Today as I read and pondered what God had for me in this part of his word, I was amazed once again.  At first glance, it is obvious that I can relate to the prodigal child, being that I was once just like him in so many ways.  But today, I read with eyes of being a child who is with the Father, so I wondered, am I like the son who was angry with the Father for "never" having a party thrown in my honor?  As I cringed to think that was what the Lord was showing me, it didn't take me long to see that was truly what He was saying.  So I took a closer look at the words to see how the Lord handles a child whom clearly isn't as rebellious as the prodigal and my heart is filled with confession and humility.
This is what happens: "But he was angry and refused to go in.  His father came out and entreated him." NIV says, "pleaded with him."
What a wonderful father, when his child whom he loves very much is to stubborn to come in and join the party, he goes to them.  This is amazing to me once again today.
Then I love what the father says, after his stubborn child has gotten everything off his chest.  He says, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours."
So many times I am throwing a temper tantrum about foolish things and am missing out on the joys God has for me and it is so interesting that it is a fine line that I walk between being a prodigal or the child who stays put and shows up faithfully with joy!
My prayer is that God would exchange in me a heart of rebellion for one full of compassion and gratefulness. Always remembering of the party he threw for me when I finally decided to come home to him. 

                                                                     

 

I love Easter Sunday.  I think if I had to say, it is my most favorite service of the whole year, every year.  It is always a time to focus completely on the Victory we have in Christ over death.  It causes my heart to want to fall face down in humility and adore the one who saves.  Our worship team sang this song and did a beautiful job.  I am once again amazed of the great love of Jesus Christ.  Praying that you will be too this Easter Sunday.
Celebrating the Risen Christ,
Connie

We are headed to the Creation Museum in Ohio/Kentucky.  My mom will be in attendance this trip and so our (my in-laws) car will be loaded down.  Everyone was allotted 1 backpack and 1 pillow.  Troy said, no pillows!, but I convinced him since we were driving into the late night the kids needed something to rest their heads on. (Hopefully, they will really use them, or I am in trouble.)  I will take a picture once everyone is in the car and post it!  It should be a fun trip, considering we are studying the time period this year from Creation up to 635AD.  Thats it for now. 
Blessings to all,
Connie