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I’m not sure that was the feeling that day when Jesus was on the cross. Jesus came to fulfill a purpose. He had a mission. And he lived his life with the purpose of completing that mission. Jesus was sent by God to die on the cross for the sins of mankind. This was why he was born. It’s why he came to the earth. And now, his mission was complete.

In those final hours of his life, Christ endured the most brutal and humiliating treatment. Like a lamb led to slaughter, Jesus submitted all and gave up his life.

I think about those last words, “It is finished.” What a statement! Jesus obediently completed what the Father had sent him to do. Now on the cross, it was accomplished. I don’t know if Jesus felt the same sense of pride that I do when I look at the finished landscaping project, but in some strange way, I do think Jesus recognized and knew the eternal impact of what he had just done for us. It WAS finished.

It’s humbling when I think about what Jesus did for me on that cross. Christ did for me what I couldn’t do on my own. He died for my sins. He paid the penalty for my debt. He bore the pain. He endured the humility. And he did it all because he loves me.

Run to your local craft store, hardware store, or use the Amazon link below, and pick up a "build-it-yourself" birdhouse. If you have a couple of kids, you might want to pick up a birdhouse for each one.

When everyone is finished building their birdhouse, take a few minutes to admire the results of their work. Talk about what they liked about building their birdhouse and how the feel now that they are all done.

Finishing a project or a job is very important, but sometimes we get tired of the time it takes or the work involved and we walk away. Sometimes we get distracted or bored, and the project is never finished. Or, sometimes, we simply choose not to finish.

What would have happened if Jesus choose not to finish his work? Things might look really different. But despite the work, the hurt, the pain, the humiliation, Jesus was obedient to his father and he completed his work. And it's a good thing for us he did.

Now that your birdhouses are built and painted and look amazing, let's finish the project and hang them outside so the birds can begin moving into their new homes!

- the higham family

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They say it after they reveal some ancient act, rule, and expectation. This is the way. Mando's never take their helmets off in the presence of others. This is the way. Baskar is used for armor, extra baskar is given for the benefit of foundlings. This is the way. The more you watch, the more your learn about the way.

For the Mandalorians, it who they are. It's a reminder of, their way; their way of life. In some ways, it's similar to what Jesus says about himself and how we are to live.

There is but one way to the Father; through Jesus Christ and only through Jesus.

Today you will here people say things like, “There are many ways to God.” Or, “I’m making my own path to God.” But Jesus tells us that the ONLY way to the Father God is through him. That means that we have to recognized Jesus for who he is; the Son of God, Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, and only true way.

Ask questions like, "which way might be the quickest way to go?", "which way might be the longest way to go?" Ask, "which way might be the most direct?", "which way might have the most scenery to look at?"

After talking about the way, pick the one way that you will use to travel to your destination. Now, pile into the car and begin your journey. Let the kids help direct your journey. Tell them they are the navigators and it's up to them to tell you where to turn and how to go. When you arrive, enjoy some family time at your location.

Before you wrap things up, talk about how your family is choosing to follow, The Way, Jesus. Remind them of today's story, and how Jesus is The Way. And, while there might be those who say there are "other ways" to go, Jesus really is the one true way!

- the higham family

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would be one with the other believers, as the Father and Son are one. He prayed that you might be a witness of his message to this world so the world would see, know and believe. He prayed that you would be fully devoted to the Father so the world would know of the love of the Father.

Take some time with your kids to make a list of family and friends that you can pray for. With each name, write something that you can for for them. Then with your kids, take turns praying for the names on your list. Continue to pray for these family and friends in the days after Easter.

In doing this, you will start to develop the discipline of prayer.

- the higham family

Start stocking up on some of your favorite summer activities!

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This wasn’t a question of what was happening before him, this was a question of confusion and wonder. Why, Jesus, are you washing my feet?

Jesus knew what it meant to serve others. It’s why he came. It’s how he lived. It’s who he was. The Apostle Paul describes Jesus with words like servant, humble, obedient. Jesus was ready and willing to put aside his own wants, desires, pride, and Deity in order to demonstrate what it meant to love some completely.

Later at the table, Jesus asks his disciple if they understood what and why he did what he did. He explained that this was how leaders were to lead, by first serving those whom they were called to lead.

How are we serving? Whether it’s your position at work, within the church, or even in the family, are you leading by being a servant first? Or are you too busy to take the time to serve the ones you love? This week, take the time to lead like Christ. Watch for opportunities to serve those you lead and love.

Humble yourself and wash the feet of those God has entrusted to you.

Take out a large piece of paper or poster board. Across the top write in large letters, WE CAN SERVE... As a family, think of some ways that you might be able to serve someone you know. Maybe it's serving at church. Maybe it's serving a neighbor. Maybe it's serving someone you don't know. Include all ideas, even if they sound a little difficult to pull off. Once you have a list of ideas, go back through your list and circle the ones that your family could do with little prep or planning. Now go through and underline any ideas that would take a little planning to do.

Pick two or three of the circled ideas and go and do them as a family. Pick on of the underlined ideas, and in the coming days, work together as a family and plan how you might be able to carried out that opportunity to serve someone! Then go and do what you planned!

As an alternative, have a family foot washing service. Set up some buckets with with warm soapy water, and some towels, and take turns washing each others feet. It's okay if there are a few giggles along the way, take it all in and enjoy this special time with you family.

- the higham family