My Heart Was Blessed

the power of the crossWith Easter Sunday just around the corner, I’ve been working with a few teenagers on something special for the service.

As I prayed over what we should do – I was amazed at how God brought all the details together.

A choral reading with just the right message, for just the right voices.

An original song written by one of the teens that expressed so perfectly the message we’re trying to convey.

A young violinist who puts his heart into every note.

But mostly, I’ve been amazed at the hearts of those kids as they prayed…

“Use me Lord…”

And meant it.

My heart was blessed.

As I worship on Easter Sunday – my heart will be full.

Because not only do I believe in the resurrection – I have once again seen it’s power to change lives.

He is Risen indeed.

 

Something’s Wrong with this Picture…

Something’s wrong with this picture….

1

Easter is two weeks away and we have another snow storm in the forecast for this weekend.

My Easter decorations look out of place with my snowmen.

Easter’s too early.

Spring is too late.

And winter doesn’t want to let go.

Sigh.

So much for an Easter bonnet – we might as well wear our stocking caps.

This may be a year when we wear long johns under our Easter dresses and have Easter egg hunts in snow boots.

Feels more like we should be putting up a Christmas tree and singing Silent Night then having sunrise services and singing Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

But you know – it’s not all bad. We are finally getting some much needed moisture.

And when spring finally does appear, we’ll appreciate it that much more. Right?

And in the meantime – don’t put that snow shovel away just yet.

Grace

“The work God wants you to do is this: Believe in the One he sent…” John 6:9
Grace

Only believe.

The cross was heavy,

the blood was real.

and the price was extravagant.

It would have bankrupted you or me,

so He paid it for us.

Call it simple.

Call it a gift.

But don’t call it easy.

Call it what it was.

Call it grace.”

Max Lucado

Photo by Juliux

 

It Must be Spring…

It Must be SpringIt must be spring in the Midwest.

One day we’re hanging laundry outside in short sleeves with the windows open.

The daffodils are poking out of the ground and the rhubarb is up.

The next day there’s that nasty white stuff in the forecast.

You know the stuff I mean – it starts with an s and rhymes with “at least we won’t have to mow!”

It’s the word that brings great excitement and celebration in the fall – but feels like a slap in the face at the end of March.

I really can’t complain though – our neighbors to the north have had it much, much worse. One friend in Minnesota said she has never been so excited to see dead grass because it meant the snow was finally gone.

She spoke to soon – they had another 7 inches overnight.

The only good thing about a spring snow is that it won’t last long.

The flowers know it – they’re blooming anyway.

The robins know it – they keep building their nests.

Even Wal-Mart knows it – they have their swimsuits and flip flops on display!

I guess we all know how very fickle March can be!

Today the furnace is running – but soon the windows will be open again.

We’ll be able to pack the winter coats and stocking caps away and the kids will be digging out their t-shirts and sunscreen!

Meanwhile, we’ll just brush the snow off the Easter Bunny and be thankful that April is only a week away!

Photo by Anne Burgess

He’s Alive!

He is Risen!  He is no longer there!

Empty Tomb from Flickr

(Credit to the photo goes to hoyasmeg on Flickr)

He’s Alive!

By Don Fransisco

“He’s alive yes He’s alive
Yes He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive yes He’s alive
Oh He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide!”

(You can download a free mp3 of this song from Don’s website.)

Happy Easter!