Easter gained my attention this year!

Boy… Did I Ever Need Easter!

Before Christmas arrives, we start humming “Oh we need a little Christmas.” And we typically do. The closing year has often been tough on us in many ways.

But this Easter… yesterday… was really needed for me.

Easter reminds us of what Jesus brought out of the tomb on that dark morning.

• He brought an end to sin’s tyranny that had been merciless on us.
• He brought a clean slate, with all guilt and sundry sins forever removed.
• He brought us (with his ascension to the Father’s side, the promise of a ‘live in’ Comforter who would put healing, guarantied-for-life salve on our deepest wounds. He would also share the secrets of God’s hearts when things don’t make sense. And He assures us of God’s intentions to share heaven’s wealth and wonder for all eternity.
• He brought us the promise of healing, full healing… whether here and now or later forever.

The reason I desperately needed this specific Easter to happen yesterday is because the sweetest girl God ever gave life to, passed away just four hours ago! To say I miss Joanie would miss the truth by a galaxy… not even close.

God brought us into each other’s life the last Saturday in August in 1957. Since our parents wouldn’t allow a twelve year daughter to marry a fourteen year old son, we waited until August 10 in 1963 and were coming up on our 63 anniversary.

You probably wonder why I am getting this Fresh Heart devotional out while my eyes are still stinging from the tears I haven’t just shed, but gushed… I want to make a couple of things clear to you that are real to me right now, that I have believed, preached and shared for all our years of  ministry.

1. She didn’t lose the battle with cancer – cancer lost big time to the indescribable environment she’s had for the last four hours (earth time.)
2. She recently commented to God – didn’t gripe about it, just shared with Him – that she felt He was almost out of time for her healing. God’s response in His words back to her, “I’m never out of time… I own time.” Let those words sink in while you’re awaiting a delayed answer from Him.
3. And thirdly, Joanie lived and celebrated every day… every family member or friend… every incredible sunset… and the perpetual privilege she felt in being able to get into Father’s lap for fellowship.

So thank you Jesus for that walk out of the grave and into our lives. We love you…

(We will be having a viewing on this Friday evening at Yate’s Funeral Home in Coeur d’ Alene, ID and the memorial service toward the end of April. Call me for details 425 923 9000)