Sunday Morning - And This Sucks

Well, I just got back from putting my Mom and Hannah on a plane bound for Oklahoma City.  This really, really sucks!

 

I was talking to Hannah last night and helping her get her clothes washed and packed and she jokingly said, "I'm going to have to get a bigger suitcase because I keep wanting to take more and more stuff back and forth."  I said, "No, you are going to have to pick a place and stick with it."  She of course just stared at me and said nothing.  So I continue on, "Hannah, you have it easy.  Wherever you go you get greeted with we missed you and welcome home.  You aren't the one left behind.  It's hard as hell being left behind missing you all the time."

 

Did I say this sucks?

 

Oh well, I just got a phone call from Hannah saying they had boarded the plane.  Tears shed.  Prayers said.  7 weeks to go and counting....

 

Ciao!  De :(

Tags: I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

Early Tuesday

My how the week just flies!  It's Tuesday again and I haven't posted in a whole week.  I've been busy working and doing taxes.  I hate taxes, but then doesn't everyone?

I have egg on my face.  Remember that new nurse, C?  Well I finally found her Illinois license.  I just put in the first two letters of her last name and it came up.  How weird is that?  You'd think when I put in her whole last name it would come up, but it didn't.  I did say something to my director about her, now I will have to apologize when I go into work tonight.  But I still say she doesn't act like someone who has been a nurse for 13 years.  We'll just have to see how she does.

I went to see a new GYN today referred to me by my urologist.  There was an overwhelming confirmation from her that I need a hysterectomy.  Yea!  Someone who finally listened to me!  She said that even though I could not have a vaginal hysterectomy, I'm the "perfect candidate" for this new robotic laproscopic hysterectomy (called the da Vinci) that will be minimally less invasive and have a shorter recovery time.  The only thing she has to do is consult with my urologist and set up the surgery sometime in June or July.  I can hardly wait.  I think my time for living in constant pain is slowly coming to an end.  Whoopee!

 

My Mom got flew in today around 3:30pm to spend the week.  Poor thing looked wind blown.  I said "was it a rough flight?" and she just laughed and said "a little".  We got home and hung out.  I cooked dinner of Sausage and Shrimp Jumbalya, Green Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Cornbread and Spaghetti for the boy.  Oh and fresh strawberries.  The sad thing about my Mom being out here means that this Sunday Hannah goes back to Oklahoma for 7 weeks.  Boo!

 

David has worked hard the last few days and built a wall bed and completed it tonight just in time for my Mom to sleep in it.  I told her jokingly that it was finished just in time so it could fall on her and crush her.  Mom just laughed and said that it wouldn't do me any good to kill her off because I wasn't in the will and the life insurance was so small and split 5 ways wouldn't be very much.  I said "Oh never mind, I'll just tell David to make sure it's securely attached to the wall then."  LOL.  But this is so cool because Lindsi has been sleeping on a blowup mattress, so now there is a real bed in there.  And when no one is using it, the bed can be folded up against the wall.  David is also going to build some bookcases to go along with it.

 

Well, I hope you guys had a great week.  I have to work tonight and Wednesday, but am off until Sunday night, after Mom and Hannah leave.

 

Ciao!  De ;)

 

Tags: da Vinci Hysterectomy

Tuesday

Hello sorry I've been a little absent of late.  I swear, I worked so much last week I just crashed.  I've got to work tonight but as least I have tomorrow off, which is good because I hardly slept today.  I feel all yucky.

 

I think part of my trouble sleeping was because I got a wild hare up my butt and cleaned last night.  The kitchen and living room were horrendous and I attacked the kitchen, floors, laundry, and got a start on the living room.  So I swept, mopped, cleaned counters, re-arranged Daphne's cage and supplies, scrubbed the kitchen, etc.  By the time I was done my back and hand hurt and I had trouble sleeping.  And then people wonder why I hate cleaning, lol.  Oh and then when I was walking to get Caleb from Art this afternoon, I twisted my ankle and knee.  Help, I'm falling apart!!  And I have to work tonight.  Ought to be fun!

 

Hey tell me what you think about this...Remember me mentioning the new nurse, C, that I'm training?  Well there were several things in addition to the computer and PIXUS issues I mentioned in my last entry that didn't add up.  I mean C said that she moved to AZ from Chicago in August, but just got her first job this month.  Why so long I ask?  "Oh I had to get the kids get settled in school."  Oh well that ought to take about 1-2 weeks max.  There was just this gut feeling I had that her story wasn't adding up, so last night I checked out C's AZ license.  Seems as though she was FBI fingerprinted (a requirement) in Oct 2006, but didn't obtain her license until January.  So I go to Illinois to see if maybe her license was suspended or on probation or something so she couldn't work here at first.  Guess what?  NO ILLINOIS NURSING LICENSE AT ALL, NOT LPN OR RN!  Now one little thing C said was that while she was getting her BSN she had her kids type her papers.  These dates make more sense if you think that in Oct everyone got their licensure packets together and to the board so they could take their tests.  Then once she graduated, C obtained her license in January.  Well, so that means to me that she is a brand new grad.  I do think C is a nurse, I just strongly believe she just graduated.  If that is the case, she shouldn't be getting paid for 20 years worth of nursing experience (like she told me), nor should she be in a critical care area right off.  I'm going to give this piece of information to my charge nurse and director and see what they think.  What do you think?

 

Well, enough intrigue and drama, I'm off to the races!

 

 

Ciao!  De ;)

 

Tags: Not Sleeping, Nursing License, House cleaning

Early Monday Morning

Well it's been nearly a week since I've posted.  I've spent this evening catching up on my alerts (in case you can't tell by your comments, lol).  Had a few days worth, but catch up I did.

WEDNESDAY:  Well I did my #3 shift and it was pretty good.  We have a new night nurse, C, and she was paired  up with me for orientation.  C says her background is PACU (recovery) and ER, but mostly PACU.  I could tell.  I could also tell that she has hardly ever touched a computer, which is not a good thing since we are all computerized charting.  It was also surprising to me that she had difficulty with the PIXUS (computerized machine that holds all our medications) since 95% of the country's hospitals have these.  And I know that C had to have had a PIXUS as she came from a very, very large city and hospital.  So, just a little surprised that's all.  C is very, very nice and works hard, which is a plus and the night goes well.

THURSDAY:  I think Thursday went by in a blur because I don't remember much.  I did get up and get Caleb from school, but I don't think there was much else exciting happening.  We ordered out from On The Border, which is always good and was so tonight.  But oh the food was especially salty.

FRIDAY:  I had to pick up the boy early from school as his allergies were in full swing.  He did make it most of the day though, probably long enough for his morning allergy med to wear off.  Then I did shift #4 and am paired with C again and we are in triage.  Now remember her lack of computer experience and double that with a lack of typing skills.  Triage needs to be focus assessments, quick and to the point, complete in 5 minutes or less.  C was averaging 15minutes or more per triage.  I did jump in and finish some up to speed things along, or do some myself if we started to get backed up.  But I spent most of the night encouraging, proding, and helping out in the back.  Thanks goodness everyone must have been afraid to tempt the juju of Friday 13th and we weren't that busy, or I would have had to jump in and do a lot more.  But I think by the end of the night C had a hang of the triage procedures.  And I did talk to her about the lack of her computer and typing skills and encouraged her to buy a typing book.  I told C if she didn't increase her skills she would be so way behind once she was off orientation.  C agreed with me and wasn't offended in the least, which was good, because she really is a nice person.

SATURDAY: Another blur.  I was so tired when I got home Saturday morning as I'm not used to working so much in one week.  I was just about to head to bed when little Mr Caleb got up "Hi Mom!"  Okay, so I stay up for a little while so David (who didn't work that night) or Hannah could sleep in a little, but by 0930 I was falling asleep at the computer.  "Caleb I'm going to bed now."  "But Mom!  I'll be lonely!"  Oh jeez, jerk my quilt chain why don't ya?  "Caleb, I'm tired and I can't stay awake any longer.  I'll wake up your Dad."  "Oh, okay."  Nighty night.  Didn't do much once I got up either, pretty much worthless, lol.

SUNDAY:  I got up early this morning and went to a bridal shower for a cutie at work.  I was a tiny bit late, which didn't bother me because I hate being the first to arrive.  Now I love this cute young girl, but this bridal shower lasted 4 hours!  Can you say "open your presents already?"  We ate (good food), played games, designed toilet paper dresses, and then after 3 hours it was finally time to open presents, which took another hour.  Oh my!  I finally couldn't resist and said "Hey S, are you this slow during codes?"  Oh my, she just blushed big time, but didn't hurry anymore.  Everyone laughed because I know they had been thinking "hurry up all ready" but wasn't saying it.  Oh well, I never (and I mean never) get to go out and have me time with friends, so I did enjoy my time out.  I just needed to get home and cook dinner, which I did.  I cooked Herb Dijon Crusted Chicken, Steamed Green Beans and Broccoli, Salad, Corn (for the boy) and Wild Rice.  Yummy!

Well, I should be caught up for now.  Here is a video to get your week off to a bang... 

PS:  I've been visiting Donna's journal and discovered all her wonderful tags.  You'll find her link on my side bar.  Go visit and see all her great graphics.

Tags: Work, Bridal Showers,Dream Dinners, Cutest Baby Fart

Wednesday

Not too bad last night at work at all.  Started out with a bang.  I had 2 ICU patients right off the bat, along with another room.  Finally got those two where they belonged by 11:30pm.  I got a total care patient about 1:00am, but family showed up and was very helpful, which is a nice change.  I mean they stayed in the room and helped me clean her up and place a catheter.  That is so out of the ordinary these days and was really refreshing.  I got her to a room around 4:45am.  But those 3 were my only big work ups and the rest were clinic type stuff.  We were down to 1 patient at 5:15am and the charge nurse said "who wants to go home?"  So I said "me if no one else does", so me it was.

 

I got home around 6:15am cause I had to stay and chat a little bit after I clocked out.  I found out that Caleb had a sinus infection and David had started him on antibiotics last night.  I woke him up to see if he felt like going to school, but poor little man had a 101 fever.  So no choice about that.  And "oh my headache" he said.  Poor thing.  Tylenol and Dimetapp dispensed appropriately.

 

So I get up about 3:30 this afternoon and Caleb is literally bouncing off the walls, no fever.  He says, "Mom, can I stay home tomorrow if I have a headache too?"  "No dear, only if you have a fever".  "Awwww Mom!"  Geez, last night Caleb was saying he had to feel better so he could do PE today.  But no PE tomorrow so I guess he isn't really too keen on going.  Nice to see what motivates him, playing, lol.  Well, at least heis feeling better, no fever as of right now.

 

I've got to get ready for shift #3 so I had better get of the computer.  So how is everyone else doing?

 

Ciao!  De ;)

Tags: Wednesday, Sinus Infection

Tuesday

Just got a couple of minutes before I jump in the shower for a couple days worth of work.  I'm counting down, lol.  One day down (Sunday) and 3 more to go this week.  I hope it will be worth it when the check arrives, though.  Darn cursed taxes.

 

Hope everyone is doing okay.  Looks a little quite so far here today.  I got very favorable responses from my Easter Holy week entries.  I'm going to look for more uplifting series to post for the future.

 

Hey, if you've got a minute, pop on over to Julie's as she just received some difficult news regarding her MIL.  Hard months ahead for her and her family.

 

Have nice night, and I guess I will catch you on the flip side.

 

 Ciao! De ;)

Tags: Tuesday

The Week That Changed the World - The Resurrection (Part VIII)

Last night at work wasn't too bad at all.  We had plenty of nurses, a tech, a secretary, no totally drunk or crazy patients.  Not overloaded with ambulances.  Just a nice steady night.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tonight, hoping it carriers over.  I told day shift as I left this morning, "leave it how you found it."

Today marks the last in my series of "The Week That Changed The World".  Holy Week ends with Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Easter has always been a favorite of mine.  I love Spring and Easter because each offer the promise of new life after "death."  With Spring, you have new life in the plants as they are "reborn," errupting from the Earth into a blooming palate of color.  With Christ, we see Him resurrected after His death on the Cross, proving to believers and non-believers alike, that He alone can conqour death.  And that if He lives, then we know that death has been defeated and that if we believe in Him, that we too will live forever.

Another reason that Easter is a favorite of mine, especially this year, is that it usually falls around my grandmother's birthday.  Today is what would have been my Nanny's 92nd birthday.  Doshie Orene McCartney Dozier, I love you and miss you very much!!

 

Sunday, April 8The Relevance of the Resurrection

The death of Jesus of Nazareth is an attested fact of history. Tacitus, the greatest of ancient Roman historians, recorded the event specifically: “Christus . . . suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition broke out” (Annals 15.44).

Most Christians know that “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18; see Romans 5:8-9). But many are less certain about the relevance of the resurrection. The Bible gives us three reasons why Easter matters today.

One: the resurrection kept the promise of God. Jesus told His disciples that “He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21). The resurrection of the Son of God fulfilled the word of God.

Two: the resurrection proved the divinity of Jesus. When Thomas met the risen Christ he proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Christians worship Jesus because He is our risen Lord.

Three: the resurrection guarantees our victory over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).

The Bible promises, “By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also (1 Corinthians 6:14).  Now, “in Christ all will be madealive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).  Jesus’ resurrection defeated death—His and ours.

Today is Resurrection Sunday. Spend today in gratitude, knowing that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). Use today to prepare for the greatest celebration in human history: the victory of God over the grave, life over death.

Because He lives, you will live forever!

 

Ciao!  De ;)

Tags: Holy Week, Easter

The Week That Changed The World - Holy Saturday (Part VII)

Well, I've got to work this Easter weekend.  We did attend the Mormon Easter Pageant on Thursday, and then our church's Holy Friday service last night.  I do have to say that I was very disappointed in our church's service.  Our services are always contemporary, which ordinarily I like, but last night was rock out night or something.  The music was very loud and I thought, inappropriate, especially when they played a Nickleback song.  And the message barely touched on the Easter story at all, almost like a hindsight throw it in there thing.  But, I'm still glad we went.  And I'm even more glad we went to the Easter Pageant than ever before.

I do hope you have a very Blessed Easter!

Saturday, April 7Holy Saturday

This is the seventh day of the week, the day Jesus rested in the tomb. In the first three Gospel accounts this was the Jewish Sabbath, which provided appropriate symbolism of the seventh day rest. While some church traditions continue daily services on Saturday, there is no communion served on this day.

Some traditions suspend services and Scripture readings during the day on Saturday, to be resumed at the Easter Vigil after sundown Saturday. It is traditionally a day of quiet meditation as Christians contemplate the darkness of a world without a future and without hope apart from God and his grace.

It is also a time to remember family and the faithful who have died as we await the resurrection, or to honor the martyrs who have given their lives for the cause of Christ in the world.  While Good Friday is a traditional day of fasting, some also fast on Saturday as the climax of the season of Lent.  An ancient tradition dating to the first centuries of the church calls for no food of any kind to be eaten on Holy Saturday, or for 40 hours before sunrise on Sunday.

However it is observed, Holy Saturday has traditionally been a time of reflection and waiting, the time of weeping that lasts for the night while awaiting the joy that comes in the morning:  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

 Ciao!  De ;)

 

 

Tags: Holy Week, Easter

The Week That Changed the World - Holy Friday (Part VI)

We enjoyed a nice evening last night at the Mormon Easter Pageant.  It was outside on a nice plush green lawn, and I think our bodies had forgotten what grass was like because we all ended up sneezing.  The only complaint I had about the whole pageant was that it was spoken in King James English, which made it difficult for Caleb to understand, as I'm sure for most young children.  Otherwise a very beautiful production.  Tonight we plan on hitting our church for Holy Friday services.  I hope you are enjoying these entries.  May you have a blessed day!

Friday, April 6Good Friday

Matthew 27:45-53

“Golgotha” means “the place of the skull.” It was so named because so many crucifixions occurred there, and also because the hill looks like a skull. It was here that Jesus was nailed to a cross and left to die. Skeletal remains from other ancient crucifixion victims tell us that nails were driven through Jesus’ wrists and heels. He then died from blood loss, exhaustion, exposure, shock, and suffocation.

Upon his death, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:52). This curtain was 60 feet tall, several inches thick, made of purple linen.  It separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the world, parting only to allow the High Priest to enter on the annual Day of Atonement.  Now Jesus functions as our Great High Priest, severing forever the curtain which separated us from our Holy God. Not from bottom to top, but from top to bottom-from heaven to earth. Christianity is not a religion made by man, but a relationship initiated by God at the cost of His Son.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel traditions.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. . . (Luke 23:34)
This day you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)
Woman, behold your son . . .(John 19:26-27)
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me . . . (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
I thirst.  (John 19:28)
It is finished! (John 19:30)
Father into your hands I commend my spirit . . . (Luke 23:46)

At Home...

On this day of sacrifice and death, read again Matthew’s account of Jesus’ execution.  Then answer these questions:

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Lord, receiving the gift of eternal life He died to give? If not, will you today?

If you have made Jesus your Lord and King, have you responded to His sacrifice with your own?

When last did it cost you something significant to follow Him?

Do you know someone who does not know your Lord?

Will you pray for that person by name?

Will you ask God to help you share His love in yours?

Pray, asking God to show you how to live for the One who died for you.

 Ciao! De ;)

Tags: Holy Week, Easter

The Week That Changed the World - Part V

Okay, last night at work was a challenge to say the least.  Three codes.  Two didn't make it.  One was air flighted out in the very slim hope that he might live.  After that, I declared whatever bad "juju" was present in the ER be banished.  Seemed to work, no more codes while I was on.  My prayers go with each family member and friend.  May God go with you.

Well, I'm off to get ready.  We are going to watch the Easter Pageant with a friend of ours who is Mormon at the Temple tonight.  Have a great Thursday and be Blessed!

Thursday, April 5An Evening of Shadows

Matthew 26:36-46

“Maundy Thursday” comes from the Latin word for “mandated.” This night of Holy Week, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and called them to love each other in humble service (John 13:31-35). So that we would remember His love for us, He then initiated the Lord’s Supper. After Judas slipped away to bring the authorities, Jesus encouraged his disciples (John 14-16) and prayed for their faith (John 17). Then He retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray for Himself.

Soon Jesus would be arrested and tried illegally under cover of night. He would be convicted of blasphemy by the Jewish authorities, then tried for insurrection by the Romans. He could have escaped from the soldiers with ease. But He chose to bear the punishment we deserved, so that “by His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

At Home...

On this somber evening, read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ torment in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46). Then:

Consider reasons why His upcoming separation from God would have caused such stress and heartache.

Ask His Spirit to reveal your unconfessed sins. Seek God’s forgiveness and trust His grace (1 John 1:9).

Worship “the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12) for you.

Gather your family together or gather with some close friends and read John 13:1-16 out loud.

Share together tangible ways that you serve one another

Share together the way that Jesus Christ has made Himself a servant for you.

Take turns, using a basin of water and a cloth, washing each other’s feet. As you do, speak thesewords: I love you and want to serve you as Christ made Himself a servant.  I wash your feet to show this.

Pray for the one you are washing.

After you have finished, read Philippians 7:1-11.

Pray, asking God to show you how to express your gratitude to Jesus.

Ciao!  De ;)

 

Tags: Holy Week

The Week That Changed The World - Part IV

Okay, I've got to hurry and get this posted today before I head off to work.  Last night wasn't too bad.  I did try and take the teachings posted here this week and apply them and have more patience with people who came in, but before the end of the night I gave up and ended up handing out a few "stupid signs".  Oh well, I'm only human, right?  And just to lighten the mood, here is the Numa Numa Song...

**********************************************************

Matthew 21:17

Wednesday is the silent day in Holy Week. The Bible doesn’t record a single event of this day. Jesus was staying with His disciples at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany (a suburb of Jerusalem). How did He spend the day?  Probably teaching His followers about tomorrow’s trials, seeking to prepare them for the shock and pain they will soon face. Comforting His close friends on the eve of His arrest. And preparing Himself to go to the cross for us. As Jesus often prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35) and late at night (Luke 6:12), so He spent this day in communion with His Father.

Jesus could still escape Jerusalem and flee to the safety of His Galilean homeland. But He chose to stay and die, and spent this day getting ready.

At Home...

When last did you spend time listening to God? Take a few minutes to be alone with your Father. Visualize Jesus at Bethany surrounded by His disciples and friends, yourself among them. Picture Him in the center of the room, and sit at His feet. As you rest in His presence:

Thank Him for what He will do for you this week.

Praise Him for his love and grace.

Commit to Him your grateful obedience.

Decide to meet Him each morning in His worship and word.

Pray, asking God to help you reflect Jesus so clearly that others can see Him in you.

Ciao!  De ;)

 

Tags: Holy Week, Numa Numa Song

The Week That Changed the World - Part III

I'm just sitting here trying to wake up right now and praising whoever discovered caffeine.  I've got to get Caleb from Art here in a little bit and then work tonight.  I'm going to continue on with the theme I started yesterday in celebration of Holy Week.  I will try and take today's teachings with me to work, and I hope you will be inspired...

Tuesday, April 3Citizens of Two Kingdoms

Matthew 22:13-22, 34-40

Tuesday was one of the longest, hardest days in Jesus’ earthly life. His rejection of the moneychangers on Monday inflamed the authorities. As He returned to the Holy City, His enemies were waiting for Him, their trap baited.  The question seems simple: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17).  But their challenge forced Jesus to take a stand on the most dangerous controversy of their time. Rome required every subject to pay the “poll tax” to the Empire, using a coin which praised Caesar as divine. If Jesus supported such idolatry, the adoring crowds would turn into an ugly mob and reject Him as their Messiah. If He rejected the tax, the Roman soldiers standing guard would arrest Him in an instant. Either way, His enemies would be rid of the Galilean and His threat to their authority.

Jesus’ answer stunned His opponents: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (v. 21). We are to be loyal to our country, but first we are to be loyal to our Lord.  He deserves our obedience, worship,and gratitude.

At Home...

What do you owe God today? Your next breath is His gift. He has forgiven every sin you’ve confessed to Him. If Jesus is your Lord, He has given you eternal life by His grace.  Every “good and perfect gift” comes from Him (James 1:17).  Now your Father wants you to love Him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). Take some time to examine your spiritual health:

Do you love God with all your “heart” (your will and decisions)?

Do you love Him with all your “soul” (your life)?

Do you love Him with all your “mind” (your thoughts)?

Do you love your neighbor as much as you love yourself?

Pray, asking God to help you give Him all that He deserves today.

  Ciao!  De ;)

 

Tags: Holy Week

The Week That Changed the World - Parts I & II

I'm going to do something a little different this week.  It's Holy Week.  I got this from my sister, Dottie, and it reminded me of when I lived in Fort Worth.  Each year during Holy Week, the church across from the office building where I worked downtown, would offer lunchtime devotionals.  Each day offered a different message presented by a leader of a different demonitation.  This church truly demonstrated what Jesus preached all those years ago, "love thy neighbor" and that we are all one when gathered in His Name.  I hope you enjoy the messages.

 

The Week that Changed the World

I magine yourself in first-century Israel. The Roman Empire is in charge; your daily activities monitored and controlled by their military police. The Jewish sacrificial system dominates your religious life with its cycle of rituals and traditions. You have no reason to believe that things will ever improve.  Then a Galilean carpenter and itinerant rabbi rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and your world will never be the same.  This week, the Son of God will die for the sins of the entire human race, yours included.  He will be raised from the grave to prove that you can live forever. Easter will spark the mightiest movement in human history. The spiritual army birthed by Jesus’ resurrection will eventually topple the Roman Empire and bring hope to billions of people across 20 centuries. This is the week that changed the world.  How will it change yours?

Sunday, April 1Palm Sunday

Conquering kings in the ancient world returned home on majestic white steeds, surrounded by their loyal armies and followed by their captives. Grateful subjects welcomed their heroes by laying palm branches on the ground before them.  When the King of Kings and Lord of Lords rode into his Holy City in triumph, His victory parade could not have been more different. His armies were peasant disciples; His steed was a lowly donkey. Scripture had predicted the scene centuries earlier: 

See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

Rather than waging war, He would come to “take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem,” for He would “proclaim peace to the nations.” Now “His rule will extend from sea to sea . . . to the ends of the earth” (v. 10).

On this Palm Sunday, Jesus rides on the faith of His followers all across the world. We gather to lay the palm branches of our praise before our King. We seek the peace He alone can give, submitting to our King and to His rule over our lives and our world.  Tragically, not all join us. When Jesus came to Jerusalem and saw the city, “he wept over it” (Luke 19:41). He grieved for the multitudes who would reject His transforming grace. As He comes, does He weep for those in our community who do not yet know him? Do we?

Sunday begins the week that changed the world. Join the celebration. And share the joy.

Monday, April 2Cleansing his Temple and Yours

Matthew 21:12-17

When you were a child, how did you picture Jesus? Kind and gracious, “meek and mild”?  Not on Monday of Holy Week. After announcing Himself to the crowds as the Messiah on Palm Sunday, He returned to the suburb of Bethany in the night. On Monday morning, He and His disciples walked back into the Holy City.

Along the way Jesus cursed a fig tree which did not bear fruit. Since the vine was a symbol for the nation of Israel, His action showed that the religious legalism that their society was bankrupt and that God wants our lives to make a difference for His Kingdom. In the Temple, He found moneychangers charging exorbitant rates to convert money into the currency required to buy animals for sacrifice. They then demanded unfair prices for the only animals the priests would accept.  In anger, Jesus drove these corrupt merchants from God’s “house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). His action infuriated and embarrassed the religious authorities who profited by their extortion. Then He rejected the racial prejudice of His culture by welcoming Gentiles who wanted to meet him.

At Home today, you are the Temple of God’s Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Take time to look over Matthew 21:12-17 and discuss ways you might honor God with your life:

Is your house pure? (v. 12)

Is your house dedicated to prayer? (v. 13)

Is your house filled with power? (v. 14)

Is your house committed to praise? (vs. 15-16)

Pray, asking God to help you be holy and useful for his glory. And pray that we will honor Christ with our witness and worship.

Ciao!  De ;)

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Go visit Julie and get her recipe for Easter Story Cookies.

 

Tags: Holy Week