Rebecca's Journey - 133

22 April, 2011 (Good Friday)

Dear Friends,

Our mornings have been cold, warming to delightfully, almost-hot, sunny days. However, this morning was the first time this year to be able to have my quiet time in the garden. It was delicious! The presence of the Lord, the birdsong, and morning light creeping across the trees and grass!

The centerpiece of our garden is a flowerbed with a star magnolia bush in the center. Each year I "try" to have pink tulips. Now you might think that's an easy thing to do, but for some reason, whether it be communication or just a mistake, I've had a hard time getting true pink tulips. Now, orange is one of my best colors; I wear it well. But it is my LEAST favorite color to have in the house or in the garden. Well, the tulips came up, began to pop their green heads, and as they opened... horror of horrors! They are ORANGE! At first, I literally felt ill when I looked at them.

Of course I immediately began to choose to thank the Lord for them. He instructs us to be thankful in, and for all things. ("...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. " Eph 5:29, and "Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. " l Thes. 5: 16-18.) As I thanked Him it came to me that I could ask Him to change my heart. Now, I didn't want my heart changed, because I really didn't like orange tulips. But the tulips weren't going to change, so if I wanted to survive the spring, I had to change. So I thanked the Lord and asked Him to change my heart, even about orange tulips. For anyone who knows me well, you will know it is a miracle. I love my orange tulips! The sun on them is bright, bringing rejoicing and light to the garden. The pink and rose flowers on my deck won't be planted until later in May, and by then, the tulips will be gone and harmony will be throughout the garden.

And why do I tell you this story right now? To show you my heart, and more than that, His wonderful power. This Easter season the Savior lives. That same power that raised Him from the dead is at work in our lives--practically, daily changing us. I believe it's all been an exercise for me, good practice in reaching out for His power and receiving it even for myself. I would encourage you, if there are orange tulips in your life today, the Savior can change you and give you joy, even in the situation.

This holy week I've been reading the Easter story in all the different Gospels. I love Matthew because he gives us such detail. As I reread the end of it this morning, when Jesus first appeared to Mary, His first word to her was "Rejoice. " This Easter season, let the Savior's words ring out in your house: Rejoice! The miracle of the Risen Lord is working in our lives.


Rejoicing in His goodness,

Rebecca

P.S. Due to my bad planning, we find ourselves short a caregiver in May while Paul is in the States. I know the notice is very short, but would anyone of you inclined and able to come and help May 3-18? I feel sure Father's grace will cover us even in my failure. Bless you and rejoice!

Our next regular need for a caregiver (normally 3 months) begins in September.