Europe snapshot

Thought I would post a couple photos from each place we stayed in Europe.It's hard to choose...but I'll give it a shot. These are photos that I took...just a snapshot of the places we went and our experiences. It was unbelievable to be there and I can't wait to go back.

Maastricht, Netherlands

Eating Olliebollen

One of the many cool squares/buildings in Maastricht

Taking a break from filming at a sidewalk cafe

Gelato!

Bastogne, Belgium

First visit to see the Clydesdales

The trees are literally like Band of Brothers

From the top of the Bastogne Memorial

Beautiful castle

Paris, France

Guess where we are...

Paris panorama

Couldn't resist French Onion soup in Paris

Eiffel during the daytime

Sacre-Cour

Blurry but fun shot of the Louvre

And that's all I have for now! 

All photos ©JEischens.

According to AP...

For all you techies out there...AP has finally changed its former spelling of Web site to "website." As it should be.

National Day of Prayer

There is a rumor going around that President Obama cancelled the National Day of Prayer, scheduled for May 6, 2010.

Before you freak out...this rumor is false. The president did not cancel it. The National Day of Prayer will still happen. However, I don't think Obama will hold a ceremony to honor the day like President Bush did...but I could've seen that coming.

It's always wise to check out a rumor before you spread it like wildfire. I know...I started freaking out, too, then did a simple Google search, and discovered otherwise. Whew.

Still, there's a lot going on with a judge ruling the day unconstitutional. It seems to me that our nation was founded on the Christian faith, and it's worked well for us so far! I'd much rather be on God's side of things, because if we're not for Him, then it's just as good as if we were against Him. Anybody in the same boat as me on this? What are your thoughts/concerns?

On the desert road

I really feel the need to link you to a post by Jon Acuff...it's exactly what I needed to hear today, and maybe - just maybe - you'll want to hear it, too.

Refusing the gift of the desert road

Trust me, it's worth the read.

A little baseball rivalry

So I have this friend. He’s more like a big brother to me. But he’s a huge White Sox fan. And he’s constantly letting me know about it. So we have begun this rivalry. Turns out last night the White Sox lost and the Twins won. Not only did my Twins win, but Justin Morneau and J.J. Hardy both cranked another homer for the second night in a row, Nick Punto (my friend does not appreciate Punto for some reason) TRIPLED and singled. Oh, and Carl Pavano pitched a very strong performance for 7 innings.…and on and on. Pretty sweet night if you’re a Twins fan. I just had to throw that out there. If I can’t rub it in when the White Sox lose…then it’s just no fun at all!!

The “Is that contestant on American Idol a Christian Scorecard”

28. They grew up singing in church and find a way to mention that approximately 19 times. = + 1 point

To add up your score with over 130 other ideas on this scorecard, visit stuffchristianslike.net.

Multi-blog post tomorrow

So tomorrow I have the cool opportunity to play host to a short guest post - 1 out of many in a multi-post attempt by Jonathan Acuff of Stuff Christians Like. Sound confusing? Sound like fun? Check back tomorrow to see what it is! Let the fun begin!

The meaning of this day

What can I say but that I am in awe of the cross? I am so grateful for what this day means...wow. I am overwhelmed!

Today is the day Jesus declared his passion for us. Today is the day he died to give his life for me so that I can live with him forever in Heaven, saved by his grace, saved by his love, saved by the cross!

How could I not recognize His deep love for me?

We so often lose sight of the real meaning of Easter behind all the chocolate and eggs and festivities. But really it is all because of Jesus.

After returning from Europe and talking to the people/students there, I am at a loss of how to describe my feelings today. Easter Sunday is just around the corner. We heard the same thing said over and over. How Easter is for the kids. They go to church on Easter for their families - it is just a family thing to them. Their views of church in Europe are slim outside of mass and a priest. Wow. So much potential for change, for revival, for awakening! I believe we got to witness the beginning of that change.

Years ago on this day, Jesus died for YOU. And 3 days later He conquered death. Yes, He rose from the dead!!!!!! He did that for you because He loves you and wants you to accept him and believe in Him. He wants to give you eternal life. He wants to take care of you. He wants to shower you with his love and show you His wonders.

KNOW without a doubt the extravagance of God’s love for you today.