Memorial Day

Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  -John 15:13

On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace.

More Memorial Day prayers here.

Now that Tree is Cherry

A couple years ago, a big wind blew down a tree.

It landed, in part, on a nearby cherry tree.  The cherry tree suffered some damage.  Not only that.  For months, the cherry tree suffered the indignity of having a fallen tree lying on it.

 Eventually a ranch hand removed the tree debris.

Some ranch hands are easily distracted.

In spite of all that dillydallying, the cherry tree rebounded.

With gusto.

Matthias

Today is Saint Matthias day.  He was the one chosen by the apostles to replace Judas.  Peter and the others understood the importance of maintaining the office of the twelve witnesses to Jesus. Thus, they asked the Holy Spirit to tell them which guy He wanted to fill the opening.  (Acts 1:15-26)

We don't know a lot about Matthias.  We're told in Acts that he was a disciple from the time of John the Baptist through the ascension of Jesus.  In other words, he was on the bench all along ready for the call to join the twelve.  He was eventually martyred while giving witness to The Word.

As we move through the Easter season let us remember what Jesus said to the apostles on the night Judas betrayed Him.  I give you a new command.  Love one another as I have loved you.   
(John 13:34)

May Stuff

Some interesting things going on outside.

Baby dove

Apple blossoms

The Orioles are back.

Green grass is back.

These little finches are back.

The hummingbirds are back.

All is well.