The Precious Blood

Blessed Lord Jesus,
Before thy cross I kneel and see
the heinousness of my sin,
my iniquity that caused thee to be
'made a curse,'
the evil that excites the severity
of divine wrath.
Show me the enormity of my guilt by
the crown of thorns,
the pierced hands and feet,
the bruised body,
the dying cries.
The blood is the blood of incarnate God,
its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt
that demands such a price.
Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper,
born in my birth,
alive in my life,
strong in my character,
dominating my faculties,
following me as a shadow,
intermingling with my every thought,
my chain that holds me captive in the
empire of my soul.
Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light,
the air supply breath,
the earth bear my trad,
its fruits nourish me,
its creatures subserve my ends?
Yet thy compassions yearn over me,
thy heart hastens to my rescue,
thy love endured my curse,
thy mercy bore my deserved stripes.
Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths
of humiliation,
bathed in thy blood,
tender of conscience,
triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.

(from "The Valley of Vision:  A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions")

Spring is here (and a giveaway reminder)!

Happy First Day of Spring!

Even though I'm merely dreaming of heavenly-scented lilacs,
my heart is filled with hope as I hold on to the One who made them.
The barren trees will eventually give way to green buds.
The dormant bulbs will push forth out of the ground, bursting forth with color.
The robins will return, singing their familiar choruses.
And the God who gave us winter will,
in His perfect timing, make all things new this Spring.

What are you making for Easter this year?
For the last number of years, I've been asked to bring dessert.
While my offerings change from year to year,
I generally make three different selections---
something for every palette.
I will say, though, I think I might suffer bodily harm if I neglected to bring my peanut butter eggs.
While I still haven't finalized all my plans,
I am planning on P-Dub's strawberry shortcake cake this year.
I made it for our annual cake auction last year,
and it went for a pretty penny.

So whatcha got cooking at your house this Easter?
Any favorite recipes to share?
Oh, and have you entered my spring giveaway yet?
Leave a comment here to be entered for a box of spring lovelies to brighten your day!

Love Lustres at Calvary

My Father,
Enlarge my heart, warm my affections,
open my lips,
supply words that proclaim
"Love lustres at Calvary."
There grace removes my burdens
and heaps them on thy Son,
made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;
There the sword of thy justice smote the man,
thy fellow;
There thy infinite attributes were magnified,
and infinite atonement was made;
There infinite punishment was due,
and infinite punishment was endured.
Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
trodden down as an enemy
that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell's worst
that I might attain heaven's best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped
from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
bowed His head that  I might uplift mine,
experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
closed His eyes in death that I might gaze
on unclouded brightness,
expired that I might forever live.
O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou
mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,
my every step buoyant with delight,
as I see my enemies crushed,
Satan baffled,
defeated,
destroyed,
sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,
hell's gates closed, heaven's portals open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me
the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort, and save.

(from The Valley of Vision:  A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

I was dead in my sins...BUT God...

Originally posted April 9, 2009

I've really, REALLY been looking forward to these current days as we mark, remember, and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior. I always anticipate the Easter season, but I think I'm particularly eager this year due to the climate of our nation: poor economy. job loss. violence. The news is one heartbreaking story after another. All around us, the world seems hopeless.

But Easter reminds us that, for the believer, there is hope. His name is Jesus.

There are many traditions I hold close to my heart throughout these days, including the communion service we shared with our church family last night and the Good Friday service we'll attend this afternoon. Both of these are solemn, reflective services as we consider the incomprehensible love of God.

Tonight, though, is a personal family tradition that I find particularly meaningful. Several years ago, my husband made a small cross out of lumber. Tonight, he'll lead our family in a brief devotional. He'll contrast our great sin and unrighteousness with God's perfection and holiness. He'll explain that our sin separates us from this holy God. But God (there's that phrase again), in His great love and mercy, made a way for us to come to Him through His Son. Jesus took the penalty of our sin upon Himself when He died on the cross.

After his reading of Scripture, we'll listen to and reflect on the words of "Worthy Is the Lamb." While doing this, we'll each take slips of red paper and write down those things...those sins...with which we struggle. And then one by one, we'll nail them to the wooden cross. This is a moving time as we're reminded that it's OUR sin that nailed Jesus to the cross.

It feels sad. depressing. hopeless.

It's Friday but Sunday is coming.

For on Sunday morning, we awake and spy the cross on the mantel. No longer is it covered in red slips of paper. Instead, it's draped in a glorious, victorious purple scarf. HE IS RISEN! Jesus conquered sin and death! He's alive! Through Him, we are washed clean. We have access to the Father.

Relationship. Forgiveness. Hope.

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked...But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved---and raised us up with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:1, 4-8

The Time of Singing (and announcing a winner) Has Come ~ Day 24

The official results are in!
The winner of my little spring giveaway is...

Lynn! 

Lynn, are you still at the same address?  Why don't you drop me an email to confirm your address and I'll get your package in the mail as soon as possible! 

Thanks to all who shared and encouraged us with their favorite Easter traditions.  I pray that this week leading up to Easter Sunday is a meaningful time for your families as you prepare your hearts to celebrate the one who paid our debt and raised victorious from the grave!

The Time of Singing (and Giving) Has Come ~ Day 23

Because Tax Day is approaching
And because that tends to make me cranky
And because there's really no good reason to be cranky
(but instead a million and one reasons to be over-the-top joyful with thanksgiving)
And because I appreciate those who stop by here,
read my ponderings,
and encourage me in so many ways
(...phew!)
I'm hosting a little spring giveaway. 

From now through Sunday evening, April 17 at 10pm CST, leave a comment and share your favorite Easter tradition.  My high-tech system (aka Luke) will randomly choose one winner which will be announced on Monday morning.  The winner will receive a gift box of spring lovelies from me to you!

The Time of Singing (and Being Purposeful) Has Come ~ Day 22

There is no limit to the number of opportunities for impressing the Good News of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection on the hearts of our children, even from a very young age.  We have the glad privilege of passing on and showing our children what matters and what's important to us by the way we celebrate. 

We once made a variation of Noel Piper's Easter Mountain (ours was varied in that I placed the dough over an inverted oven-proof bowl sprayed with baking spray, cut out an opening, and proceeded as directed).  This is another means by which little ones can track with and gain fuller understanding of the Easter story.  And imagine their joy when they awake on Easter morning and find the "stone" rolled away!

The Time of Singing (and Telling the Story) Has Come ~ Day 21

Here is another favorite hands-on activity for retelling the story of Easter to little ones:  Resurrection Cookies

[Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through the faith for a salvation ready to be reavealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:3-5]

The Time of Singing (and Passing On Truth) Has Come ~ Day 20

When our boys were younger, I was regularly on the lookout for ways to plant the truth of God's Word deep in their hearts.  These rolls became a hands-on Easter tradition that is still loved enjoyed by our family today...


Resurrection Rolls

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 large marshmallows
Melted butter
Cinnamon
Sugar



Give each child one triangle shaped section of crescent roll. This represents the tomb.


Each child takes one marshmallow which represents the body of Christ.


Dip the marshmallow in the butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. This represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.


Lay the marshmallow on the dough and carefully wrap it around the marshmallow.


Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will "ooze" out of the seams)


Bake according to package directions.


Cool.


Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!  He is Risen! 

The Time of Singing (and Egging) Has Come ~ Day 11

Because they're requested each and every year, I'm re-running the recipe for Peanut Butter Eggs (originally posted two years ago). 

***

This morning our 9-year-old and I whipped up some peanut butter eggs to send off with my husband and our high school students as they attend a conference in Chicago. We did, however, manage to salvage a few for our own enjoyment, too. I'm quite certain we'd all agree that we've established a new Easter tradition today. The filling for these eggs is incredibly easy to work with, and the finished result is delicious! Happy, Happy Week, friends!

1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 jar (18 ounce) creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 package (2 pounds) powdered sugar
12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup shortening

Beat cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar. Form rounded tablespoonfuls into egg shapes. Placed on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes. Melt chocolate chips and and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip eggs in chocolate until thoroughly coated. Place on waxed paper to harden. To decorate eggs, place leftover melted chocolate in a small plastic bag; cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Pipe chocolate onto eggs. Store in refrigerator.

The Time of Singing (and Telling) Has Come ~ Day 5

Even though Easter is still more than a month away, I know many people are beginning to gather books and resources which will help direct their family's heart to the Cross. 

One of my favorite books to read to our "little" boys was "The Lamb" by John R. Cross.  Written for children ages 5 and up, this book is designed to be read in ten sittings,  from "God Made It All" to "Alive Forever."  It gently explains the significance of the Lamb, making the message of the gospel understandable for little ones. 

Snuggle together on the couch and be amazed all over again at God's rich love, mercy and grace.

The Time of Singing (and Reflecting) Has Come ~ Day 4

One of my most cherished books is Noel Piper's "Treasuring God In our Traditions."  Over the years, it has helped me, through Biblical truth and admonishment, to become more intentional in the way our family celebrates not only holidays, but everyday experiences. 

In anticipating this Lenten and Easter season, I pulled it from my shelf once more and scanned over the oh-so-familiar and well-loved pages.  I was delighted to find Mrs. Piper's chapter on Easter in an online article so that I can share it with you here.
Especially Easter
followed by
Lenten Lights:  Eight Biblical Devotions to Prepare for Easter

["In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  John 1:4-5]

The Time of Singing (and Reading) Has Come ~ Day 3

Our family has long enjoyed Arnold Ytreeide's Advent books (Jotham's Journey, Bartholomew's Passage, and Tabitha's Travels).  They have become a part of our family tradition in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  Last year I tried to figure out how many times we've "traveled" with our friends, Jotham and Bartholomew.  The truth is, I lost count.  That's how many years we've shared their adventures. 

And how many years we wished there was an Easter edition.

But now it's finally here:  Amon's Adventure 

I can hardly wait to jump into Amon's riveting story with our boys and reflect on the Truth of God's Word as He prepares our hearts for this Easter season.

New Life

Jesus Paid It All

For By Grace

I've really, REALLY been looking forward to these current days as we mark, remember, and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior. I always anticipate the Easter season, but I think I'm particularly eager this year due to the climate of our nation: poor economy. job loss. violence. The news is one heartbreaking story after another. All around us, the world seems hopeless.

But Easter reminds us that, for the believer, there is hope. His name is Jesus.

There are many traditions I hold close to my heart throughout these days, including the communion service we'll share with our church family tonight and the Good Friday service will attend tomorrow afternoon. Both of these are solemn, reflective services as we consider the incomprehensible love of God.

Friday night, though, is a personal family tradition that I find particularly meaningful. A few years ago, my husband made a small cross out of lumber. Tomorrow night, he'll lead our family in a brief devotional. He'll contrast our great sin and unrighteousness with God's perfection and holiness. He'll explain that our sin separates us from this holy God. But God (there's that phrase again), in His great love and mercy, made a way for us to come to Him through His Son. Jesus took the penalty of our sin upon Himself when He died on the cross.

After his reading of Scripture, we'll listen to and reflect on the words of "Worthy Is the Lamb." While doing this, we'll each take slips of red paper and write down those things...those sins...with which we struggle. And then one by one, we'll nail them to the wooden cross. This is a moving time as we're reminded that it's OUR sin that nailed Jesus to the cross.

It feels sad. depressing. hopeless.

It's Friday but Sunday is coming.

For on Sunday morning, we awake and spy the cross on the mantle. No longer is it covered in red slips of paper. Instead, it's draped in a glorious, victorious purple scarf. HE IS RISEN! Jesus conquered sin and death! He's alive! Through Him, we are washed clean. We have access to the Father.

Relationship. Forgiveness. Hope.

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked...But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved---and raised us up with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:1, 4-8

Extravagant Grace

I was downloading and organizing some new digital photos this evening when I came across this picture that our 7-year-old son "painted" on the computer this afternoon. How sweet is that? I especially love the American flag on Golgotha.

I'm thanking God tonight, not only for the work He's done and is doing in our son's heart, but for using him to remind his mom of His extravagant grace.

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience---among whom we all once lived in the pasions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved---and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:1-9