Good Friday...hmmm?

Last night we had a Good Friday service at our church.  Levi told me earlier in the week that they were adding video to go behind the scripture reading.  I heard him and acknowledged him but didn't really think about it too awful much. Our Friday was busy.  I took the kids for their Easter pics at a studio about 40 minutes away.  Our appointment was at 11.  They called us back at 11:45 and we didn't leave with our pics until 1:45.  It was crazy.  We met Levi for lunch and then he took the kids home while I finished up Easter shopping.
The next thing I knew, it was time for the Good Friday service.  We had childcare for the kids but parents were encouraged to keep their kids in if they thought they could handle it.  Well, I thought Addy could handle being in a somber service, no problem.  I didn't realize that when Levi said video was going to be behind the scripture reading that it would be scenes from the Passion of the Christ.  And just to be fair, the scenes that were shown, were NOT the graphic beatings and crucifixion scenes.   We were fine until the scene where the soldiers and pharisees were spitting and hitting Jesus.  Addy started to cry.  She grabbed my hand and covered her eyes.  I kept my hand there until the service was over.  They showed a couple of other scenes that showed Jesus beat up with his face bloody and bruised.  They showed Him on the cross with the slashes across his body.  She didn't see any of that but cried anyway. As I sat there, I began to get really mad.  If I'm honest, I was upset with Levi because he knew what was coming and thought she was ready.  I did not agree.  After the service, he took her in his office and hugged her tight and talked to her about what she saw (and heard).  We've talked to our kids a lot this Easter season about the resurrection and why it is so special.
In hind sight, I think she was a few years too young to be in the service.   That's a lot for a child to handle. It's a lot for an adult to handle.  As I reflected on my anger, it hit me that those who loved Jesus witnessed his brutal murder.  They stood and watched, helpless to do anything about it.  I have never thought of Good Friday that way.  I have thought about Mary and her sorrow and utter pain that she must have felt watching her son die.  I haven't thought about the bystanders with children who witnessed his death.  It brought a new level of emotion for me on Good Friday.
When we got in the car, A asked if next year she could go back with the kids instead.  Levi and I both told her definitely she could.
A is a tender spirit and very compassionate.  I hope she never loses that.  I hope she always hurts when others hurt. I hope she always hugs and loves on people.  I hope she always lives her life keeping Christ first.  I'm so proud of that little one.

Bluebonnets

There is a tradition in Texas that every year when the bluebonnets bloom, you take your kids pictures.  So, that's what we did.  They turned out really cute!

Menu Monday

It's been a while since I've done a Menu Monday.  I've started using emeals and I love them. 

Monday:  Crock Pot Chicken, egg noodles, peas, & rolls

Tuesday: Sweet & Sour Meatballs, egg rolls, stir fry veggies

Wednesday: Cashew Chicken Salad & Pineapple

Thursday: Calzones & Salad

Friday:  Grilled Chicken, rice, green beans

Things I Learn On a Mountain Bike

So, I had saved up some money for the past year and after some pressure from my hubby, decided to buy a mountain bike.  He got a great deal on it and it sat in our garage for about 6 months maybe.  Well, for Valentine's Day, we did a double date Friday night ride with our friends, the Wallaces.  It was great.  A few weeks after that, Levi & Blain got me to go on a Sunday afternoon ride at RCP.  Well, last night, we went for a ride at Squabble Creek.

So, I am learning some things about myself through my mountain bike.

First, the White Rock Lake ride...very relaxing.  I was able to chat with my friend while I rode.  It was chilly but I was still sweating and getting exercise.  The road was wide and it was easy to stay the path.  I had my bike shorts with the padded hiney on and my gloves and it helped but it was a pretty smooth ride.

Second, RCP ride was definitely more challenging, my first "trail" ride.  I had Levi in front of me and Blain, behind me. Blain is an excellent teacher.  We thought it would be best if Blain gave me the instruction....that was wise.  Well, within the first 3 minutes on the trail, I ran into a tree and fell off of my bike...I know, right?!  Some of the trails were very narrow and it was hard for me to stay in the middle.

Third ride, Squabble Creek.  I freaked out the first 10-15 minutes and was ok. I even did a couple of the dips...while screaming of course.

So, here's what I learned:

• having someone to go before you and "call" out what's coming is very helpful
• having someone behind you is also helpful because they can encourage and correct
• falling doesn't hurt near as much as I thought it would
• I have BAD depth perception
• hitting a tree does hurt
• getting back on the bike after a fall or scary moment conquers fear
• not knowing what is coming freaks me out
• hearing my husband cheer me on makes my heart feel all warm & fuzzy
• when I'm scared, I sweat a lot
• I'm not so confident through the twists and turns
• riding on a huge road is a lot easier than keeping myself on a narrow trail
• having the right equipment (padded shorts, biking gloves, helmet) makes riding easier
• you're supposed to look at where you want to go (not at the narrow tree gates, creek, tree, etc) and you'll magically go there
• I'm a very vocal rider, I make lots of fun (and probably annoying) sound effects
• spandex is humbling, I'll leave it at that
• I like seeing my improvement...the way I ride in the first 15 minutes is SO much different than my last 15 minutes
• I enjoy riding with my husband. I know it's not near as much fun or physically exhilarating as when he rides fast and with Blain but it's sweet that he takes me.
• each time I ride, I feel a sense of accomplishment