I had planned to do a little photoshoot of the kids before church on Sunday but...what with exploding glass and all, I didn't get the chance.
So-as the last potatoes boiled and the ham was keeping warm with the oven off I said
"OK. Supper is ready! But if you want to eat it, go outside so I can take a few pictures because we aren't eating until I get a family picture."
Well, with the promise of food, I didn't have any troubles convincing anyone to head outside, let me tell you.
Kinda like that. I'll have to remember that trick...
It is a great and glorious thing, to think on the great sacrifice of God, and the great obedience of Christ for our sakes. How incredible it is, that we are made whole, complete, and forgiven of sins through the blood of Jesus, spilled for us~but not only that, but that it was a sacrifice with a HAPPY ending. Jesus' death was NOT the end but the beginning of NEW life. He came, again, to reveal the TRUTH to those whom He loved. And so He shall again! Triumphant over sin, Triumphant over death.
The last few weeks, the children and I would read during our lunchtime devotions the great history of events leading up to Resurrection Sunday and then we would discuss those things.
It was on the day that I read about Jesus' death that I began to well up with tears a bit as I read. But Corynn said to me, "Don't cry Mama! Jesus lives! He rose again from the dead!"
And the great joy in her voice and her eyes made me realize that, to much time is dwelling on the PAIN He endured and NOT ENOUGH TIME is ever focused on His RISING above that pain, returning to His people, and then Ascending into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God.
What was the pain for? What was the sacrifice for? We do a great injustice to dwell only on Jesus' death and not on the Resurrection and triumph over death!
It was a great reminder, on the lips of a four year old. Oh, the faith of the least of these....
Your pictures are stunning! I love the one of the shadows.Such talent!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful family...and a beautiful Mommy!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures turned out great! What a wonderful Easter!
I love the Easter pictures!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the glass breaking...
God Bless!
Autumn
Yup. You sure are all good lookers! What a clever way to get everyone outside. I wonder if it would work on John...? (You've noticed the pathetic lack of family pictures, I'm sure.)
ReplyDeleteYou're right that some spend too little time contemplating the Resurrection, and others err on the side of too little time thinking on the Cross. I think it's easier for a lot of people (myself included) to head straight for the celebrate, celebrate, celebrate without sufficiently pondering death and darkness, but both leanings lead to a less full understanding of Christ's work, because they were equally important in our redemption. It's not as if we can ever comprehend the enormity of either act, but celebrating His triumph without first entering into His agony results in a pale and superficial celebration, just as focusing solely on His death without recognizing the shattering of Death's bonds leads to a gloomy redeemed. Death before life. Sorrow before joy. We need to think on the death and sorrow before we can truly be joyful, or else there's no reason for that joy.
I think I just restated everything you did, hm, only I used more words. (I'm good at that.)
...and with more eloquence.
ReplyDeleteI don't disagree with what you said. I agree whole-heartedly. My error came when I said 'we' generally, instead of 'me' personally. It was more of a reminder to ME/MYSELF to remember the joy that follows such tragedy. that's all.