Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Absolutely Amazing Passion Play at Shepherd Church!!!

Last night my dear friend Sylvia invited me to go with her to the first performance of the 25th Annual Passion Play at Shepherd's Church. Here we are enjoying a coffee and cookie fellowship in the church lobby, which is only 5 minutes from home. Little did I know at the time the tremendous blessing awaiting us.

My mind is full of superlatives as I seek to describe how BLOWN AWAY I was by the entire production. The set, the acting, the drama, and most of all the moving musical score all combined together to honor the Lord by telling the greatest story ever told. I don't want to give too much away but feel compelled to share just a few of my favorite things. Trust me. There were many. On the outside I was still, spellbound, and trying to look composed. On the inside my jaw was hanging open and I was moved to tears.

I can not say enough about the musical score composed by Jasper Randall of "Frozen", "Avatar", and "Ironman" fame. I wish there was a way to get the soundtrack because I want to hear those incredible voices again and again. I don't know who the gentleman was that sang the part of Pontius Pilate but his voice is perfection. Peter, Joseph, and Nicodemus were spot on too. And then for the ladies. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! There was a group/solo rendition of "Mary Did You Know?" the likes of which I have never heard in my life! I think it's the best version of this song I have EVER heard and I've heard lots of them.

I don't know how they did it but the simulated earthquake was very realistic. I enjoyed this play so much that I want to get the word out to my friends. GO SEE IT!!! I'm thinking about going back. I liked it that much and I want my husband to see it. CLICK HERE for times and ticket info. God Bless you Passion Play cast and crew! May blind eyes be open to see and deaf ears to hear! THANK YOU!

For The Joy Set Before Him...

This lily, on our patio, in it's perfect glory, is like a gift from God and a reminder to me. This year, once again, it has risen from out of the ground and bloomed just in time for Easter. It embodies all the things I ponder and celebrate this weekend...

JESUS. He suffered, shed His blood, and died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. He was buried, like my lily when I cut it back each year... and then rose from the dead, glorious, just like this lily!!! 

"for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

This is what we celebrate! Because of what Jesus did our sin, our shame, is nailed to that cross so that like Him we may rise to new life and join Him in heaven...f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Hallelujah!

This was what Easter was like for me growing up. I'm in the back on the right with my GIANT Easter basket full of candy. There was also the new hat, coat, dress, gloves, shoes, and socks. Such good memories! I'm so thankful to the Lord that I can fully enjoy these traditions and celebrate them today!

Happy Easter and a Blessed Resurrection Day to my fellow believers in Jesus Christ.

 

Fully Appreciating Easter Week

This picture, taken in our church kitchen, about sums it up for me...a mix of sober and profound thanks when contemplating Jesus who suffered and died on the cross for me, sharing in the agony of those days leading up to His death, and at the same time feeling the fullness of His joy as we approach Resurrection Day...tears mixed with Easter treats.

 

What a joy it is to see Easter through the eyes of these young girls. Our after church sharing time was in the kitchen this time since I had kitchen duty. Each week they take notes during the sermon on what God has said to them. We discussed the day's topic which was Palm Sunday and disappointment. One day the people were shouting "Hosanna the King" and the next "Crucify Him". Serious talk and holding Easter chicks...the mix once again.

One of my favorite things since coming to know the Lord is the fellowship. I cherish this time on the patio and so do most at our church. We don't rush off, instead we take the time to honor God's people by sharing a treat and coffee and visiting. It's a very simple thing the Lord uses to build us up and encourage us and it works. It's His way, and one of the reasons the Bible says "Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another all the more as you see the Day (capital D) drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)

 

So enjoy the special treats, like these chicks lovingly made by Mary Schwimer, but also think about Jesus. Do you know that Jesus shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins and that whoever believes in HIM has eternal life?

I'm looking forward to Resurrection Day! What good is Jesus death without Him being raised as He will do for us who belong to Him? The offer is for you.