Thwarted!

The word "thwarted" has been applied to several things around the Bass house today. First, our back fence was tragically thwarted by the wind this morning. This is a very sad day for us. As you can see, the view without the fence overlooks our neighbors' disgusting yard. It's full of trash, junk, and leaves. I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning up the yard and putting down new grass seed. Now it's trapped underneath the rotten old fence. The bases of the posts were completely rotted. Our landlord sad he'll get it cleaned up "this week some time." I would do it myself if I could. I want it done now. I am not happy.

You know who else is not happy? This poor little birdy who was thwarted by the fence that was thwarted by the wind. Our birds are the closest thing we have to pets. We love them, feed them, name them, and watch them as much as we can. It makes me very sad.

There is something that makes me feel a little happier. This new bird feeder has thwarted the squirrels! Victory is mine! They pawed and scratched and bit and squeezed and did every acrobatic trick known to squirrels to get to the bird seed and failed! Now only the birds can reach through to the holes. This means that we are using much less bird seed, which means we are saving money. By this, I mean we are saving my grandpa's money, since he is our seed supplier. Most of you will not appreciate the battle with the squirrels who eat all the birdseed. Just know that this is a big deal to me.

Most importantly, this weekend we celebrate that Satan, our enemy, was thwarted by what happened on the cross. In the death and resurrection of Jesus, the battle over sin was won. God's plan that all men should be saved by the atoning blood of Christ was realized. Hallelujah, He is risen! (He is risen, indeed.)

Before the Throne of God Above hymn by Charitie Bancroft, 1863

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!