Life Burst Through!

I can't remember a time when I have ever longed for spring to come as I did this year. A part of that longing was because we moved to a new city in the dead of winter. I craved new life as I adjusted to our new surroundings.

The significance of Easter weekend always makes my heart sing. Along with this time came the beginning of our spring weather. There were occasional warmer days before but this is a week in a row!

The excitement of resurrection Sunday had me awake at 5 am. I read the account of the women at Jesus' tomb as I sat on my veranda watching the sunrise. I tried to imagine their reaction; their range of emotions from despair to elation as they encountered the living Jesus!

Life burst through the tomb!

Spring has sprung through the tomb of winter. The snow has melted, the birds are singing, water is rushing.

Wade and I joined 8 other people who were strangers to us but one in Spirit. We met at a lake near our home Easter morning. We celebrated with joyful hearts what Jesus had done for us.

New life burst forth all around us. Ducks were on the lake and the grass was turning green. We were reflecting on God's goodness to us and a huge flock of geese flew overhead in an amazing formation.

It was a reminder to me that where God is there is life. He arranges the tiniest details. We may not always see if if we are not looking for Him. Especially if our circumstances feel like a tomb. It is our reaction to the things around us that determines our state of heart.

What areas of your life do you need God's life to burst through?

I will end with a portion of the theme from our sunrise service Easter morning. When things are troubling for you, remember Jesus burst through in order to give you life in abundance.

Life Burst Through

Just when we thought it was over, God,

When we'd packed our hope and headed home,

back to the same-old, same-old...

Life burst through!

Stones thrust aside!

Life breathed in stifling tomb!

Light pierced dark crypt

where we had laid you to rest

thinking we were finished with you.

Who would have guessed? Life where we expected death!

God burst your Easter life into our tombs!

Afternoon Delight!

Psalm 37:4
'Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.'

I love this verse in the amplified bible. It shows me that God knows my secret desires without me even giving voice to them.

I witnessed the fruit of this verse as I experienced a gift for my heart. Two of my beautiful friends made a road trip to visit me on Friday.

Now these are two of the people I miss the most since our move. We used to meet once a week or at least every two weeks for the last few years. They have been integral in spurring me on as we've encouraged, laughed, cried, lived life and prayed together.

God knew the secret petitions of my heart as I longed for their fellowship. He also knew theirs in spending time with me.

It is a beautiful thing to know and be known. One of these friends I haven't seen since we moved. As we sat down with our tea around my new counter, it was like we'd never left. They are the epitome of being kindred spirits.

Our whole day was one complete blessing. It made my heart smile to see my friends enjoy every bit of it. We went for a delectable lunch and then to the legislative building. We were treated like royalty and went for a tour to see the incredible building. Amazed by its history and the freedom we had to explore; we sat with tea in the basement and prayed for our government and the privilege to be doing just that.

We marveled at how God blessed us with an afternoon so tailored to who we were. I know full well how these friends of mine delight in our Lord.

It encouraged me so much to see Him faithful to His word and give us the desires of our hearts. Thank you my friends and my God for this beautiful timely gift.

Delight : a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment, joy; rapture

How are you finding delight in God? There are so many ways to take pleasure in His Creation. Be deliberate to find the joy and your hearts desires will be realized.