Thoughts about Easter.

Matthew 27:50-53

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."

Mark 16:1-8

"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."

He is Risen!!!

This is what is is all about! Living, breathing, moving, loving. Our lives, as Christians, are significant because of tomorrow's celebration. The remembrance of our risen king! The knowledge and understanding of his intense and painful death on the cross and the grace of his Resurrection! I think it is so important during this time that we realize that we focus so much of our attention on the Resurrection of Jesus during this time because it is the most relevant truth in our faith. However, I think it is true that we cannot fully accept and live under the mercy of that Resurrection without first trying to fully comprehend the depth of the cross. The death on a cross. Hanging like a prisoner with thieves on either side of Him. All the while knowing that He was dying for me. Unbelievable.

I love the story of the Resurrection. I relate to the women in this story so well because they speak almost as if Rachel and I would going to the tomb that day. "Um, Rache, who the heck do you think is gonna roll away this big stone...because you better believe we cant!" I imagine they were so relieved to see that it had already been done for them, yet in amazement had no idea what was about to take place. And they were the first to know! They were the first to get the news of this risen saviour! What a roll! What an honor. And then later in the passage it goes on to say that they were afraid. I also can relate to that in so many ways. Were they thinking,

"Uh. Oh. What does this mean for us?" Or were they immediately filled with the fear of the Lord himself? I assure you it was a great feeling of holy fear, however you can describe it.

I know that we celebrate this day with candy, bunnies, food and family. We most certainly delight in those activities because we have children and in all honesty, see no harm in doing so. Our children, even at their age, have some understanding that this is a time to celebrate Jesus. In their minds, every day is such, but more so because we take the time to pray with them and explain to them about Jesus. They are learning!!! I feel saddened to know that there are children who arent being told the importance of a time such as this. They have no teaching or direction. I feel even more sad that their parents may not be receiving the power behind the cross during this time. It is crucial that we pray for those who don't know Jesus during this Resurrection holiday! And pray over your children that they would feel the power of what the cross truly means! Jesus is coming again...and it is soon.

It is soon.

Remember this time last year? Oh how we all have changed!!! Nora seemed so big to me then, and now I cant believe I felt that way because she was still such a baby. Braden was so rolly polly! I cant even comment on Daniel and his mustache and although I can tell I had started losing weight, I still cant believe how far I've come. I'll be sure to post pictures from tomorrow as soon as I can and then we can all compare the changes our family has made. Oh what a year will do! Have a Happy Easter, everyone. Be blessed and enjoy Jesus!