Easter 2011

Well, I had hoped to post all the exciting things that we had planned to do over the Easter weekend; however, William spiked a 104 fever on Friday night and it was all downhill from there. We have all "caught" something. We had to cancel our plans with local friends and only Matt was able to attend the special church service in a neighboring city. We still rejoice and proclaim.....BLESSED BE YOUR NAME!! Sooooooo; we basically had an "at home-in PJs" Easter. There will be no pictures of the family all "spiffed-up". We are really glad that our church program was last weekend. The kids worked so hard I would have hated for them to have missed it. You can check out photos on Matt's facebook page. I am also really glad that we have been celebrating and doing activities for Easter for 2 weeks. It would have been a big bummer if we had saved everything for this weekend! Lollie (Matt's sister) gave the kids some special egg "markers". They did muster the energy to do 2 eggs each before they wanted to lie back down. We still plan to color eggs next weekend with some locals that have never done it before. We are also going to be sharing our 12 Resurrection Eggs with them. William's big present was a game for the computer and Grace's was a new "little pony". Poor things, we put the baskets on our bed this year thinking that everyone might just want to lay down to open gifts and read scripture. We were a pitiful sight!! No chocolate bunnies this year, but the kids have changed their taste buds to the candy here so everyone was happy! (not that any of us needed sugar while ill, or trying to keep from getting ill!!) Matt still missed not having his Cadbury Creme eggs, but he's adjusting! : ) We miss each of you and pray that you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. Praise His Holy Name!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day12 - Last EGG!

Matthew 28: 5-8 He has risen!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!! Praise the Lord, our last egg we found empty. We serve a risen Savior. He was/IS victorious! Sin, death and hell now no longer have power over those who trust in Christ for salvation. It says in John 8:36, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed!" Our family thought for the day is: Are we walking in the freedom that Christ has given us or are we allowing unbelif to hold us back? Are we boldly sharing this good news with those around us? Freedom is Sweet!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day11

Today we read Matthew 28:1-3 and opened an egg containing a small stone. The Resurrection Eggs book states that the stone that was placed in front of Christ's tomb was bigger than a door and as heavy as a car. In the area that we live in now, we have seen tombs with stones that fit this description. It is really quite fascinating. You can click here to view a few pictures I have posted on this blog. You can also check out my facebook page if interested. The Resurrection Eggs book also says, "Words about the stone being miraculously rolled away and about Jesus' resurrection from the dead are the most encouraging and hope-giving words a Christian could ever have." Our family thought for the day is: Are we standing ready, waiting for the miracle that Christ has for us? Do we believe His promises? Do we trust in His amazing plan? We pray you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day10

Matthew 27:57-61 - Today we opened an egg containing a white linen cloth. It is interesting to think about the people that are not mentioned in the Bible. Those that were followers of Christ, but not among the 12, and perhaps those that maybe didn't consider themselves "followers", but stood on the sidelines listening, watching...pondering. Joseph of Arimathea was like that. He was a rich man likely a member of the Jewish leadership. He is not mentioned before this time; however, he had to have been secretly observing and listening to Jesus. In the end, he decided to step forward in boldness and ask for the body of Christ. How many people are there like that around our families, our ministries our churches, etc.? We will never know for sure, but I know that they are there. Our family thought for the day is: When people look at our life do they see a genuine love for Christ? Is Christ proclaimed in our treatment of each other and our service to those around us? We desire that it be said of us as individuals and as the "Travis Team" that we glorify God and have integrity in all that we do. May we seek Him with boldness and with all our hearts - AT!

Resurrection Countdown - Day 9

Today we read from John 19:31-37, and opened an egg containing a spear. Yes, Jesus actually died. It was not a trick. He didn't just collapse from exhaustion. To make sure that he was really dead, the soldiers pierced His side. When they did, out came water and blood. Later in the day, William asked why this was proof. Well, since the only "C" I received in college was in biology and Matt had already gone to work, I decided to look it up on the internet. I didn't really find the answer that I was looking for as far as why water being there and not just blood was important. (How did that mean He was already dead?) However, I did find a ton of things on all the symbolism that is represented. It was quite interesting. Again, like yesterday, I am amazed at all the details that the Father has woven together. I won't go into the details; you can Google if interested. Any of my nurse/doctor/biology smart friends are welcome to answer the question for William. I know he would appreciate it. Our family thought for the day is: Think about how much Jesus must love us that He was willing to suffer and die in our place. Praise Him Today - AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 8

Today, we read from John 19:23-25 and found a single die in our egg. It was the fulfilling of prophesy that they would divide the Messiah's garments and cast lots for His clothing. I stand amazed over and over how all that was prophesied in scripture Christ fulfilled. Our family thought for the day is: Do we know God's word? Are we faithful to study it every day, memorize it and ponder it? We want to be found ready to give an account for our faith. Blessings Today - AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 7

3 Nails - "When we, as Christians, think of the nails that were pounded through Jesus' body into the cross, we should be sad about our sins. But we should also be filled with joy because we know we are given everlasting life through His death. He was pierced for us!"...from the Resurrection Eggs book. Today we read John 19:16-22 - the crucifixion of Christ. Our family thought for the day has been: Does sin truly make us sad? We have looked at areas again where we might need to repent and ask for forgiveness from one another and God. Praise the Lord that HE died for our sins and that we have been cleansed by HIS blood. It has actually been quite an emotional day in the Travis home. We have confessed to one another and prayed several times throughout the day. We have changed some of how we are going to handle family issues. It was hard to hear some of the things that were shared, but it was a blessing to know that everyone felt like they could be honest. HE IS GOOD, and I am trusting that the Father will do a mighty work in our home and HIS name will be glorified. If you remember us today, pray for emotional healing and that we will be bound together strongly as a family. He makes all things new - AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 5 & 6

Well, we ran non-stop this weekend and had to open eggs 5 & 6 tonight. Due to "Children's Day" (celebrated all around the world - except America??), our church decided to move Easter weekend to this weekend rather than next. We gathered for prayer, breakfast and cleaning of the church on Saturday morning. Then we had the kick off to our "summer" children's program. (During nice weather months, the church ministers to the local street children.) We practiced for Sunday's big program all afternoon; then we had a family from a neighboring city stay with us. The program was excellent. I am so proud of the children, youth and young adults. They shared their faith with boldness. We are also very humbled that some of our neighbors decided to attend. SOOOOOO tonight we found in our eggs a leather whip and a crown of thorns. We read scriptures from John 19:1-15; Matthew 27:26-31; and Matthew 27:29-31. As you can imagine, these are some of the passages describing the sufferings of Christ. Our family thought for the weekend is: What am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of others? What will I lay down so that others can meet the one true God? Because of Him, AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 4

Throughout the gospels we read over and over the importance that Christ placed on prayer. It was not just a sermon He preached. HIS life is the example. Today we opened the egg containing "praying hands". They are to remind us of the time that Christ spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. Our scripture for the day is Mark 14: 32-42. Christ prayed and asked for the Father's strength. Our family thought for the day is: Am I trying to do things in my own strength? How much time do I devote to prayer? Do I consider time with God the most important part of my day? Remembering YOU today - AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 3

Today, we opened our third egg. Inside we found a tiny goblet representing the "Passover cup" or the cup from the "Last Supper". Our scripture was Matthew 26:17-19, 26-28 along with Exodus 12:23. Growing up I had the privilege of participating in worship in many different denominations. Always one of my favorite times in each service was the time of remembrance and reflection - The Lord's Supper. (Unless, of course, I happened to be at a Baptist church and then it would be the luck of the draw if I attended at the beginning of the quarter! ... all my Baptist friends will laugh at that!) More than the songs; more than the sermons; more than the special music, stories and media...this time made me think and ask myself the serious/important questions of life. In the local Protestant church we attend currently, The Lord's Supper is offered weekly. Members take it very seriously. It has been personally growing for me to watch them weep, pray and pass on the elements or smile, look on them thankfully/lovingly and rejoice. Our family thought for the day is: Are we drinking from the cup that HE has poured out for us or are we choosing a cheap glass that will never satisfy and quench our hearts' desires? Drinking of His love and goodness today!! AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 2

Silver Coins - Today we read from Matthew 26:14-16, 46-50; 27:1-5. Jesus was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. Doesn't it make us feel better to point our finger at Judas? It is easier to pass judgment on Judas than to consider ourselves as the betrayers of Christ. However, the truth is, Christ went to the cross for each and every one of us. The actual betrayal of Christ for money was only just one sin. The Resurrection Eggs book we are reading says, "And this is what sin is - living in disobedience, or saying "no" to God and His commandments. Sin is when God tells us to go one way, but we go the other" Judas' mistake was that he did not seek forgiveness from the Lord. Christ would have willingly forgiven him just as He forgives us. Our family thought for the day is: Do we have areas we are not being obedient? Are we seeking forgiveness and choosing daily to live in Christ?
May we all choose to walk in FREEDOM today! - AT

Resurrection Countdown - Day 1

If you follow our blog, you will remember last year we did a big countdown with "hands on" activities and wall art. (click here if you want to read the blogs) This year we are having a hard time getting into the "Spring Fever" since it still feels like winter and we are freeeeeeezing because it is past the time for our building to be legally allowed to burn coal.....HOWEVER.....we are trying to make our own fun inside and begin the countdown to the most important holiday of the year! Matt's family sent us "Resurrection Eggs". Many of you may use these. They are plastic eggs that each contains a special "object". Each day we will open an egg and discuss the object and its relevance to the holiday. Today we found a donkey in the egg. The scripture with it was Matthew 21:1-9 This is the account of Christ riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people proclaimed him Prince of Peace. "Hosanna, Hosanna - Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" The text that came with the eggs asks the question, "Did you know that when things seemed to be going well for Jesus, it was easier for people to love and follow him? But when the Jewish leaders challenged Jesus by saying He was not the Son of God, the people began to be afraid." Our family thought for the day is: 1) When is it hard for me to follow Christ? 2) When should I proclaim, "Blessed is He"? May you be richly blessed today and find true peace that only comes from Christ. AT