Happy Birthday Ollie!

I really enjoyed watching the Academy of Country Music Tribute to the women superstars of country!

Some very interesting duet combinations.

Excellent!

I haven't mentioned it, but as all of you know this Sunday is Easter, which means this week has been Holy Week.

Growing up in the CoC, it seems that the preachers and teachers made it a point not to emphasize Christmas or Easter. More often than not it was said that the CoC celebrated the birth, death, and resurrection on a weekly basis.

For many, Christmas and Easter are the two reasons for them to enter the doors of a church twice annually.

I am not going to sit in judgment, or take sides.

As many of you are aware, I spent fifteen years working in a community that was 99.9%devout Catholic. I have always been impressed with their tradition and ceremony.

Of course Easter culminates lent. The Sunday prior to Easter is Palm Sunday. The Thursday prior is Maundy Thursday, commemorating the last supper and the command to love one another.

Good Friday commemorates Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial. I caught a brief daily devotional yesterday that was was very poignant. Probably the best recap of Easter and the events leading up to it in less than two minutes that I had ever heard.

The speaker said that Good Friday was the day that GOD's plan to gift us with forgiveness was complete. With Christ's death we were taught sacrifice by example and gifted forgiveness according to GOD's plan.

Holy Saturday is today and of course tomorrow is Easter which commemorates the resurrection of Christ.

Often we cloud the true meaning by glossing over with chocolate rabbits, candied eggs, and spring fashion competition.

May your week and your days be centered in Christ!

FATHER, thank YOU for the hope and promise we have in JESUS. For the gift of forgiveness, for YOUR sacrifice and HIS. I lay my burdens down and come to YOUR table knowing that I am unworthy, but also knowing my way has been made possible by CHRIST crucified. FATHER, I continue to lift Carole and her husband for YOUR miracles of healing. I lift all of those who are traveling to be with family for Easter, that they would be kept safe. I lift Ollie for YOUR Birthday Blessings.