Sunday, April 08, 2007

Easter Reminiscence

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing
That we can be born again

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing
Christ is risen from the dead

I remember singing that song in church as a teenager, and it is still one of my favorites.

I remember hunting Easter eggs in the maze at my grandmother and granddaddy's house, and realizing there one year that there was no Easter Bunny. By association, Santa and the Tooth Fairy were outed, too. And I began growing up.

I remember my long-time pastor preaching the same sermon every single Easter. His Easter sermon was full of stories, quotes, emotion and drama. He quoted old-time preachers like Smith Wigglesworth and Moses P. Timms, and even Martin Luther King. I heard that beautiful sermon almost every year for over 15 years; what I wouldn’t give to hear him deliver that sermon just one more time.

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Not all of my Easter memories are as fond. I am ashamed when I recall a particular Easter morning, driving home from the apartment of a man that I should not have been involved with. I remember seeing families on the side of the highway that morning, taking pictures in the bluebonnets, and I wanted so badly to have that sort of stability and happiness in my life. I knew somewhere in the corner of my heart that I wouldn’t find what I was looking for with that man, but was so unwilling to stop trying.

Fortunately, even when I was not following God’s will for my life, His hand was on me. He shortly removed me from the situation that I didn’t have the strength to leave. I met my husband a year or so later, and our journey back to God began.

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I thank God that He sent his Son to die for all the foolish and stubborn and selfish things that I've done in my life. Thank Goodness that I am forgiven for my disobedience and shameful behavior.

Hallelujah that He Is Risen, and we will be with Him one day!

4 comments:

Wendy said...

WOW! I too remmeber that song! And had a pastor who preached the same thing over and over each year. A small town.... loved those memories. Thanks!!

Kristen said...

What a beautiful, touching post. I am blessed to have visited your blog this Easter! Blessed Easter to you and your family.

Becky said...

Beautiful post! It was a blessing.

Queen of My Domain said...

I remember hearing the same sermon over and over growing up as well. I loved reading your post and about your memories.