I Wonder...

“I wonder if Jesus felt that way on Good Friday?”

A few years ago I wrote a post about a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day. However my day was quickly put into perspective by the above comment left by my dear friend Iris. It’s often acted as a spoiler to my bad day “pity parties” because I’d hear in my mind, “I wonder…”

The truth is all of my bad days added up over my lifetime squared could not compare to what Jesus went through on Good Friday.

Betrayed by Judas.
Arrested in the garden.
Deserted by the disciples.
Denied by Peter.
Rejected by the crowd who asked for Barabbas.
An innocent man, crucified between two thieves…
I wonder…

This Easter Week I’m thankful that Jesus’ worst day is the basis of my Salvation. Also, the fact that

6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT)

I’m so humbled that he did that for me, for you, for us.
I don’t know how Jesus felt on Good “Friday but I would like to think that in those final moments on the cross when one of the thieves turned to him and said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."(Luke 23:42) that he felt hope.

Hope that those He came for, died for would one day choose him.

photo credit: lostseed.com

Over the Hills and Through the Air...

Every once in a while I find my thoughts drifting and before I know it, it’s over the hills and through the air to my Father’s house I go… my heavenly father that is.

It’s not that I’m in a hurry to get there but some days I’m homesick. Maybe it’s because I have so many loved ones gone before me that I miss something awful and I long to see their faces, hear their voices feel their hugs…

But, I’m here and they’re there. Their work here is done and it’s now up to me to make sure that this separation isn’t permanent.

It’s easy to say, I’m going to heaven when I die. I’ve said it all my life even before I made Jesus my choice. I thought being good would get me there. I was wrong.

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

In the words of an old song, everybody talking about heaven isn’t going there.

I plan to go there… someday. However, I realize that although salvation reserves a place for me I still have to show up to fill it. That sounds strange, but I’ve been to many events where seats were reserved but no one showed up to fill them.

I have a place prepared for me in heaven but in order to go there and reunite with my loved ones I still have to make daily choices that sometimes aren’t easy to make.

I have to say no to some things that it seems would be easier to say yes to.

I have to sometimes be quiet when I want to lash out in anger.

I have to forgive when I want to hold a grudge.

In essence to ensure I fill my reserved place I can’t afford to react the way I use to before I accepted Him. However, on the days when I’m feeling less than Christ like and I make choices that I know does not please my heavenly father I ask for His forgiveness and I remind myself in the words of one of Dottie Rambo’s song,

Too many sunsets lie behind the mountain
Too many rivers my feet have walked through
Too many treasures are waiting over yonder
There's too much to gain to lose.

Yes, I’m sure everyone that talks about heaven won’t go there but praise God I know that because of His saving grace, because of His forgiveness I’m going there.

photo credit: photobucket

Creative Writer Award

Thank you Emily Ann for this lovely award. Emily Ann is a newly published author whose mystery book, Only Angels are Bulletproof I hope to read some day soon. Be sure to visit her at
Benedictions.

The recipient of this award is supposed to list 10 things that make them happy so here’s my list.

What makes me happy…

1. A perfectly brewed cup of coffee to sip during my morning quiet time

2. Reading a verse in the Bible that seems to be written just for me the exact moment I need it most.

3. Rereading my favorite books.

4. Getting actual snail mail, excluding bills of course.

5. Listening to music

6. Spending time with family and friends.

7. Sharing my faith with others.

8. Writing in my journal, writing poetry, writing…

9. Visiting my favorite bloggers who always brighten my day.

10. Having the assurance that someday, I’ll be going where Jesus is:)

I’d like to pass this award on to these wonderful bloggers who always inspire me.

Iris @ Grace Alone
Alisa @ Faith Imagine
Denise @ Shortybear’s Place

Book Review - I Wish You Enough by Bob Perks

" I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.”

I wish you enough…

The name of the book, I Wish You Enough by Bob Perks, intrigued me. My first thought was, “who wishes someone enough?” Consequently I wanted to see what gems were hidden between the pages of this little book.

I was not disappointed.

I read the entire book in practically one sitting. Beautifully illustrated chapters each one starting with the words “I wish you enough…” captured my attention. In each chapter Perks offers motivating and inspiring personal stories and scriptures to illustrate the concept of the book, I Wish You Enough. The sometimes message of the book coupled with the attractive layout kept me reading and rereading.

I think this book would make a lovely gift to brighten up someones day.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

When Last...?

When last have you witnessed,
To a sinner on the street
And told him of Jesus Christ,
Who died on Calvary

When last have you told anyone,
Of God’s love for you and me,
That is so pure and true and good
He gave his best freely

When last have you felt so burdened
For the plight of a lost one
That you could not sleep at night
For interceding for his soul?

When last have you shared,
Your testimony with someone?
To strengthen and uplift him,
And help him to go on?

If I don’t know is your answer,
Then God’s not pleased with you.
For you’re not fulfilling the purpose
For which he’s sanctified you

God wants you to be a witness,
To the sinner on the street,
To the discouraged and disheartened
To whomever you may meet

You cannot keep your mouth closed
And go on your merry way
With no thought of those you pass
Who are on their way to hell

So be a witness for Jesus
Or many souls will be to your charge
Whose lives ended in destruction
Because, you didn’t play your part.

Inspired by Pastor Monvella McIntosh

Laced With Grace Giveaway

Would you like a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift certificate? Laced With Grace is having a Giveaway in honor of its new blog design. Stop by Laced With Grace for information on how you can win.

How to become a champion when the fight seems fixed.

We all have giants in our lives, job related stress, overdue bills, family turmoil… and the list goes on. Looking at them in the natural we sometimes wonder how we can possibly overcome. We want to stand, to trust, to fight but it appears as if the odds are stacked against us. It seems as if the fight is fixed but not in our favor. So we stand at a crossroad, fight or give up. .. Can we overcome? How do you become a champion when the fight seemed fixed?

I'm over here today.

Stop by to read the rest of my post.