Alleluia!

It's been a long time since we've heard this word. The 40 days of Lent plus preparing for Easter during Holy Week presented a somber, reserved atmosphere. Holy Week here was no picnic.

My dear husband was away for work for much of the week; we said goodbye to a beloved teacher at our school, who lost her fight with cancer; my recycling seems to keep ending up in my neighbor's yard due to the wind tunnel located directly in my back yard; and a myriad of trials kept rearing their ugly heads.

But now, with a little perspective, the purpose is clear. This year, we're ready for Easter...in an entirely different way. This year, we're ready to wake up and shout "Alleluia"!!! Oh sure, the trials will still be there (and new ones will crop up, of that I'm certain) and we'll continue to be separated from the ones we hold dear and there is no doubt in my mind that the neighbor's will still be dealing with my windblown recycling (is there anyway to contain that stuff!?!); but that's won't stop us because we know there's more for those who believe that Easter is more than just chocolate bunnies and jelly beans:

The Easter announcement is clear. Victory is secure. Wails of Bethlehem will turn into the victories of Calvary. Don't forget that!
The next time the soldiers of Satan steal the joy from your arms.
The next time your prayers float into a silent sky.
The next time you wonder how God could sit still while the innocent suffer.

Remember, the story's not over yet.

Remember the Easter Jesus rescued the imprisoned and remember... He is coming to do it again.

-from "The Story's Not Over Yet" by Max Lucado

Wishing you all a blessed Easter from everyone on the ark!