He's Alive

Dolly singing at the 1989 CMA Awards. Grab your kleenex. You're going to need them before the end of the song! (Thanks to my dear friend Cheryl for letting me hi-jack this from her facebook page!)

The Light of the World Is Jesus

This past week, Kali and I were attending a Christian students' speech and debate tournament on the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. One afternoon, while the debaters were in full force debating, I walked out about the campus to take some pictures. I also wanted to enjoy the quiet and the peacefulness of the campus.

What I found was this cross.

What stood out about the cross was the lamp post standing behind it.

"The light of the world!" That was the thought that came to mind. I walked over and turned the cross a bit, to line it up like you see in the above photograph and I thought about our path to the light.

The way we access the light is through the cross, through Jesus Christ.

In John 1:4-5, we are told In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood. The passage continues by talking about John the Baptist, a man sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through Him all men might believe. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

I look at the above picture and I see that the way to the light is simple. Step out in faith, believing, and receiving Christ as the Son of God, and He will make your path be one of light.

The light of the world is Jesus!

May you and your family have a blessed Easter as you consider all that God and Christ have done for us!

Jesus Is Alive

I am taking a post I already listed and making additions. These are photos of the 19th Annual Lake Area Easter Pageant, that we put on at our church. Some of the pictures are from a dress rehearsal and some are from the Easter Night performance. The program started with a prophecy by Isaiah.

The scrim room is literally above the choir. The last supper and this scene are done there. The thin, gauzy covering over the front of the room gives an almost dream-like quality. Here Gabriel is telling Mary that she will have a son, Jesus, and He will be the Messiah. The song was The Lord is With You.

Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Christ is Born.

The marketplace scene during Jesus' earthly ministry.

Jesus performs a miracle for the woman who reached out in faith and touched his garment.

Judas is selling out Jesus to Caiaphas for 30 pieces of silver.

Jesus' last supper with the disciples.

Jesus in the garden praying to the Father. A soloist singing Not My Will while Jesus is praying. My favorite words in the song? I'll love you to Calvary.

Jesus being condemned...

...and turned over to Pilate for a decision on His fate.

The crowd pleads with Pilate to crucify Jesus -

my least favorite part of my role as a choir member. Now condemned to death, the Roman soldiers are nailing Jesus to the cross He is to die on.
The soldiers raising Jesus on the cross.
The soldiers keep watch.
Jesus says: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

It is finished."

They remove Jesus' body from the cross

and place Him in the tomb...

...but He doesn't stay there. In three days Jesus stepped out of the tomb, very much alive and victorious.

A soloist, a trio, and the choir sing "May We Never Forget" the cross and the blood, the price that was paid so that we might live.
This is our wonderful Pastor extending an invitation for everyone to accept Jesus as their Savior and to make Him - Lord of their life.
The sounding of the Shofar. The call for the saved to go home, to the Father and to Jesus.
A soloist, all the children, and the choir singing All Praise Unto the Lamb. A song of praise and worship, depicting the eternal praise that we will be giving in heaven.

A processional of banners and the crowns of life, an offering to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Jesus, seated on the throne.

Crown bearers.

The grand finale. All praise unto the Lamb, that sits on the throne. Honor, and power, dominion, and praise, unto the Lamb who was, and is, and is to come. Hallelujah! Happy Easter to you and your family. May God bless you in this season!

Spring Has Sprung at the Manor

Yep, that would be my mom. Did I tell you she absolutely loves where she is living? Mama loves the staff, she loves her friends, and she loves all the activities. She really enjoys doing things for people and she enjoys bringing a smile to their faces. I am told she started her day off today by wearing these sunglasses my nephew gave her - throughout the building. Gotta love it!

Everywhere you look there are signs of spring and of Easter. Above, Mama is blowing bubbles from an Easter carrot at the front desk. All the countertop toys belong to other lady - lol!

The nice lady in the middle is the activities director. She's a hoot! Such a fun lady. She always decorates the Manor very brightly and makes it a fun place to be. Mama loves her.

Mom and I walked the halls and checked out various spring and holiday door decor. These were my favorites.

I just happened to catch mom doing her arobics class. I hadn't actually seen that before. It was pretty cool how they all stayed in time. They looked so graceful.

I walked around the grounds a bit and took a couple photos there also.

The Manor is beautiful this time of year - both inside and outside. Flowers are starting to bloom, the grass is green, the water in the ponds are up, and the geese are out in full force :O). Tomorrow I will post another set of photos to show you some of the lake area.