Easter Surprise

The four gospels of Jesus have two bookends– Christmas and Easter– both unexpected ways we received a very special gift.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (John 3:16 Amplified)
Jesus was expected by many– His birth, life and manner of death were described in incredible detail by prophets in the bible books of Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel–1500, 1000, 800 and 500 years before. Still, there were surprises.

Christmas was a surprise. The King came as baby in humble circumstances.

Jesus’ life was a surprise. The main power He offered was in accepting His words.

Easter was a surprise. Death and sin were defeated by life and love.

Jesus’ own disciples didn’t understand, so you could say that the first Easter was a re-birthday surprise party for the disciples. Over 400 of the early followers of Jesus saw Him alive after His resurrection and, filled with joy at the meaning of the gospel– the message of the triumph of life over death– they began to fill the world with the Good News.

“Do you know what Easter means, honey?” In her own sweet three-year-old way, with arms raised, a smile on her face, and at the top of her voice she said, “Surprise!” What better word could sum up the meaning of Easter! Surprise, death! Surprise, sin! Surprise, mourning disciples! Surprise, modern man! He’s alive! — James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited

April 3rd, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: Easter, Holidays | Leave a comment

From a Dad to His Dad


It’s time I said thanks for being my dad

No, not just ’cause you’re the only one I’ve had

‘Cause over the years my sincere appreciation

Has grown to be more than just an estimation

For of certain memories, which never seem to fade

It’s just my perception that’s changed, of sacrifices made

For since I too have tread the path of a dad

I can no longer view you from the eyes of a lad.

Yes, it’s more than genes that make a father

Otherwise we’d have just said, ‘Why bother?’

Why bother sacrifice or try to inspire?

Especially when teens their dads try to fire?

So an overdue ‘thank you’ for when I was a pain

You endured through those years without going insane

OK maybe you did flip, a time, maybe two

But I can understand, ’cause I’ve been there too

Yes, dads don’t get the credit that they really deserve

But I think in Heaven there will be a big reserve

Where there will be ‘thank-you’s and lots of understanding

For those heartbreaks and sacrifices– for performances outstanding

But a portion I’m acknowledging now, while we’re still here

‘though the half that you’ve done, I don’t know, I fear

‘Though it’s not much, it’s my way

To to my dad, to say, ‘Happy Father’s Day!’

[Yep, that's me, with my dad-- circa 1953]

June 14th, 2008 | Tags: , | Category: Fathers Day, Holidays, Poems | 2 comments

For Mothers Day

Here are some quotes I like and some mommies I love.

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. —William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863), Novelist

A boy came home from school one day carrying a note from officials suggested that the parents take the boy out of school, claiming that he was “too stupid to learn.” The boy’s mother read the note and said, “My son Tom isn’t ‘too stupid to learn.’ I’ll teach him myself.” And so she did.

My mother was the making of me. —Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931), Inventor

When Mother Teresa received her Nobel Prize, she was asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” She replied, “Go home and love your family.”

The thing that makes a mother wonderful is that self-sacrificial spirit that is willing to sacrifice her own time and strength and even her health, if need be, for the sake of her child. —David Brandt Berg (1919-1994)

The hand that rocks the cradle– Is the hand that rules the world. —William Ross Wallace (1819-1881), Poet and Songwriter


    The bravest battle that ever was fought!
    Shall I tell you where and when?
    On the maps of the world you will find it not;
    ‘Twas fought by the mothers of men.

    Nay not with the cannon of battle-shot,
    With a sword or noble pen;
    Nay, not with eloquent words or thought
    From mouth of wonderful men!

From a poem by – Joaquin Miller (1839-1913)

Photos, in order, daughters Amy, Ruth, Chloe and Aiko with some of their eleven children.

Happy Mothers Day!

May 10th, 2008 | Tags: , | Category: Holidays, Mothers Day | Leave a comment