Started this morning out walking to the cross – celebrating the new life we have in Jesus Christ…

Multiple generations, adding pine branches to the cross, since only one, lone daffodil dared to bloom in this chilly spring…

Kinda cool, though – the symbolism of “evergreen” branches… Makes me think of how God is EVERlasting…

First year we’ve ever had a dog join us, lol… 🙂

And now some “farm parallels” of NEW LIFE…
Meet Buttercup:
A gift to The Boys by my Grandma & Grandpa Cegelka back in 2005. They have since passed, so she’s extra special now, and is always asked about by my aunts and uncles… When Mike & I went up to do a calf check, we witnessed her water break, so we hung around to catch the entire miraculous birth. Thought is was significant that she chose to have her calf in a patch of briars. No, not her level of intelligence, lol, but that it reminded me of the crown of thorns piercing Jesus’ head.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NIV)

And that her 3-year-old daughter, Reececup, decided to see what all the excitement was about. Made me think of “generations of families” and of Psalm 145 that we had just shared this morning…

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:4-7 NIV)

(You’ll see Reesecup in the background, behind the briars…)

Buttercup’s new calf’s name is Milkdud. Her markings are beautiful! I’ll do a separate post about Milkdud, but couldn’t resist a couple pics for this one.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing us to witness new life coming onto this farm today. As I meditate on the significance of this Holy Week, I’m so grateful that Good Friday was not the end of Your story – that we all have the promise of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen