Beautiful Easter Weekend!

Spring is finally here in full force.

The tulips and daffodils are blooming ,

and the pear trees are beautiful.

with the apple trees right behind them.
As I see all of the new growth appearing in
the plants, I am reminding of the new life that
we have in Christ because of His death
and resurrection.

We spent the afternoon on Good Friday with John, Diane,
and family and celebrated Heather's birthday.

During the afternoon we played games and enjoyed

the beautiful weather and flowers outside.

For the evening we went to Lindsborg, KS for St. Mathews Passion
by Bach, performed by the Bethany Oratorio Society and Orchestra.
It was a moving performance as we remembered the days prior to our
Saviour's crucifiction. The program included several audience choruses.

I did not realize that the melody from
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" was from this work.
Here are the words from the chorale sung
immediately after Christ's death....

"When life begins to fail me,
I fear not, having thee:
When pains of death assail me
I seek to find relief,
Alone thou wilt not leave me,
for Thou hast tasted grief."

After this remembrance of the death of our
Lord, we more than ever look forward to
celebrating His resurrection!.....and even
listening to the "Messiah" as well.