"Easter In A New Light"

Yesterday we celebrated Easter Sunday and I have so many different, ambiguous feelings erupting in my heart. I was so elated to hear that my oldest son who is a Pastor in California was portraying Jesus in their Easter production of "The Messiah." What mother would not be bursting with pride to say that her son could walk on water? Or at the very least, do tricks on water with an air-chair behind a boat in which I have witnessed on several occasions. I am so thankful and blessed that Mom#2, Carolynne, was there to experience this awesome and powerful performance. She was responsible for sending us the first live, on stage pictures which made us feel like we were there. We love her Christian heart and soul!!

I was also equally elated when my youngest son announced that he was going to church with the family which was another miracle in itself since he had been through so many trials in the past 5 years and was too depressed to go anywhere....And what an extraordinary, happy and blessed day we all shared. I could sense that God's work and presence was evident in the hearts of both sons.

I was joyfully rejoicing this morning while listening to "How Great Thou Art" that Big Sis posted on Facebook (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eiEaK4GXtw&feature=share) when it dawned on me that my little brother, Kevin died on Easter Sunday, 6 years ago and I was moved beyond words. My heart that was feeling so much joy just a short while ago was starting to feel extremely heavy again with a sadness and loss of such a wonderful, fun-loving brother that I loved and adored so much. Kevin's end of life was tragic and horrific. He was taken from us way too soon and then it hit me like a huge bolt of lightning. So was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ's life tragically and horrifically taken as well, to save us from our sins. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that who ever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). And after reciting that Scripture repeatedly, I'm feeling a strong sense of reassurance and peace instead of anguish and pain. I will continue to pray for wisdom and revelation to remember Easter in a new light, next year.... Little Sis