Back after being gone for 10 - 11 days. Traveled with two of my sisters to Europe as we followed in the footsteps of my dad and his journey fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. We arrived 80 years after my dad left in May 1945. He saw very little of the conflict on the front lines. But he was close behind, serving as a medic.

One of the statistics that we saw was if soldiers were not killed outright. Or their severe injuries could not get them the medical care they needed as quickly as it could. Once casualities get the medical treatment they badly needed, only 4% actually died.

We experienced much about the cultures of five European countiries. On Thursday, May 29 was Ascension Day. We were in two countries on that day. I have no idea how the day is celebbrated there. We hear about how few people actually attend church regularly. But on that day and for the next few days, the stores are all closed in observance and celebration.

We see it on our calendars annually too. How much of an emphasis is placed on Jesus' assending to heaven here? We know that after Jesus' resurrection, He wandered the earth for 40 days. Leaving here for His "real' home, 40 days later. Because Easter moves around annually, Ascension Day would as well. But it would always be on a Thursday, marking off those 40 days!

"When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them (his disciples), He was taken up into heaven and sat down at God's right hand."

~ Mark 16:19 LAB

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Bible Commentary:
"When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the disciples. Jesus' sitting at God's right hand signifies the completion of his work, his authority as God, and his coronation as King."

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