Easter gratitude...

Today, Easter Sunday, was really encouraging to me personally.  During the worship at church this morning, God spoke something to my heart about the truth that He is the resurrection and the life not just because of the fact that Jesus rose from the dead, not just because of the fact that those who know Him will one day receive immortal resurrection bodies, but because He is able to resurrect and bring life into circumstances and situations that I've deemed hopeless.  In the Biblical account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the situation seemed beyond hopeless, if that's possible.  Lazarus was not only dead, but he'd been dead four days, to the point that his body was beginning to decay and stink.  Yet, Jesus simply said, "Lazarus, come forth!" and Lazarus walked out of that grave whole and well.  Similarly,  Jesus can speak resurrection life into circumstances and situations that stink!  Nothing is impossible for Him!  Now that's something to give thanks for!

********************

Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.

 I continue to count my thanks

piling up gratitude day by day

in my journal.

(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#8196-#8222

3-21-16-

-morning coffee and a sweet quiet time

-His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not end

-fun with our two oldest grandkids, shopping for Easter outfits and going out to our favorite Mexican restaurant

3-22-16-

-making Hot Cross Buns with my two youngest granddaughters and their friend

(recipe here)

-taking the girls to Dizzy Castle indoor playground

-way too much bubble bath!

-bedtime stories about when I was a little girl and when their mama was a little girl

3-23-16-

-a little shopping trip to find an Easter outfit

-a bargain priced Easter outfit

-going on an evening walk with my husband

-youngest grandson's attachment to his little backpack

3-24-16-

-the Bible account of Mary of Bethany's lavish worship of Jesus.  He called it beautiful.

-dinner with my husband before prayer meeting

-a sweet prayer time praying for one another

3-25-16-

-having a pre-birthday lunch with my daughter and her family 

-silly youngest grandson saying "nope" every time I asked him for a kiss,

then him running to me and giving me a big hug and huge kiss when we were leaving

-our two oldest grandkids having a sleepover at our house

-painting our nails with my granddaughter

3-26-16-

-our firstborn daughter's birthday

-baking rhubarb crisp and dinner rolls to take to Easter dinner

-our painter friend singing along to worship music while he's working on painting the doors and trim at our house

-a sweet wedding ceremony followed by a delicious Hawaiian feast reception

-ending the day with some quiet time

3-27-16-

-an encouraging Easter service at our church

-driving to dinner with our son-in-law and oldest grands 

-a wonderful meal and fun afternoon with our family at our youngest daughter's in-law's home

still following,