Holy Week!

NOTE: This is an exact copy of a post that I wrote for the HighPoint blog It is a topic that I am passionate about, so I am posting it here too!

Holy week begins with Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey colt. The people lined the way, waving palm branches and crying, Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

So begins the devotion and activity that our family will engage in this coming Sunday. We have purposely set aside time each day next week to talk about, read about, and even do some family activities that symbolize Jesus' last week before He died, was buried and rose again.Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

On Palm Sunday (March 28 this year) our family will read about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21, Mark 11, John 12). We will decorate our table with palm branches (made from green construction paper) and talk about Jesus' demonstration of humility and the greatness of Who He is. In years past, we've made a "praise tree" (Every family member writes a praise about God on a green paper "leaf". Add the leaves to a tree drawn on poster board or a stick you find in your yard). When our girls were younger, we would make a Holy Week poster (drawing pictures that represented the bible story we read each day of Holy Week). Last year we made soft pretzels on Monday (to remind us of arms that are folded in prayer) and had a simple Passover meal on Holy Thursday. On Saturday, we will make Resurrection Rolls - a tasty and easy treat that (again) points my kids to Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

During the week before Easter, our family plan is simple: 1) Read what the Bible says about the week before Jesus died. What did He do? Why was it important? and 2) Participate in fun family activities that reinforce the significance of the events that led to Jesus' death & resurrection. Christianity Today online has some great resources for simple Holy Week family activities. More simple ideas can be found in the article, Countdown to Easter: Forty ways to celebrate the greatest event in history

Moms & Dads, don't neglect your own personal reflections and Bible reading this week. I highly recommend the book Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter, compiled by Nancy Guthrie. This collection of readings, drawn from the writings and sermons of 25 classic and contemporary theologians and Bible teachers, focuses on the wonder of Christ's sacrifice.

Our family will be contemplating the cross this week, won't you join us? Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

P.S. If you've always wondered about the meaning of the word Hosanna read this short explanation by John Piper

12 Years

To celebrate our 12th anniversary, Eric and enjoyed an overnight stay at the Belhurst Castle in Geneva.

This was the lounge area on the 2nd floor of the castle, near our room.

We had the "lover's package" which included a wine tasting, certificate to the gift shop, a wonderfully delicious 4-course dinner at Edgar's restaurant and breakfast this morning.

It was fun to explore the property. It is hard to imagine that this castle was a private residence at one time!

We wouldn't recommend the Butler's Suite if you are visiting, but we've heard the other rooms are great. (Don't worry, the staff made it right at check-out!)

The one thing we didn't get was a picture of us together -- aagh! Maybe the girls will take one of us tomorrow -- the first day of our 13th year of marriage :)

Ella Grace is 8!

Today our precious "baby" turned 8 years old.

Ella Grace was born on March 11, 2002 at 11:35 am

She was 6 lbs, 4 oz and 18 inches long.

Today we celebrated Ella's 8th birthday!

Grandma came over to celebrate her special day. Ella requested waffles and fruit for dinner. Everyone except Ella enjoyed her birthday dessert (brownie sundaes) -- Ella was too full!

She was VERY excited to open her presents!

Here she is trying out her new DS. Even big sister Avery doesn't have a DS!

Thank you, Grandpa & Grandma T. for my new game!

We praise God today for the gift of our precious daughter. Her unique personality keeps us laughing and amazed. We rejoice today that we have the privilege to be her parents! She is "fearfully and wonderfully made" and we are thankful!