Desiring to be like Peter, now that is a strange thought!

I awoke in the night heavy hearted because I was raised to reflect, cherish and celebrate Holy Week and for our church body to have not done so this week left me sad. When God really got a hold of my heart, meaning that I gave Him my heart, this time of remembrance really came alive for me. I believe that as a Body, we realize more and more just exactly what Jesus walked through for each of us..... sinners. This morning I realized due to a non-corporate gathering that my heart seemed to be missing/lacking what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit had done for me and why Easter Sunday holds so much HOPE. Please, I am not disking my Church, simply sharing where I'm personally at this morning. There are many that do not gather during Holy Week, but I was raised to do so and it holds something special to me and my heart.

I knew that I had to seek out Luke this morning for myself and read the accounts of Holy Week. To experience Jesus going to the cross; being laid in a borrowed tomb; the women to be the last to leave the tomb and the first to come back; and then....this morning...afresh...I read these words:

"But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. ***emphasis is mine. Luke 24:11-12 NIV

This morning, I had to GET UP, I had to RUN TO GOD'S WORD FOR MYSELF, and then silently slip away and be quiet and ponder for myself what had happened to my Lord and Savior.

Father, Thank You that when I get caught up in my days and life that You don't desert me. That You are still standing there with Your hand outstretched, no condemnation, but so much mercy, forgiveness, love and grace ready to be poured out lavishly upon me when I come and take Your hand. That my walk is between You and I and that I have a responsibility in our walk. Father, thank You that this morning You stirred my heart to be like Peter. To find out for myself what Holy Week entails and then stirring me farther to my own time of reflection. Father, I need YOU more than ever. Thank You Jesus for saving me and all, yes, A.L.L. that come to You. Amen.

Celebrating The Empty Tomb at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

A new morning

One of my favorite places to be in our home, is in the kitchen. I get great pleasure out of trying new recipes as well as our preparing our true favorites. I get a kick out of putting a little of this and a little of that into a "dish" and seeing the flavors tantalize us. This didn't just happen for me over night! This has been a journey that has entailed: failing, as well as trying again and oh yes, success (sweet victory).

This morning I am stirred to become more aware of my surroundings. That my life is a journey with failures that cause me to either turn and try again taking me to victory, or to truly dump what I was doing and make a 180 degree turn. More importantly this morning to do my mundane routine with joy and excellence, and by this I mean what we do normally such as washing the dishes or folding a load of clothes. As I have been reflecting on this it has come to my mind that if I will begin to live this out, won't I then in turn be affecting the rest of my day in a much more positive and pleasing way? Won't this affect those that are around me for the better? Especially pleasing my heavenly Father by counting it all joy?

Lord, thank You for bringing something so simple to the Light for me. A change is happening and I thank You for that in me. That as I stir goodies for my husband and I to dine on, that You are stirring me as well to be pleasing for those that come into my presence. Lord, please never stop stirring me. I need You so! Thank You Jesus. Amen.

With love at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda