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 Sundown on April 19 marks the beginning of Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of the fledgling nation of Israel from slavery in Egypt. (See the Old Testament book of Exodus for details.) On the first two nights of this eight-day celebration friends and family gather to observe the Seder, a dinner with special foods and ceremonies. It’s an event rich in significance, but here’s just one of the many things worth pondering about the Seder: it’s a time for people to get together and tell each other their story.
How long has it been since you told someone your story? How long has it been since you told it to yourself? Just as children enjoy a familiar bedtime tale, it’s a comfort to remember what God has done for us. In the daily-ness of life, it’s all too easy to forget. That’s why God established Jewish feasts to begin with; they’re scheduled times to stop and remember. |
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The Seder celebration includes four questions, which all revolve around “Why is this night different?” When thinking about your story, it might help to ask yourself, “Why is my life different because of God?” Consider planning a special time for your friends and family to tell each other their stories. You may be surprised at what you learn . . . even about yourself.
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 We have been spending our summer at the baseball field. In fact, we spent the past few summers at the baseball field. Our son Sam loves baseball—and I have to say, he can really hit that ball. He is playing now in what is called the “major” league for ten- to eleven-year-olds. But like most kids, Sam started off playing coaches pitch T-ball for two summers, and we had a ball cheering with the other parents and grandparents at the games. It is a hoot to watch some of the really young ones run the wrong way on the bases or decide that the outfield is as good a place as any to go to the bathroom so they just “drop ’em.” I finally took my video camera and got some great moments from a couple of games. (Read more here)
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 Unlike Sandi Patty, you may not have a child who plays baseball, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy “America’s Pastime.” Major league teams are just beginning their season and at this point in the year your team definitely has a chance at winning the World Series. It’s almost a parable of grace, isn’t it ― the opportunity to starting fresh with nothing in the loss column. So go on out to the ballpark: sing the national anthem, munch on a hot dog, and marvel at the patterns mown into the outfield grass. Peanuts, anyone?
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 Did you know? In each conference city, Women of Faith negotiates special hotel rates for our conference attendees. You’ll find the list of hotels for your conference city on that conference’s city page at womenoffaith.com or on our Hotel Discounts page. When making reservations, please be sure to mention that you are attending the Women of Faith conference in order to secure the discounted rate.
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 One of the traditional Seder foods is a concoction of fruit, nuts, and honey called Charoset (or Haroset or Haroseth, depending on who you ask). It’s meant to represent the mortar Jewish slaves used to assemble the Pharaoh's bricks before Moses showed up to lead them to freedom. Oddly enough, this sweet treat is eaten with horseradish on matzoh, an unleavened cracker-like bread. Matzo, the traditional Passover bread, is what scholars believe Jesus used at the Last Supper. Click here for a recipe to make your own Charoset (horseradish optional).
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 Classic Patsy
Dear friend, embrace your day―this day―it is a gift. Take the Lord’s hand. He will help you to unwrap the day and then to celebrate it. And His grace will be sufficient for any need you have. Patsy Clairmont
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