Two days ago was my 56th birthday but the birthday fun began last week. My family and friends celebrated me in little moments of fun. The above picture records a fun memory. Last week Mom and I were going birthday shopping. I asked Joshua if he wanted to come along so he could spend time with Grandma too, so he did. Joshua doesn’t drive anymore due to his vision, so Grandma who is 82, was up for an “Adventure”. I laughed at their antics as I sat in the back seat watching them decide where we would have lunch. It almost ended up being like a “tour” of restaurants around the outlets, which we weren’t familiar with. We all settled on Panera Bread so Joshua looked up the closest one and we were off. Mom followed Joshua’s directions pretty well, only missing a few turns 😂 We finally made it to the right area and Mom asked Joshua where it was. He could only tell from his phone and said , “Straight ahead somewhere”. Both he and I can’t see far. Mom was looking and finally said , “I see it!” That was the start of a fun day of laughing. Shopping with three generations can be comical as some of their comments were hilarious.
That was the beginning of my birthday celebration. My husband Ron treated me to some shopping, dinner and time at the Nail Spa. We had dinner as a family with Mom the night before my birthday since my Bible study met on my actual birthday. The girls had a birthday cake and sang/signed “Happy Birthday”. Fun times and cherished memories made. It’s not about the gifts but time spent with the special people in my life.
This 56th year is off to a productive start. Visited a homeless shelter with a friend yesterday, then she took me to the coolest shop called “A Hand up”. This shop sells used items and allows homeless people to come in and work for a period of time in exchange for clothes they pick out. It’s not a hand out but a hand up. I really.love that concept. We went to Walmart next to get 21 packs of hotdogs buns so we could serve our homeless friends last night. God seems to be switching things up a bit and we are praying for His direction to open doors He desires for ministry. We welcome your prayers for that.
Now thats all done, we are preparing for Joshua’s puppy that he will pick up Saturday. Adding a new little Cutie to the family. Stay tuned for puppy news coming soon.
I pray this week you all take time to thank our Lord Jesus for His sacrifice on the Cross. Thank Him for the beating, death and all H endured for us. He loves us so much that He took our place. I love how Isaiah prophesy about this.
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV) Not only that but Jesus came back to life three days after He died. That is the beauty of Easter, He’s ALIVE!! See the following scripture.
“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”” Matthew 28:1-7 (ESV)
The resurrection of Jesus and the fact He assented to Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us brings me such comfort and hope. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Jesus changes everything for me. That doesn’t mean I live a problem free life. My life is full of challenges dealing with hearing and vision loss issues (not to mention the normal life things) BUT Jesus gives me the strength and perspective I need to approach each and every situation. He is my victory and joy! He can be yours too. Romans 10:9-11 says, ““because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (ESV) Having a personal relationship with Jesus makes all the difference in the world. Do you know Him? If not, there is no time like the present to seek Him. He loves us so much, He died for us and rose again. He is alive and so ready to help you!
I will share a thought that I have never shared with anyone. As we have served with RiceNBeans organization for the past year in Rock Hill, the location is at a bus hub and right across the street is a large cemetery. As we wait in between the rounds of buses that come through, I often look across the road to all those tombstones and think, these homeless people still have a chance in life. On one side of the road, the remains of people are six feet under. On the side where we’ve served, we hand out food, smile and offer encouraging words. They still have a chance to turn their lives around, and you do as well. Just something to think about. Everyday is a new opportunity to serve the Lord and make decisions that bring glory to Him. I will end this blog with that challenge. I also encourage you to really take time to thank God for the Cross, all He’s done for us and give Him the honor and glory He deserves. Our Hallelujah belongs to Jesus! Have a blessed Easter. He is Risen!!!
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