don't wait...

Over the last few weeks, I've been reflecting on something...The more I think about it, the more I KNOW I have to actually go out and DO it. Anthony's death has made me realize that I don't tell the people around me enough how much they mean to me. I've let life go by without consistently telling the ones I love WHY I love them or WHAT I love so much about them. So. My conclusion. I will make a point of SAYING why I love people...of letting them know how much they mean to me and why they bless me so much.

So, if you have people in your life who are a blessing to you, let them know! You never know how much time is left in life...make the most of it and let the people you love know it. And say more than "I love you." Tell them WHY.

He is Risen

Today we celebrated Easter. Resurrection Sunday. This holiday means so much more to me this year than it ever has. I've always known that we serve a risen Savior, and that He conquered over sin and death. But because of Anthony, it all has become so much more alive to me.

The God of the universe, the creator of the stars, the One who spoke all things into being, the omniscient, omnipotent, lover of my soul...He cared enough about ME. About Anthony. About YOU. To come down to this earth, live a perfect life...and then die a horrific death that he didn't deserve. All because of love. All because of me. And you. And the most glorious news of all is THIS. Don't miss it. HE IS ALIVE. HE IS RISEN. DEATH COULD NOT KEEP HIM IN THE GRAVE. In His glorious might and power, HE CONQUERED THE GRAVE! I do not serve a God who is dead. I serve a God who is alive and working today. I serve a God who has power over the thing we mortals fear most...death. O where O death is your victory? O where O death is your sting? The answer: it is non-existent.

And BECAUSE I serve this God, I have nothing to fear! Because of His resurrection, I HAVE LIFE! Because of His resurrection, Anthony is dancing and worshipping a RISEN Savior today. Because of His resurrection...

Thank you Lord for loving little ol' me enough to come to this broken world and give your life in exchange for mine. To cover my hideous sin. To offer me eternity with you. I am SO incredibly grateful that You conquered the grave. YOU LIVE. My Jesus LIVES. And thank you that because of that, I too live. Lord, your resurrection gives me such glorious HOPE. Hope that with you, I can overcome anything. Hope that one day I will see Anthony again. Hope that this life has meaning and is worth living abundantly. Hope that You are here now with me. Everlasting Hope. Amen.