Redemption Stories Make for a Beautiful Day

Today was full of beautiful things. I suppose every day is full of beautiful things; if we look for them. I would venture to say, though, most days we pay a great deal of attention to the things that are not so beautiful. I got to be part of an Easter party of sorts for some very special and precious people; the families from Freedom's Rest and the kids from Jacob's House. We had big inflatables, an Easter egg hunt, colored eggs, games in the field, and a cookout. I spent most of my time taking pictures of smiles on faces (LOVED THAT!) and getting and giving hugs to some kids I think the world of. There is something so neat to me about being able to capture a smile or a laugh in a photo, especially when those being photographed have had many things in life to NOT smile about...God is still gracious and paints smiles and laughs into broken, hurting lives. That was one beautiful part of the day.

I spent the evening volunteering in prison. We watched a movie that highlighted, at least to me, the redemption story that God wants to write in each of our lives, and how sometimes when we are at our lowest, and we think we have to wait until we are at the top of our game to be used by God. He will use us right where we are, as we are, to do His work; if we let Him.

I got up and spoke at the end, to a group of about 20 men.  As I looked around the room while I spoke, I saw eyes locked on me intently listening. I know that God was speaking through me...I didn't think much while I was talking...just spoke from my heart and God was the one who was planting what was in it.

In a nutshell, here is what I said: "As I watched this movie, in light of Easter time, I couldn't help but think what the disciples were thinking during the day of the crucifixion.  It must have looked so backwards; so chaotic, out of control, and messed up.  The reason it looked that way is because they could not yet see the bigger Redemption story being written-the bigger picture. They had no idea the most significant redemption story, the one that would make a redemption story possible in EVERY life was about to take place.  Many times in our lives when things look like a big mess, a redemption story is around the corner. We can't yet see all that God is up to, the seeds He is planting, how He may use it...etc. The list goes on. God is writing a redemption story in each of your lives-if you let him.  There are SO many people out there who need to hear your redemption stories...they need you to allow God to work them in your lives because they think it is hopeless; they think that there is no chance left.  YOU have a story to give; and as much as it stinks being stuck here right now, take advantage of being separated away from life. There will never be another time that you are pulled out away from things like this...use it to let God get a hold of you and build you up.  You have so much time right now to dig into Christ and the Word...people need to hear your stories. God has a redemption story for you...that is what Easter is all about."

I got emotional and my heart about felt like it would explode it was so full...in a good way though. Anyways, getting to share that and talk with some after was pretty awesome. Again, blessed by being allowed to even be in there talking to people. There is nothing special or significant about me-I'm no better than the next person.  I have a drive to share-to talk to people and share God's word.  Especially lately, I have really had the desire to get up in front of groups of people to talk and share the Word. Don't know where this will go, or what summer will bring, but I know God will use it. When He drops things in my heart, He always uses it.

So anyways, what an "Easter-Eve" day. :) Life has been hard the last several months, but God is faithful to use that as He always does. It feels so good to want to love God...to be passionate about the things that matter, and to have so much love poured into my heart for the people God brings into my life. I'm thankful we are made so that we always have room to love more people. How neat! <3