​Reflection & Prayer

Reflection
This month the freedom writers are penning thoughts about Christ’s resurrection.  As we discussed resurrection, we were all struck with the fact that death comes before the new life; good Friday comes before Easter Sunday.
As I was working in my yard, preparing it for our Easter dinner, I noticed something…Springtime is overflowing with resurrection examples.  Trees that looked lifeless sprouting beautiful blooms.  Bulbs and tubers buried in the ground for months, breaking through the dark earth to present themselves; a bunch of sticks being formed into a nest in my camellia bush in anticipation of life…”May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.” Galatians 6:14&15.
And our lives are overflowing with resurrection.
My daughter Mary who has suffered with anxiety and depression for years, shared her story on Saturday – losing the fear of sharing, to gain the freedom that comes…”Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
My friend Becky and her husband Earl left everything here in California and moved to Oregon – loss of what they knew to grasp what was before them. “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13 & 14
Prayer…
This month, our prayer for all of us, is that we would experience the resurrected life for yourself. You will be in excellent company! 
As you reflect on Christ’s sacrifice,
May He fill your heart with grateful praise
And surround you with His redeeming love
That reconciled you to the Father – 
So, you can live in Christ’s resurrection,
Knowing death could not consume Him,
For when He rose victoriously,
He sealed eternity for you. – M.S. Lowndes

With Love & Gratitude – Christina
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