For Palm Sunday, Sunday, April 2nd, 2023

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

SUNDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2023

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks,  and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

80 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER

In Ohio

 Sunrise:  7:10 am

 Sunset:   7:54  

pm

Life is a special    

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is Palm Sunday which celebrates the beginning of the final week and it falls on the Sunday before Easter.  It is celebrated by going to church and indulging in other traditions.  Each country has its own share of cultural influences on Palm Sunday celebrations.  For example in Latvia, Palm Sunday is celebrated as Pussy Willow Sunday as these plants are used instead of the regular palm.  What’s ash interesting is that the children are customarily woken up on the day with a swipe of the willow.

At its basic, Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem.  He entered riding a donkey and the people welcomed him using palm fonds.  They laid down the leaves and their cloaks too on the ground as Jesus entered the city.  Some accounts also  state that Jesus held some of the palm fronds in his hand and waved these as he passed by.  Jesus’ return to the city fulfilled Prophet Zacariah’s prophecy that the Messiah will return and bring glad tidings for Jerulsalem’s people.  When Jesus was entering the city, many shouted Hosanna, which means God saves  or Save now.  The people saw him as the king and ruler of the city, many already aware of his being able to perform miracles like raising the dead and speaking during infancy.

There is also symbolism involved in Palm Sunday.  Palms are considered as signs of peace and victory, and Jesus’ entrance marked these plants by point toward the incoming peace and victories that people were hoping for.  Another symbol is the donkey, and during those times, warlords, bent on hostility, would ride in on horses.  But, on the other hand, kings meaning all and peace would ride donkeys to indicate their gentle intentions.

Palm Sunday, which is also known as Passion Sunday is followed by other important days like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with each holding a  special significance unto themselves.  Many celebrate Palm Sunday by visiting churches and reacting Jesus’entrance scene.  They also take social care of palm fronds during this week as the leaves are considered sacred.  The leaves are burned and used in ash form later on in the week.

To celebrate today and take part in the celebrations.  You will become a part of the spirit of peace and gentleness.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

Aways keep in mind that ashes put on your forehead come from last Palm Sunday’s burnt palms.  Those that we regard old and die are a major source of the new beginnings.

Richard Rohr

I display palms from today here at my house.  They are hung from the cross that hangs on my living room wall. Thankfully, today is a much dryer and calmer day, but it is chilly out.  Our temps really cooled down here as the day went on.  Yesterday we started out around 60 degrees and by the time afternoon came it was down in the 40’s.  Overnight temps were in the 30’s. By chance the rain stopped in the afternoon so the kids were able to get outside to do their egg hunt. It did remain very windy and cold out.  DS#6 and family were great hosts and provided lots of fun and food for us to share.  Every one brought something to share too, so it was a feast.  We had ham, baked beans, cheesy potatoes, cabbage and noodles, green bean casserole and potato salad.  We also had fruit and a strawberry pretzel salad and deviled eggs were on the table.  You name it, I think it was there.  

It was late when we got back home and I have have plenty of leftovers to fix for my dinner today.  I’ll be taking it easy and catching up on some rest today.  That’s what I think Sunday’s are for.  A little renewal and rest is needed to get through another busy week. 

I hope you all have a RELAXING Sunday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

Lord, we lift up your name.  With hearts full of praise; Be exalted, O Lord my God!  Hosanna in the highest!

Carl Tuttle

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

11,185.for a wonderful family gathering

11,186.  for the palms from Palm Sunday services

11,187. for DS#6 and family who were our hosts 

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Trust and believe in only one God, the Lord Almighty.  Also believe in His son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit which is the comforter.

Daniel Morgan 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma