He is Risen

This has always been a tough and glorious time of year for me. It pains my heart to know that Christ was beaten and crucified for the sins of men...for my sins. I rejoice in knowing that Christ died because of His unconditional love for me...for you.

What I struggle with is, knowing that in my fallen nature I continue to sin. Why? This overwhelming feeling makes me feel unworthy of such a gift. Until I remember the following conversation between Peter and Jesus. 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22
I am forgiven over and over.

13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colosssians 2:13. Each time I forgive others I'm reminded that Christ forgives me.

Jesus tore the veil...He made a way for me, for you, that we may have eternal life. There is no greater gift than this, none! His blood was shed for many, He was the sacrifice so that we all may live. It is because of Him...all things are possible. We have been saved through His death and resurrection. It is because of Him we have gained access to heaven.

We have been saved by Grace through Faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Keep Praying

******Update****

Here is a email from my dear friend Ariana....You guys are just awesome!!! Jesus Is Awesome!!!

Hey sweetie! Just want to say thanks again for all of your prayers. I know they are working. The surgeon was able to get all of the cancer out of my lymph nodes and it was a lot. If he had been unable to get it out. He said it would have been a death sentence. But he did get and they are going to hit me very hard with chemo for 6 months followed by radiation. please say thank you to all of your friends for keeping me in there prayers.love ya Ari



Ariana headed into surgery this afternoon at three. She is currently in recovery as I type. Mike, her husband, was told by the surgeon that they were able to remove all the cancer. The next step is chemo and radiation.

They are so grateful for all the prayers and support. I can only imagine how overwhelmed and terrified they must be feeling. Would you all continue to pray tonight and in the future for comfort and healing in this ferocious storm for both Ariana and Mike.

Below are a few updates on face book by her husband.

My dear wife; the battle we are just starting to face; my deep, sincere love for Ariana; I am also thinking of the others who are going through this as well; I want to do everything I can, for the rest of my life to help medicine overtake this disease. I do not want another woman, wife, daughter, mommy, husband, father, or son to have to go through this. Keep the good words and thoughts alive. Michael

Just saw Ariana in the recovery room, she is doing very well; a little sore (who would have thought that..?), but in very good spirits; she sends her love and hellos to everyone, a little hoarse from beng intubated, but is ready for some Chipotle dammit!! Without everyones support today, I would be a bigger mess than I already am; I personally thank each one of you. I am forever indebted to you all. Michael

Ariana & Mike~

I praying for comfort and peace in the arms of Jesus. May our Lord be with you thoughout this process. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes form Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalms 62:1-2
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. Psalms 62:5 God is so good, he will carry you.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Desperately needed weekend away!

Last week my husband and I decided to make last minute plans to escape from our world into fantasy land. No, we did not go to Disneyland. Instead, we chose a small Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Cloverdale, California (just outside of Napa).

After quick arrangements with my parents to watch my two boys and two dogs, I made reservations at the Inn. We left mid afternoon Friday, arriving around seven. After receiving a tour of the Inn, we settled in our room in front of the fire with a candle lit picnic for two. We were the only couple there that first night. It was unbelievably quiet. No TV or arguing teens... just us. This was the most relaxing night we have had together in a long time.

The next day we were served a delicious breakfast made by the owner, my mouth waters just thinking about it. Then, wine tasting at recommended wineries. We toured four wineries, tasting about 25 different wines. You must be thinking, 25 wines! Yikes! Don't worry, most places served sips not a full glass. We then stopped for a quick sandwich and headed back to the Inn for a desperately needed nap. Dinner that night was a Thai restaurant recommended by the owners, yummy!


This was a beautiful Inn. The owners have a great eye for detail. Many antiques were throughout the Inn. The rooms are fabulous and beautifully designed, again with careful attention to detail. Our bathroom had a claw tub/shower combo. The shower was a bit small and the curtain had a tendency of sticking to you. No worries, I quickly figured out how to roll the curtain over the tub so the water could pool there. No sticking for me!

I highly recommend a weekend get-a-way for all married couples, regardless of how long you've been married. Our lives have been so caught up in work, raising kids, homeschooling, and other responsibilities, that we lost sight of each other. It was so nice to not have to worry about stuff and focus on one another. Alone time with your spouse helps you to reconnect on a different level...a more private, personal level. This was so refreshing for both of us we are going to try to do something like this at least twice a year.


Hope you enjoy the enclosed photos...eat your heart out!

Vintage Towers Inn

Our room.





Our picnic.

His and Her robes.

The famous shower.

Breakfast (photo from their website)