Easter Reflections and Worship

A week ago I was thinking about how I wanted to worship on Easter. I believe in a Resurrected Lord and Savior of the World, even Jesus Christ. However generally haven't made Easter much a sacred day, although I celebrate it with good food and fun. Two days later my family received the heartbreaking news that my paternal grandmother has been stricken with liver cancer and it is terminal. Instantly so many emotions were felt, and soon I realized that this Easter has more meaning and purpose than ever before. 

I had to say to myself, yes, I really do believe that Jesus Christ Atoned for all mankind, was crucified, and rose again on the third day and that He Lives. HE LIVES! And because He lives, there is a plan of Redemption and Happiness for all of God's Children. That means that even though there will be sadness and grief ahead, I believe life does not end when ones soul leaves their mortal body. I'm already mourning the event that medicine vaguely labels at 6-12 months, like what does that really mean? But my mourning has also turned to celebration and a recognition of that core beliefs that I know are sustaining me. 

My favorite part of the Easter Account is Mary finding the empty tomb. You can just feel the grief in her heart when she says, "Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away". And then the Risen Lord calls her by name, because He knew her personally, as He knows all of our names, because He has borne all of our pains and sorrows and grief. As my own heart prepares for the inevitable loss of loved ones throughout this life, I have found such peace this week reflecting on the Resurrection of the the Savior of mankind.

Here are a few ways I have enjoyed blooming where I'm planted, and worshiped God  for the gift of the 

promise of the Resurrection this Easter Season. 

Celebrated Texas Bluebonnets with my favorite people in the whole wide world

Found joy in the wildflowers that came back  for the second year in a row. This one survived my neighbor mowing the space where our yards meet and destroying a few others!  

Fulfilled my duties as an Aunt and took the kids on the Zilker Zypher Train. 

Celebrated 3 years of being a homeowner.  I love my house! 

Discovered that a Dove made a nest in a hanging plan on my front porch. 

Made my grandma's German Torte for Easter Dessert. 

These beauties blossomed for the first time this season, today, Easter Morning!  How Glorious is that! 

Can't get enough of my knock out roses! 

And found joy in making my Sabbath mornings a delight with uplifting music...