Good Friday! And I mean that quite literally! My thoughts on Good Friday are in the Food for Thought section today. Now to get the day started! Moose has a spa day today and I have no idea how he knows but from the moment I got up and the entire time I’ve been sitting here getting this ready to post this morning, he’s been dancing around like a loon. Somehow he KNOWS he gets to go with me, but I have no idea HOW he knows! It makes no sense! All I know is he is in desperate need for a bath and nail trim so today is the day!
Verse of the Day
March 30, 2018
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and he carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
Thoughts on the Verse of the Day
Jesus was everything and became nothing for us. Yet most of the people who were on earth that he came to save didn’t know him or accept him. The crowds just assumed he deserved what he got. Most did not repent. But there was something about that sacrificial story that has grabbed hearts over the years and called God’s lost children home. In our journey home, we find him to not only be a Savior, but a servant for our salvation as well.
www.verseoftheday.com
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorates the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. From the earliest days of Christianity, churches have celebrated a special service in which the account of the Passion according to the Gospel of John is read, prayers are said, and the faithful approach the cross in prayerful reflection. In many churches the cross is kissed. Services end in a special Holy Communion. Some churches celebrate Holy Thursday, the day before, and have solemn Last Supper ceremony. Good Friday services are quiet and serious occasions, the organ is not played, everything is kept quiet and prayerful, for it was a serious time. In many churches and doctrines, Good Friday is a day of strict fasting and abstinence. Catholics who are over the age of 18 and under 60 are required to fast, which means they can eat only one complete meal and two smaller ones during the day, with no food in between. Catholics who are over 14 are required to refrain from eating any meat, or any food made with meat, on Good Friday.
I am not Catholic, and I admit that growing up the church we attended, if they did a Good Friday service, we never went to it. As an adult I have attended one church that did have Good Friday services, each year slightly different than the one before, but they were all very deep and meaningful and spoke to my heart. The lights were kept low, people came and went as they felt moved. Candles were lit and projected on the screen in front was a picture of the cross, directly above the cross that sits on the stage all the time. The Pastor spoke solemnly for a bit, we saw a short excerpt from the Passion of the Christ, then we had communion before leaving. It doesn’t sound like it was anything special, but you would have had to be in the sanctuary that first Good Friday service I attended to know the impact it had. In the air around us was a sense of hush and awe, and the presence of God was there, next to us, all around us. It was somber and uplifting all at the same time and forever shifted my view of Good Friday from a day leading up to Easter, to a day that impacted all of our lives from the moment it happened on. We were given such a precious gift, and at such huge and horrifying sacrifice, that I hope we all can take the time as we go about our busy day to bow our heads and thank God for all He has done for us.
Doctor’s Day – Today marks the anniversary of the 1st use of general anesthesia in surgery (I struggle to imagine surgery BEFORE anesthesia!). I’m sure we all appreciate our doctors. When did National Doctor’s Day get its start? Well, I found out that on March 30th, 1958, the United States House of Representatives adopted a resolution commemorating Doctor’s Day. In 1990, Congress and the Senate approved legislation establishing National Doctor’s Day. The resolution was signed by President George Bush. The first National Doctor’s Day was celebrated in 1991. There are even National Doctor’s Day cards out there – Hallmark of course. If you REALLY care about your doctor, give them one of those cards – they will probably be surprised.
Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day – We always hear how the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence . . . but is it really? People leave good jobs because they aren’t satisfied where they are and are looking for something better. Marriages are destroyed because one in the couple chooses to find a new husband or wife. Financial well-being teeters on the edge of calamity so that new horizons and dreams can be achieved, only to find that things aren’t any better than they used to be. Today’s holiday – The Grass Is Always Browner on The Other Side of The Fence is for anyone who has not been fooled by pastures that appear to be greener from a distance. Maybe they didn’t get a raise but stuck with the job anyway. There’s a little arguing in the home going on, but doggone it, you love each other and will work it out. You didn’t trade in your older car that is paid off for a new one and a big new payment – and it all worked out for the best. What a wonderful thing to remember! Don’t be greedy. Instead be grateful for where you are right now and appreciate the things and people you have in your life.
I Am in Control Day – This one started in an unusual way. On March 30, 1981 – a day many of us remember very well, President Ronald Reagan was wounded in an assassination attempt. There was, of course, a lot of confusion. Then Secretary of State Alexander Haig was trying to get things organized and figure out what was going on and when he said “I am in control here” it was taken out of contest. Rather than focusing on the entire statement, and the reason for it, of course the press focused on those few words and the political uproar lead to the Haig’s resignation. Geez, some things never change – a rabid press goes after the conservatives then, and they still go after them now. On that infamous day “I am in control day” was born. As with most things, the focus on certain historical events fades with time, and Haig’s statement was all but forgotten. In spite of that, this celebration continued and evolved and people came to think of it in a different context – personalizing it to get their lives in control. Today is your chance to do just that, if you’re feeling not quite in control of what’s going on in your life.
Pencil Day – Happy birthday to the pencil! Yep, today is the 159th birthday of the pencil and what a wonderful thing to celebrate! In 1858 Hymen Lipman was issued a patent for the first pencil with an eraser. Today many participating libraries and businesses hand out free pencils in honor of this very significant achievement. Pencils are usually made of wood with a graphite or charcoal center, though the plastic, reusable mechanical pencil is quite popular now. In many cases the mechanical pencils can be used indefinitely! Remember the first day of school, taking in your full pencil box with sharpened, yellow, #2 pencils? There was something about the scent that came from a freshly sharpened pencil that just make you want to write something! Today put down your pen and pick up your pencil. It’s the pencil’s birthday after all!
Take A Walk in The Park Day – Spring in the Pacific Northwest is gorgeous – rain or shine. Puxatawny Phil may be in the groundhog house where HE lives, but here, we’re just fine with him. Today is a great opportunity to get out for some fresh air, exercise and relaxation. Are you stressed out? A walk in the park could be just what the doctor ordered (ironically on Doctor’s Day). A nice walk in the park helps clear our minds and re-energizes us. It could very well be the best part of your entire day! Walk with your eyes open to the beauty of nature, enjoy the flowers, birds and wildlife you may see. Whether alone or with a friend, it’s hard not to be happy after a wonderful walk in the park. Have fun!
This Day in History –
1870 – The 15th amendment goes into effect, giving black men the right to vote.
1964 – Jeopardy debuts on television.
Food Celebration of the Day –
Turkey Neck Soup Day – How many of us just toss out the turkey neck when we make a turkey? I know I used to! Not any longer though. I make my own homemade stock, or bone broth, out of the roasted bones from turkeys and chickens that I make, and the neck of the turkey contributes lots of rich flavor to the broth. So, whether you are making the soup or not, just keep in mind that the next time you make a turkey, hang on to the neck so you can add it to the bones for quarts of rich, delicious broth.
Moose is going to implode with excitement if I don’t get him into the car. Seriously, you’d think it was doggy Christmas! May your Good Friday be truly wonderful in every way. God bless you and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Celebration lists and information are sourced from the following websites:
www.brownielocks.com; www.holidayinsights.com; www.thenibble.com; www.foodimentary.com and www.verseoftheday.com