Spring Days and Easter Surprises

It is true, many people in the United States (and elsewhere in some parts of the world) are still digging out of the snow. Winter weather is hanging on! Regardless, the celebration of Easter is apparent in the stores. Children, especially, look forward to it with giggles and happiness. Bunnies and chicks start multiplying! Many of us like to decorate our homes with bouquets and lawn signs that read, “Life is beautiful!” And there is nothing wrong with any of this; except, Easter often gets mixed up with Spring.   

A World Gone Crazy

Whereas Spring marks a certain number of days on the calendar ushering in gentle and beautiful weather with flowers and plants bursting forth, Easter typically is a three-day celebration each year of the events that concluded the life of Jesus Christ on earth and his entry into heaven. Fundamentally, it is all about forgiveness which is difficult to understand in any world.   

This month in America, we have witnessed the prejudice, ignorance, and hatred causing eight people in one incident and ten people in another incident to die needlessly for no apparent reason. After occurrences like these, we all are left with our own thoughts to deal with such hostility.

“According to an excerpt of the book Why Forgive? in Plough Quarterly, Steven McDonald was a young police officer in 1986 when he was shot by a teenager in New York’s Central Park, an incident that left him paralyzed. “I forgave [the shooter] because I believe the only thing worse than receiving a bullet in my spine would have been to nurture revenge in my heart,” McDonald wrote. While the younger man was serving his prison sentence, McDonald corresponded with him, hoping that one day the two could work together to demonstrate forgiveness and nonviolence. Unfortunately, the young man died in a motorcycle accident three days after his release; but McDonald still travels the country to deliver his message.” [as told in Reader’s Digest, www.rd.com]

How many of us could bring ourselves to have such compassion in a world gone crazy? The officer obviously reached deep down inside himself and found kindness and love to be his answer. Rather than continuing the hatred or blaming himself for the incident (which is quite common), forgiveness was the only way to heal.

It is not such a surprise that, most likely, this victim was following his faith. Surely, there were many prayers for wisdom involved first. And do not think this was just a casual or easy decision. It could not have been considering the physical recovery he must have had to go through for a long time.

Like all of us who know the God of Grace [undeserved favor], these tragedies help us to understand the unimaginable Easter sacrifice on a cross simply to forgive us of our own sins. We all received this same mercy and forgiveness when we asked Jesus to be our personal Savior and Redeemer.

Jesus showed immense love and kindness and willingly removed our guilt forever! If you have not asked Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior, you can do that today. Read the true story below and then just ask for mercy and forgiveness in your own words. God will hear you!     

The True Easter Story

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women.

Two others, both criminals, had already been led out to be executed alongside Jesus, the only innocent One. When they came to a place called The Skull [Golgotha], they nailed him to a cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing."

Then he [one of the criminals] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Then he [Joseph of Arimathea] took the body of Jesus down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of a rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation for the Sabbath [Saturday].

But very early on [Easter] Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

The women were terrified and bowed low before them [two men]. Then the men [angels] asked, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!"

And just as they [the disciples] were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

And he [Jesus] said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day."

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.

The Easter story is an excerpt from the Holy Bible, Luke 23 and 24 (NLT) [emphasis added].

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too" (Mark 11:25 NLT).

 

 

Get Ready for SPRING!

 

SPRING is on the way this week!

FRESH START MOMENTUM 

is joining you for Spring Break!

We will return on March 29th

for Easter week! 

Join us then! 

Spring and Easter in One Basket

Lambs know the story!

Along with Spring, comes the celebration of Easter. Children, especially, look forward to it with giggles and happiness. Bunnies and chicks start multiplying! Many of us like to decorate our homes with bouquets and lawn signs that read, “Life is beautiful!” And there is nothing wrong with any of this. . . except, we get Spring and Easter mixed up.  

How Could This Happen?

Realizing the ignorance and hatred that caused a man to murder two and blind a third person caused that one survivor to forgive his attacker in 2011 in Texas. The same thing happened in 2003 when a father forgave a serial killer for the rape and murder of his 16-yr old daughter. And we have read similar true stories.  

How could this be possible in a world gone crazy? Putting the cruelty of the attackers aside, these victims reached deep down inside themselves and found kindness and love to be their answer. Rather than continuing the hatred or blaming themselves for the incident (which is quite common), forgiveness was the only way to heal.

It surprises no one that, most likely, these victims were following their faith. Surely, there were many prayers for wisdom involved first. And don’t think this was just a casual or easy decision. It couldn’t have been--they all experienced the personal pain and anguish deep down in their souls for the loss of their loved ones. However, they already knew what it meant to receive forgiveness themselves.

Like all of us who know the God of Grace [undeserved favor], the victims of these tragedies understood the unimaginable Easter sacrifice on a cross simply to forgive them of their own sins. We all have received this same mercy and forgiveness when we asked Jesus to be our personal Savior and Redeemer. Jesus showed amazing love and kindness and willingly removed our guilt forever!

The True Easter Story

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women.

Two others, both criminals, had already been led out to be executed alongside Jesus, the only innocent One. When they came to a place called The Skull [Golgotha], they nailed him to a cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

Forgiveness is possible

Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing."

Then he [one of the criminals] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Then he [Joseph of Arimathea] took the body of Jesus down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of a rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation for the Sabbath [Saturday].

But very early on [Easter] Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

The women were terrified and bowed low before them [two men]. Then the men [angels] asked, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!"

And just as they [the disciples] were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

And he [Jesus] said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day."

Heaven is a real place! 

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.

The Easter story is an excerpt from the Holy Bible, Luke, chapters 23 and 24 (NLT) [emphasis added].

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too" (Mark 11:25 NLT).

Is It Spring or Is It Easter?

Blue Easter Eggs

Along with Spring, comes the celebration of Easter. Children, especially, look forward to it with giggles and happiness. Bunnies and chicks start multiplying! Many of us like to decorate our homes with bouquets and lawn signs that read, “Life is beautiful!” And there is nothing wrong with any of this. . . except, we get Spring and Easter mixed up.  

How Do We Get to Easter?

Realizing the ignorance and hatred that caused a man to murder two and blind a third person caused that one survivor to forgive his attacker in 2011 in Texas. The same thing happened in 2003 when a father forgave a serial killer for the rape and murder of his 16-yr old daughter. And we have read similar true stories.  

How could this be possible in a world gone crazy? Putting the cruelty of the attackers aside, these victims reached deep down inside themselves and found kindness and love to be their answer. Rather than continuing the hatred or blaming themselves for the incident (which is quite common), forgiveness was the only way to heal.

It surprises no one that, most likely, these victims were following their faith. Surely, there were many prayers for wisdom involved first. And don’t think this was just a casual or easy decision. It couldn’t have been--they all experienced the personal pain and anguish deep down in their souls for the loss of their loved ones. However, they already knew what it meant to receive forgiveness themselves.

Like all of us who know the God of Grace [undeserved favor], the victims of these tragedies understood the unimaginable Easter sacrifice on a cross simply to forgive them of their own sins. We all have received this same mercy and forgiveness when we asked Jesus to be our personal Savior and Redeemer. Jesus showed divine love and kindness and willingly removed our guilt forever!

The True Easter Story

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women.

Two others, both criminals, had already been led out to be executed alongside Jesus, the only innocent One. When they came to a place called The Skull [Golgotha], they nailed him to a cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

Depiction of Paradise

Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing."

Then he [one of the criminals] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Then he [Joseph of Arimathea] took the body of Jesus down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of a rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation for the Sabbath [Saturday].

But very early on [Easter] Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

The women were terrified and bowed low before them [two men]. Then the men [angels] asked, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!"

And just as they [the disciples] were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

And he [Jesus] said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day."

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.

The Easter story is an excerpt from the Holy Bible, Luke 23 and 24 (NLT) [emphasis added].

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too" (Mark 11:25 NLT).

Why Did God Make Snowflakes To Begin With?

Snowflakes and a Warm Drink

Great news: Spring is only 16 days away—or so says the calendar on March 20^th for the Northern Hemisphere. Some parts of the country, however, are still experiencing an over-abundance of winter! When will we see the thaw, we wonder? 

Blizzards, winds, and digging out from all that snow is not the best way to enjoy this time of year. It all looks beautiful, but only if we are inside and not having to drive in it. And, yet, being able to spend time at a ski resort speeding down a slope, ice skating, or snowboarding are all fun for many people. 

So, until Spring arrives in our yards, we could use that softly falling snowflake out our windows as a sort of life metaphor. Most people have heard that “no two snowflakes are the same.” Ever wonder why that is true? The very simple, basic answer is that water molecules in the air stick together to form unique crystals. And millions of them fall into our world all at once. If you want some fun checking this idea further, just click on this link: Snowflake Magic

Snowflakes vs. Rain

After reading all the scientific magic of snowflakes, let’s go a step further and ask, why did God (the Creator of all things) go to the trouble to make snowflakes to begin with? Wasn’t rain enough of a miracle? Well, maybe, just maybe, because he was giving us an easy way to observe that snow makes every object and situation in our lives beautiful.

That may be a stretch, but we can’t deny it certainly makes us slow down and gaze at the wonder and beauty of it all. Yes, there are days when the accumulation of snow makes life difficult when we need to drive somewhere. Or endless shoveling is required just to get out the front door. Or dressing the children in all their boots, mittens, and jackets to go to school is a major event. Life can be hard to deal with in any season.

Snow gives us a visible “reason” to see life in a different way. The rain wasn’t enough—God took rain and froze it into crystals so we would take note there are always options when we are looking for answers. Our real-life situations can often overwhelm us. Maybe all we need to do is change what we are doing. If one way doesn’t work, another probably will if we give it a chance.

Try This, Not That

Options are out there, but we need a desire and an open mind to find them. Ready to try something different?

Try this: take a risk and find a new job that’s satisfying

Not that: staying in a job we hate

Enjoying Life

Try this: retire early and enjoy life

Not that: working until we are burned out because everyone else does it

Try this: Downsize and simplify

Not that: Living among more and more clutter in a house that’s too big

Try this: Find out what God’s purpose for us is all about (hint: we all have a dream)

Not that: Sitting back and becoming discouraged and bitter

Try this: Be the best we can be no matter the direction we go

Not that: Showing up with a bad attitude and toxic, contagious thoughts

The Best is Yet to Come

When we put effort into understanding ourselves (who are we?) by understanding what God has purposely made us for (what is our gift?) and why we are in the situation we are in (ignoring options), then we will be headed in the right direction.

Part of this is developing our faith journey in knowing that God loves each of us just the way we are, right now, today. And just like the snowflakes he created, we are all unique and wonderfully made! Believe it!

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry” (Isaiah 55:10 NLT).

What Does Your Weather Map Show?

Training day for the ducklings

Spring is here! And it seems every year when it arrives, summer is too fast behind. But before all those hot days arrive, we can indulge in this season of warm rain, sprouts of green, and blooms of pink, blue, and yellow everywhere. We’ve had our fill for now of snow and cold; of dragging coats and boots out of the closet, just as the sun bursts out.

No matter our age, we are ready for splashing in puddles with the kids, along with the young ducklings who must jump out of trees and head for the water to survive! And fat little fledglings have their say at the top of their tiny lungs, too. Ahhh, Spring!

Clean and Clear

The rain is so welcome because it washes away all the dirt and grime of the city streets. It irrigates farmlands and plains, nourishes mountains, and brings welcome relief to deserts. Showers purify and feed all living things creating God-inspired greenery. Vegetation nearly jumps up and shouts, “Thanks, Lord!”

We need all of this natural cleansing and care to save us from the accumulated garbage. But the most fun in Spring is when gardeners get out, dirty their hands in the soil, and start planting with uncontrolled enthusiasm. We simply can not survive without rain. Things start blooming like crazy!   

Out From Under the Trash

In the same way, we need cleansing from all the dirt we’ve accumulated from the past. Relationship pollution and trash have weighed us down; kept us from finding the momentum to move forward. Like cleaning out a closet, we just don’t need all the stuff that doesn’t fit. We want to make room to breathe.

As single-again women, we all have leftovers, but this rubbish is different for each one. Taking an honest assessment of our lives will make sense of the nonsense. It will take courage because it is not easy to look at things we are not proud of; words we want to take back; things we should have done and those we did not do.

Getting to this point in our journey took that same kind of fearlessness. So, it’s there deep inside each one of us, it’s just asleep. We can revive our steadfastness to create an amazing new life. Just remember, spring cleaning will clear out any doubts of how to live with passion, power and purpose. Our possibilities are endless!

What Kind of WORD Are You?

We didn’t get to our destination by accident. We were watched over with the care and concern of a loving God. He hated what we went through. The Bible says He collected all our tears in a bottle! Can you just imagine that? Some of those bottles were immense and some are still being filled.   

Because our God believes in new growth, He has given us cleansing rain. He has delivered us into a new land of “milk and honey” where we can sprout and become who we were meant to be: God’s WORD - Women of Renewed Devotion! (c)  

"He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures" Psalm 148:8 NLT.