Photography Fridays ~ another Easter story

Sometimes I think I save Photography Fridays for my most profound photos, like they are sacred posts or something. I guess that's why I don't post every Friday?

Well, these may not look like profound photos, but sometimes it's the moment that's profound.

I'm posting these in reverse order of which I took them to help tell the story.

I know selective color can be lame, but you'll get why I just *had* to do it, right? =)

Last Sunday, I had the absolute privilege of teaching 3rd graders and a large group of K-5 on Easter (and it was a privilege being struck with a 24-hour stomach bug the day before, I was afraid I wouldn't make it in! The Lord heals, thank goodness.)

In our small third-grade classroom of about 10 kids, we were chatting about Easter traditions. One child asked how jelly beans have anything to do with Jesus. Miss Lesley & I took this opportunity to explain the Salvation Story in terms of colors. We then went on each attributing something Easter with Jesus's story. Easter eggs, colors. Easter eggs, filled & empty. Jelly beans. The Easter Bunny himself. And more.

(Warning: Proud Mama moment:)
My own Matthew said dying Easter eggs reminds him of Jesus as well. Fully expecting him to go into poetic conversation about colors, he says: When you die the empty Easter eggs, you have to push them under the liquid, but when you let them go, they rise up like Jesus did.

Wow.

Repeat, please?

Rise up like Jesus did.

*sniff.

John 2:19 ESV
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Now I would have teared up at any student figuring this out, but surely it's a bit sweeter when it's your own.

Romans 8:11 ESV
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Scripture Sundays ~ Jeremiah 29 & Proverbs 3

Having visions of many paths lately - these oldies-but-goodies got me through last week, so pick one {or both!} and enjoy!

Jeremiah 29

New International Version (NIV)

Jeremiah 29

A Letter to the Exiles

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” 

Proverbs 3

English Standard Version (ESV)

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

3 My son, do not forget my teaching,
     but let your heart keep my commandments,
² for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.

³ Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
     bind them around your neck;
     write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
     fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled with plenty,
    and your vats will be bursting with wine.

¹¹ My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
    or be weary of his reproof,
¹² for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
    as a father the son in whom he delights.

Jeremiah on Scripture Sunday

I am not a reader. Unless it is summer and we're off camping somewhere, I am not a reader. I wish I was!

A few summers ago, Mom introduced me to Karen Kingsbury. That summer I read more than a half a dozen books by her. Something just drew me in. I started with the Above the Line Series: Take One by Karen Kingsbury and I was hooked. I highly endorse Karen Kingsbury and her works - two of my other favorites are Like Dandelion Dust and Unlocked.

I still have my original note paper that I wrote this verse on. (I have 5 pages of notes from all the books I read that summer.)

I had heard the Jeremiah verse before, of course, but something about reading it over and over in Forever Faithful Series: A Moment of Weakness made it really sink in.

Now I love that I "walk" with this "in my pocket":

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV