Easter 2014 ... family, food, fellowship

 We didn't have our entire crew this year so it was a small gathering for dinner.

What's Easter without jelly beans?

This bright scarlet cardinal was in my sister's back yard.

The red buds blooming in Mom's back yard.

Mom's garden gate.

The very unusual trunk of this flowering plum that has finished blooming.

The Easter Eve sunset from Mom's back yard.

It's a riot of spring color as seen from this view out Mom's door at the flowering dogwood and red bud trees.

A package arrived at my Richmond sister's house from SWAC Daughter and Son-in-Law in Nashville that was to be shared over dinner. Since they couldn't be with us this year, they sent goodies for the crew. The box was addressed to "The Easter Peeps." LOL.

Lots of varieties of chocolates from Nashville chocolate companies including these Mexican Style Chocolate and Buttermilk White Chocolate bars from Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company ...

... GooGoo Clusters (peanut and pecan) from Standard Candy Company ...

... and toffee from Nashville Toffee Company.

Card and candy bars from SWAC Daughter ... flowers from Texas sister.

Beautiful Easter flowers from Texas sister Gail and husband Bill.

On the sideboard ... spiral ham, roasted turkey, deviled eggs, yeast rolls, macaroni and cheese, very veggie garden salad, steamed broccoli, and roasted carrots. Chocolate pies. Assorted Easter candies.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Easter 2014
April 20, 2014

Rumors and the 6th Congressional District

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Exodus 20:16 NIV

Talking with someone tonight from the 6th Congressional District was a reminder -- again -- of how people spread rumors without checking with the principals to find out if it's true.

Rule of thumb that should be in everyone's playbook: If you hear a rumor about someone, call them and ask, point blank, if it's true. If you're not willing to do that, do not believe the rumor. Period.

Tim Tebow: Christian, role model, athlete

Many in the American media have strange values when it comes to covering athletes. The bad guys seem to get the positive press -- they're the cool kids -- while so often the good guys are persecuted for being ... well, good.

Tim Tebow -- homeschooled student, Heisman Trophy winner, Denver Broncos quarterback -- is a positive role model for our children, one of the good guys who actually understands that the world doesn't revolve around him. He is a public figure who shares his good fortune, reaches out to those who are hurting, and retains his down-to-earth personality.

ESPN reporter Rick Reilly, who has been voted National Sportswriter of the Year eleven times so he's been around the sports block a time or two, took a closer look at this unlikely hero and was surprised to find someone to admire, as he declared by simply stating, "I believe in Tim Tebow" and noting :

I've come to believe in Tim Tebow for what he does off a football field, which is represent the best parts of us, the parts I want to be and so rarely am.

Who among us is this selfless?

Who, indeed? What makes this more amazing is Tebow's youthful age (23), and his hero status in the NFL.

Ridiculed in the media for dropping to one knee on the football field -- something that has been done for years by other players --  and by some for being a nice person, Tebow represents the best of humanity. His Christian upbringing by missionary parents laid a firm foundation for this young man who doesn't just talk the talk ... he absolutely, 100% walks the walk.

Sharing his good character along with his worldly goods, Tebow reaches out a hand to those less fortunate in a way that shows true concern and caring. Riley talked with some who have benefited from Tebow's touch and they responded that he had offered them hope for the future, happiness for the present, and made them believers in themselves and, perhaps, renewed belief in humankind.

Tebow hosts them for home and away games, making it a point to visit with them before the game. Didn't he find that distracting, asked Riley? Tebow's answer showed insight into the unselfish person that he is:

"Just the opposite," Tebow says. "It's by far the best thing I do to get myself ready. Here you are, about to play a game that the world says is the most important thing in the world. Win and they praise you. Lose and they crush you. And here I have a chance to talk to the coolest, most courageous people. It puts it all into perspective. The game doesn't really matter. I mean, I'll give 100 percent of my heart to win it, but in the end, the thing I most want to do is not win championships or make a lot of money, it's to invest in people's lives, to make a difference."

Like I said ... a guy who doesn't allow himself to be the center of the universe. Why, heck ... he made a believer of a cynical, crusty, long-time sports writer who tried his best to find a crack in Tebow's persona and finally stopped trying. Riley conceded:

I've given up giving up on him. I'm a 100 percent believer. Not in his arm. Not in his skills. I believe in his heart, his there-will-definitely-be-a-pony-under-the-tree optimism, the way his love pours into people, right up to their eyeballs, until they believe they can master the hopeless comeback, too.

Tebow's kind of innocent optimism is good to see and keeps the rest of us believing that there truly is good left in the world.

You know what? I believe in Tim Tebow, too.

Living what we learn....

Outer Banks sunrise 2010.

Military Mom shared this thought today: “Church isn’t where you meet. Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.”

"Hail to God's Ambassador!" ... Palm Sunday 2010

"The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city, and a huge crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him, shouting, 'The Savior! God bless the King of Israel! Hail to God's Ambassador!' "

--John 12:12-13 (The Living Bible)

Morning Bible reading

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
--Romans 12:19 (New International Version Bible)

Bethlehem Village at Afton ... where the Christmas story comes to life ... 2009

Follow the star to Bethlehem ... find the peace of the season ... it's closer than you think.

Bethlehem Village ... where the Christmas story comes to life ... returns to the Blue Ridge Mountains ... and you won't want to miss it.

Open December 18-22 from 6-9 pm (Dec. 20 open 4-9 pm), visiting Bethlehem is a moving family experience that will bring home the reason for the season.

Here is what to expect when you visit....

Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas.

Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss.

Located at Hebron Baptist Church, Bethlehem Village is a project of love put on annually by the church with help from the community. Click here for directions and location information.

What is the history of the Bethlehem Project?

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains a highly dedicated group of volunteers is transporting delighted spectators back to the 1st century with one of the longest continuous running "Village of Bethlehem" productions in the country. The Bethlehem Project was conceived in 1999 by Rev. Jim Ailor (Hebron Baptist Church pastor at the time), who, having studied a miniature model of Bethlehem and the nativity, decided to recreate historic Bethlehem for people to experience firsthand. He rallied members of Hebron and surrounding churches together to create a temporary village during those first few years. It began with just a few shops and characters in the parking lot of the church. Each year the village was erected and dismantled for the event.

In 2004 Hebron Baptist donated land to allow the village to be constructed as a permanent collection of buildings and stables. It continues to grow each year in its scope and dramatic portrayals while still maintaining the authentic feel of a small village around the 1st century.

Our family has enjoyed this historic experience over the years ... others have, too. There is no cost ... a small donation helps to continue bringing this living history to the people of Virginia and beyond.

Maryam and Marzieh ... held prisoners in Iran for Christian faith

Maryam and Marzieh

On July 9, Atlas Shrugs wrote that two Iranian women had been arrested March 5, 2009, and were being held in an Iranian prison because of their Christian faith:

The two Iranian Christian women, Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) continue to be held in Evin prison in Iran because of their Christian faith, unfairly labeled as ‘anti-government activists’, because of the hostility of the government towards practising Christians.

Worldwide, people were asked to remember Maryam and Marzieh in prayer. Saturday night I received an urgent email prayer request from a home school friend that showed the situation had become dire:

Please pray diligently this evening for the two young Muslim- background Christian women, Maryam and Marzieh, who have been in prison in Iran for some time for apostasy.

Their hearing is going to be at 11:00 Eastern U.S. time tonight. Apparently the judge has already given indication they will be sentenced to death. Some days ago we were told that the jailers are executing some women prisoners in front of the other women prisoners. Some as young as 14-15 years old are given to prison guards in marriage the night before execution simply because they do not want to execute virgins, as these two young women are.

If you have a prayer chain, please call this in immediately. If they are sentenced and unless God miraculously intervenes they will be raped all day tomorrow and beheaded Monday.

Prayers worldwide were offered last night for these two young ladies and for their safe release from prison. Sunday night an update came from the same home school friend:

In a dramatic session before the revolutionary court today in Tehran, Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) were told to recant their faith in Christ. Though great pressure was put on them, both women declared that they would not deny their faith. Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on March 5, 2009 and have suffered greatly while in prison, suffering ill health, solitary confinement and interrogations for many hours while blindfolded.

On Saturday August 8, Maryam and Marzieh were summoned to appear in court on Sunday August 9 in order to hear a verdict on their case. The chief interrogator had recommended a verdict of ‘apostasy.’ However, when they arrived, no verdict was actually given. Instead, the court session focussed on the deputy prosecutor, Mr Haddad, questioning Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and telling them that they had to recant in both verbal and written form. This made it clear that in the eyes of the court, Maryam and Marzieh’s only crime is that they have converted to Christianity.
...
At the end of the session, Mr. Haddad told them that a judge will give them his verdict, though it is not clear who will be the judge in their case now. He also allowed Maryam and Marzieh to have a lawyer represent them in the case for the first time since their arrest.

Both women are back in Evin prison tonight. During their five-month ordeal, both have been unwell and have lost much weight. Marzieh is in pain due to an on-going problem with her spine, as well as an infected tooth and intense headaches.She desperately needs medical attention. Two months ago the prison officials told her the prison had proper medical equipment and that they will attend to her, but so far no proper treatment has been given.
...
Maryam and Marzieh’s case is a clear and harsh violation of human rights and religious liberty by Iran’s authorities. They deserve the support of all those who respect human rights and to be released without charges so they can pursue a life of freedom.

Please continue to pray for the safety of Maryam and Marzieh. Pray they will continue to experience the strengthening presence of God and that they will be a witness of the love and grace of Christ in Evin prison.

Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." -- Matthew 22:37

Related posts:
- Christian Solidarity Worldwide: Prayer and advocacy result in EU action on Iran
- Israeli Forum: IRAN: Maryam and Marzieh, Arrested Because of Christian Faith, In Danger of Being Forgotten

Easter ... Christ the Lord has risen

Christ the Lord has risen today.

Hallelujah.

Good Friday

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. -- John 3:16-17

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again. -- Matthew 20:18,19

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. -- Matthew 20:28

"One Solitary Life"

He was a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where he worked in a carpenter's shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness.

While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends deserted him. He was turned over to his enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for the only piece of property he had -- his coat.

When he was dead, he was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave.

Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever sailed, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of people on this earth as powerfully as this "One Solitary Life."

Wisdom from Dr. Peter Marshall ...

"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned."

~ Dr. Peter Marshall (1902-1949)
Scottish-American Minister
& U.S. Senate Chaplain

It's Christmas Eve across the land ...

The peacefulness of Christmas Eve is settling across the land as dark moves in ... tiny twinkly lights illuminate the darkness and our Christmas tree is lighted and glowing. Christmas carols are playing ... Christmas sheet music is at the piano ready for a singalong after evening church services ... presents are wrapped and waiting ... food and goodies are ready for family and guests.
It is Christmas Eve 2008.

On an extremely blustery evening that finds Augusta County under high wind warnings, there is a quiet as the world pauses on the eve of Christ's birth.

Christmas Eve service will be special with music from the little ones as well as adult members of the congregation ... Alex will sing a solo ... the pastor will read the Christmas passage.

Afterwards there will be food and singing at the Mitchell household as we come back to spend time together as a family ... play board games ... sing Christmas carols ... dig into the ham biscuits and fudge ... pray for our military, for Nate, for those less fortunate who are ill or going through trials.

If you get a chance check out the Carnival of Christmas 2008 posted by Kat over at Cathouse Chat for some heartwarming stories of the season from bloggers throughout the blogosphere. Thanks and Merry Christmas, Kat!

It's Christmas Eve in the Shenandoah Valley....

Zo ... black, conservative, Republican, Christian....

He is black, he is young, he is a Christian, he is conservative, and he is Republican.

He supports John McCain and Sarah Palin ... and he tells it like it is to other young blacks.

Zo describes himself on his blog:

I'm a musician; A drummer, guitarist, and bassist. I'm a martial artist. My objective is to be a career entertainer. I'm a Christian, conservative republican patriot. I love kickin' it with my wife. She's never lackin' for conversation, and laughs. I'm a sci-fi nerd, dork, whatever you wanna call it, I dig it fo' real!

Watch his YouTube video, The Diddy Retort.

Easter ... Christ the Lord has risen today

Christ the Lord has risen today.

Hallelujah.

Palm Sunday

"The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city, and a huge crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him, shouting, 'The Savior! God bless the King of Israel! Hail to God's Ambassador!' "

--John 12:12-13 (The Living Bible)