mercy tree . . .

On a hill called Calvary
Stands an endless mercy tree
Every broke and weary soul
Find your rest and be made whole

Stripes of blood that stain its frame
Shed to wash away our shame
From the scars pure love released
Salvation brought the mercy tree

In the sky, between two thieves
Hung the blameless Prince of Peace
Bruised and battered, scarred and scorned
Sacred Hands pierced by our thorns

It is finished was his cry
The perfect Lamb was crucified
The sacrifice, our victory.
Our Savior chose the mercy tree

Hope went dark that violent day
The whole earth 'quaked at love’s display
Three days silence in the ground
This body born for Heaven’s crown

On that bright and glorious day
Heaven opened up the grave
He’s alive and risen indeed
Praise him for the mercy tree

Death has died. Love has won!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ has overcome.
He has risen from the dead.

One day soon we’ll see His face
And every tear, He’ll wipe a way
No more pain or suffering
Oh, praise him for the mercy tree

Death has died. Love has won!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ has overcome.
He has risen from the dead.

On a hill called Calvary
Stands an endless mercy tree

Lyrics written by Krissy Nordhoff and Michael Neale.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!! 

:)

day of rest . . .

Although I hate to admit it, Sundays are typically anything but restful days! We get up and rush around trying to get ready for church (and even just with the two of us, one of us is still doing a lot of rushing), we grab a bite to eat afterwards, today we hit the grocery store (which was a treat for me -- first time in my Publix since before the surgery), and then headed back to the camp. Todd put up groceries (with my help and direction) and now we're setting in to get ready for next week. Namely, a Sunday School display board for the Madison Baptist Association's annual meeting on Tuesday. Todd's the MBA's Sunday School director, so he's responsible for handling that booth.

Regardless of how busy we get in doing stuff, I'm grateful for the peace that passes all understanding in my soul. Brother Randy preached out of 1 Timothy this morning; some of my all-time favorite verses have come from Paul's letters to young Timothy. This morning preaching held two . . . thought I'd share them here (which allows me to linger over them just a little longer today) . . .

"But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith . . ." 1 Timothy 6:11-12a

And the second wasn't really in Brother Randy's text, but it followed -- and in fact closes out -- the Scriptures he read . . .

"O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called 'knowledge' . . ." 1 Timothy 6:20

Timothy was so lucky to have the apostle Paul as his mentor. And I'm so grateful Paul's letters were preserved and included in God's Word for me!

All of that and I'll end on a laugh, because I am laughing right now. I looked over at Todd, who'd just sat down with the Sunday paper. On the back of the sports section he's holding, I see a HUGE headline reading, "TRENT-TACULAR". Roll Tide, baby.

Maybe I *might* can squeeze a little nap in.

:)

sunday, sunday . . .

We sang one of my favorite praise songs in church this morning; How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise. The first line, "There is an endless song, echoes in my soul, I hear the music ring," completely captures it for me. Our worship team sang it as the special, and I know that the depth of the meaning of the words I sang were reflected by the smile on my face. :)

I finally found out who my Secret Pal had been . . . April! She gave me a really cute Vera Bradley set with a note pad/mouse, note cards, and a purse photo album (perfect for grandbaby photos), a gift card to Hancock's (!!!!!) and four baby-blue print fat quarters! Yay! She was a good secret pal and I enjoyed the round. I really enjoyed being a secret pal, and was happy Wanda (my recipient), was happy. *sigh* Happiness abounds!

Todd and I got home this afternoon and had leftover Minestrone soup that I made for dinner last night. I made it from a recipe out of a new magazine I found, Clean Eating. It was super good last night, and even better this afternoon; especially since it meant I didn't have to do any cooking. I popped it in the microwave for a simple reheat and lunch was served!

We then did something we've not done since we moved out here in early November. We took the coveted Sunday afternoon nap. I didn't realize how long it had been. In fact, I think this was the first time we've had an afternoon nap since we've been here! It would have been even better if poor Todd had not had to drive all the way back to church for a late afternoon meeting, but c'est la vie. It was a productive meeting, so I am not going to complain (especially since I'm not even the one who had to go)!

After dinner I worked one more strip of the baby quilt I'm working on. Tomorrow (Sew Freely Monday -- because I don't have to go to work) I'll finish that one up and start piecing the other baby quilt I'm working on. So many young women having babies in my life! It makes me smile.

The only detriment to a Sunday afternoon nap is that I'm not always really sleepy when it's time for bed. But Todd has already headed back, and he's on shift tomorrow, so I need to make the most of my cuddle time!

Buenos noches!

:)

What a glorious weekend!

Friday and Saturday, I went to the Jane Bray's home for a LBC women's event. What fun! Friday night was a late night; followed by an early morning back out there! We finished up by 11:30 and I headed home to get ready for our Girl's Night/Baby Shower for Lori. My darling husband had vacuumed, swept and tidied the kitchen, and just generally made the house look nice. *And* he brought flowers for me to arrange and set out! He's ***so*** wonderful!!

We had a fun time Saturday night. I was really pleased that both Joc & Kim were able to be there! We played a baby shower mad libs. Oh my. I think I shredded that sheet when we were finished. I know Joc sure hopes I did!

Folks were out of there by 8:30, and Kim, Joc, Todd & I sat around a talked for a bit. I love my family very much! Joc had met Elaine & Jimbo for lunch in Nashville, and they had sent her back with boxes of school supplies, and a quilt top that my Grandma Wadleigh had started, for me! It's precious -- I'll enjoy finishing it!

Sunday morning, Todd & I headed to Lighthouse. Brother Randy preached a very thought-provoking sermon titled, "Blessed". He used Genesis 1:26-28, Colossians 1:16-23, and Ephesians 1:1-10 to illustrate how blessed we are simply because each one of us was specifically created by God, the Creator. I am divinely designed; with that comes terrific responsibility!

Then Todd & I came home and had dinner and a raspberry cobbler. YUM!!! Then Todd went off on shift, and I finished Twilight and then made the Orange Marmalade Cake (see previous posts).

The weather, too was simply gorgeous! If that was a fall preview, bring it ON!!

Selah!

:)