I can't wait to see how the Lord uses them mightily in Brazil.  They will certainly be missed!!

And for a pretty Sunday afternoon, Jason started some "spring cleaning."

Which piled up quickly

But looked much better afterwards.

And now, if I can just get last week's events in order, I'll have a bit more to share!  Hope everyone in Birmingham is enjoying this GORGEOUS Sunday!