More mind meanderings

I have been looking over the great newsletters that come from the VA Center at Ft. Meade and from the Hospice Foundation of America.  I get something out of every single issue.

The latest one from Ft. Meade talks about the anger that is part of grieving.  Having been raised to pretty much "stuff" or ignore anger, I have a lot to learn.  This article says, in part, "Giving yourself permission to be angry indicates your strength and courage to choose survival in the face of what may feel like hopelessness."  I thought that was insightful.

Sometimes quotes pop up from unlikely places, too.  I am an avid fan of a PBS series named "Call the Midwife."  One of the young nurses in last week's episode lost her soon-to-be fiancée.  A dear, older Jewish woman spoke with her, indicating she would not always feel like she did at that time.

"Really?" the young woman asked.  "How can I do this?"

The wise Jewess said, "You just keep living until you are alive again."

Wise, wise words.

Don't stop looking up!

The greatest Christian holiday

Easter us upon us; another "first" without my beloved.  I am not dreading this holiday, though, because where in the world would we be without Easter?  Think of LeRoy's first Easter in heaven!  I'm thinking the music and celebration will be far beyond what our finite minds could handle.  I am so grateful for a loving Savior.

There's been some chatter lately about the idea that we are all just going to heaven, no matter what.  While that's a nice, fuzzy-feeling philosophy, I can't believe Christ's painful sacrifice on the cross is just "symbolic."  Can I explain why He would die for MY sins?  No.  Am I indescribably thankful?  Yes.  Does the Bible support these last statements?  Yes.

I believe that we are indeed accountable for our actions, but  whether you say salvation, or personal relationship with Jesus Christ, or any other phrase -- we are doomed without it.  Yes, God honors our good works.  No, that's not what "saves" us.  We are saved by grace.

Perhaps on this Easter morning, we should be calling ourselves "grace-ful" along with grateful.

Have a blessed day, friends, and keep looking up up up!