Scripture Sunday ~ Romans

Well, this one is easy. It's hit me exactly four separate times this week.

See, I have a really bad memory. I have to work very hard to commit anything to memory. Sometimes God intervenes and does it for me.

1. I search for scripture to send along with the initial emails to go out to prayer warriors for the Nicaragua missions trip that just began its way yesterday (Mom's on it). I Google "start" and narrow down the results to use Romans 8:28.

2. I'm doing my Bible study (Daniel) and one of the references - you guessed it - Romans 8:28.

3. I bring up last week's plans for Graceland (children's ministry in our church) and the verse I had written down for our tech guy who runs songs and videos for us was - yep - Romans 8:28.

4. Well, I know there was a 4th, I just can't remember it right now. See? Worst memory ever. But I'm working on that...

...and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

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.