grateful april - day 24

first and foremost today i am grateful for the sacrafice that was made for me and i'm grateful that today we celebrate HIS victory over death!!! HALLELUJAH HE IS RISEN!! to say that i am grateful for this seems so small. to know what my God gave up for me, to know what Jesus suffered for me - it's beyond comprehension and it breaks my heart. but to know that wasn't the end, to know that because of these sacrafices i am made clean - that this is not my home and i will be with Him in glory one day - WOW! a thank you just doesn't seem like enough and i cannot put into words everything my heart is feeling.

this time of year i always remember our dear friend, daniel. after my surgery four years ago, i was in the hospital over the easter holiday.  that sunday morning in walks daniel to celebrate Easter with us before he went to church. his coming by first thing in the morning (he lived in west county at the time, the hospital is downtown - easily 25-30min drive for him - then he drove back to church after he left the hospital - easily 35-40min) was a HUGE source of encouragement, a breath of fresh air in a dark time, Jesus with skin on. his heart to minister to us that day, to celebrate with us, to love us in that way has always, and will always, stay with me. his friendship has meant so much to us and he continues to be a blessing - even though he and his lovely wife AND their sweet baby boy (who shall make his appearance in september) are all the way over in north carolina!!! we love you, daniel, and appreciate how you have ministered to us time and time again - who knew you would walk such a road with us when we met 5 1/2 yrs ago!!! thank you for traveling this road with us - with its many ups and downs!