We were not able to get Easter baskets and goodies for the kids this year.....and my heart was very sad! Empty basket sitting dusty on the shelf in our pantry made me want to cry. This has never happened before. We have always been able to get them alittle something. We have always been very careful not to make it about the bunny, basket or candy, but we have always had a few treats as a gift of love for them. But not this year.....and I was sad. In fact, I spent quite a bit of time yesterday and last night wiping tears. This morning, I awoke to more assaults from the enemy saying "you aren't making memories with your kids, you are letting them down, they will be SO disappointed when they come in and see no baskets...and on and on" I immediately closed my eyes and shouted (in my heart, cuz Tim was still sleeping) these are ALL lies! and I will not believe them to be truth! I will remember the very best gift ever given is EMPTY! For in an empty tomb, I find HOPE for this day and each day that will follow. So, I got up and continued to pray that God would help me choose joy, and remember that this day is a celebration of HIM CONQUERING DEATH! not candy, bunny, dyed eggs, new shoes or clothes. So God in His gracious way began to bring songs and scriptures to my heart and mind as I made a special breakfast of homemade biscuit and chocolate gravy with sweet tea. The devil was really determined today to discourage me, but greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1John 4:4) My usually fluffy biscuits didn't rise...I was so disappointed and for a second, satan started again.."well, look a there, you can't even make a good breakfast for your family" but The Holy Spirit was right there with me and whispered..."your biscuit didn't rise, but Jesus did! Praise The LORD!" So I smiled, and thanked God for this reminder is such a sweet simple manner.
So I called all the kids in for breakfast, each had one plastic egg on their plate. Beginning with Ashley, they opened the egg and shared their part of the message that was inside:
HE IS NOT HERE!
Josh said our blessing, thanking God for our risen Savior. I shared with them what God had laid on my heart and we ate. Not one word of disappointment was spoken. What I did hear was laughter and "oooooohhhhhhh we get chocolate gravy!" and sweet fellowship with my family. It was simple and unrushed and a blessing! I am so thankful for our kids teachable hearts, and for my husbands constant and unwavering leadership of our family as he seeks God's will. I am overwhelmed and amazed by God's unfailing love for me and my family. I am so thankful that God emptied my heart of all the hurtful words from the enemy and filled me with love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. But most of all I am thankfull for the empty tomb!
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" 3John 4:4 This truth helps me to remember that it is my hearts desire to see my children walking in the truth, and today I saw a glimpse of this and I can testify there is NO greater joy for this mama!
HAPPY EASTER FRIENDS
