To Who Do I Owe My Life

Philippians 3:10-12 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (NIV)

Today families dress in matching suits and dresses and kids smile at the sight of Easter baskets stuffed with chocolate bunnies and candy. For many years when I was a little girl Easter meant a trip to West Virginia and mini reunions with my family. It meant dyeing eggs and getting showered with presents. Despite all the things we may give each other today no one can top the present God gave by sending His son to die on the cross. No NCAA tournament win can outdo the victory of Christ rising from the grave and saving all mankind.As I grow older I become more and more in awe of the grace God has bestowed upon us and the suffering He endured so that we might have life. It is both humbling and encouraging to know that because Jesus died we don't have to remain dead in our sin, that we now have an advocate with the Father, and that the blood of Jesus has the ability to make us white as snow. Glory! If that is not enough to make you feel joy and rejuvenation I don't know what is.Life has been extremely busy these past few months and I haven't taken the time to share my thoughts and experiences with you all. But I had to take the time to share how amazing and encompassing the love of God is. We fail Him everyday, yet He loves us. We sin everyday, yet He forgives us. We ignore His plan, yet He still guides us. We serve a God that never leaves us. The Bible is the most incredible book I have ever read and it never fails to shock, scold, and encourage me. Of all the stories and scriptures that I hold dear, the most important one of all may be found in Matthew 28:6:

HE IS RISEN

Wow. If you are reading this I urge you take a minute to read about the resurrection, the greatest love story there will ever be. Even if you're not a person of faith, give God a chance to work in your heart. If Jesus could suffer and die for us, the least we could do is live for Him.

Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.  Martin Luther