Mother's Day in Heaven?

Today was mother's day, and I really enjoyed the day! We kicked it off with our church family; worship was amazing, honored mothers/women, and built up our faith by looking at Matthew 15. It was a great way to start the day!

Afterwards we went to the in-laws. Did some BBQ and played baseball for a few hours outside with the whole family. Lot's of laughs, not to mention good exercise.

This was the first Mother's Day without my mom since she died back in August. I really miss her... My heart was flooded with memories: her laugh, phrases she would say, her unique way of dressing... the way she would pick up my hand and squeeze it; as if to say so much more than she could ever express.

I know it sounds funny, but I even dressed up, wearing a suit and tie today. She always said (in her broken English): "Son, you are pastor now. No more jean... more classy. Wear suit... you know, more classy."

We picked up some flowers and stopped by the grave-site to drop off some flowers and a letter my daughter Mikayla wrote. Standing there still seemed like it was unreal.

I wonder if God has a dedicated Mother's Day? I wonder what it would be like? Does He give out chocolates? Picnic on the clouds, or Juniper? Maybe He allows them to see the intersections of impact and influence that they made in our lives while they were still here? Or maybe some sneak peaks of the blessings He has in store for the days ahead of us?

I'm sure it's more beautiful than I can imagine. I hope you were honored today mom... not just by me, but by the Creator Himself.

It's Time To Eat

I was recently given teaching from one of the greatest preachers of our time; Bishop TD Jakes. I have it my car and have been listening to it over and over again for the past 3 weeks. Needless to say, I can't get enough of it... it's powerful!

bornidentity

Easter is the celebration of life; being alive. Jesus Christ was once dead, seemingly defeated;now risen in victory!

John 3
Jesus gave a name for this other than Easter... Born Again. It's what he called the life transformation of a person; we were dead in sin and made alive through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. A new identity - born identity.

Being born again baffles the way the we think about getting a new start in life. We want to work harder, do better, and put our acts of 'labor' into it. It was Christ who did the work, who 'labored' for my new life. I must simply receive it and live it by the grace of God.

Jesus said we must be born again! There's no other option to experience new life. Everyone is in need of it. Everyone is capable of receiving it. Jesus is the only who can provide it!