He is Risen – Easter Reflection 2013

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I love the words spoken on Easter morning: “He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!!!” There is nothing more beautiful than an Easter sunrise service. It may be a little early to get up at 4am on a Sunday, but for me personally, it is well worth it.

You may have noticed (or not), I took a 40 day break from Facebook. It really was not intentional, but between Ash Wednesday and this morning, I did not post on Facebook. I used the time to be more intentional about my real-life relationships; especially the relationship with my Lord.

A couple of weeks ago, I had an argument with one of my closest friends. That was not intended at all, but it showed me that I need to work on my communication skills. Yes, I was in a ‘dark’ place filled with frustration, but I should not have said the things I said…

So, this morning, as my hands were cold, my heart warmed. It warmed with the love of Christ. He is the one I need to look to when frustrations hit; when the burdens seem too heavy. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Believe me, my dear friend, Jesus means what He says. When the heart is heavy, come to the cross and leave your burden at the foot of it. Jesus Himself said that life will not be easy, but when traveling with Him in our hearts, the burden is lighter.

We sang the song “You are Stronger” this morning after the reading of the Gospel of Luke (Luke 24:1-12). What a powerful song to sing on this glorious Easter morning. Let me leave you with the chorus of the song:

“You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all…”

Have a blessed Easter today and always…

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday ~ His Faithfulness

Before I start my post this week, I would to remind you that my friend Laurie at “Women Taking A Stand” will be hosting Thankful Thursday in the month of March.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
(Psalm 26:3 ESV)

Over and over I see how distressed people are these days. Have you noticed that more and more people are fearful of their future? I often tell my friends that I don’t know where I would be without God in my life.

I know that life is not easy and not everything goes according to plan. Maybe life is not going according to our plans, but I know for certain that God is moving us in the direction of His plan. Paul in his letter to the Philippian church noted:

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)

Sometimes I look at my situation and forget about God’s faithfulness. But when I look back at my life, I know that He always has been with me; moving me along His plan. Since I have gone through the highs and lows in life, God can use me to encourage others who are on a journey of despair. May I always share with others His faithfulness and love.

What are you thankful for this week? Please share by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: God is faithful and He will use your life story to bring others close to Him.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. The Minimalist Guide to Being a Thankful Wife
2. How To Deal With Anxious Thoughts
3. Beyond Romance
4. Six Years
5. Heather @ Living In the Moment
6. Reflections
7. Sarah @ The Fontenot Four
8. Kathleen 🙂
9. bp @ Raindrops & Rainbows
10. lorig
11. Mia De Vries
12. Jess @ Homestead For Him

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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Thankful Thursday ~ His Passion

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
(John 1:29 ESV)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. I am always excited when the Lenten season starts; ending with Easter Sunday at the empty tomb.

Many Christians give up something during the season for reflection. I usually do too, but not so this year. This year I want to add something (again) during this holy season. Over the years I read a book called “The Passion of Christ” from a Lutheran pastor (A.Fibiger) penned in 1941. I don’t even remember who gave me the book, but I treasure it.

Unfortunately last year I got off track reading/reflecting on the old sermons from the 1940’s. This year, I want to read it all the way through again. I pray for a close relationship to my Lord during this season of Lent. I am thankful for the passion of our Lord. His way to show me His love is still mind-boggling. Why would someone Who never met me, give it all up? It can only be a heavenly love…*sigh*.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving your link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: His passion is showing His love for you – all the way to the cross.

Please remember that in the month of March (starting next week) we will meet up at my friend Laurie’s blog “Women Taking a Stand“.

Love & Peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Shining Brightly
2. Pia
3. Edwards Granddaughter
4. Amazing Grace
5. Kids turf
6. It Feels Like Chaos
7. Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
8. Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand
9. a red motorcycle
10. Style N Season: Thank You, Lord, for Loving Me THAT Much
11. Daily Journey
12. Tonya
13. Melanie @ M&M
14. Stefanie @ UpLIFTing Words
15. Heart Choices
16. Thankful Prayer
17. LovelyLici @ Conchsaladesque
18. Ms. Kathleen
19. Making Our Life Matter
20. I Get To!
21. LIFE by Ashley Pichea
22. bp
23. Deidra M
24. Carol
25. Have Faith!
26. Amy@Make Me a Mary
27. Katrina@thePoorganicLife
28. Bridget
29. Denise
30. JadeLouise Designs
31. Inspirations from Phather Phil-Thankful Thursday: God Will Send the Rain
32. The Winter Willow Wept – Robert J. Gerryts

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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Thankful Thursday ~ Power of Prayer

“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.””
(Luke 22:41-42 ESV ~ emphasis mine)

Many times I pray short prayers; prayers for family or friends. I pray throughout the day; I really do not have a specific time for prayer. However, if there is something really on my heart, and I need to let go of a certain situation, I pull out my little prayer book.

What I have noticed that when I write down my prayers, my focus changes. It is not so much that I want to change God’s mind over a situation, but He changes mine. Read again what Jesus said in the garden of Gethsemane…”not my will, but yours”…

Isn’t that what prayer really is? To align with God’s will? I know that I need to sometimes spell it out (thus my prayer book). I need to be reminded that He is in control. I am thankful for those times when things become a little clearer to me through prayer. So, this week I am thankful for the power of prayer.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

What are your thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving your link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today; remember: through prayer your vision becomes clearer.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. First Responder
2. Too Precious @Edwards Granddaughter
3. Pia
4. It Feels Like Chaos
5. Grace-Kids Turf
6. Aisling Beatha
7. Does god play favorites?
8. Stefanie @ UpLIFTing Words
9. Tami @ The Next Step
10. Up High
11. Melanie @ M&M
12. Slenderella Jenn
13. My 1000 Gifts…
14. LovelyLici @ Conchsaladesque
15. Mary
16. LIFE by Ashley Pichea
17. Cindy @ *She Sparkles* & Ann Voskamp GIVEAWAY!
18. Desiree
19. bp
20. Tonya
21. Heartmade Home
22. Sherry
23. Denise
24. Nemo @ Daily-dabble.com
25. Lisa Maria
26. Inspirations from Phather Phil-Thankful Thursday: Through the Heart of a Friend
27. Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
28. Power of God’s Word – Roberts Musings
29. A Moment with God
30. Heart Choices
31. Jenny Anne@Royal Little Lambs
32. Ms. Kathleen
33. Gen@Simply Cornish

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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