We’ve spent the last three days preparing, praying, and praising the miracle of the resurrection of Christ. Today is the fourth day. Has anything changed in your spirit? Christ resurrected, spent 40 days walking on earth, teaching and then ascended. Now we are the church; the body of Christ. We live each “fourth day” with the Holy Spirit to give us power over temptation and discernment in the twists and turns of life.
KK
Nicole Mullen says it all click here to listen: Nicole C Mullen, My Redeemer lives 
Blessings to you as we celebrate Easter — Resurrection Sunday.
KK
On Saturday, everything was quiet. Jesus was dead. The disciples didn’t know what to do, so they hid. When we feel like God is silent all we can do is cling to the cross. Listen to this,
Kaoma’s amazing version of The Old Rugged Cross.
The sun is so hot. It’s been a long day. I’ve run around following Jesus as he was dragged by the soldiers. I’m tired, but he is half dead hanging on the cross now. Sitting here is the closest I’ve been to him. The crowds have been huge and being a young girl, I keep getting pushed to the back. I’d always find a way to at least hear him. But today there was no more listening. Today, there have been accusations and beatings. Oh, the beatings. I, of course, didn’t see any of it. But I did see my Jesus when he was forced to drag his cross through the streets. Why did they have to beat him so severely? When he passed the stench made me want to turn away. But somehow his compelling spirit kept my attention focused on his eyes. There was something about them – almost like he had something to say with them.
Now he hangs on the cross above me. The excitement is over so the people have started to leave. This gave me the opportunity to come close to this man who has taught us with parables and demonstrated grace and mercy in his healing touch. Here I sit at the foot of the cross. He took his last breath and offered up his spirit to God. He is still hanging there. I don’t know what to do. I’m just sitting here below and I know I should go home, but I can’t bring myself to go. He was so gentle in his spirit.
It was merely in his midst that tears were stopped, pain was relieved, and healing came. People who had been afflicted their entire lives. I remember something in his voice that brought comfort. His message made me feel like I have value. Me, a female, in a culture of male dominance. Just a few days ago the crowds pushed me to the rear. But now they are all gone. There are no more words from the teacher; no more stories to be explained. All the people have gone home. It’s so quiet. So here I sit at the foot of the cross. Finally, a little shade. My Jesus is hanging above me, the blood and sweat dried on his cuts.
I’m sitting in the shadow of Jesus. It’s so hot, and He provides shade. Like the comfort of his words. I need to go home. My mother told me to stay away from all of this. But I couldn’t. I have followed him whenever he was in our town. I am drawn to him. He talks of a new kingdom, of peace, of forgiveness – a new law for living? I am hungry to learn more, but now he is gone. He even said I could have a new beginning; he didn’t tell me, of course, but he told some others. My entire life has been planned – I’m to be a wife and a mother. If that is what God desires I will do it, but what I’ve heard from Jesus will stay in my heart no matter what.
Now he’s gone and here I sit. With all the people stirring today, I am more dusty and dirty than usual. It doesn’t normally bother me. Look at my dress, it’s a mess with dirt. As I lower my head into my hands I notice a drop of his blood has covered a spot of dirt. I can’t stop staring at it. His blood on me as I sit in the shadow of the cross. A part of Him now permanently on me.
My mother will know where I’ve been. Maybe she won’t tell my father. I heard some of the men who followed and helped Jesus say that he’s going to come again. Something about him raising from the dead on the third day. Oh, if that were true…
Blocking the sun with my hand I look up at him, hanging there lifeless, Will you raise from the dead in three days? The sun is setting. I have to get home. Looking up at my savior – please come back. I need to hear you words again.
Standing and dusting off my dress, the blood stain is smeared, but remains. I want to stay, but I have to go. I have to leave the foot of the cross. This is the closest I’ve come to Jesus. If I could stay here, I would. The soldiers are coming to take down the body. As I begin to leave, I hear the soldier in charge say something about him being the son of God. Did he believe? I feel like I’m leaving a part of me at the cross. What will the third day bring?
Easter much like Christmas is a wonderfully holy time for believers. And like Christmas, I struggle to find the reverent feeling that aligns my heart and soul with the massive significance of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Like Christmas, there are many preparations to be made for family and friends to come over. It’s too easy to be distracted.
Tomorrow is Thursday – the day of the last supper – can I merge my thoughts for our own family supper with that of the message of Christ on that last eve?
Friday is when he was crucified and died – Matthew 27. This lends itself to me having a quiet, reflective day. Or perhaps, I will fast something on Friday in order to remember the day’s events.
Saturday is tucked in the middle. Jesus was buried before the sun set on Friday and Saturday was the Sabbath by the Jewish people. There were guards posted at the tomb.
Sunday started early with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to the tomb to do the final burial preparations. From there the events began to unfold. There was the angel who told the women to not be afraid (we’ve heard that before), and the guards report to the chief priests (and they still didn’t recognized prophecy fulfilled).
Just as his birth marked a new time beginning, his resurrection marked another significant moment in time. We have one more moment we continue to wait for. It’s not a moment we will plan a holiday or family meal around. His return will be in power and glory and will stop time and complete His purpose.
So this is Holy week, how will you recognize and remember the profound change in human history Christ’s death and resurrection gave us?
Blessings,
KK
Recently, I launched my assault on the middle-age weight and shape challenge. My arsenal is a treadmill in the gym and my motivating music is a playlist that I developed just for the event. Actually, I have two lists.
One is made up of the hits of the 80’s – Abba, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and Paula Abdul – all the dance favorites from my high school and cruising days. The other list is full of praise music – Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Nicole Mullen; these favorites lift my spirit while getting me moving.
My first few campaigns on the treadmill I listened to my hits of the 80’s. I boogied my way a couple of miles down the road 
maintaining personal restraint not to belt out that I am the Dancing Queen! Later in the week I was at the gym very early one morning and decided to listen to praise music instead. At the end of my 4,000 steps I came off the treadmill not dancing physically, but my spirit was lighter. The music and its message gave my demeanor a new energy and perspective on the day.
It made me wonder about the different types of music and how I felt after my workout and listening. Exercising is known to lift the spirit while getting your blood pumping. By listening to praise music, am I lifting my spirit and my soul while tightening all my drooping parts?
Your thoughts on music…
KK
Four days ago our community had a foot of snow fall. Some areas south of us got upwards of two feet of snow. Yes, I know it’s 
the beginning of March. Winter was a little late in blooming this year. It tried to show up in November with our first five inches, but it shied away and tried to make a final stand a couple of weeks ago but decided a few days ago to go for broke before the first day of spring gets here.
The snow came and fell for hours. We woke to a foot of snow and the city practically shut down. For those who couldn’t go to work or school it was a prime opportunity to hit the list. We all have them. The list of projects or chores we save for “when we are snowed in”. These projects could range from sorting old photos into albums, cleaning out a closet or sitting in the big chair and reading all day long.
Unfortunately, we are so connected from inside our own homes to the outside world and have so many entertainment distractions at our finger tips, the snow really doesn’t keep us from doing much we would be ordinarily do. Short of a power outage, I could work and still do conference calls. My son could still watch a variety of cable or NetFlix shows. Our snow days didn’t look much different than a normal day off for the kids or a normal work day for me; ok, other than the initial excitement of a day of sledding and take-out pizza.
What will it take for me to hit the list and get it done? Sitting here thinking of two or three of my projects, I find one thing leading to another. Cleaning out a closet is going to mean sorting, organizing and more than likely a trip to Goodwill. But all of the closets need this, so do I sort and organize all of them and make a huge trip to Goodwill? How do I prioritize my list? Can I ever catch up with all of my projects? Or is this like eating the big salad? Since waiting for snow won’t get it done, guess I’m going to have to just dig in.
Here’s my challenge to you – yes, you can hold me accountable – today is March 8, 2015, Easter is April 5th, four weeks. How many of your snow day list items can we complete?
Are you game?
KK
There are many stereotypes about women and their shoes. To be honest, if I had a little more excess in my budget, buying shoes would be my guilty pleasure.
Admit it ladies, the right pair of shoes can finish an outfit and provide just the right amount of sass for an evening out. I’ve had these shoes for a couple of years. Over the last few months I’ve noticed my faithful black shoes are looking tired and ready to retire. I can’t do it without finding the perfect replacement guaranteed to set the tone for any
event. They have the perfect combination of platform and heal height. This will not be an easy task.
The hunt will be a challenge and a little overwhelming for this non-shopper. In the meantime, I can’t wear these any longer. Part of what is holding me back is the disposal process. Shoving them in a stinky trash bag seems so drastic. Maybe I will give them their own trash bag.
Their epitaph —
Here in this bag lays a pair of fun (and comfortable) shoes, thank you for serving my wardrobe so well. Farewell friends — rest easy in shoe heaven. Kick your heals up a little.
All the best,
KK
Recently I spent my post space and time begrudging our horribly oppressive gray winter days here in Kentucky. As of this past Monday, not so much gray as white has shown up. Snow!!! Close to a foot of snow fell blanketing our brown icky dead yards and wrapping the dead leaves on the trees in a beautiful shawl of white, cold, fluffy stuff.
I know that for those who have to get out in it, this weather event is a hassle. For those who work outside the home and need to find snow day childcare, this snow event adds to the ‘to do list.
For me, this brutally cold spurt has provided a welcome break in the weather. I invite you to look outside and notice the textured snow drifts or the crystal frozen sparkles in the sunshine. It’s beautiful!
What now hides beneath the snow are the buds, the hope for spring — 28 days and counting…
All the best,
KK
We haven’t had any significant snow since November. The winter grey that Kentucky usually experiences in January and February moved in early this year — December. It has out-stayed its welcome. The good news that in my fight to keep my mood from falling into a putty-colored state, I’ve exercised more. Just to keep moving, there have been a couple of home projects marked off the list.
The bad news is that my electric bill has increased in my attempt to turn on enough lights to keep the dreariness out of the house. About every three days the sun comes out. It makes me want to shove the dog out of the single beam to soak up enough to carry me through the next several days of dullness.
Our friends in the Northeast have been hammered with snow and ice. Many of them are probably wishing they could see the dead grass in their yards. Know that my heart goes out to them. I wish Mother Nature could have just split the difference this year so we could share in some of the snow fun. While I may be guilty of doing the “snow day” dance for the schools to close with my high school, for the most part I’ve graduated from snow days and look forward to enjoying a beautiful snow that can break up the winter.
As of this post there are 39 days until spring. Anything is possible with our Kentucky/Ohio valley weather. There still may be a good snow in our future. In the meantime, what are you doing to ward off the winter blah?
All the best,
KK
KK's Candor 