Friday

I posted this last year after Good Friday. This year, I go into the day thanking Him for bearing my cross. Isn't He wonderful? Praying that you all have a blessed Easter weekend! -H

Original Post:

Good Friday, actually.
This is going to sound really odd.... mostly because I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember and I was baptized when I was 12. And of course have always celebrated Easter.

But this is the first year I really get it.
I mean really. truly. GET it.

I always "understood" Good Friday (but never really got what was so good about it).
The church we've been attending (yes, we are still looking for a home but like this one in the meantime....) celebrated Good Friday with a passover. (I was skeptical about it as well... but I looked to my Bible (and google) and am okay with it..http://www.gotquestions.org/Christians-celebrate-Passover.html).

And after the passover, he talked about the cross. Really talked about the cross. I, as usual, was carefully listening for any discrepancies between his version and the Bible's version.... the only one I feel is worth pointing out for anyone that was there... is that Jesus KNEW Peter would deny him (of course He knew) and told him he would do so three times before the rooster crows. So this was not a shock to Jesus. But I think his point was that it still stings. And that, I'm sure, is true.

I digress.

Anyway, he really talked about the cross. And I finally GOT it. The pain, the hurt, the sting, the beautiful, the wonderful, the saving cross.

Work has hurt really bad lately. It hurts to walk in the door. It stings to look at certain people in the building. It pains me to look at children and know I am powerless in keeping them safe.

But Jesus understands (of course He does).

He knows the pain. The hurt. The sting.

And that is beautiful. Wonderful.

That is the saving cross.

And my cross is easier to bear.

Because of Him.

I pray that you will have a beautiful, wonderful, blessed Easter with your family this weekend. I plan to have one with mine. Thanks to Him.

Before/After

Poor Maysen skinned up her face at daycare. The worst of it had healed, but with a little clone stamp, she's all better! ;) I faded out the colors before going to BW. I use CS3.

Sweet Shot

Again, I know there are cute faces shots
(my niece & nephew, and goodness gracious, my cousin's sweet little boy).
But. There's something about this one I love.
Maybe it's what the picture doesn't show that I love so much.
The warm weather, warm enough to make the first trip to the park of the season.
The sweetness of these two cousins getting along and even loving on each other.
Girl cousin's wonky fashion that's left unseen.
The nice break from reality that this little trip was. I love it all!

It's worth another look at this week. Plus, Sweet Shot's sponsor this week: Gussy.
I love, love, love, love, love Gussy. I'm in awe of her work. Inspired by her designs.
And in a spending freeze encouraged by my husband.
Thus, Gussy & me have yet to be formally introduced.
So you know I had to link up to Sweet Shots. again.

One More from the Day

But no promises to not abuse photoshop this time.

And there's one more on my project365. He's a doll!

Cousins (without photoshop)

I abuse photoshop.

My sister thinks my pictures look "old."

I'm going to attempt a post with pictures that have not seen photoshop.

Following is that post.

_______________________________________________________

R&I had "personal" days today to take care of some things.

My aunt, cousin, and my cousin's boys were in town.

I was so excited to get to see them!

Here are some (photoshop free!) pictures from our morning visit.

(Yes, I realize Jett is in every picture. They are easier to shoot when they aren't running around! Plus he's cute. Wait till you see his other shots from the day!)

Temporary Post

This is for Lisa. Sorry I didn't get your email sooner. I didn't hear my phone beep. I tried embedding this in the comments on your blog and it wouldn't let me. I'll temporarily post it here but I'll have to take it down before Rusty gets home from watching the game. ;)

This is for you...

The Park

A trip to the park is always the best way to kickstart spring.

Especially when its with these two.

And it's even better when they stop playing long enough (but just barely) to smile for me.