You are a child of God...

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" in John 1:29

As Todd and I are preparing for not only his Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation into the Catholic Church this coming Holy Saturday, we reflect on knowing there are things for which we have sinned against and regret. Yet how wonderful and truly miraculous that our Lord can forgive us, and we have the ability to ask for His forgiveness and for His grace to be with us during this most holy of weeks?!

I'll never forget when I truly understood the real sacrifice and true love for the world and His people Jesus gave to us when he died on Good Friday. My family and I went during our regular CCD class during Holy Week to our local movie theater with other families from St. Ann's to watch the Passion of the Christ movie. I don't ever recall up until that point that I had truly understood what it meant to give up your life for the ones you love, and our family among many of the others left with tears rolling down our face and left in total silence as we drove back to our homes.

As I remember, Christ's last seven words:

For our Savior said, "“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
(Luke 23:34)
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)

“Dear woman, here is your son.”
(John 19:26)

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
(Mark 15:34)

“I am thirsty.”
(John 19:28)

“It is finished!”
(John 19:30)

“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”
(Luke 23:46)

      I am called to come back to the church (though I fell madly in love with my purpose while in college, I had a few years where I didn't quite understand why things had happened and left with a big hole in my heart) and now more than ever believe with my most perfect soulmate by my side this coming Easter, I am so excited to reflect on the gift He gave us and see how much the Lord will bring joy and happiness into our lives and be there when we need Him most.

I am so very humbled and thankful the Lord knew what He was doing when He brought Todd into my life. I cannot think of a more selfless person (sometimes I wonder, hee!) to be with me in life. Todd has gone through 10 months of preparing for this coming Saturday and to truly understand a God-filled, purpose-driven life that's in store for us. I cannot wait to share a few snipits and photos from Saturday when he becomes Todd Ryan Francis Chesnut in the Catholic Church!

I'm leaving you with one of my all-time favorite songs from Third Day!