A Basket All Its Own

When I was younger this time of year (Resurrection.. well as it was known to me then as Easter) brought so much joy to me. I delighted in Easter egg hunts, both at church and with friends at our homes. I enjoyed waking up on Easter morning to see what treats the Easter Bunny had left for me. It was nice to wear a new brightly colored dress for all to see.

However now, this time of year, the celebration of the Resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, holds no trivial value. The significance of it has changed and molded itself into what is, for a believer, the most important time in our history. Without the death and resurrection of the Savior, we would not be who we are … our futures after this age has ended would not be so bright.

Though with the happiness that comes with Salvation through Jesus Christ, admittedly this time also brings sadness. I feel for what He had to go through, in order that I.. that we .. might be reconciled back to the Creator. He did nothing wrong, but yet He suffered a death worse than any we could ever imagine out of love, love for His Father and love for His Father’s creation.

It is for this reason that sometimes it is so hard for me to grasp that I cannot be perfect. I think some of us desire to be perfect, not so that we might be counted as such (good), but more so that we do not cause any more pain (in human terms) to Father, Son and Spirit. We wish that we could grant them all a moment off, from having to intercede on our behalf – from having to watch over us because of our indifferences and sinful ways, but alas in this age it will not be.

Though we know what is written to us in the Bible is true, God knows all – He knew what He was doing before He laid the foundation of the Earth and to Him, the Creator, all of which has passed and all which will come, is considered “worth it” in order that we might (all those who call upon His Son and receive the free gift of salvation) be with Him for eternity. As such that is our consolation.

I saw this verse last week while Tumbling and Pinning away, but have come upon a greater understanding of it after this weekend, which I am sure will give way to even more in the years to come.

Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain. Ecclesiastes 1:18

However, we believers have a hope – a truth – a promise that no matter how much grief or pain (mental or physical) that we suffer here on Earth, that one day, thanks to Jesus Christ (who we should celebrate not only during Resurrection weekend or Lenten season but daily, through-out the entire calendar year) it will cease to be.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. 

Revelations 21:4

Thank you Father, Son and Spirit for all that you have done, are doing and will do in the future. Might all of Your children come together as one, may we rid ourselves from the opinions and prejudices that keep us at a distance with one another, and work toward the common goal of being witnesses for you, for showing your love to everyone – everywhere, regardless of past history or current circumstance. Thank You Father for the free gift of salvation (forgiveness, grace, redemption), which is free of charge through Your Son alone, and for the Helper who guides us day by day. In Jesus name, Amen. 

From The Guest Room [A Gift for You]

Many thanks to mK who is hosting a 31 Rays of Hope giveaway on her blog From The Guest Room.

She is a super fab lady, whom I connected with a few months ago after reading an article she had published in Reject Apathy. Pop on over to her blog to enter (just by leaving a comment) and while you are at it, take a gander at her Etsy shop for some unique creations!

What Just Happened? || Twenty One Pilots Giveaway

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”

Ephesians 4:4-8

If you listen to Radio U then you have no doubt heard the Twenty One Pilots song “Guns For Hands” with its eclectic stylings and powerful message towards the youth (people) of today. After I heard their latest single “Holding On To You” I had no choice but to head over to iTunes and purchase their recent release “Vessel" a few days ago.

Upon listening to the entire compilation “what just happened” was the thought that bounced around in my noggin as it felt after the final track stopped someone had secretly syphoned some of my inner most kept thoughts and mumblings to God from the past 29 years I have been on this earth, penned them down in rhythmic lyrical form and laced it with some wonderful instrumental beats.

Mind = Blown

Of course you have read many writings about bands and songs that I find most enjoyable, but Twenty One Pilots are on a whole other level! So as much, I have listened to album more than I care to divulge and I refuse to pick a favorite or even compile a list of a few of my favorite tracks. It is impossible; they are all uniquely amazing, heartfelt, raw and masterful in their own way. Literally the only snippet I feel I cannot relate to is the fact I’ve never had my car radio stolen. O_o However that doesn't mean a thing in comparison to how I dropped my jaw when I heard on a prior track, Migraine, what day seems to be worse than the rest (for an unknown reason at that). So yeah - I feel it (and mean it when I say it for this song and the entire album), a lot.

In “Fake You Out” the lyrics beckons that many people go through the things he is talking about and that for me is what it so powerful about this cd. The evil one likes to play hacky sack with our brains, he likes to make us feel like we are alone – with no recourse, however that is so far from the truth it is laughable. Not only is God everywhere around [watching beside us and in us (Holy Spirit)], but there is also an entire world out there that is dealing with the same things that each of us are (and a host of people who have gone through it whose stories are written in the B-I-B-L-E)!

I could go through track by track and give a deep personal opinion, connection and mental recollection to how the lyrics apply to my life, but I would rather you take it from here and go on your own journey with Twenty One Pilots (whom I am thankful for doing what they do, honesty goes a long way). Below are just a few of the songs from the album, enter to win an iTunes copy (either for yourself or to share with a friend) and may each of you who read this, overcome all of the demons you are facing or may face in the future. There is but one hope for us all, cling to that hope and remember that you are never alone! 

P/S It looks like if you use Spotify (I don't), but you can get some commentary action by the band. Woot! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway