Start of Spring Faves

It's Good Friday...the day we commemorate Jesus dying on the cross for our sins....a holy day............

and the start of Spring Break for many of the K-12  schools in my area of New York State! I'm really looking forward to having the next 10 days off and I'm starting with listing Five Faves from the past week.

These are all "little things" that helped make my week a little extra special.  Join in with your own list of faves by linking up with Susanne.

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• SPRING SALES!  I had last Friday off from work due to workshops at the school that I didn't have to attend so I spent part of the morning shopping at a local mall where a couple of my fave stores were having sales.  I found the round placemats at a really cheap price!  I've never bought round ones before and love that they're different!  The dress was on sale from this place at 30% off!!  I bought the sweater at a different store so decided this will be my Easter church outfit for when we visit my oldest daughter's church out in Boston.  She says she attends a Baptist church while she's away at college and that everyone dresses up.  I needed a few new things for work so I think I'll get a lot of use out of this dress.  The sleeves "roll" up for warmer weather and the sweater will go with multiple outfits I already own.  I 'm thankful for a good sale!!

SPRING MUSICAL
Mar 21-24, 2013

Claire in her Crow costume

• SPRING MUSICAL!  Our youngest daughter, in her 2nd (and last!)year of Junior High School (8th grade) was in The Wizard of Oz last Thursday-Sunday.  Each performance was sold out!! Dave and I went to see it on Saturday evening. Claire's main part was the Crow for the Scarecrow scene where they did a special musical number and dance and had a few lines.  She also played the part of an Ozian, a Munchkin, and a Poppy. All involved singing and dancing. It was a super show...everyone did very well!  Due to copyright laws, I am not allowed to post photos from the school musical or show a video clip.  But our school district is known for doing a great job with musicals and we just received the distinction of being  in the top 307 "Best School Communities for Music Education" from the NAMM Foundation which receives over 2000 applications for best school community across the nation!  We are proud of our daughter and all of her fellow cast and crew members of "The Wizard of Oz!!" I'm thankful that everything went well and that she had fun performing!

• Super Grades:  My oldest daughter, Courtney, texted me that she received her mid-term exam grade for Differential Equations. She earned a 99%!! AND...she earned an A- on her Photography project with some good feedback from her professor. I am thankful that she is doing well while holding down 2 part time jobs and enjoying life at Gordon College.

•  Sacred Song: Via Dolorosa!  Dave and I and the girls saw Leeland in concert at our church about 6 years ago when we first became members.  I immediately fell in love with Leeland's music and have all of his cd's thus far. This song is one of my faves for this time of year, and it's perfect for today's most holy day.  Watch it but keep in mind there might be a couple of graphic parts when He is shown on the cross. "Via Dolorosa" is Latin for "way of suffering" or "way of grief". It is a street, in 2 parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem. Today, there are many "stations of the Cross" along the route that Jesus took from the Mount of Olives to His death on Golgotha.  (please note: this is a different version of Via Dolorosa than the one Sandi Patty made famous.) I am thankful for talented Christian musicians and videos that make the music come alive. and I am most thankful for our Redeemer following the Voice of His Father and dying on that cross for my sins so I can be cleansed and renewed.  Thank You, Jesus!

• SMALL GROUP  SISTERS!  On Wednesday evening, I had the small group discussing Lesson 5 from our study book (see sidebar).  We open with just a short prayer, usually led by me, the leader, and then we discuss.  There were only 3 of us as the other 2 moms couldn't make it.  After our discussion, we ended in prayer and lifted up various needs and thanks.  What a refreshing time for our souls.....at least mine was refreshed!  I had been a little anxious about something and after my friend prayed, I felt less anxious and full of hope and encouragement.  It had to do with starting menopause....the beginning stages....and it's just so good when sisters pray for each other's health, along with other needs or wants.  I love that each sister in Christ gives God the glory and thanks, too, for continued answers or blessings.  I am so thankful for my small group sisters!!

That wraps it up for me.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend and reflect on and celebrate the Risen Savior who IS coming again!!