Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Passover

Passover is a story that has been retold for thousands of years. It is a story of miraculous transitions - from slavery to freedom, from despair to hope, from darkness to light. Its greatness is the greatness of God. Its timelessness comes from the eternal truth of his involvement with his people. As God cared for the children of Israel in ancient times, he cares for all who are his today.

One of Messiah's last earthly acts was the celebration of the Passover. Gathering his friends in a small room in Jerusalem, he led them in a seder. He passed the foods among them. It was there, in celebration of the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, that Yeshua revealed to them the mystery of God's plan of redemption. He spoke to them of his body and blood. He explained to them that he would have to die.

It was no coincidence that Messiah chose the Passover for the setting of what is called by some, communion, or the Lord's Supper. For in the story of the Passover lamb, Yeshua could best communicate the course he would be taking over the confusing hours that were to follow. Here, as we participate together in the Passover seder, may we recall once again God's great redemption.

(Taken from the introduction of The Messianic Passover Haggadah)

I want my children to have an understanding of the history recorded in the Old Testament and the power of God who releases His children from bondage. I want my children to understand the depth of the New Testament, how it overlays with the Old Testament, and how rich it is in a symbolism that reveals the fulfillment of prophecy and God's plan of redemption - reveals to us a God who releases His children from bondage. Recognizing the Passover, even in our own imperfect manner, is part of how we attempt to convey that understanding. It is a precious part of our Holy Week.



Blessed are you, O God, for you have, in mercy,
supplied all our needs.
You have given us Messiah, forgiveness for sin,
life abundant and life everlasting.
Hallelujah!

Monday, April 11, 2011

A Spring Update

The cars have been weighed and approved for competition.


Bishop is excited and ready to go!


After being interviewed about the making of his car, Bishop got to compete in the sharpshooting event.


He came within 10 inches of the "x" which was the closest of any in his den or any of the dens that went before him! He is so proud of that accomplishment!


Then came the race...



Although Bishop did not take first place, he was truly excited to see his creation perform!
It was a wonderful evening!



Meanwhile, Maceo has been performing in a small production entitled,
"A Grimm Night for Hans Christian Andersen."


He is one of the Brothers Grimm and they confront Hans Christian Andersen on his "stealing" of their stories.


Then begins some very creative presentations of some well-known fairy tales.
Maceo was Rapunzel's prince in one of these retellings.


It was a fun show and allowed Maceo to do what he loves most -
act, be with his friends, and make new friends.




Meanwhile, Christian is busy growing up and getting older.
We celebrated his 22nd birthday!


He chose a breakfast burrito bar for his dinner.
It was a smashing success!


I had a bit more success making his cake then I did making Bishop's despite having a bit of a pan issue. I now realize that every cake pan that I have actually belongs to Keegan, I may need to rectify that. I sent Keegan's 9" pans to her so that she could make birthday cakes for Ian and herself, this left me without any standard cake pans. So I had to make do. Given the candles that I had selected the larger cake was probably a blessing and given the difficulties I had with Bishop's cake the smaller top layer was probably a blessing as well. At least this top layer didn't slide off. I will get my cake-making feet under me at some point, I think.


Happy Birthday, Christian!
I love you!