Grace like Rain

"I once was lost, but now I'm found,
was blind but now I clearly see.
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me--
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away,
washed away.. (Words from song by Todd Agnew)

Today is Easter, and our city has been graced with a mountain in the middle of it which can be climbed to an errected cross. Watching the sun come up on the eastern horizon, and surrounded by a diverse crowd of people-- all with one intent... to recognize a risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.

What a blessed people we are! We are able to join the mayor of our town along with people from different denominational and cultural backgrounds. While the rest of the world seethes in indifference and violence, we should not take for granted the freedom we enjoy in our country and city-- to worship openly without fear or trepidation. Grace like rain truly does fall upon us Americans. Happy Easter to all.

Spring Cleaning

April 1st and spring cleaning is on my mind. I located a list this morning that gave me a run down on tasks to do to arrive to the "daisy fresh" surroundings of my home and garden likened to the daisy my little granddaughter is showing in the picture. Coincidentally, our pastor spoke on spring cleaning in his message this morning, as well. He wasn't addressing my house, but my spiritual life. I appreciated this message, because it began to prepare my heart for the holy week ahead, culminating in celebration of Easter Sunday. Pastor Greg spoke about Jesus making the entrance on Palm Sunday on a donkey. Even though Jesus was hated and rejected by the religious people of His day, He still was able, in His entrance on a donkey (fulfilling bible prophecy) to be received by the crowd of people as they would have received a king, by setting out palms before Him. Yet, even as they cheered, and paid tribute to Him,their concept as their king was a victor, not a victim. Hence, a week later, seeing Jesus as a victim, they would cry out, "Crucify him!" -- They could no longer accept as king one who was scorned and trampled upon. So, the portrayal of spring cleaning-- essentially, going through every room and every drawer in the house on a physical level, only encourages me to do the same in my spiritual life. This is cumberson, requires lots of work, and is downright painful. It causes me to think of those areas where I may be storing "junk", for example, a critical spirit, unforgiveness, or other things. Yet, the trade-off of doing such spiritual spring cleaning is receiving all that the Lord has for me. The thought of a 'daisy fresh' spirit gives me the encouragement and drive to begin spring cleaning today!

More, Please...

I have always associated the words, "More, please," with greed and selfishness. However, this past weekend, my association with this expression was radically changed. I am no longer ashamed to say the words, much less to truly mean them with the deepest desire of my heart.
My change of mind and heart came this past weekend when I attended a women's conference featuring Anne Graham Lotz as the key speaker. Anne is the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, but I had never heard her speak or read any of her books. My church, which is quite large was bulging at the seams of the walls with the thousands of women who attended, and for good reason. We were all there for one reason, and one reason ONLY... it was to get closer to God.
Well, the Lord didn't disappoint. He used Anne to admonish us to cry out for "More of Jesus" in everything we do, and in everything we are all about. It wasn't an emotional experience for me. I have had those before, but as emotions pass, so does the resolve to make changes in my life. Now, I have been a Christian for over 30 years, and before that, I knew the fear of the Lord as I was brought up in the church, and especially from having a godly mother as an example. This was different. I realized that I needed to WANT and DESIRE God's Word more than anything else. No matter that I go faithfully to church, or even am part of a ladies' bible study group and complete bible study lessons. This was even MORE. Anne gave a practical step-by-step way to study the Bible. It wasn't given as a prescription, but rather the very sharing of what she does in her daily life. It made me think that what I saw on that podium-- a tall, stately woman with piercing eyes like her dad's, was not a product of simply growing up around fame and recognition, but a woman-- like me. One who had pains, groanings, struggles and fears. Yet, one thing set me apart from her-- her infectious desire to WANT MORE. The first thing I picked up this morning was my Bible. It's not enough to have it around, but to pick it up, open it, and begin reading. Praying the Lord would open my spiritual eyes to it's truths for my life, I simply say to the Lord, "MORE, please."-- unashamedly, as a child stretching out her cupped hands for a filling of more candy!

My Cup Runneth Over

So many things, so many blessings. I feel that if I were a cup, I would literally be overflowing. Such a wonderful thing! We went to our granddaughter's birthday party on Saturday. My gift to her was a book titled 'The Three Cups', and appropriately, three ceramic cups. Ady's reaction to the gift was delightful. She smiled so big, and gasped "A cup!" as she unwrapped the first of the cups wrapped in white tissue. She read the word taped on the cup 'spend' and continued to unwrap the second cup. I explained to her that there was also a book at the bottom of the box that would help her to use the three cups to learn how to save, spend and give--and the beginning of lots of adventures. I don't think it sunk in; she was eyeing the pretty colors, teal, pomegrante, and chartreuse (definitely designer colors). Maybe the cups represented a future tea party, or hot cocoa with breakfast... At any rate, it was fun watching Ady enjoying her big day. Besides celebrating Ady's birthday, there were also other reasons to make my cup runneth over~ a room full of family, wedding plans in progress, and being excited for happy news our children shared with us:)

On With the Wedding Plans

Seven months away, and the wedding plans continue to be completed for our daughter Trish and fiancee Patrick's big day. The date is official now that the venue has been secured-- October 20th. Even though it's springtime in our city, I have been enjoying thinking things fall. I was married in the fall too, 37 years ago; but I haven't forgotten the crisp air, and cool evening we enjoyed at our wedding. Trish's wedding will be in the evening, and while the days may be shorter then, I hope that we'll be treated to a beautiful sunset and sky as the backdrop to the ceremony. Just thinking of the colors of deep reds, burnt oranges and yellow makes me envision such a day. Here's looking forward to fall!

Books and Movie~ Dr. Seuss

Everything Dr. Seuss for the last week: I had such fun reading at a local elementary school to celebrate Dr. Seuss' March 2 birthday. I couldn't help but wonder if this famous author of children's books ever thought his simple, yet carefully ryhmed words would get such attention and ignite a Read-Across-America campaign. Furthermore, did he ever expect his books would lead to box office ticket sales that netted millions? I'm not surprised...the colors are catchy- red, turquoise, and yellow. And, even the red and white striped hat coupled with the tall lanky cat who is rico suave, while remaining kid-friendly, is hard to resist. I admit,the whole 'Seuss Package' is pretty attractive to get kids to stop and listen/read to a book.
The Lorax movie was pretty inventive too. While my grandson informed me that the movie didn't quite match the book 100%, it was entertaining and received a lot of giggles and laughs from the 10 and under audience at the theatre matinee. I liked it too, but found myself more fascinated with the voices of the actors who played the characters- Betty White, Danny DeVito, and Taylor Swift.

March- Right Into Spring...

Second day of March, and I already feel spring coming on. Today was pretty windy and still cold by California standards (60 degree-ish). Yet, the trees and plants refuse to wait for warmer weather, and are showing peek-a-boos of blossoms and leaves. It seems to confuse the animal kingdom, as well. My cat stretches out on the patio, as if it were summer, and the neighborhood squirrel hangs around with confidence that there will be plenty of food around and doesn't need to scurry around looking for nuts.
With less than 20 days of winter, I'm excited for green shamrocks, and easter eggs. It really is a wonderful time of the year in our part of Southern California.