the cross

"He was wounded for our transgressions, 

He was bruised for our iniquities.  

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, 

and by His stripes we are healed." 

Isaiah 53:5 

An unexpected winter break was the perfect chance to travel south to visit one of the historic California Missions.  

A self guided tour took us through the cobblestone pathways and age worn arches to  soak in the artifacts and wonder about the Indians and Friars that once lived here. 

I wanted this fourth grade rite of passage to come to life for my son.

What I didn't expect was the curiosity this statue would stir in my children.

They've never seen a life-size replica of Jesus.  

The man they read and talk about, study, pray to, and whose spirit is within them.

They ran ahead and began to touch and feel.

I don't believe in worshipping graven images.

But what I saw was this intrigue.  The statue caused them to imagine.

Just as being at the mission allowed them to replay a time in history.  

They were putting themselves in Jesus' place.

Thinking of what it would be like to carry the weight of the cross along with him.

"And come, take up the cross, and follow me."  

Mark 10:21 

Pondering the magnitude of what He did for all of us.

"For he made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, 

that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

I see it here in his eyes.  He's not just looking at a statue. 

"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, 

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross."

Hebrews 12:2

There's something about really envisioning the moment you'll see Jesus face to face.

It's so overwhelming my words can't describe.  The awe.  The peace.  The comfort.  The joy.

He so holy, perfect, without sin.  In our flesh, we're so broken, imperfect, sinful.  This child close to turning ten that has stretched me and grown me and pulled me and torn at my heart in so many ways.  We're in a new territory of him trying to push away.  I say I can't let you continue to sin in your behavior towards me.  But is my behavior sinless, my pride, my anger I feel building inside.  I pray for guidance as we navigate these new waters.  I pray to keep the heart of my child in the midst of boundaries he does not like. 

I need this Lent to be a time of fasting and emptying of myself in order to fill my heart with greater compassion towards my child's struggles.  Sometimes I just see a battle of wills, but forget that he has his own trials, hidden behind the disobedience.  A dear friend whispered this advice to me, compassion.  Just have compassion.  It sounds so simple, but sometimes the layers of challenges before me, weigh me down and I forget.  

But the one who fathers both me and my child.  He is the one carrying the weight.  I need to go back to the cross.  In doing so, I feel utter gratitude at His patience, His forgiveness.  I pray to embody that more and more for my son.  Because I am to be a reflection of his heavenly father.  The One who is always forgiving.  

He sees our repentant hearts, washes away our sin and makes us whole because He chose to go to the cross.  

"by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.

This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to shame,

by triumphing over them in him."  

Colossians 2:14-15

As I approached she said, "I'm hugging Jesus Mommy."

Her innocent, sweet spirit looked lovingly.  

Reflecting on her Savior, the one she praises daily, thanking Him for the cross.

I join her in thankfulness for such a sacrifice and the gift of eternity by His side.  

"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.  

And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior."  

Philippians 3:20

303. sitting quietly

304. fresh air

305. staying calm when my flesh doesn't want to

306. being able to laugh at something that at one time would have hurt

307. sensing healing

308. knowing God is at work in the midst of a very big challenge

309. resting in Him while I have to wait for answers

310. a healthy chocolate pudding recipe made from avocado that the kids loved

311. stories at night

312. holding onto little hands

313. celebrating a friends birthday with pedicures

314. friends that pray in the midst of troubles

Weekend Road Trip

Sort of...
It was a little one.
But I sold it as such to my two little ladies.
Who're always game for a road trip.
Especially if it's looking for decorating things with mommy.


The entire way there we sang our hearts out to the
Veggie Tales version of "Hear The Bells Ringing."


The lyrics, this time of year, this reality... literally brings me to tears.


Does it you?


Really it should.


There is no greater love than this.


As we drove through the green rolling hills along the 101 to Agoura to find a cute
string of little antique shops, I couldn't help but smile inside to see my girls practicing
the song all the children will sing at church next week.


"Hear the bells ringing, they're singing that we can be born again.
Hear the bells ringing, Christ has risen from the dead.


The angel up on the tombstone said He is risen, just as He said.
Quickly now, go tell his disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead."


Can you imagine being around at that time and receiving that news.


It gives me chills.


Even more amazing is that the newness and excitement of Christ dying for us and
rising from the dead is still there every single day for every single one of us.


All we have to do is believe, surrender, admit we fall short and turn our
whole heart towards God.


This life is rough, I can't imagine going through it without God, without
His assurance that He goes before me and behind me and He is working
all things for good.  And that one day I too will get to be in paradise with Him.


Amen.


Ok...with that said... now back to our little road trip.


You know how blog land can take you on a virtual rabbit trail.
In my spare moments I find myself traveling down them as I'm doing research
for some of the home remodeling we're doing.
I love that I can gather ideas without leaving my home.


But then while reading around Velvet and Linen I discovered "A Beautiful Mess"  owned by Kymberley Fraser of "3 Fine Grains."
So often when I read about someplace cool I find that it's far away.
But not this time.

photo from velvet & linen

I love that she has these old vintage vellum books.  Just absolutely beautiful.

photo from velvet & linen

Unfortunately I think too pricey for our budget.  But they're amazing.
I had to take a picture of this bible from the 1700's.  It's the really thick book on the bottom.

And this lamp shade caught my daughter's eye.

Which then led me to notice this very cool cross.  Talk about making a statement in your home.

Each of my girls picked out a darling vintage looking burlap embellished egg.

I was in much need of a keychain and treated myself to this little cutie.  Reminding me
in the midst of life's craziness, that I am blessed.