Spring has sprung and I am feeling truly blessed and grateful. This post will most likely be all over the place, but so is my mind these days! lol
Today my family went to church at 8:00. Yep, that's 8 a.m. Shocker, I know. I am so glad we got up and went together. We then had a nice breakfast out, enjoying great food and even better conversation combined with laughter. It means the world to me to have moments like this. I tuck them away in my heart to recall when I need a pick me up.
Today's weather was basically perfect to me and I spent time outside planting flowers. I am very indecisive so I am thankful for my husband who helped me choose different types of plants to buy. With gospel music playing in my ears and the sun shining down on my face, I was definitely in my happy place! An unexpected visit from a student who attends the school I work in topped off my outside landscape experience. She, her mom, and Nana were out walking her sweet all black pug puppy and seeing them was a bright spot in my day!
I took a nice afternoon run once my yard duties were done, After being out of the loop for a couple weeks it took a bit of extra effort on some of the hills I encountered while running. How is it that one can work so hard to exercise and stay in shape, yet find themselves feeling like a slug after only two weeks of inactivity? Seems a little unfair to me! I mean shouldn't all the running and weight lifting last for a much longer period of time?!
We cooked on the grill today and were pleasantly surprised by a visit from Mamaw and Papaw. It is always a blessing to chat with them. :) The fact that we still have a close relationship is so meaningful to me.
As I currently sit and reflect about the significance of today, I am reminded about several things. I am a sinner and am so grateful for a Savior who chose the cross for me. He didn't stay there, however! He rose again on the third day and praise God He lives today! It is sometimes incomprehensible to take in the sacrifice made by Jesus. I think that is why I am saddened when people refuse to believe or even acknowledge His existence.
A lot of people get caught up in "religion" and try to live their lives as good people. It is a great idea to treat others kindly and to do all you can to make a positive difference in the world. Compassion, sacrifice, love and helpfulness are important. For me, I think the difference in being a Christian vs. being "religious" or an unbeliever boils down to one thing - Jesus! If your goal in life is to be a good person and work hard while helping others, then that is great! We all should, in my opinion, treat others how we would like to be treated. We each should strive to be the best we can be, and assist others along the way as needed. It goes further than that to me, however.
If you want to be sure of where you will spend eternity once you leave this earth, then there is only one way to spend it in heaven with God. That way is to accept His Son as your Lord and Savior. Jesus alone saves you. Not your efforts, what you own, how much money you have, how many good deeds you do each day, or how much you consider yourself a "good person." Truly, claiming Jesus as your Savior is the only way.
There are many ways to worship, praise, serve and live for Jesus. Sharing His goodness with others is of vital importance and we are called to go out and share the good news with everyone. Just make sure you always remember that there is only one way to the Father, and that is to come through His Son, Jesus. You might not like that fact, or want to submit to that authority, but if you want to live forever, it is what you must do.
As I end this post I am mindful of how much my walk with the Lord means to me. Without Him, I am nothing. With Him, I am complete and can do all things with His strength and equipping. For that, I am grateful! May you each reflect on your relationship with God as we come to the end of this Resurrection Sunday.
Blessings, peace and joy to you!
