Resurrection and a time to reflect

That word brings a lift to my heart. After a long and somewhat bitterly cold winter, it is time to resurrect the old and watch with a light heart the changes occurring all around you. Some change is good. You reflect on the many blessings you have been given. You realize that God didn't have to send his son to die in our place. Instead he could have ignored us completely and left us as "dead" and "buried" in our sins. So you resurrect the old songs, reminding you of that long ago day when the sky turned black as sackcloth. You can't forget. Sometimes you would like to forget. Sometimes when it feels as if the whole world is weighing on your shoulder, you want to hang it up.

You don't. Instead you embrace the blessings the Lord has given you. You move past the anger and disappointment in your fellow man. You forgive them, as the Lord has so graciously forgiven you. You know you don't deserve his forgiveness and love. He gives both freely. The only cost is your life.

Rain-A time to weep or rejoice?

Rain falls. You wish for it to let up. You don't get your wish. You wish harder, looking at the gloomy sky and feeling the chilly wind rip the umbrella out of your hand. You want to curse the wind, but wait a minute. Remember that old adage...April showers bring May flowers. Look around. Take a deep breath. See the purple and green peeking out of the ground. The trees are glowing with their glorious blooms....Smell the perfume of the flowering trees....so beautiful.

It is worth it. Rain and storms clear the air. You wait patiently for the sun, hoping its rays will dry the ground. Forget your worries about the flooding waters. Instead hang your hopes on the One who holds everything in his hands. Rejoice, I say...rejoice. New life is coming from the old.

Digging into the past-An adventure unfolds

You know it's funny. You get a little nudge that tells you that you have to take a risk. You don't want to...You think someone else will do it. Yet you feel restless and out of sorts until you take that risk. Maybe nothing will come of it. Yet you know you must try. You can't ignore that nudge that tells you that you should take that risk.

Then you do. Your stomach sinks. You hold your breath waiting for something to happen. You wonder about all those before you that felt the same way. Digging in the past can be scary. You never know what you will find. Maybe good things...maybe bad...but whatever you do...You can't stay still. An adventure awaits you.