For God So Loved the World

Holy Week.  Without a doubt my most favorite time of the Christian year.  I am always humbled and in awe that Someone would love me that much that He would give His life, so that I could live.   This year I discovered several documentaries on the TBN Channel for Holy Week.  They have all been presented from a different point of view.  Last night was the crucifixion from the viewpoint of Barabbas.

Back in our “other life” I would so look forward to the Fridays of Lent.  On those days our church would sponsor a Lenten Lunch.  The “church ladies” would offer a free will lunch and some one from the community would share an inspiring story.  I so enjoyed the stories, the “church ladies” food, and especially the fellowship.  It was during that time that I met the most kindest, gentlest, gentle man named Maynard.

During those ten years that we shared our lunch I was honored by his presence.  The first year we usually were standing in line close, so we shared small visits.  Just small chit chat, but he was the kind of person that you just noticed.  There was just something very special about this dear man.  He was always dressed in a suit, always spoke with kindness, was very humble and polite.  The second year I was dismayed to discover that he was not in line.  I was worried, as I feared that he was either too sick to attend the lunches or worse.  What joy to discover, as I was making my way through the tables, Maynard standing before me, waving me over to his table.  He had saved a spot for me at his table!  As a working person, who was short on time and usually found myself without a table, this was such a blessing.  And to be a part of this dear man’s circle for that brief hour was more of a blessing.  I would see Maynard out and about in the town throughout the week and he always treated me with respect.  When he died a big, bright part of my life died with him.  I always think of him during Holy Week.  However, I know that he is up with our God, hopping around the clouds, spending eternity with his beloved wife.  Just picturing him with a suit coat over his wings brings me joy.  And my joy was doubly blessed when I started back to college and one of my all time favorite professors was Maynard’s son.

In looking through the internet I “re-found” this recipe.  When you were a wee one we made this a couple of times, but then the recipe was lost, the memory forgotten.  Until today!  Yeah!  I also found the newspaper clipping from our local newspaper dated almost twenty-five years ago.  You and I would always decorate on of the Russian Olive trees that lined our driveway.  Each year we used the same tree, that you named “The Climbing Tree”.  We poked a hole into the top of one of the plastic eggs that you can purchase for almost any store during the Easter holiday.  We then inserted a loop of ribbon through the hole and glued the egg closed.  The ribbon hook was then used to hang our “jellybean” onto the tree.  You would take such delight in how many of your classmates would come by to see our tree.  Aw, memories!  Joy Rising!

Resurrection  Rolls

Prep  Time: 15 minutes

Baking  Time: 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes

Serves: 6-8 people

Source: thegirlwhoateeverything.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

  • 1 8oz package refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1/4 c sugar
  • 1 T ground cinnamon
  • 8 large marshmallows
  • 1/4 c butter, melted

Directions:

  1. Separate rolls into eight triangles.
  2. Combine sugar and cinnamon into a bowl.
  3. Dip each marshmallow into butter, roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place onto one triangle.
  4. Pinch dough around marshmallow, sealing all edges (make sure to seal well or all the marshmallow will escape).
  5. Dip tops of dough into remaining butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  6. Place with sugar side up in greased muffin cups.
  7. Bake 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes.
  8. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

You in our Jelly Bean Tree

Your Easter Basket this year