T.J.I.F.A.

 

THANK JESUS IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN!
PASS IT ON…& ON…& ON…& ON.
APRIL 2, 2004

 

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY – 2004

 

SUBJECT:  BFF – RESURRECTION DAY 2004.

 

BIG FAT FROG, CINDY AND FREDERICK BRING US TO A WELCOME SPRING BREAK.  WE, HERE AT TJIFA HOPE THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SIGNIFICANT RESURRECTION DAY.  FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CELEBRATE PASSOVER AT THIS TIME, WE ALSO SEND OUR WARMEST THOUGHTS. 

 

NOTEWORTHY:  WILL SEE YOU APRIL 23RD, 2004.

 

FRIDAY'S WORD: RESURRECTION

 

IN THE MIRROR: MAKING TRADITION A REALITY

 

O TASTE AND SEE!  SIMPLE TO MAKE…ONION AND CHIVE POTATO SALAD…YUMMY GET A COPY FOR A FRIEND.     SUBMITTED BY BMCC. ENJOY!

 

LOOKING FORWARD

 

SEE YA NEXT TIME! (APRIL 23, 2004)

 

TER

BFF- RESURRECTION DAY 2004
 

 

The adults were having a ‘Passion' party.  BFF and Cindy had been assisting and attending a Saturday Morning Bazaar   at the Church, and had been the first to arrive home.  As they busied themselves in the kitchen, BFF mused, "I wonder how mom and dad enjoyed the ‘Passion of Christ?"  Cindy looked a little concerned, as she added a guttural sound.  She was looking at the foods that BFF's mother had prepared for the gathering.  There were all kinds of sandwiches, and cheeses, sweet and dill pickles, lettuce, boiled eggs, tomatoes, potato chips and dip.   There were also several salads, potato, cole slaw, celery and carrot sticks, even a fresh fruit salad.  It seemed that she had prepared for a huge assembly of people.  Cindy only knew of her own mother and father, who were attending the movie with BFF's parents.  

 

Cindy, whimsically, asked BFF, "Who else is coming to this party?"  At the moment that an answer would have completed her interrogation, they both looked out of the window and saw   BFF's parents quietly leading a group of people into their home.  There were Cindy's mother and father, Justus' mother, Jedidiah's mother and father and Frederick's mother and father.  Cindy and BFF went into action at once.  They opened the door, and greeted the quiet gathering of solemn people.  They wanted to ask about the movie, but, it didn't seem to be the right time.  BFF volunteered to bring out the food, his mother consented.  Cindy, looking around, went into the kitchen to help BFF. 

 

"Frog, why are they so quiet?  And did you know   Frederick's parents were going?" 
Cindy grabbed the little basket with wet toweletts and paper napkins.  BFF picked up the beautiful tray of sandwiches.   "Why shouldn't they, Cindy?"  As Cindy passed out the little toweletts, she noticed that many of the guests had been crying, or at least, it looked as if they had. All of them, except Frederick's family.  Ahh…this is a mystery.  Then the doorbell rang.  It was Frederick, with an old brown bag, stuffed full.  He was excited about his two dollar and ten-cent purchase from the Church Bazaar.  His father dissuaded him by saying, "Not now son.  Why not help BFF and Cindy bring out the sandwiches?" 

 

At first glance, Frederick seemed to be discouraged, but, after a moment, and viewing the sumptuous luncheon, he quickly agreed to help. 

 

The adults were talking in a low tone about the movie.  BFF and Cindy filled their plates, and positioned themselves behind the kitchen door, within ear shot of the conversation.  Frederick piled his plate with food and sat at the kitchen table.  "Frog," Frederick began, "you and your family always have such good parties.  I just love your mother's potato salad."  BFF and Cindy both shushed him, as they continued to intently listen to the adult conversation.  They could tell that the women had separated themselves to talk, but, Frederick's father addressed the whole assembly, "They say that Mel Gibson's movie has made more than 325 million dollars.  It has out sold the Titanic.  You could tell that it was a big budgeted film.   He pulled no punches in showing WHO KILLED JESUS.
It's not about the production or the budget.  It's about my heart and my sin.  My transgression was recognized and my sin was ever before me.  I am ashamed of my iniquity, if it weren't for His ‘passion,' I would die in my own guilt.  I, me and you, EVERY MAN, WOMAN, BOY AND GIRL, WE KILLED JESUS.  No one race, religion, or sect of people can shoulder that blame. " Informed BFF's father.
 
Frederick's mother offered, "I never knew that Jesus was beaten like that.  The acting was superb, even though it just may have been exaggerated."  Jedidiah's mother, in a low, barely heard tone, volunteered, "I lost my son about a year ago.  The love between a mother and son was pictured so realistically, that all I could do was cry.  The sin of others, AIDS, killed my only son.  I felt Mary's heart."  Her husband quickly reached for her hand, then he continued to speak in her place, "Yes, Honey, we lost our son, but, he didn't die the same kind of death.  Mary's son, Jesus, took EVERY sin on Himself, He was the sinless Son of GOD, and because of Mary's Son's death, our son, Jeddah, died in His arms and he lives even now."

 

BFF and Cindy were listening closely to the adult conversations, so intently that they had stopped eating their lunch.  Frederick, with his mouth full of food, addressed their lack of attention to their meal."What are you listening to?  What are they talking about?" 

 

"Sh-h-h."  They both whispered.
Frederick ate his fill and started pulling his goodies out of his bag.  BFF glanced at him, but said nothing. 

 

Cindy's mother began to speak, "I've been sick for a long time.  There are times that I think that I just can't make it.  I know that Jesus suffered for me, and, when I see what he went through to give me my healing, I know that I will walk in that suffering, rather than my own.  The Bible says that ‘He was wounded for my transgressions, bruised for my iniquity, the chastisement of my peace was upon Him and with His stripes I AM HEALED!'  The stripes that He suffered were more than I could ever deserve.  Thank you Dear Lord.  It may not look like I'm healed…BUT…I  KNOW THAT  I AM!" 
 
Justus's mother sat dabbing her eyes, and then she gratefully said to BFF's father, "Thank you for the invitation to this movie party.  And, thank you for giving me the opportunity to view this movie with such beautiful people.  When I was young, I belonged to a type of cult.  My husband had four other wives and no love for Jesus.  I tried to stay in that group, but, I couldn't comfort myself spiritually.  When I asked to leave, I was threatened for my life.  I didn't know what to do; I had a small baby and the cult kept me broke.  They monitored my mail and my phone calls."
The whole party of friends listened, wondering how she managed to get free.  She testified, "My mother had never seen her only grandson.  She prayed day and night with her prayer partners.  She prayed that her grandson would be released in the arms of his mother, and that they would be freed without hurt, harm or danger.  About six weeks went by, everyday I asked the head wife and mother if I could leave.  Everyday she would give me another chore and verbally and physically mistreat me.  She threatened to take my child.  She said that I could go, but, I had to leave the baby with them.  

 

One day, the group started gathering their things and saying that they were moving to another state.  The head wife dismissed me and my baby. I signed a contract which stated   I would never claim fraternity again, and my name was restored.  They paid me five dollars and twenty-five cents to make a phone call.  I took what they gave me and ran from their midst.  I found out later that the priest who married all of the women to that one man wasn't licensed by the state and polygamy was against the law.  I was free!

 

When Jesus prayed, then stomped the head of the enemy, I could see the triumph in my own life.  I have been freed by the authority and the blood of Jesus Christ, and I will never return to that life of segregation, idolatry and fear again.  Only Jesus Christ can give you life with freedom." 

 

Frederick's father broke the safety of silence, "It's hard to understand how everything you're saying has connection to Jesus. I've heard that Jesus really didn't die, but, this movie makes it hard to believe.  And if He did die, how in the world could He live again?" 
Boldly, Cindy's father addressed his concerns, "What we must understand is that Jesus DID DIE.  He gave up His life.  He came to this earth to die, and He was obedient and accomplished His mission . . . But, He not only died . .  He ROSE UP FROM THE GRAVE WITH ALL POWER. This POWER is what is being testified to today, and it has never lost its ability to cleanse, heal and make whole. If there were no resurrection, the Christian faith would be like any other religion. Our credibility hinges on the power of  His Resurrection to enter, when invited, the hearts of ordinary, mortal men."   

 

BFF's mother stood, "I thank all of you for agreeing to come to our party.  It has been a life changing morning for me.  Thank you for being patient as we all communicated our reaction to this wonderful ‘Truth.'  I believe that this ‘Truth'  has taken ‘passion' to another level.  His Passion for me has ignited my passion for Him."  Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she continued, "In His weakened state, He  is stronger than all.  In His Suffering we are freed.  In His Death we live.  In His Righteousness…We Reign.  Thank you for coming.  GOD bless you." 
Her husband made everyone welcome to take some of the food home, as he handed his wife a clean handkerchief. 

 

BFF and Cindy came away from the door in time to see Frederick putting away a crocheted white cloth.  BFF asked, "Frederick, what is that?"  Cindy looked in Frederick's direction. 
Frederick opened up the beautiful cloth and revealed that it was a shawl.  "What are you going to do with that?"

 

"My grandmother gets cold.  I wanted to get this for her to keep warm."  He lovingly folded the shawl and put it back into the bag.  He volunteered, "I don't know why there's been so much talk about that ‘Passion' movie.  What is it anyway?  I don't believe in that kind of stuff."

 

BFF addressed Frederick in a kind tone, "Frederick, do you love your Grandmother?"
"Of course I love my Grandmother."  Frederick answered sharply.
"Would you do anything for your Grandmother?"  
"I'm not answering any more of your nutty questions."
"Would you die for her?"
Frederick quietly said, "You know I love my Grandma,  Frog."
"That love that you have for your Grandmother doesn't even begin to compare to the love or PASSION OF CHRIST FOR YOU. He died for you, but, that's not all; He rose from the dead so that He may now live in your heart, just like the love that you have for your Grandmother.  All you have to do is BELIEVE." 
Frederick pulled the shawl out once again and with it came a small picture frame and a beautiful lap blanket.  He said, "The shawl is for her shoulders, the lap blanket is for her legs and this is for her heart."  He unwrapped a small framed picture of Jesus.
BFF and Cindy were dumbfounded.  Frederick folded his treasures neatly, placed the picture snugly in the cloth, "I've got to go.  I'll see you in school, and thanks for everything."

 

Looking Forward

 

See Ya Next Time (April 23, 2004)
Happy Resurrection Day!

 

TER  
 
FRIDAY'S WORD: Resurrection- the resurrection bespeaks the final complete victory over death and sin, and over their effects upon both man and creation. The resurrection is the miraculous proof that Jesus Christ has atoned for sin.

 

IN THE MIRROR:
C. Donald Cole, Moody Radio Pastor recently answered the question; "Should relatives plant flowers on a dead persons grave?"
A. "Why not? Traditionally, flowers have been a symbol of resurrection. In laying flowers on a grave, Christians testify to their expectations of the resurrection of the body. Doubtless, many who decorate graves do not think of this symbolism, but it is there."

 

There are most beautiful words shared when someone losses a loved one, found many times in a Hallmark, American Greeting, or any one of the many card manufactures. I don't know if many of them can speak as compassionate as the poems, and sayings attributed directly to, in some way or another the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

 

One I've found very comforting over the years has been: "Those whom we love are with the Lord, and the Lord has promised to be with us. If they are with Him and He is with us, they cannot be far away." I enjoy using as a reference, ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13,14)

 

You don't get over a loved one by forgetting; you "get over them," by remembering. You remember the love, the beauty, the grace; the way they came along and something wonderful came into your life that would have not otherwise occurred.

 

It is no accident by any means that we all remember those in whom God has allowed to become a vital part of our life, because along with the love He gave us toward them, He also made it possible for us to be intimately connected with them for throughout all eternity.

 

We associate and celebrate ‘Resurrection Sunday,' or ‘Easter Sunday' with the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, but we must not forget that through this act of God for all mankind came the possibility for each and everyone that when we may plant a flower or a rose for our loved one, it'll represent much more than a ‘hope,'but a confident trust in one of the most validated acts in history, that what was done in Christ Jesus, will surely determine our ability to see that special someone again.     S.L.C.

 

 

 

 O TASTE AND SEE!

 

   BACON AND CHIVE POTATO SALAD

 

`INGREDIENTS:

 

6 CUPS QUARTERED AND  UNPEELED RED POTATOES
 
 ¾  CUP MAYONNAISE (HELLMANS)

 

 2 TBSPS  STONE GROUND MUSTARD.

 

 8  SLICES OF BACON CRISPLY COOKED AND CRUMBLED.

 

 ¼  CUP CHIVES OR GREEN ONIONS THINLY SLICED.
 
DIRECTIONS:
ADD POTATOES TO BOILING WATER, COOK 14 MINUTES  UNTIL DONE.
MIX MAYONNAISE AND MUSTARD IN LARGE BOWL.
ADD POTATOES, BACON AND CHIVES.
MIX LIGHTLY, REFRIGERATE.
 
PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES PLUS.

 

NOTE:   YOU  MAY DECORATE  BY  SPREADING  THIN   LAYER MAYONNAISE OVER TOP OF SALAD AND GARNISH WITH A FEW BACON CHIPS AND SLICED ONIONS.
"YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR COPIES OF THIS RECIPE OVER AND OVER, SO KEEP A COPY ON HAND."

 

SUBMITTED BY: BMCC. ENJOY!