Lately, much of my thoughts and feelings are dominated by my aching hip and lower back troubles. Seems the aches and pain are always with me. I now better understand the term ‘chronic pain’. I’m grateful for my chiropractor, a nice young woman who treats me gently—until treatment requires a firmer hand. Ouch.
On a brighter note, Easter is fast approaching. This is my favorite time of the year. I love the feel of Spring in the air. As I sit at my desk, I hear the sounds of the new season. A neighbor’s lawn is being mowed. Children’s voices are heard as they bike down the street.
My desk intentionally faces away from my office window, as I’m easily distracted while working. But since the window looks out on the front of our house, I sometimes catch the moving shadows: people walking their dog, the Amazon person dropping off a package, a car pulling in the driveway at the end of a long day.
My words may seem a bit random or recklessly thrown together, today. Sometimes, this is how my mind works. Nevertheless, in this Easter season, I am thankful for a Savior who cares about our aches and pain. He meets us where we are, walks with us through the changing seasons, and is not only our Redeemer, but our Healer.
Happy Easter!
May we find time to enjoy this season, even if it includes an ache and pain, or two.
And now, let’s get to The Fast 5!
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The Fast 5 🕔
Building a Bridge of Hope Across the Tragic Gap of Uncertainty — 📖 This post from Michele Morin will bless and encourage—that is, if you’ve faced a time of uncertainty, tragedy, or loss (I believe we’ve all been there). I love a good redemption story, and as the author shares, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
FAVORITE DEVOTIONAL TOOL — Lectio 365 - 24/7 Prayer. Friend, if you have days or seasons when you find it hard to pray, Lectio 365 can help. I’ve turned to this App time and again, and it never fails me. It inspires, encourages, and spurs me on in prayer and the word of God. Download the Lectio 365 App for iPhone or Android.(They also have a Lectio for Families App.)
Lectio 365 - 24/7 Prayer
FAV RECIPE — 🍲 Okay, sharing two recipes for you. It’s almost Easter. I have no idea where I’ll be, or who will be there with me :) but I do know I’m making this pound cake! I’ve been thinking about it for weeks, but Mark and I are trying to lower our sugar intake. So, on Easter weekend I plan to endulge in Beth Moore’s 5 Flavor Pound Cake topped with this Glaze/Icing!
MUSIC I LOVE — ♭ ♯ You’ve Already Won (Live) | Shane & Shane. Love this reminder that Jesus has already won whatever battle we may be fighting. Remember, you are an overcomer through Him!
Currently Reading 📚
The Cumberland Bride—by Shannon McNear. I don’t often share fictional reads, but just finished this and really enjoyed it. My preference when it comes to fiction is always historical (romance, family, women). This was my third book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Some books in the series I would not recommend, but this is a beautiful story and well written.
Quotable 💭
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see… Matthew 28.6
Additional Links 🔗
Let the King of Glory In! — These words I shared in last year’s Easter post are still true. “What better time than Easter to invite the King of glory into our worship, our situation, our heartache, our success, and our everyday lives?”
March 15 - God Is A Sanctuary — Over the years, I have been encouraged by the works of Charles Spurgeon. I recently started following this Substack, which shares daily devotional content from his life’s ministry. I think this free edition will bless you.
Letting Curiosity Lead the Way to God — In my younger days, I had a season of teaching children’s classes at church. Today, our daughter considers it a highlight of her week to serve in this same way. If you’ve endeavored to lead kids in Bible lessons and discovery, you will enjoy this post by Sarah K. Butterfield. Kids definitely keep it interesting. :)
