Good Friday or Black Friday?

Shouldn't "Good Friday" be called "Black Friday"? After all, on this day, the most scandalous betrayal of justice in human history took place. Jesus wasn’t guilty of any crime or sin. After the illegal trials, this loving, compassionate, giving, caring, innocent Man was stripped and tied to a post. He was whipped and beatened -- too horrible to even imagine. He was betrayed by His friends,and spit on by countless people, some of whom, just a few days before, treated Him as royalty as He entered the city. He was forced to carry a heavy wooden cross to Calvary where nails were driven through his wrists and ankles and He was left to die. And, bottom line, He could have called ten thousand angels to his side, but He refused. Instead, He died there for you and me.

What is this message? For us, to never again wonder if we are loved. God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, would never perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) His GOOD Son, died for us, Who, in so many ways, are the guilty ones that deserved to die in HIS place. Instead, He died in OUR place. NOW, we know why it's called "GOOD FRIDAY". He paid a debt He did not owe. He paid our debt.

Someone asked Jesus, "How much do You love me?" He answered, "This much," as He spread out his arms and died. This is a TRUE love story written with you and me in mind. Isn't that enough reason for us to slow down, literally put on the brakes, today, to REMEMBER and GIVE THANKS for this GOOD Friday when HE loved us -- TO INFINITY and BEYOND!

#GoodFriday

That First Grandchild Opens the Door to a Love Like No Other

Day 332 of Photo Inspirations -- That First Grandchild Opens the Door to a Love Like No Other

Happy 23rd Birthday to my precious, first-born grandson, Braden Wuerch!  Of course, these would be my photo inspirations for remembering this special day.

Though the love is no stronger for any of my six grandchildren from the other,  there is still "just something" about the FIRST.  Who knew that all those silly, photo-toting, beaming-from-ear-to-ear, incessantly jabbering about their grandkids -- were really just being authentic, and desperately in love grandparents?  And that would describe ME when our first little grandson was born.  It just didn't make sense, until my heart fell in love like that, too.  So here is my birthday love letter to my #1-in-placement of birthdate.

Braden, your arrival into this world changed me irrevocably.  I prayed for your arrival and I prayed over you as I held you in my arms, as I watched you sleeping in your crib, and as we witnessed so many of your "firsts".  Papa and I worked with you so diligently to help you take your first steps.....and our claim to fame was that indeed you did start walking for us. We prayed for your protection, your strength, your wisdom and your God-given destiny in life, and that you would always know God's love for you.

Of course, I’m reminiscing about you today! You were the most precious and beautiful little baby boy -- such joy and happiness we thought we knew before -- but none could ever compare to having a grandson and especially if that grandson was you.  I remember being able to make you laugh, uncontrollably, and I remember how amazed we were at the awe and wonder you had about life. From the first time I laid eyes on the Fax message your Dad sent me of you in your Mama’s tummy -- though you looked like a tadpole -- but for me, it was love at first sight.  And it’s been that way for me ever since.  I am forever thank God for you.     I know God’s hands are on you and I pray you will always so grateful for the gift of you to me and I will know how much He loves you.  You are HERE on purpose -- God’s purpose, and I know you will fulfill every part of His plan for you!

I will celebrate your triumphs and successes as long as I live.  I will pray for you to be tough and strong during times of challenge.   I will love who you love, and she will be my granddaughter who will always hold such a special place in heart.  Because she loves you.....I love her.  I am already feeling such joy and pride in seeing how you are making the world a better place as you serve our country in the Army and as a Paramedic and Firefighter.

Braden Cole Wuerch, you are loved.  You are a such a treasured gift to me, and to this world.  You are a man marked for a specific purpose and you are needed, deeply, by all of us who love and cherish you.  I will endeavor to keep reminding you, as often as I can, that you are a treasure beyond anything I could imagine, and I love you.....TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

Happy, happy birthday, my sweetheart!
I love you so, so, so, so, much!    Nana