Death Before Life

"Is this the Jesus book?" Holden asked as he picked up the "My First Easter Story" book that we'd read the night before.

"Yes, would you like to read it again?"

"No, I don't want to read that. Jesus dies and the bad men put thorns on His head. Let's read "Pete the Cat" instead."

How many times does the painful and undesirable proceed the blessing, the lovely, the gift? Pain before childbirth, storms before rainbows, winter before spring, humility before promotion, The cross before the resurrection!

Whatever tough spot you may find yourself in, know that God can and will give you "beauty for ashes, joy for mourning." (Isaiah 61:3)  Lay your broken pieces at His feet and know that He can put things together better than they were before. He works all things together for good to those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) It is not enough to merely "know" this. You must believe it. Even when (especially when) you do not "feel" it. You go to Him anyway and in complete transparency tell your Daddy, "I feel like I'm losing it! Everything is falling apart and this sucks! I don't think I can take anymore! BUT, I know your Word says you'll never give me more than I can bear (1 Cor. 3:10) and that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31), so here I am, Lord. I'm waiting!"

Never hesitate to be honest with God. He knows what you're thinking anyway!! :)

More updates on Florida Life coming soon! :) In short....we miss everyone in VA but we love it here!!!! So great to know you are where God wants you. He continues to confirm this decision many times over in the most unexpected ways. :) The house is no longer a construction zone. I may actually begin working as a designer with the contractor who did our house!! And come August both kiddos will be in new schools! Holden (who turns 3 on the 15th!) will go to preschool at a wonderful place M-W and Mikaela will be starting 1st grade at Indialantic Elementary!  It will be a new season that I will enter hard and fast and you will likely be hearing much more about it!! :) Work is going very good for Tim, and we are thrilled with our awesome new church and ready to start really plugging in there!

Happy Easter! He Is Risen!!!