The Making of M.O.M.

What does Easter mean to you? Is it about bunnies? Chocolate? Fake grass? (I hear there is edible grass now..seriously?) Is it about dyed eggs? Is is about a new dress?

While those things are nice (especially the chocolate part), Easter is about so much more.

Did you know that 2,000 years ago a man, a Savior, was resurrected from the dead?
Did you know that when his followers went to his tomb that they found it empty?
Did you know that this same man was crucified and buried just 3 days before?
Did you know that during that crucifixion that man, Jesus Christ, bore the sin of ALL men and women so that we can be made right with a mighty, powerful and just God?
Did you know that unless you believe in Him, that you will never be able to approach the throne of the God that created ALL things?

Did you know that if there was a ranking system of imperfect people, that I would be probably in the top 100? Seriously.

Did you know that because I have been justified in the eyes of God, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that I CAN one day stand before God and be worthy?

Did you know that you can too?

Did you know that He is the The Way and The Truth?

I know that there are many, many religions out there. But you know what? Religion doesn't matter. Ceremonies are not important. Sin is sin. Pride is pride. Mistakes are mistakes.

Easter isn't about bunnies, fake grass, chocolate or eggs. Easter is about the One who rose from the dead, who conquered death for the sake of all sin. That includes mine and yours.

Won't you join me in celebrating Easter? Won't you give God a shout out for a tomb that stands empty? Won't you ponder the love that a marvelous God has for you? Won't you join me?

Happy Easter, from a sinfilled daughter of a perfectly Holy King!

Rejoice! The tomb is empty!

On Friday night, I surprised my husband by showing up at his work (alone) and had planned a "date night." Awww.....I know, the tenderness makes your heart flutter, doesn't it? Anyway, we had an awesome time eating dinner, talking about "grown-up" stuff (or at least as grown-up as we get), not being interrupted by kids. We ate slowly, then had some time to kill before the movie started (which, by the way, National Treasure 2 is SUPER!). We walked around the mall, just being together and goofing off. It was nice.

On the way home, I was listening to some country music. I usually listen to contemporary Christian, but couldn't find anything good on and changed the station. I came across a song that I really like and have listened to many times. It was "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney. In the song, for those of you who hate country music, he sees an old man being interviewed on t.v. for turning 102 years old. The reporter asks the old man what's the secret to life and the old man tells him "don't blink" because life goes by faster than you'd think. During the chorus of the song, he tells about growing from 6 to 25 to parenthood to grand-parenthood to lying in bed with your spouse of 50+ years and praying that God takes you instead of her/him.

The whole song is very sweet. However, being a believer in Jesus Christ, I have some personal opinions about the last sentences in the chorus, where he references asking God to let you die rather than your spouse.

From the outside looking in, this is meant as some sort of sacrifice that is being made for you most beloved. Asking God to allow you to die, rather than taking your loved one's life. I understand the concept, but I see these sentences in a different light.

When Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the dead, He paid the price for my sins by conquering death. Therefore, death is no longer permanent, but merely temporary for those who believe in Him. Believers in Jesus do not have to "worry" about dying. Earthly death isn't the end, it's simply the beginning of an eternity much more amazing than my human brain can understand. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to die. I want to live as long as God desires. However, the last sentences in this song make me reflect on what I know to be true about the God I love and worship.

When my husband and I have experienced life. When we have watched our kids grow into adults, witnessed their graduations and weddings, seen the eyes of our newborn grandchildren and been married 50+ years, I will hope that we both have grown tremendously in our faith. I pray that we will understand our God more deeply. Therefore, if we are both old and our Earthly bodies are beginning to fail and, as the song says, "the next thing ya know, you're better half is there in bed and you're praying God takes you instead" I pray my prayer won't be for God to "take me instead."

My reasoning in not wishing to die in my husband's place is simple. I know that my husband would be in a place where there is no pain, and joy is abundant. He would be in heaven with Our Savior, and praising the God of creation. All the while, I would be the one to endure the pain of loss and any and all suffering here on Earth.

Again, do not misunderstand, I do not wish for my husband to die. But, if given the chance to let him die or me, I'd chose him. I know that he believes in a powerful Savior. I know he loves the Lord with all his heart and desperately wants to please Him. I know, that when he's gone, he'll be in a better place. I would will that for anyone I love and care about. I think that this song's intended purpose is based on the same emotion I am feeling, but the difference is vantage point. The guy in the song wants the best for his spouse. So do I. The contrast is your outlook on eternity. I believe, whole-heartedly, that if my husband were to die tonight, that he would open his eyes in heaven. To spend his days in a place of perfection is the ultimate blessing. If I had the chance to trade places with my husband, and let him die and allow me to stay behind and suffer, I'd swap in a heartbeat. I think that is meaning of love and the truest sacrifice I could make for the one that I love dearest.