A Birthday Tea Party!

Celebrating merry "Maryanne" memories and moments...CHEERS!

Today is my sister's special day - it's her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! She's the oldest of the sisterhood and looked up to and admired by us all. If you want a truthful opinion without a lot of fluff or advice she is the one to go to. She has a keen sense about things. She is refined, feminine, classy, fun and sharp (both in dress and mind). She also loves to have a good ol' time and enjoys a good laugh. She has great wit!!!

Some of my fondest memories are going to her house. She is gifted in entertaining and showers you with hospitality. She has a knack for setting a table with fine china, crystal, etc., that could rival those in magazines. You would think you were a queen or something. There is always a pan of brownies (she's a great cook) or some sweet convection around the corner with the coffee pot always brewing or hot water for tea - one lump or two?? She always takes a genuine interest in you.

Our agenda always includes late night chats, laughing until you're crying or sides are about to bust, and fun, lots of fun!!! Of course, we always fit in times to go window shopping and then oohh and aahh over the baked goods at those coffee shops. And then we sit, talk and laugh some more. Oh!! And she also sings like Tweety Bird - tweet, tweet tweet, tweet tweet . . . We love our older sister. She keeps us grounded! Today is her special day and we wish her the most delightful, enjoyable day possible!!!! Love F

Well it's a beautiful day in Pleasant Valley! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the squirrels are scurrying, and everyone is ready to celebrate...a birthday! Maryanne is our blessing and we rejoice with her on this wonderful day that the Lord has made, in her honor. Thank you for being you and for blessing us with your God-given gifts of understanding, wisdom, patience, fairness, beauty (in and out) and love. You are special and highly celebrated today [and everyday]! We love you! Happy Birthday!

BLESSINGS: "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." Pslams 50:2

Princesslissa's Happy Day

Happy Birthday Sentiments from Auntie's and Grandma's...

This little Princess will make some lucky guy a "Queen" someday. You can see it already in the way she cares for Andrew.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Melissa loves to be included in decorating for parties; she is a great help!! It's fun to see her get all excited and to include her in being a part of the festivities. And when she is done with her part, she comes back to see what else she can do to make this the grandest party of all!

Melissa is smart as a whip and you can't pull the wool over her eyes. She gives you that knowing look with a smirk of a smile or she may shake her finger at you, for you see, she can be a feisty one as well. Melissa has a flair for creativity and comes up with some very unique ideas. We have a little 5-year-old Martha Stewart in our family -- like the fruit loop necklace, or her ideas on decorating that are very novel and all her own. She is also a very sensitive little girl, very observant, and has a great memory. Those little blue eyes are watching and those ears hear more than what we think.

Melissa loves it when you dote attention on her; she has a little brother to compete with you know. She blossoms when you talk to her and include her. She's a little lady who loves pink, flowers, chocolate, tiara's, slippers, bling-bling things, and pretending to be a Princess. She's feminine and sometimes eccentric.

I remember the day when she came in with sunglasses, wearing as many bracelets as could fit on her arm, dozens of necklaces (well, maybe not that many, but you get the picture), and was very colorful indeed, with the aire that "I am the star of the show." You couldn't help but smile and be amused. She's a delight and we wish her a fun-filled, fantastic, birthday with cherries on top!!! We love our little Melissa!!!

Melissa is a happy, smart girl with a determination to reach her goals. She loves her fairies and little pets plus all her stuffed animals on her bed. Dora also gets a special place in her room with a big house, and don't forget Barbie. She has a creative side and loves to make crafts and special pictures and cards. She's always ready to put on a show with her sparkle skirt and high heels and some bling-bling -- a little music and the production begins after she collects all the tickets.

She has a big heart for her brother who has to accompany her on many adventures. She loves her snacks and always makes sure she leaves grandma's house with a special gummy treat for her and Andrew. A good tea party is always on the schedule, too. Outside, she is the leader of the bike parade. When we ride bikes, she takes the lead and we all have to peddle pretty fast to keep up. She's also the ice-cream lady on the scooter with the little bell to let you know its time for a treat.

Another one of her favorite activities is swimming. She took swim lessons this summer and is doing pretty good. She will reach her goal. She loves it when the cousins, Katie and Mady, can join her in the pool or the playroom where their imaginations never end and time always goes by too fast.

Max and Ruby are her cartoon friends and Dora comes in at a close second. One of her favorite things to do is stay home and lounge around in PJ's. This fall will be a big step for her as she goes to Kindergarten. There are many fun and exciting things in store for her this next year.

May Lil Princesslissa have a spectacular year and be blessed with sprinkles of joyful giggles!

There once was a little girl "Goldie Locks" who lived with her Papa Bear and Mama Bear in a cozy house in Pleasant Valley. She loved her Brother Bear and stuffed animals. Painting, drawing, making crafts and swimming were among her favorite activities. Goldie Locks went for walks and bike rides to grandma's house most every week. Papa bear always accompanied her. She had many adventures during the summer, like trips to see three Great Lakes, a ride on Thomas the train, swimming lessons and much fun playing with friends.

Goldie Locks was sad to see the the summer end and nervous about a new adventure awaiting her--kindergarten. However, Goldie Locks knew that she was a big girl now and needed to learn things that would help her become more independent. So instead of running away, she learned to overcome her fears.

BLESSINGS:"...whoso trusteth in the Lord, Happy is [she]." Proverbs 16:20

Happy Choo-Choo To You!

Andrew loves his trains! He knows the names and numbers of every Thomas-The-Train collection. There is Thomas, Henry, James, Percy, and more and he told us the other day the two new ones were Douglas and Donald, which he wants for his birthday. He also told grandpa that grandpa couldn't open his presents. He also loves hockey and his tools (Tool Man), but he still loves Roselli and takes care of her, and he likes his Winnie-The-Pooh blanket.

Lil Andrew is our red-haired cutie!!! Right from the start he wins your heart! He is made of cars & trucks, planes & trains. Oh my! He loves to share because he genuinely cares. He is a July baby that carries a special blessing! He is the first to carry on the family name just like another July birthday in the family who carries on the family name. Andrew is an independent little boy, but it doesn't take him long to warm to those around him. He is a delight and oh so bright! We love our lil Andrew and wish him a fun-filled day full of happy surprises, for nothing more will do for a special little birthday boy!!!! Happy Birthday, Andrew.

Red hair, blue eyes, sweet spirit, and Roselli's caretaker....That's our Andrew! Happy birthday hugz and kisses, Buddy!

BLESSING: "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

Sweet B'day Sentiments!

Happy Birthday sentiments to our one and only brother...who loves choco-covered raisins! :)

G - Gracious, Giving, Grateful, Games
A - Absolutely dependable and loyal
R - Righteous, Responsible, Respectful, Reverent
Y - Youthful - The big brother, dad, and uncle we can all depend on and look up to.

Gary is a great brother!!! He's always dependable, will give his last dollar to you if you needed it, is a very hard worker (but he needs to take time out to stop and smell the roses from time to time), and is a good sport. He's also very talented--he sings, leads songs in church & teaches Sunday School (he surprises us from time to time with a creative and fun visual aid). He loves carrot cake, good comedy, and going on vacation to adventurous places, as well as going up North just to take it easy.

He is a very dedicated Christian and loves the Lord! He adores his family - Marcia and Jared - who look up to him as their rock. Us sisters love our brother!!! We like to tease him from time to time, share a good laugh and glean from his wisdom (being the oldest of siblings). As a child he used to give me dimes and I'd run to the store with my neighborhood friends and buy penny candy (what's that???). I'd jump on his back, when he was laying on the bed and he'd give me a ride. He would come home with pockets full of candy (he worked at Fanny Farmer- candy place), and I would help myself with a huge smile (love that chocolate!!!). As a kid, I'd sit and stare in amazement as he ate serving bowls (not a cereal bowl) of cereal and wondered how he could eat so much - HA!!

Since the passing of Dad, almost 20 years now, he has been the Oak Tree in our family!! We love our brother and wish him a WONDERFUL and VERY BLESSED year!!!! Happy Birthday Gary!!!!!

This is a blessing that Aaron, the priest, and his sons were to give to the people. It is fitting that Gary the son of a minister give and receive this blessing:

Numbers 6:23-26 (King James Version) 23: Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them:
24: The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

The Lord does not command the priests to bless in their own words but with these exact words saying "thus shall you bless." In other words, this blessing is from the Lord himself and the priests are merely the means of transmitting his gracious will. Blessings to Gary on his birthday. It’s really nice having a big brother.

Our joy is a boy, who we all love; You're our strength and peace, symbolic of a dove.

You're generous and kind, full of joy-despises strife; you're part of our family fabric, and enrich our life.

If we're down-you lift us up, If we're happy-you'll smile, too; If we're sick-you'll say a prayer, you're a gem, and they're all too few.

On this special day, may HIS blessings from above; continue to sustain you, and affirm that you are surrounded by love!

BLESSINGS: "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Happy Birthday, America!

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream

that sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea!

BLESSINGS: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Gift of The Father

Pillar. Strength. Legacy.

Fathers are a gift from our Heavenly Father! Through him we form our identity, by him we are encouraged to take the leap, in him we find authority, wisdom, and strength, and because of him we walk in the shadow of his legacy.

Fatherhood is a tremendous responsibility that can make or break a family; exude light or darkness; restore or destroy; and, discipline or doesn’t care. If led by The Father, a father is our example, leader, light, and encourager.

I am grateful that I have been raised by a God-fearing father, and surrounded by a brother, brother-in-law, and nephews who are awesome fathers. May you feel special, be honored, stay blessed, and glory in the fact that you are indeed a gift to us from The Father. You are loved and honored!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Blessings: "Every Good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from The Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17

Sweet Giggles!

Welcome to the Town of Gigglesville where sweetness rules the world. Yes. That's right! All of the citizens are named after sweet pastry items. Why? Because we are in the land of Sweetness and unlimited giggles, remember; The clouds are made of marshmallows, the sunshine smells like an orange, and it rains lemon drops. whee!

Now, before we continue, may I introduce you to the Mayor of Gigglesville.....Mayor Maddy! She is a giggly miss who whips up her sweetness whenever she sees your face. So, hop on your fruit roll-ups (kinda like roller-skates) and merrily roll along the SIX stops of Mayor Maddy's Sweetland Neighborhood.

First stop: Strawberry Shortcake says sweet things and wishes you "a berry nice time in Gigglesville." Of course, she is full of spunk and tends to be a protective Mommy to all the Gigglies (those are peeps who live in Gigglesville.) She entertains you with little, silly tunes, too. tee-hee!

Second stop: Orange Blossom brightens your day and blooms with laughter. She likes to pull little pranks, like, when she yanks your pony-tail and runs away giggling, of course. Orange you glad it didn't happen to you? ha-ha-hee-hee!

Third stop: Cupcake and Custard always count their blessings. They are happy, cuddly, soft and warm. Well, just like fresh-baked cupcakes filled with yummy custard-filling right outta the oven. Now, that is a great blessing! :)

Fourth Stop: Huckleberry & Honey Pie hunker down and make sure that their pies fill the windowsill for all the Gigglies to enjoy. They keep busy and find the "fun" in the boring stuff. They have prolly made every kind of pie imaginable....very creative are Huckleberry and Honey Pie! Yippee!

Fifth Stop: Apple Dumplin' amuses and invites you in for an apple-licious time! She dumps all her toys on the floor and keeps her guests entertained for hours. Everyone loves going to her house! yay!

SIXth Stop: Ginger Snap and Angel Cake snap to it and are on the go. They enjoy hopping on their fruit roll-ups and making their visits in the neighborhood to all the other sweet friends in Gigglesville. Of course, Angel Cake is always in conversation with someone because, well, she is a guardian angel. Hugz!

Whew! That sure was fun. But, I found something very interesting during my Sweetland Neighborhood Tour.....Ms. Mayor Maddy would disappear at every stop until it was time to visit the next neighbor. Surprisingly, all of these neighbors, well, looked just like Mayor Maddy.

Strawberry Shortcake was sweet, Orange Blossom bloomed with laughter, the Pie's made all boring things fun, Cupcake and Custard were warm and cuddly, Apple Dumplin' was amusing, and Ginger Snap and Angel Cake were lively, lovely and gingerly energizing!!!!

Hey! Wait a minute! They all WERE Mayor Maddy!!!! And, we made SIX stops. That's how old Mayor Maddy is today. Well, isn't that a co-inky-dink! (aka coincidence.)

I'm feeling like I have been sprinkled with lotsa Great-Auntie blessings for having Maddy in my life. She is sweet, blooming with laughter, fun, cuddly, amusing, and gingerly angelic. Happy Birthday to a sweet little miss who can create fountains of sweet giggles for all! You are loved.

BLESSINGS: "Then was our mouth filled with giggles, and our tongue with singing; ...the Lord hath done great things for my friends." Psalms 126:2 (Six-year-old amplified version) :)

Sweet Land of Liberty!

I'm PROUD to be an AMERICAN,

where at least I know I'm FREE;

I won't forget the men/women,

who DIED and gave that right to me;

I'll gladly stand up next to you and DEFEND her to the end,

For there ain't no doubt I LOVE this land,

God BLESS the USA!

My country 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of LIBERTY, of thee I sing,

Land where my fathers died, Let FREEDOM ring!

Our Father's God to thee,

author of LIBERTY, to thee we sing.

Long may our land be BRIGHT, with FREEDOM's HOLY light,

PROTECT us by THY MIGHT, Great God, our King!

BLESSINGS: "...and these stones shall be for a memorial..." Joshua 4:7

Sugar and Spice!

"Sugar and Spice,
And everything nice,
That’s what girls are made of;

Sunshine and rainbows,
And ribbons for hair bows,
That’s what girls are made of;

Tea parties, lace, And baby doll faces, That what girls are made of."

And so it goes with one very special spoonful of “Katie-Sugar”, peppered with an ounce of “Katie-Spice”! Fer-sure!

Ms. Katie is someone who dazzles like the sunshine. She giggles through life and gives those around her a whopping dose of sweetness! If you ever have a rainy, drizzling-with-problems kind of day, Katie will come along with her wand of spice, and turn your rain into rainbows. Yes, it’s true; she’ll take away your “blue”. Oh, and she's one smart cookie, too! (...with lotsa choco chips!)

She’s the kind of friend, who will graciously attend your tea parties, and make everyone feel like the Queen of the Tea! For you see, Ms. Katie learned this from her very hospitable Grandmother, who graces her guests with smiles, hugs, and special treats…why? Because they are special! And, Katie is one of those special people who you can’t help love!

Speaking of special: This is Katie’s birthday! We feel really cool to have her in our family! We love you and pray that your day is full of Sugar and Spice and all that is nice!

Happy Birthday Hugs-n-Kisses, Katie!

BLESSINGS: “God spoke to Moses: ‘Take the best spices… Make these into a holy anointing oil, a perfumer's skillful blend.’” Exodus 30:22-30
(Katie is a special “spice” - presented before the Lord as a sweet fragrance.)

Mark's A Home Run!

You're going to be an auntie!!!

We were celebrating a nice, calm Mother's Day when the phone rang; It was a long distance call from my brother-in-law and sister, "Hey Gramaw and Grampaw!" My mom replied with, "really", as a HUGE grin swept across her face. I think I may have witnessed a little "happy" tear, as I was jumping up-n-down and grabbing at the phone. Dad jolted to the phone and repeated my mom's expression, and added with an equally wide grin, "a little tow-headed fella, huh?" The News....they were going to be first-time grandparents....and I was going to be a seven-year-old auntie!!!

My nephew, my friend was the first son, grandson, nephew to join the family and we were estatic. We could hear his little cry over the phone, as he didn't really cry, rather whimpered.

As time went on, he soon informed us that "gas was too much"; polyester itched; winner takes all in the game of Life, Monopoly, Risk, and Stratego, and he was out to win; that people could be out-thunk by his sharp and quick mind (I know, but I like that word); money was equivalent to gold and should be spent on baseball cards only; little, plastic army men were a boy's best friend and playing war was exciting; reciting all the President's of the US was nothing rare in your five-year-old world; vegetables stunk (rhymes with out-thunk); Aunts and Uncle G were the best thing since sliced bread (yep, we still are!); Christmas in MinneSNOWta was week-long party-time; and, the Vikings ruled the world!

Mark and I would sit for hours (and occasionally let the other aunties in on it, too) playing Monopoly or Risk and eating our favorite chips. However, it really wasn't a game of fun, rather an opportunity to conquer, defeat the opponent (his aunty), and WIN! Uh, right, you guessed it...I won-okay, not much. When we weren't playing games, we were traveling to Russia, sailing the Baltic Sea to Finland, and strapping ourselves to the bunk beds so we wouldn't fall out from the harsh sea - his bed-belt snapped a little too hard and gave him a permanent red mark on his chest (and aunty never laughed so hard in my life-bwaaahaahaaa! oops), buying homemade bread and crystal in Poland, flea marketing in Germany, and eating pizza in London (what are fish-n-chips?) Oh, and getting harassed by gypsies. Oh Cheeeettttt! (Inside joke - ask Mark about this if you really wanna know.) Lots of adventure --fingernails never tasted so good. :)

As an adult, his ambition turned to education, debate, travel-planner extraordinaire, analyzing peeps and situations, libraries, politics, sticking to his religious beliefs, enjoying a good laugh and family fellowship, winning elections, and marrying the love of his life, buying a home, and taking pride in his beautiful gifts from God, his children.

I am one PROUD auntie!

So, on this very special day, a day when I honor my nephew-my bud, I pray God's blessings and wisdom for you. May the Lord grant you strength to endure the busy days, wisdom to make good decisions, discernment to know what is right so you may strategize the next move, and the ability to continue seeking after His will for your life.

You are loved and highly revered in the family. You take a special position as the "first" which lends itself to your natural gift and favor to always come out on top, get the best deal, or the one chosen to win a prize. Our prize is....you! Your prize is....Christ Jesus...and your aunty...just sayin') :) Happy Birthday with stadium-like-cheers of love and admiration!

BLESSINGS: "I press toward the MARK for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Happy Mother's Day!

MEMORANDUM TO:  The Matriarch of the Family

FROM:  A Heart Full of Love and Gratitude

DATE: Mother's Day, 2009

SUBJECT:  A Happy and Blessed Mother's Day!

This is a day of honor; a day when we acknowledge the greatness of God's gift to all humankind! You are the essence of what it means to be created in the image of God--living in FAITH, giving HOPE, and demonstrating LOVE! And, the greatest of these is LOVE! 

When the Lord divinely appoints one to motherhood, He has chosen a vessel who has the ability to: 

• Love unconditionally (heart), 
• Impart wisdom (mind),
  
• Egregiously defend with all that is within you (core of your soul),
  
• Train, teach, discipline (spiritual),
  
• Nurture the wounds with affection and care-and our little pets, too (physical) 
• Create joy, happiness, laughter, and tears (emotional)
• Endure sacrifices (humility),
• Gracefully deal with death and exhibit strength (loss),
• Exercise good judgment (strength and conviction), and
• Enjoy the fruits of her labor (honor). 

As a mother, your demonstration of these attributes have contributed to the success of the people, who, in turn, now rise and call you blessed, praise your worth, honor you, and who stand on your shoulders--for you are the giant who has elevated and encouraged us; and not just we - your children - but those to whom you pastor, counsel, and befriend.

Thank you, with gratitude, for all that you are and for being the person, along with dad, who anchored the family [and church] through the storms; lifted up the family when we were down; cried with the family when the going got tough; taught the family to love GOD; and rejoiced with the family [and church] when the Lord blessed with abundance! 

Thank you for "turning the world on with your smile, and taking a nothing day, and making it all seem worthwhile!"

Because of you and dad, our FAITH is strong, we know our HOPE is eternal, and we have a greater understanding and have experienced God's LOVE demonstrated through you! 

You're the greatest!

Happy Mother's Day! 

I LOVE you!

BLESSINGS: "Her children arise up and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28

Day of Prayer

Our Father, 

who art in heaven

hallowed be thy Name, 

thy kingdom come, 

thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day

our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those 

who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, 

and the power, 

and the glory, 

for ever and ever. 

Amen.

Magical Moment-A Star Is Born!

Don't-cha love magical moments in life; times when you can go back to the exact day, time, moment and recall an event that just plain makes ya happy...like...

A tiny, little baby-girl singing in the Christmas choir with all the boys and girls, and inspiring the whole congregation; A stage full of actresses singing It's A Hard Knock's Life - Oh My Goodness, but one little orphan sparkles brighter than the top of the Chrysler Building and all the stars in the galaxy; A school play where a gifted actress transforms into a boy and sings clear as a bell for all the moms, dads, grandparents, and aunties (me); A person who goes from obscurity and becomes an overnight, singular sensation in the traveling troupe, Miracle On 34th Street; A theatrical voice that serenades a full theatre with "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", and clicks her Ruby heels with true grace; A state-fair winner poses as a newspaper boy and mesmerizes the judges, and all that jazz; An anointed soloist who bravely sings "Let There Be Peace On Earth" in church on a Sunday morning following the 911 attacks--WOW!

Of course, there are many more, but the grand beginning was on April 17th when a little red-halo-headed-baby blessed us with more talent, charm, and tenderness than you can imagine. I held her in my arms, kissed her forehead, and tickled the tips of her tiny, little, velvet-like fingers, as she responded  with the twinkle in her baby-blues--a magical moment!

I can't imagine my life without a precious and talented niece who impacts my life, makes me proud, and gives me joy! Oh, and loves NYC--just like me!!! Lil' Kiwi-Piwi is an inspiration, motivator, giver, and comedian. Yes, she is hilarious with her comedy routines and imitations. bwaahaahaaahaaa!

So, on this very special birthday,  I present to my favorite (and only) niece a special blessing of..."anointed inspiration to the people who come in contact with you, a contagious motivation that impacts the world, a humbled giver who makes life richer for those less fortunate, and joy unspeakable for those who are in despair and in need. 

May your sphere of influence extend to every part of this world. May your heart always be tender toward God. May your words be anointed and orchestrated to say just the right thing at just the right moment. May your songs heal the hurts of others, inspire ambition, tell a story, and enrich and feed your own soul during your deepest, and most sacred and personal moments that are between you and God. 

You are blessed, our lil' Kiwi-Piwi. You walk under the umbrella of incredible anointing and favor. Always look upward and allow Him to take your hand and lead you where He wants you to go! There is a path that is illuminated with success, anointing, and influence for you. Do not be blinded, rather, embrace the magnificent abundance of all that He has in store for you!" 

Shine on, our little star, shine on! 

Happy Birthday! You are LOVED!

BLESSINGS: "Kiwi waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto her and heard her cry. He brought her up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set her feet upon a rock, and established her goings. And He hath put a new song in her mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. I delight to do thy will , O my God, yea thy law is within my heart." Psalms 40: 1-3, 8

Resurrection! Raise The Praise!

THE VIA DOLOROSA: a journey full of rejection, hatred, and torture.

Jesus arrived in Jerusalem from Bethany preparing to meet with His apostles for The Last Supper-communion. He consoles them and informs them of the foreordained plan.

He contines to the Garden of Gethsemane to kneel and pray. His agony was so great that his sweat was as it were great drops of blood.

After His arrest, he was brought to the Place of the High Priest and stood before Caiaphas and the Council. He was adjured to tell the truth, and He did;. however, He was falsely accused of blasphemy--there were no objections, no plea's, no attorneys--He was charged as "guilty" and sentenced to death.

He was escorted to Pontius Pilate's Judgment Hall labeled as a criminal; he was defamed and charged with treason. Pontius Pilate studied the facts and claimed Him to be innocent. Rage ensued, as Jesus was a Galilean, and by law, He was "claimed innocent" in the wrong jurisdiction. Pontius Pilate issued an Order for Change of Venue and sent Him to King Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod questioned Christ, but our Lord remained silent. He was mocked and sent back to Pilate. Pilate affirmed that he thought Christ to be innocent. After much protest, Pilate yielded to the fear of man and temptation, and sentenced our Lord to death.

From the Judgment Hall, He was given His cross to bear en route to the Hill of Golgotha, the place of Calvary, to be crucified.

Nails were pounded into his flesh - a crown of thorns was forced to fit his skull - his thirst was quenched with vinegar. "Forgive them for they know what they do!"

IT IS FINISHED!

The sky turned dark at the sixth hour, and at the ninth hour he died. The veil in the temple was ripped in the midst, the earth began to quake, the rocks broke apart, and graves were opened. This moment gave birth to mourning and travail for transgressions.

On the third day, the stone was rolled away and the angels announced His resurrection!

CALVARY: a destination that gives us hope and eternal life. Raise the Praise! He's alive and well with Resurrection power!

BLESSINGS: "He is not here, but is risen...." Luke 22: 6