Raja's Monthly Memories

Aprilवी May...

this is me and my smile/laugh... I'm generally happy thus making everyone else happy too... (expect when I have fever because I'm teething...)

April started off with Palm Sunday and the next week is Easter. For us, it is a major time for celebrating the death and resurrection of our saviour, Jesus the Son of God. In the Old Testament we're told the story of how Abraham was asked of God to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. This was a test of Abraham's devotion to God who said this was the son of promise through whom he would be blessed (the whole Jewish nation was to come from his seed). But Abraham believed God could resurrect the dead (although he had never seen it), so with an open heart he was willing to give back to God what God had given him in his old age... a son. Just as he lifted the knife to sacrifice his son, God called from heaven to stop, He had a provision (a lamb was nearby). God saw Abraham's faith and blessed him. Isaac, his son, lived and had two of his own sons and from Jacob had twelve more (the twelve tribes of Israel were birthed) and later King David, and Jesus Christ (who's father was God). Abraham's sacrifice pointed to God's very own sacrifice of His one and only Son. The lamb that was the provision for Abraham pointed to the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

Palm Sunday is the time when Jesus was entering Jerusalem on His way to be sacrificed. Good Friday (Friday after Palm Sunday) is the day He was crucified. Easter is the next Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead. The book of John says, "Because He lives, we shall also live." Jesus has ascended into heaven and is waiting till all who believe in Him, will, and He will come back and receive us as His bride (He is our bridegroom). There is no greater joy for a follower of Christ to know one day we will see His face, His nail-pierced hands and feet from hanging on the cross and dying in our place. Through His death and resurrection He has conquered sin and death - the works of the devil. He has secured our place in heaven with Himself forever. And when He returns, it will be as a triumphant warrior who will claim all whom He fought for. That gives me pause and all my life I want to sing as loud as possible, "Hallelujah...and He shall reign forever and ever!!!!!" (Handel's Messiah).

How does the fact Jesus died and rose again affect my life today? When I see the works of the devil and selfishness of men I wonder why "God so loved the world He gave His only Son"...? We know our own hearts and we know we don't deserve this amazing love and forgiveness of our sins. The provision for our sins did not come without a price as you read before. Sin kills. It even kills the Son of God. But, that's not the end of the story. God does resurrect the dead. And just as Jesus lives again, he can resurrect our shattered lives, too. How? You don't need to know allot about the Bible, but you must believe Jesus to be the One to rescue you from your sins. He understands you, He will listen. He made you and you will never know Love till you see Him. How? Realize you have been trying to live life your own way and you know it's not right. You have nowhere else to turn but to look up. Look up and say, "Jesus, if you are who you say you are, the very Son of God, and if you died for my sin so I won't have to suffer all it's consequences. Then, I give you my life. I sacrifice all my rights to myself and my dreams like Abraham did and accept your provision, Jesus. Come into my heart, you are now Lord of my life. I will do whatever you ask me. For you love me so much and I can't stop praising you! Thank you, Jesus, thank you." If this is your prayer, get a Bible and read all about your Saviour. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. But, a gift Jesus will give you when you call out to Him is his Holy Spirit. He will come into your heart and you will be taught how to love Jesus and love those things Jesus loves. It is an exciting adventure when you know you will never again be alone and He is coming back to receive you too! Let us know all about it!!!!

this is me and papa on Palm Sundaymama and me, same dayditto....

papa and me...

Papa got a video/camera, so he and mama are happily taking pictures and videos of me. Perhaps dadda will share some videos with you on the next blog. For now, just imagine me laughing and moving around!!!

yeah, you'll have to imagine me moving around, cause I'm not here...
here I'm moving and grooving and...
yep, "reading" a book...

We've done lots of outings, too. We have a little park nearby that we walk to. Mama calls it Jasmine park because it grows there. See...!!!


We स्विंग there too... and sit in trees with cousin, Barbora...see!

April 17th was papa's big day - his birthday! I helped mama pick out a chocolate-chip cookie cake and helium balloon with Tow-Matur from the animated film, Cars, on it. Last year, mama threw a big surprise party for papa, so this year was just family and we met at our favorite family hang out - La Napolera Mexican restaurant. Even Uncle Timmy was there from Seattle! Wish I could show you pictures of it, but mama forgot the camera... oh well, here's me and papa hanging out!

who's cuter?!!!

My friend, Pervez, came home and offered to take me on a motorcycle ride. We didn't go far, just our driveway, but it sure was fun!!

And then Grandma and Grandpa, cousin Barbora, mama and dadda and I went to the beach. It was a wierd day. There were lots of forest fires nearby, so the air was smoky and the sky, hazy...

So closes April and May! See you all in June!!!

Love,

David Raja