Because He Lives, We Can Face Tomorrow

One of my all-time favorite songs (not just at Easter) is Bill and Gloria Gaither’s beloved song, "Because He Lives”. Wow! Did they ever get that one right?!! Here is the chorus: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, He holds the future. My life is worth the living, just because He lives." What a perfect song to sing in light of these uncertain times we’re living in today!

I know those uncertain times – long before this pandemic. Ten years ago, during the Easter time of celebration, we received the call that jolted our lives. My husband's bone biopsy results came in. "He has Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma Cancer -- metastasized." That day, our unplanned Faith Journey would begin. During that Easter season before us, we embraced the cross of our Savior who bore the stripes for our healing like never before. We were committed to trusting in God's faithfulness. And, the prayers we prayed for God's wisdom and guidance, as well as our family's unwavering faith, tenacity and joy, was well intact the next 7-1/2 months until His total healing came when he graduated to heaven.

As I sing that chorus this Easter morning in my little quiet shelter-in-place, I realize that I have never sung those words with more fervor as I sing them today. Without a shadow of a doubt, ten years ago on April 5th, 2010, and TODAY, I have this strong, tenacious faith because I know our Lord has held my tomorrows in His tight grip for a very long time.

I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I do know WHO knows and as long as I maintain my "God perspective" on just about everything this life doles out, I know I will make it through every triumph and even what may look like a tragedy. How do I know that? It was because of what happened on Friday when our Lord died a horrific death. But TODAY, He rose from the dead. Today, we celebrate His miraculous "Comeback Story", and BECAUSE HE LIVES, each of our days can be filled with hope.

Not only was this Christ's greatest comeback EVER, but it can be OUR greatest COMEBACK, too! Christ's resurrection is an opportunity to have a transformed life by accepting His love and forgiveness." Indeed -- this day represents the greatest COMEBACK for Christ AND for you and me!

I know that so many reading this blog today are wondering if life will ever get back to normal again. Maybe, it’s not normal that we need. Maybe – it’s to rise to a higher, new normal – of gratitude for the blessings in the midst of the storm. Maybe it’s to face the future with the certainty that “Because Christ lives” – we can face insurmountable situations. May we all make the decision to hold fast to His love, mercy, and infinite wisdom. May we embrace the cross and the empty tomb that guarantees victory for our todays AND tomorrows. Because He lives, we CAN face tomorrow without fear. Because we know He holds our future, life is worth living – because He lives!

Date Nut Loaf -- What Are Your Constants?

Day 20 -- Photo Inspiration:  Mom's (aka Granny) Date Nut Loaf.
I stopped in to see Mom (my Mother-in-Law) yesterday.  She had just finished pouring her famous Date Nut Loaf batter into the pan and the tin can.  Yes, tin cans make for the perfect individual size loaf pan.  And, for ease of removal of the "cooked" loaf -- she always lines her pans with wax paper. (Tips of the day for you!)

Mom's always been known for her baking -- best pie crusts ever (apple pie is her specialty), best chocolate cake ever, best kuchen (German cake -- Mom is German), best chocolate chip cookies, matrimonial cake, shortbread cookies, and, of course, the best Date Nut Loaf EVER.  Here's the thing about yesterday's baking.....it was, typically, done before Christmas, but this year....it's happening the middle of January -- perhaps, her NEW normal.

She's 92 and her new "normal" is very different than years past.  This is a lady that has been the epitome of the energizer bunny.  Now, she walks slower, doesn't stand for long periods of time, On cold days, she stays in because the cold causes her knees to hurt too much.  She doesn't cook much anymore.  She doesn't entertain much anymore.  She asked me to bring her mail in for her today.  She told me the slight incline on her sidewalk is too much for her now. She doesn't walk outside too much at all anymore.  She doesn't go shopping anymore.

But here are her constants -- her weekly hair appointments, her great granddaughter visiting her every Monday, sleeping well at night, her daily devotions, her prayer time, her attendance at church and giving to her church  Those are her priorities and those are her constants.  I know it's hard for us to relate to her because our lives are so busy and full -- but one day.....we'll be there, and we'll understand how important "constants" are.  As I continue to mature....I'm appreciating each of these seasons that we come to in our lives and I pray that my constants will include those that are so important to her.

And I think, she would be most pleased with me if I GAVE you her best EVER Date Nut Loaf Recipe -- direct from our family's recipe book.  BTW -- the recipe says run (rum) or orange juice.  Mom always used orange juice -- never rum -- she was a straight-laced pastor's wife for over 50 years, and she toed the line in more ways than one!