Savior

"Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, 'You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.'

But they all cried out together, 'Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas'— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, 'Crucify, crucify him!'

A third time he said to them, 'Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.'

But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will . . .

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, 'He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!'

The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, 'If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!' There was also an inscription over him, 'This is the King of the Jews.'

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour [3:00 p.m.], while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last."

--Luke 23:13-25, 32-46 (ESV)

Heartstrings

Life is moving fast. When does it not?! I feel like it's been in fast-forward since Christmas especially. Many people often ask, "What have you been up to?" Well... I feel like it's whatever I was up to the last time we talked. So my response is just the same "stuff" - work, church, and everything else I do that takes up my time. Well, I have been up to the same "stuff," but there is a lot to work through and other things to deal with. In January, Granddaddy passed away. In February, I had the flu. In March, one of my best friends in Birmingham got a new job (YAY!), but is moving to Dallas. I know there are some more big changes on the horizon. I have yet to feel too overwhelmed because there has not been much time to process these things. Instead, I am experiencing small tugs on my heartstrings as "normal" is changing.

Spring Break is here! YIPPEE!!! It's a much needed break for some rest and relaxation, which I plan to do. And time to process the changes that are taking place in life. It is all thought provoking.

Lord, what are you teaching me?