Easter Gratitude

Painting by Greg Olsen

 I am so grateful for this time of year!

I love being reminded of all that God has done for me. I am thankful for clear, blue skies, the smell of blossoms lingering in the air and the gentle breezes. I love seeing my children with grass stains on their jeans (the boys) and flowers in their hair (the girls). I love how the little ones are constantly plucking new blossoms for me, so I can place them in a paper cup full of water on my kitchen counter. Is there any smell anywhere that could rival the dripping-sweet scent of orange blossoms in the groves?! Mmmmmmmm...

Most of all, I am thankful to my Father in Heaven for the gift of His precious Son. He lives! And because He lives, I can have my family forever. What a wonderful, amazing gift...

"I Stand All Amazed"

by Charles H. Gabriel

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!