I pray that your Lenten disciplines are providing you with some spiritual insights. My retreat from Facebook has been challenging, however I remain a person with an uninquiring mind. God indeed is most helpful when I am tempted. I would love to hear some of your stories. Please do share when/if you feel comfortable in doing so. This is a remarkable season in the church. That being said, I wanted to provide us with something special this Good Friday. I would like to invite you all to a time of music and meditation from noon until 3:00 April the 18th. You may come and go as you please. It can give us a specified time of prayer during our Lord’s most difficult hours on the cross. I hope to see you there.
Easter is right around the corner. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25. Is there anything in our lives that needs resurrection? I remember growing up looking forward to selecting an Easter bonnet, dress, shoes and gloves with my mother every year. I felt so elated going to church and looking my best for Jesus. Traditions like these provide joy to our hearts and souls. Perhaps we can all bring back something that was meaningful from our past this Easter? We cannot bring back the loved ones we lost, but no one can take away our sweet memories. I think I will include a hat with my Easter ensemble this year. There are times when something small holds great meaning.
Easter is a season to express our gratitude for the greatest sacrifice our God provided for us. Jesus’s life, death and resurrection continue to be the epitome of how much God loves us. This is the first year that I will be with you to celebrate Easter day. I am honored and extremely grateful to be able to do so. I am praying that this is a tradition God allows me to have with you for many years to come. We will sing Alleluia Christ if Risen knowing we too are made new every day in, with and through him. We are blessed indeed.
I do not want to minimize the significance of Easter with the purchase of a hat. I merely want to suggest that it is often the small things that hold meaning in and for our lives. Bring out old photographs, tell family stories and dye Eater eggs. (That activity is not just for children) Please be intentional about immersing yourself in the joy that is proclaimed on Easter day. “He is Alive” forever and for always.