Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, World!

or rather,

Happy Resurrection Day!

Today, approximately 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ rose from the dead, sat up, neatly folded the napkin that was over his face and laid it on the table beside his funeral bed and walked out of the tomb.

He was on a mission of comfort and healing, as He had been during the 33 years before that day. He had one final mission: to make sure that his disciples understood what was asked of them. Only by showing them that He had conquered death could that happen.

Over 500 eye-witnesses saw Him walking the streets in the days after His death. That's a lot of eye-witnesses.

He showed Peter the power of forgiveness, and tasked him with "feeding His sheep" and "watching over His flock". Then, He went to the mountain and He told those that followed Him, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." He said He would stay with us until the end of the age.

And, He said on numerous occasions, "I'll be back."

Today, we don't just celebrate the resurrection. We also celebrate the new life, the second chance, the hopeful future that Jesus promised.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Did you have a good Easter? I did!

Did you have a great Easter? I did. I have some homeless friends that came over for a visit, and I took them with me to my mom's camp site, where the family was gathering for a fish fry and Easter Egg hunt for the kiddos. It was exciting. 

​Mom offered to give $5.00 to the child who found the most eggs. That's Mom. She's always trying to make things exciting for the family. 

My friends really enjoyed themselves. 

Afterward, we came back to my place and watched almost all of the first season of Game of Thrones on my computer.  They don't have access to a TV or Computer in the tent where they live, so it was a treat for all of us: They got to relax and do something they don't normally get to do, and I had company to enjoy Easter with. 

I invited them to Church with me on Wednesday night. I hope they come. 

I'm gonna raise him up...

Today is Easter Sunday. On Easter, I reflect back on the life of Jesus, who He was, and how He became that way. But, not enough is said about Joseph, the man who raised him.

Joseph was a daddy to Jesus that he didn't have to be. He had faith in God in spite of all those around him who would have walked away and left Mary to an uncertain and terrible fate, not to mention what would have happened to the baby she was carrying. Joseph chose to take on a responsibility that would prove to be a gift to the world.

As a young child, I had one such man who came into my life. I saw this man work until his back ached to make sure we had a roof over our heads. I watched him go out and search the woods at times so we could have meat on the table when we couldn't afford it. I saw this man, over and over, choose the right roads rather than the easy ones in order to teach us integrity, honesty, and how to mind our conscience. And, once, when I asked him if we were rich, he told me, "We are rich -- in love."

I knew my real dad, but my step-dad was there when he didn't have to be.

I wasn't a son, but it didn't matter. I don't know if I'll ever change the world. I do, however, try to change the world around me -- because of him. And, because of him, I can relate to Jesus. More importantly, I know HE can relate to me.

Smoked Turkey for Easter, Courtesy of Jesus

Mom called me today. She informed me about that Big Ol' Turkey that Jesus gave me for Christmas (remember when he "knocked on my door"?)

Mom said Benny finally put it in the smoker. We're having Smoked Turkey tomorrow for Easter Dinner. She told me to invite Dallas Corina Switzer. So, I did.

Can't wait to see if there are any chocolate Bunnies sneaking around for me to eat...

Maybe I'll sneak one from Mylee's basket...LOL

Happy Easter, World!

(And remember the reason for the season -- it ain't Bunny Rabbits and Easter Eggs).

Ephesians 4:
6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)