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The Lilly Pond |
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March
31, 2002 |
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Greetings and thanks for subscribing to TheLillyPond.com ezine! I'm Lillian Hinds and this ezine is dedicated to all mothers, daughters and the other important women in their families. Because we respect your privacy and value your subscription, we don't share your email address with anyone. If you'd like to be removed from our mailing list, please see instructions at the end of this ezine. Happy Easter A few days ago I was asked to sing at my church's Easter sunrise service. So this morning I got up earlier than usual and struggled to get awake. My husband made coffee and as I dressed, I wondered if last night's thunderstorms were over. As my husband and I drove to the area, we passed the cemetery where my mother is buried. I haven't been by there is quite some time and again, I realized, with joy in my heart, that she isn't there. Then a verse from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians came to my mind. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them who are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others how have no hope." The service was to be held at a wooded area by a lake. The air was still chilly so I took a jacket that came in pretty handy. Although it was cloudy, the rain held off and it seemed we would have our service as planned. Folding chairs had been set up and with the lake in the background, we enjoyed a glorious Easter morning time of worship. As our service began, I was able to rejoice that not only do we have hope in Christ for this life, but for all eternity. We were asked to welcome and greet those around us. A close friend came up and hugged me and whispered that her husband's mother had died yesterday and that they were just trying to get through the day. The congregation began to sing songs of Easter and I saw that we were to sing an old favorite of mine written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives All fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living Just because He lives! I thought of my friend sitting across from me and my heart ached for her and her family. But I was grateful that they really could face tomorrow. Not because it would be a good day or because things are going well. As they prepare to bury their mother and grandmother, they can face the day with a blessed hope because Christ lives. We have hope is His Word. In Matthew 28:6 the angel of the Lord said "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." We have hope in His Promise. In John 14:2-3 Jesus said "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." And we have hope in His Resurrection. In I Corinthians 15:19-20 Paul wrote: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men, most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead!" He has risen. He has gone to prepare a place for us. And He has promised to come back again and receive us unto Himself. What a precious hope.
I trust as you read this that you have had a good Easter Day. Perhaps you have had some time with loved ones. Our family has enjoyed many traditions over the years. We've always colored eggs and hidden them in the backyard for the young children to find. As our children have grown, we now hide them for grandchildren to find. We make a special cake and decorate it like a bunny. New spring clothes and a big Sunday lunch round out the occasion. |
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