Good Friday

What have you been thinking about today? Have you been writing? Plotting? Creating?

I've had many things in my schedule today - a few simple questions from editor and copy-editor, an email or two about the cover design, an email or two about interior design, and a little writing in the WIP.

But what keeps coming back to mind is what today represents. The day Jesus took my sins upon Himself and He died. For me. He was brutally beaten, He was mocked, He was crucified. All because He loves me.

The same holds true for you, my friend. He died so that each one of us could have LIFE. Isn't that amazing? Doesn't that give you chills? Don't you want to tell everyone you know?

Earlier today, I was outside enjoying the cool air. My kids were riding their bikes while I watered my precious flower beds. Around the corner came a school bus. I dropped the hose. What on earth have we come to? Why are kids going to school on Good Friday? Does this day mean nothing?

My thoughts became critical and then I had another one of my 2x4 moments. (God has to 'gently' prod me at times to help me see His point.) It's times like these, this very day and age where we need to be a light more than ever. Each day the need increases as we draw closer to that blessed finish line!

I recently read a book by debut author, Lisa McKay, entitled My Hands Came Away Red. I LOVED this book. Not only is it a great work of fiction, but it makes you think. And I mean, gut-wrenching, mind-boggling, think. My brain has returned to it many times in the days since reading it. It has truly challenged me.

That's what we, as believers, should be doing. Challenging one another. Iron sharpening iron. Praying for one another, encouraging one another, fellowshipping with one another, growing with one another.

In just a couple of weeks, we have another great opportunity for all of that. Our Colorado retreat will take place the last weekend in April and I pray that you have the chance to come. Let's dig in the Word together, seek God's will in our lives and in our writing, and encourage one another in these incredibly difficult times.

Praise the Lord for what He has done. Thank You, for Good Friday and the reminder it is to us all.

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Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER which premiered in 2008. Her story, Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases in September 2009 from Focus on the Family. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. www.kimberleywoodhouse.com