Resurrection Sunday Celebration

Celebrating Our Risen Savior

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
² Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. ³ His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. ⁴ The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
⁵ Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. ⁷ And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
⁸ The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. ⁹ And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”                                                       Matthew 28:1-10 (NLT) 

My prayer for you today is that you would know the hope of His glory and experience the joy of our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. This hope and joy is not just reserved for Easter Sunday. We can experience it and celebrate our salvation every single day. 

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and He is alive in you! 

Are you celebrating today? What is your celebration story?

Aches and Pains of Moving

When was the last time you moved? Was it ten years ago? Maybe last year? Last month?  I recently read an article that said moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life.

Our family has gotten use to the stress-filled routine of moving. In fact, we could open up our own moving company with all the experience we've acquired.  How much experience? Well, seven moves in seven years can definitely provide a LOT of practice with the ins and outs of moving.

Today marks another day of that stress-filled process. We closed on our house this morning. I wish I could say I am super excited but I'm not (just keeping in real). Moving out of our dream home feels like someone is slowly peeling away a layer of skin from my heart, leaving behind an open wound. A  wound that only God can heal in time and I believe with all my heart that He will.

A lovely family purchased our house and I'm so thankful for that. The mom told me this morning that she could sense love in our home from the very first time she viewed it with her realtor. That made me smile. Smiling on what feels like a very sad day is a good thing, right?

The way that I've come to look at moving is not from the perspective that I'm giving up or losing something, but instead I'm getting ready for something new and exciting. Sort of like saying good-bye to the beautiful snow that comes during winter time (we call snow "diamond dust") in order to say hello to the new blooms that spring offers.

I saw a sign in the gas station last week that really encouraged me. It said "Always expect that something wonderful is about to happen." That little saying brought such joy to my heart. It completely changed my mindset that day. It also reminded me of a scripture verse in Psalms that talks about experiencing something new and wonderful.

Forget the past, it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Isaiah 43:18-19

I'm choosing to reflect on that little quote and this scripture verse today. I don't know who wrote the quote from the gas station but I'm certain of Who wrote the scripture verse.He is the one who creates all things new!

Today I'm keeping my focus on wonderful things made new in my life. With every box I pack, haul, and unpack over the next 3 weeks, I will say to myself, God has something wonderful in store for our family. It may not look like I thought it would but I'm choosing to trust Him in spite of my current circumstances.

I'm making a conscience decision to keep my mind parked on positive thoughts instead of getting down in the dumps. Just because something is hard doesn't mean we can't experience joy in the midst of it. I'm choosing joy instead of despair, hope instead of discouragement.

Maybe you are the process of moving too. Or, involved in another situation that has you feeling a little stressed or down in the mouth today. Situations like...

Looking for a new job.
Recovering from an illness.
Struggling with your teen daughter.
Going through a divorce

Whatever your circumstances are and no matter how grim things seem,  I want to encourage you to keep persevering and try to stay positive. I know it can be really hard at times but remember, God is on your side and He won't let you fall. He loves you with an unfailing love and delights in your ways.

Let's keep our minds parked on God's Word so that we can be reminded of His promises. Let's make a decision to choose joy and hope for our future. God has great things are in store us, dear friends. Let's not miss out on today's blessings because we're too busy regretting yesterday or stressing about tomorrow.

Is God doing something wonderful in your life right now? If so, will you share your story?