Thank you...

As my boys and I were outside this morning, dark clouds began to roll in and the skies became overcast. I love thunderstorms, but this morning just really had me quiet. Thank you God for the reminder. Thank you for not letting me forget today.

And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king." And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man."

Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him." But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. (From Luke 23)

Tonight, we are going to go the cross and spend some time in prayer and share with our two sons what today means. How might you find some time today to stop and just say "thank you." Although for such a free gift, thank you seems quite small, let God see your heart at sometime today. Honest before Him in absolute awe and gratitude for what He has done for all humanity.

Pray for someone that is not a believer and share the true hope of Easter this year with someone God's places in your path. Find some way to remember today, so that your heart will sincerely be ready to rejoice in the hope of Easter morning!

Come back tomorrow for a special Easter Cookie recipe to share with your kids Saturday night & Sunday morning!