Good Friday

Tonight I will be going to church, in honor of Good Friday. It seems interesting that we call a day that our Lord & Savior was tortured and killed “good.”  Yet, once you know him, truly know him, you will rejoice in the unconditional, grace-filled, merciful love offered by a most Holy God, in order that we may be worthy enough to stand before him when our time on earth ends.  Now that is truly Good!

The days that lead up to the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, magnifies how blessed I am; that he called me to be his child, to walk in his Word, to share in the hope that only lies in peace through the blood of his cross, in which I have been reconciled to him.

So as I prepare for our Good Friday Service, I remember what this Friday truly means.  It’s the opening in time which eternity entered the depth of man’s soul; for a life darkened by failure, it means forgiveness; for a heart scarred with futility, it gives purpose; for a soul approaching the darkness of death, it means deliverance.

Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:30

Oh, let me respond to all he has called me to be, let me hear his voice when he beckons me, let me never forget this day, Good Friday.

So Blessed

It’s been a week since I returned from a 6-day cruise with my daughter.  Did I actually go away?  Was I swimming in the pristine waters of Mexico?  Was I served gourmet delights each evening for dinner?  Oh, how one week back at work can make all seem like such a distant memory!

Each summer my daughter and I usually take a vacation together, whether a week or a long weekend.  We enjoy getting away from our jobs & daily routine, going to a beach and/or pool, deciding each morning where we will be having dinner (food is always a main activity each day) and tons of chatting and laughing. 

Due to my car accident this past summer – just a couple of days before we were to head out to Montauk – we had to cancel our vacation.  We did so, hoping to reschedule something in the middle to late fall.  My daughter suggested we wait a bit and see if we could plan a cruise – giving ourselves a real treat.

We had an amazing time on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas – cruising on sunny days with average temperatures of 90 degrees – sunning – reading – shopping - snorkeling – going to shows – dancing - and of course consuming more food than any human should attempt.  We visited Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  Each had its own special flair of culture and beauty.

I had an absolutely amazing time!  As I think back on all the memories of this special vacation – I am constantly recalling the precious moments with my daughter.  I am so blessed to not only have her as my daughter, but as she has grown into such a beautiful young woman, I have also been given a dear friend for life. 

She brings me such joy and we are able to share so many moments together; our thoughts, dreams, tears and laughter.  Trusting and challenging one another comes so easily for us and sharing our faith brings such a depth to our relationship.  I have watched her grow into an amazing woman of God.  Her desire to serve the Lord, both in our church and all aspects of her life, brings such warmth to my heart. 

Whether visiting each other’s homes, sitting around sharing about our lives, going out for dinner or shopping, or vacationing together – the gift I have been given is priceless.  In this, I am so blessed!