Easter Blessings

I've always loved Easter, and always will. For the Christian, this holiday is the most wondrous of all---because we are reminded of the most wonderful news we could ever hope to hear: Our Saviour conquered death, and lives forever!!! And.....we will live forever with Him! It just doesn't get any better than that. ~ So today as I dyed Easter eggs with my precious children (a tradition we love) and went about my usual "day before Easter" activities, I made certain to keep these thoughts at the forefront of my mind: Christ triumphed over death, He loves me and has forgiven all my sins, and I will live forever with Him. Praise the Lord for these most precious blessings! ~ He is not here: for He is risen. Matthew 28:6

Christmas Cactus for Easter!

The first Christmas after my precious mother went to Heaven, some friends gave me a lovely Christmas Cactus. Since I love plants, I was thrilled (and had fond memories of the dozens and dozens of beautiful plants my mother had grown--including a Christmas Cactus). So, being determined to not only keep the plant alive but also get it to re-bloom, I made certain to keep it watered and have it setting in a prime spot to get the sun it needs. I was thrilled the first time it bloomed at Christmas, but then the plant went two years with no blooms. However, I was encouraged the next Thanksgiving when it again bloomed. ~ Now as we are in the Easter season, my Christmas Cactus has begun blooming again! I am thrilled, since the blooms are a gorgeous shade of fushia and are so pretty. (The picture I've included above isn't my plant, but mine is very similar---just a little larger!) ~ Every morning when I open the window blinds where that plant is setting, I praise the Lord for this little "unexpected gift" of beauty that brightens my day! ~ It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord....Psalm 92:1

Highly Recommended Reading!

Bethany House Publishing company recently sent me some books to read and review, and I wanted to share them with others. The first one is a compilation of works that inspired the life of A.W. Tozer and is titled: From The Library of A.W. Tozer compiled by James Stuart Bell. After I received this book in the mail, I became SO excited---it was like getting a "treasure chest" in the mail! This book is filled with inspiring, thought-provoking writings by great Christians such as D.L. Moody, Martin Luther, and John Wesley, just to name a few. I cannot wait to tell my Pastor about this wonderful book! ~ The other book I received is The Whole Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty. I'm also excited about this book, as it tells the Bible story in "plain, simple English." The author explains in the Introduction that he hopes this book will encourage people to read the Bible, and I really believe it will. From Creation to Revelation, the Bible story is clearly written in this book. I'm looking forward to sharing this with family and friends!