Take a look at any U.S. bill or coin you have in your pocket, purse, or wallet, and you'll see "In God We Trust,” our country's motto, imprinted on each. 

The original motto, “E. Pluribus Unum,” Latin for “out of many, one,” was replaced with “In God We Trust,” which Congress adopted as our official national motto in 1956.

We are a nation founded on the belief in a Creator. The first line of the Declaration of Independence includes the phrase, “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” Other references include people “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…,” that they have “a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence,” and “…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

The Constitution does not specifically refer to religion; however, the words “the year of our Lord” appear in Article VII.

In 1954, Congress passed a law amending the Pledge of Allegiance to include the words “One Nation Under God.”

We are fortunate to be a free and independent nation. The First Amendment guarantees each citizen the right to practice the religion of their choice—or the choice not to practice. Each can decide as they wish. 
 
For those who believe in a higher power, remembering the “In God We Trust” motto on each bill and coin is a way to remind ourselves to trust in the One who created us.   
 
I hope you had a joyful celebration of our nation's 250th Independence Day. My prayer for this new "birthday year" for our Nation is that it will be one in which our collective strength, courage, and perseverance will uphold the values we hold so dear. 

May we learn to gather as one people, undivided, no matter our differences, for our country was not intended to be merely called the "States" of America, but this great Nation was proudly named the United States of America.
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A few verses from the Bible describing the freedom found through Jesus Christ: 
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:32
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." - Galatians 5:1
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" - 2 Cor. 3:17

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com

“I’ll never forget you!” my friend said as we hugged. My words echoed hers. I turned, then boarded my flight from Argentina to my home in Colorado. I'd spent a lovely summer with a wonderful Italian family in a suburb of Buenos Aires, where I attended school and made good friends.        

Certain people touch our lives in ways we never forget, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts. We cherish them and remember them.  

I thought about friends I had during childhood and an incident that took place in third grade. My teacher got mad at me because I wrote my friends' names on my hand with an ink pen. She made me scrub off the ink in the bathroom. I was upset to get in trouble for this. My friends were special to me, and writing their names on my hand was my way of thinking about them.

We hold a special place in our hearts for our friends. God's Word speaks of friendship, too. A verse from Proverbs 18:24 tells us there is one friend "who sticks closer than a brother." That friend is Jesus.  

There is another verse I'd like to share with you (and if I'd known about it in third grade, I wouldn't have felt so bad about getting in trouble). The verse is from Hebrews 13:5; where the Lord says, “I will not forget you. See. I have written your name on my hand.”  
What beautiful, comforting, and reassuring promises! 

As you begin your week, may your heart be joy-filled, knowing how much God loves you! Your name is written on His hand—and no one can erase it!        
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"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

P.S. - A beloved hymn that relates to today's story:  "What a Friend we Have in Jesus."  

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com

When our grandson was little, his favorite toy was a large yellow dump truck he received for Christmas. “My dumb twuck!" he'd say. It was nestled beside him in a soft blanket at night and hardly left his side during the day.  
  
He loved playing in the backyard, where he’d fill the truck bed with gravel, dirt (or muddy soil). He’d squeal happily as he pulled a lever to raise the bed, watching as the contents dumped out onto the ground (or occasionally into his lap).
   
But one afternoon, the lever broke. The truck bed would no longer lift, and the end gate wouldn’t open. Frustrated, tears streaming down his cheeks, our grandson shoved the truck to tip it over and spill its contents. (Now, the truck lived up to the erroneous pronunciation of "dumb").     
    
Mama came to the rescue, drying his tears. Covered in dirt from head to toe, she put her son—and then the truck—into the bathtub for a thorough scrubbing.

I thought of our grandson’s frustration. The gravel and dirt had weighed down the truck, making it difficult to maneuver. Stuck. Burdened with a heavy load.  
 
How many times do we get frustrated when the “gravel and dirt” in our lives builds up, and we haven’t disposed of it? Worry, sadness, anxiety, or other concerns pile up, creating a hard-to-manage heap of “stuff”—that interferes with our comfort, peace, or joy.

Spiritually speaking, the dirt represents sin. The gravel could represent other burdens that weigh us down—that hold us captive. 
  
But we are not meant to be held captive by our sins or burdens. God, the Mastermind of all Creation, brought His beloved son, Jesus (Divine—of God Himself—and yet human), to earth to teach His Father’s will. 

Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection enable our salvation from the sin of the world. Jesus paid the price for us to be set free rather than be held captive to sin and condemnation.  

Seeking God’s forgiveness, we are set free as we lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross.    
In the book of Matthew, Jesus’ words offer us this relief: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30 NIV

In time, our grandson came to understand the meaning of Jesus’ salvation and what it means to metaphorically “dump” burdens at the cross. 
 
May we take refuge in the words of our Lord and Savior. Through His forgiveness and salvation, our hearts become receptive vessels for His peace, love, comfort and joy. 
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Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com   
  

The colors, fragrances, sights, and sounds of the street fair blended into a harmonious mix of joy on the sunny spring day. The fair drew hundreds of artists, sculptors, painters, quilters, potters, silversmiths, woodworkers, weavers, crafters, and other creative artisans from across the country, eager to display their wares. 

Enticed, I perused the aisles, marveling at the talent of each artist. A grandfather made custom-built live-edge furniture from local natural resources. A quilter's guild displayed award-winning hand-stitched quilts. An experienced weaver demonstrated the versatility of the looms she used to create rugs, shawls, table runners, tote bags, and fabric for clothing. A food artist lined up a variety of artisanal, home-baked sourdough loaves. A father and son forged handwrought iron gates and doors. Fiber artists displayed hand-knit clothing and crocheted home decor. A Native silversmith worked on a turquoise ring as we watched. One Native American man, who had worked as a shepherd, displayed his collection of Southwestern-style oil paintings, while a Navajo woman, dressed in a velveteen blouse and a long, full skirt, spun wool yarn from fleece to make blankets. 
  
All of the displays featured only handcrafted items. Nothing was factory-produced. Even duplicate items (place mats, napkins, or clothing), had unique characteristics that set them apart from each other.  

Tags or signs at each booth reflected the status of the goods:  “Hand-made,” “Hand-crafted,” “Homespun,” “Handwoven,” “Hand-stitched,” “Hand-wrought,” “Artisanal,” or “Custom-built.” 

Oh, the many skilled hands it took to create all the wares on display! However, it took more than talented artisans for the street fair to function. There would have been little purpose for it without an audience.  The visitors or clientele—who might have been your or me—are unique, too!

God, the Master of the Universe, created you and me—and every other person who has inhabited this planet since the beginning of time. Out of those millions of human beings, isn't it a humbling thought to know that you are unlike any other person who has ever existed? Your fingerprints are like no one else's. Your DNA is solely your own. (Even twins have DNA mutations). Everything about you is unique!

You are God’s creation. Hand-made. Handcrafted. Custom-built. By Him and for Him. The talents and gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit are unique, too. Truly, you are one of God’s Masterpieces!
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"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully  made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14 NIV

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com 
 

You step across cracked stone tiles on the same path you’ve always taken when you enter the main corridor of the open-air marketplace. A gust of wind whips through the hallway, scattering dried spring flowers and leaves about your feet. Chilled, you wrap your woven shawl over your shoulders for warmth.
  
        In your satchel you carry scarves and a tunic you have woven by hand to take to a merchant. In trade for your woven goods, you hope to find a selection of fruit and grain for your family's meals. However, when you arrive at the vendor’s location, he is not there. His shop is closed.   
 
        Searching for another vendor with household goods, you find they, too, are shut down. You look down the breezeway. What has happened? The market is usually bustling with people, but now, only a few vendors remain open, and the hallways are nearly vacant.   

        The echo of gates closing and locking chains ruminates throughout the venue. The emptiness is eerie. Even the air carries with it a feeling of melancholy. You stand still. You look. You listen. In the distance, you hear the roar of a crowd.

        A woman carrying a small basket rushes by. She looks familiar. You run to catch up to her. “Excuse me,” you call out. “I think I know you..." 
 
        The woman stops, then pauses. “Johanna?”
        "Yes! And you're...Priscilla?”
        She nods.   
        “I remember you. It was that day at the river when Jesus spoke." 
       
        “Yes, of course,” Priscilla replied. Her eyes glistened, but Johanna noticed a sadness in her expression.    

        “I didn't mean to hold you up. I just don't understand why the marketplace is so empty..."

        "Oh, dear," Priscilla replied. She began to pace. "You haven't heard the news, have you?" 

        “What news?” you ask.

        Priscilla drew in a deep breath and adjusted the scarf covering her gray locks. “The Roman soldiers captured Jesus. They beat him terribly," she said, her voice quivering. "He is being forced to carry his own cross to Golgotha. Do you hear the crowds? I believe Jesus is near! If you wish to come with me, please do so quickly." 
   
     “Yes, I want to go!" you reply. Your mind swirls with mixed emotions. You want to see Jesus; yet, you don't want to see him suffering. But you go, sprinting behind the woman through the walkways of the vacated market. Reaching the street, you line up behind the crowd, then strain your neck to see as you stand on your tiptoes. 

         Figures approach in the distance. “Could that be him?" you ask.         
        “It’s hard to tell. Possibly," Priscilla answers. Noise from the crowd intensifies.

        Then, you see him! It's Jesus! You gasp. He is hunched beneath the weight of a thick, heavy wooden cross which he must balance over one shoulder, while the foot of the cross drags in the dirt. His face and scalp are bloodied from the crown of thorns, and gaping wounds and blood cover his back.

        “What have they done to him?" you cry. 

        “The soldiers used spiked whips,” a man said. “It causes the flesh to tear.”

        You feel suddenly nauseous and dizzy. Priscilla grabs your arm to steady you. She has been crying, too, her green eyes watery and puffy. You regain your balance, take a few deep breaths, and adjust the satchel over your shoulder.

        Your are reminded of your handwoven items as you look at Jesus and notice how stained, soiled, and bloody his garment has become. How you wish you could comfort him! If only you could provide him with a fresh, new tunic, something soft and clean that would help protect his gaping wounds and absorb the profuse perspiration on his skin. But there is nothing you can do. Except pray.

        Sobs intensify, but the loudest wailing comes from the dark-haired woman kneeling at the edge of the street. With outstretched arms, she cries out to Jesus in Aramaic.

         “It's Mary, the mother of Jesus," a woman whispers.

         Oh, poor Mary! What heartbreak to see her son suffer! 

        But not everyone is tearful. Hateful, angry voices emerge from the crowd—some shouting profanity, others mocking Jesus, and some spitting at him.

        When Jesus’ breathing turns ragged and he begins to crumple beneath the weight of the cross, you can scarcely stand it. Then, a man steps in to help.

        "It's Simon of Cyrene," someone says.

        The good man helps steady the cross for Jesus, so he is able to regain his footing. Jesus' steps were still haggard, but he kept going, even when the road to Golgotha became steep.

        Finally, you must turn away and not look, for your heart has brimmed with the deepest of sorrow.  How could they do this to Jesus? The Son of God. Condemned. Ridiculed. Scourged. And soon, Roman soldiers would nail his hands and feet to the cross to die. Next to him, on either side, would be two thieves hanging on crosses of their own.

        Oh, the gloom and darkness of this day! The horror, the tragedy, the injustice!

        You cannot bear to follow the crowd to Golgotha. You know what will take place there. You, Priscilla, and other women remain. The air feels strangely heavy, and you wonder if the land itself is grieving with sadness and despair.

        Then, at Noon, the sky suddenly turns dark. Dear God above, what is happening? It feels like night. Fearful, you and the other women flee to a nearby home of one of the women. You can still hear the clamoring of the crowd gathered on the hill. Then, you hear the loudest of cries and wailing. Moments later, the ground begin to shake!

        Filled with fear and trembling, you and the others take cover. Hiding beneath a table, you lift your head to look out the window. Rocks are splitting in half along the hillside!

        Truly, the God of Creation has responded to all that has taken place! 

        Finally, when all has become quiet and the darkness subsides, you and the other come out from hiding. You bid farewell to your friend and the other women, and vow to meet up again. With tear-stained faces, you retreat in silence.

        Exhausted and weak, you trudge home through the vacant marketplace and down the dirt embankment to your abode. You feel like crying, but you have no tears left to shed. You remind yourself to think differently. 

        Be strong. Remember Jesus’ teachings. Love as He loved. Let others know about him! 

        That night, racked with sorrow, you sleep little, but you pray fervently for Mary, her family, for the Disciples, and all who are in mourning for Jesus. Finally, you sleep. Then, in the wee hours of the morning, you awake suddenly as a message comes to your heart. You cannot see beyond this moment, but things will change. 
       
        Was this message meant to be an answer to prayer to ease your sorrow? What does it mean, that things will change? 
 
        Soon, you will learn the truth.

        Three days later, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome took spices to anoint Jesus’ body at the tomb (Matthew 28:5-6). Imagine their surprise, shock, and confusion when they found the stone rolled away to Jesus’ tomb. He was not there! An angel appeared and told them not to be frightened, for Jesus was not there. He had been raised from the dead. The resurrection had taken place!

        After his crucifixion, Jesus appeared to the Disciples various times. Then, they understood what He had been trying to tell them all along, that He would die, but that He would be resurrected.

        The good news of Jesus Christ spread! And here we are, over two thousands years later. The good news of Jesus Christ lives: Jesus died on the cross for your sins and mine. He is our Savior, our Lord, our Salvation!

        The events that led up to the resurrection were sad, dark, and solemn, but on the third day, when Jesus’ resurrection took place, grief gave way to joy and gladness. Truly, the Easter story is a journey from "Tears to Reign," and Jesus reigns forever!  

        Alleluia! He is Risen! Happy Easter! 
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A bit of Easter trivia (courtesy of Google):      
1).Why is “Good Friday” called “Good?”
2).Where does the word, “Easter,” come from?
 
Answers:
1).”Good Friday” is a sorrowful and dark time. However, it is referred to as “Good” because of it’s positive outcome (Jesus rising from the dead on the third day). “Good” also refers to holiness and sacredness.
2).The word, “Easter,” originated in the second century with the celebration of the resurrection. The Greek word, “Pascha,” is similar to the Hebrew word, “pesach,” meaning “Passover.”  
Other languages that use a similar word for Easter: Spanish-Pascua; Italian-Pasqua; French-Pâques; Portuguese-Páscoa; Finnish-Paasiainen; Welsh-Pasg; Swedish/Norwegian/Danish-Paske. 

Photo: Courtesy of Vecteezy.com