Rugged Cross

"Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple" Luke 14:27

I wanted to share with you the Sunday School lesson I taught to the Primary Class yesterday. Actually it was intended for me. Ain't it great how God sends His word to us at the most needed time. As you all know, with what Mom is going through right now, she is struggling with peace and understanding. This lesson spoke to me so loud that I just couldn't get it all told in class. The aim of the lesson was to teach that we must be willing to suffer hardships if we choose to become followers of Christ. He didn't promise us a bed of roses. I want to leave with you, the commentary's illustration for this lesson of "Becoming a Follower."

5 examples of crosses:

Velvet-covered Cross - Would you ask Jesus to give you a velvet cross to bear? It would be a thing of beauty but of no value to the Lord if you could not withstand the rigors of battle against Satan.

Gold Cross - If you demanded a gold cross to bear because you sought riches as you served Jesus, your service would be worthless. Money cannot replace true dedication to the Lord.

Padded Cross - If you asked for an easy cross, you would not grow spiritually. Your cross would not be the cross of a disciple.

A Cross that stands alone - You would not need to bear this cross. You could carry it when it pleased you and walk away from it when times became difficult. A disciple of Christ must bear his cross and follow Jesus continually.

Rugged Cross - Jesus chooses the cross you must bear when you become His disciple. Accept the cross He gives you with a thankful heart.

It's not that we don't know all these things, but when we try to accept it and learn it on a child's level.......IT'S JUST PLAIN EASY TO UNDERSTAND! I wanted the kids to make a cross. We made them out of twigs. They were not the prettiest crosses you've ever seen, but like the cross we bear for Jesus, is one that, even though it lacks all the beauty and luster, is well worth it, because Jesus gave it to us. God will receive all the Glory for whatever may come with Mom's situation. We will praise him for the RUGGED CROSS!!!!

Mawmaw was transferred to a nursing home today. It is a sad day for our family. It was a hard decision that had to be made. Please pray for her in the upcoming days as she/we make the transition. The songs she sang to me yesterday as I sat with her in the hospital, will forever be on my heart and mind. Along with the proper technique of folding a quilt, which she recanted over and over and over to me, while we actually folded sheets, blankets, and anything with 4 corners:) She has taught me a lot over the years.....like how to make chocolate gravy and cathead biscuits.....the family is proud of that:) But most of all.... Mawmaw knows her COMFORTER and HE KNOWS HER.....this I am sure of! She was a Preachers-Wife of 60 years! What an impact their faith made on me! They both are perfect examples of bearing a RUGGED CROSS, as their lives were not easy nor clad with velvet and gold, but they persevered and pressed on to fight the good fight and to finish the race for the Glory of God.

Just heard from Mom. She has another week to wait for the VAD.....due to infections not cleared up. So, tentatively surgery should be the week of March 10th. Another check-up needed next week to confirm it.

Love to all!


Carrie