God's Not Dead. He's Surely Alive

The slang term "YOLO" certainly doesn't apply to Jesus, does it? Whoever said "You Only Live Once" didn't consider our Lord's living, dying and living again forever! Jesus told his disciples "I'll be back!" And, He kept His promise. Jesus made a comeback like no other. And, the over-the-top good news for us is whatever dismal situation we may be encountering today -- because He lives, we can get ready for a comeback, too!

This morning I’m singing: “God’s not dead. He’s surely alive. Living on the inside. Roaring like a lion.” Indeed He is living on the inside so I know He lives. And anyone who tries to tell me otherwise….is way too late. He showed up for us on this Easter morning 2,000+ years ago, and shows up for us every day! Eyewitnesses stepped up to vouch for it, and heart-witnesses, like you and me, verify we walk and talk with Him every day. If God is dead, then who is this living in my soul?

This Easter morning may be cloudy or raining or a sand storm might be kicking up where you live today. There might be chaos, troubles on every hand, sorrow, weariness and the storms of life may be overshadowing you! But, hold on my child. I have good news for you! Joy, Hope, Peace, Comfort, Life Everlasting showed up this morning. Jesus' tomb wasn't for the dead. That tomb became a Delivery Room for the Son of God. And, you’re not dead. Because He lives – so do you!

Perhaps, today, you are still living in the ashes of defeat, remorse, brokenness, depression, unforgiveness and a tomb is holding you back. You are still alive. Go ahead and put your hand over your heart. If it's beating, God has a destiny and mission for you to fulfill. You're here now, so the resurrection power of Jesus Christ lives big in you. Let Him turn your tomb into a Delivery Room to your new life today! Allow the Resurrected King to resurrect you! In His name, come alive to declare your victory! Romans 8:11 "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you!"

Thank You, Jesus, for Your death and Your rising, Your birth and Your return, Your assurance that ultimately all is well and all will be well. We remember. We celebrate. We wait for the someday when every tear will be wiped away. This is the Easter promise. We are the resurrection people. We have hope. We choose joy. We overcome, always. Amen. He has risen, just as He said! (Matthew 28:6)

No Fear! You Only Live Once

It was the yellow Mustang convertible that I would have for a week while my car is being repaired, that energized the idea of the 3-generations (Me, my daughter and granddaughter) to take to the road. "The Road" was only around here in Frisco and over to Arlington TX, but we sure had a "Girls Wanna' Have Fun" couple of days.

Alexia was the master planner. After all, it's soon to be her 16th birthday month, so we followed her plans. First, we went to see the "Spider Man" movie (again) and then with the top down, we drove around Frisco, to the pet store (one of her favorite places) where she cuddled an adorable cocker spaniel that looked just like "Desi", a dog that Staci had when she was younger. Then it was going for Mexican food. We made it back to my home for a sleep-over and chartered our course for the next day (yesterday).

Our big road trip turned out to be to Six Flags Over Texas. Who knew that this would be the perfect day to go. It was cloudy all day, the crowds were minimal, so the line waits were minimal. In fact, often, we would just walk right up to the ride and get on.

This was my-kind-of-day. I think it must have started when I was young and enjoyed all the thrills of the rides at the Texas State Fair. I was fearless on any ride and the faster, higher, and the more up and downs it had -- the better. My two children were the same way. So, naturally, Staci plotted the course for our day with the "Extreme Thrills" rides first. Alexia made it very clear that she wouldn't be going on most of those. Oh, not so! FEAR isn't in our genes. We began to speak faith and excitement into her. We spoke into her about not speaking, acting, or even implying fear. YOLO -- you only live once, was repeated over and over. Staci asked "Will you trust me? I'll plot the course for working our way up to the most extreme." Alexia agreed but when we approached those rides, I could see she her reluctance. As we were headed to what looked to be a milder ride, Alexia said, "Look, there's hardly any line there. Let's ride that one." I saw it and thought "Oh, that's a 'sissy' one. Let's not do that one first." Staci said, "Mom, let's go ahead and ride this one with her." And, "this one" happened to have been "The Riddler" -- one of the craziest, wildest and fastest. Late, Staci told me that it really was one she planned to work up to, but since Alexia said "Let's go!", then "Let's go!" That FIRST STEP. That bold STEP of FAITH -- opened up Alexia's wild side -- that "no fear" side, because for the rest of the day, she wanted more and more -- and even did repeats on most of them. By the end of the day, Alexia and Staci waited to get the front seat on each crazy ride! NO FEAR!

And, the Roaring Rapids ride was by far the most hilarious because Staci had seen how soaking wet some of the riders were that rode it, but we kept saying "YOLO" to her and she came, but ended up sitting in the very seat that gets the greatest amount of water in it. She was soaked head to toe, but took it like the resilient champ she is and, in fact, presented those of us in that boat with a comedy show.

I'm making several points with this post today:
1) Live with no regrets. Be spontaneous. Plan a road trip near or far -- but do it with those you love and those who have memories from where you're headed. We sure did.

2) Help and encourage someone, who has some fears that keep them from enjoying the fullness of life -- to face those fears and take the first step. They'll be so grateful to you for helping them conquer their fears.

3) YOLO -- you only live once. What are you afraid to do? What do you hide behind that keeps you from getting the most out of this life. After all -- this is the only one you get on this side of heaven -- YOLO -- you only live one.

4) Keep making memories. We talked a lot about my sweetheart today. He loved Six Flags. He always won big prizes for Staci at the games. He loved the shows, especially the Crazy Horse Saloon and the show girls! LOL! We talked about Larry and how his Mom used Six Flags for child care for him. And, we made our own memories today -- laughing so hard at some of our shenanigans that we'll remember for years to come.

Go ahead.....take the first step! YOLO! How appropriate were the t-shirts being sold at the Texas Giant roller coaster: Be a Chicken or Be a Giant.....it's your choice!