I believe every Christian should watch the film, “The Passion of the Christ.” I don’t believe anything has even come close to visually representing Christ’s sorrow, torture, death, and resurrection.

Mark and I watched the film last night. I wanted to be reminded (once again) of what Jesus did for me, and how little I give him in return. I’m ashamed of the time I’ve spent on Easter weekend (buying gifts and candy), rather than spending time with Jesus.

I love the Easter Bunny, chocolate bunnies, and hiding eggs for the children. But I think we’ve lost sight of what this weekend is all about – Christ’s death and resurrection. Our sins and forgiveness. Death and Life.

I’m thankful for what Christ did for me. He took my sins upon himself, and suffered a horrible death on my behalf. He died so that the Holy Spirit could come and be my comforter. He rose on the third day so that I could live for eternity.

To the people who say God doesn’t exist, God doesn’t care, or God doesn’t love us, I say— read John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

This promise is one I hold onto with both hands. I know many of you already have a personal relationship with Jesus, but I ask that you join your prayers with mine during tomorrow’s Resurrection Sunday for all those who don’t.

Love you all!

I love my family more than anything in the whole world, as I know you do. I want to be an inspiration for my children and grandchildren, and I wonder how they see me. Am I inspiring? Am I encouraging? Am I an example for them to imitate? Or not?

Sometimes I feel like I’ve made so many mistakes in my life, I just can’t overcome them. But I especially see my grandchildren and know in my heart I can be so much more. I want to live my life like the warrior and victor that I am—not a wimp with unfulfilled dreams.

Our church recently showed the Pink Impact Conference video series to women during the past 6 weeks, and they inspired me. The sermons by Lisa Bevere and Charlotte Gambill made me stop and think about how I portray myself and what I say.

I think about Gideon (Judges 6). God proclaimed to Gideon, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” If you read the story, Gideon sounded a little whiny, impertinent, entitled, and wimpy. But when God says something, he means it. And Gideon, with God’s instruction and help, came out victorious.

Psalm 20.6 states, “Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed.” As God’s adopted daughter, I am anointed through Christ. I’ve been living my life like a wimpy Christian, saying all the right words, but not saying them with power. Not praying with the expectation that my prayers will be answered. Not speaking the Word of God boldly over my children and grandchildren, family, and friends.

Only I can take the step to living life like a warrior, and believing God to do the rest. I feel a bit mightier already.

Can anyone relate?

 

 

 

I promise this isn’t a political soap box, but I have to weigh-in on the current state of our nation. I can’t seem to escape the 3-ring circus that has become our political landscape lately. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, there isn’t much to be proud of, is there?

I feel like I’m watching a grammar school playground run amuck. And I feel ashamed that our nation has fallen into such a mire. What do other countries think about us (Americans) when our Presidential candidates are talking about the size of their hands? Really?

But then…I have to stop and think…how long has it been since I prayed for our current and future leaders? And I’m ashamed to say, never. At least not unless my Pastor prays for our leaders and I agree with a solemn Amen. This doesn’t say much about me or my character.

I went to my instruction manual (the Bible) to see what God has to say about this, and I found my answer in Romans 13:1-2. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

It doesn’t matter whether I agree with our elected officials or those who are running for office. God has placed them in positions of authority so that they can lead our nation. I have a few options to choose from: 1) turn off the television, 2) not read another newspaper until the election is over, or 3) pray for our candidates and leaders.

It’s not going to be easy, and my heart may not be fully engaged, but I choose option 3. If God says we need to support our governing authorities–then I’m all in. I’ll also be praying for a bit of wisdom for myself.

 

Cancun must be one of the most beautiful places on earth. I basked in the sun, listened to the pounding surf, and marveled at the beautiful turquoise water that stretched for miles past the horizon.

I took long walks, rode around in a golf cart while Mark golfed, and enjoyed the company of good friends. The one thing I didn’t do was open my Bible (except on Saturday when I posted my blog).

My Bible rested on the desk in our room for eight days without getting much use. I had plans to read it at the beach, but I took my novel instead. Do I feel guilty about this? No. But I do have mixed feelings about my ability to place God’s word within reach but not bothering to pick it up—especially during vacation when I have ample time to meditate on it.

When I returned home, I thought about Jeremiah 31:33 which says, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Perhaps God already knew that people like me wouldn’t be reading his word everyday, so he took measures to write it on my heart—at least that’s what I choose to believe. And I’m thankful for his grace and mercy every single day.