Shepherd's Heart 4/3/26
Dear Good Shepherd,
The past week offered up a few warm days to head outside and do a little yard work. As
I spoke with my neighbor who was working on his landscape, he was commenting about
the massive amount of daffodil and tulip bulbs I planted for last year’s spring blooming
season. His awareness that yes, they were coming up again was a joy to him as he
said he really enjoyed the blooms that emerged last year. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if the
flowers would emerge for a second year. I had questions as to the quality of the bulbs I
had planted, were they a “one and done” level of quality? I also know from previous
plantings that the bulbs planted provide a feeding environment during the winter for the
local rodent population.
So yes, the blossoms look promising… the bulbs look like they are going to pop again!
Seeing the beautiful flowers brings joy to me, and now I am aware of the joy it brings to
my neighbors. There is new life!
It is so good to know that although the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus was a “one
and done “significant moment, it’s not a “one and done” that says that’s all there is. The
culmination of our Lenten Journey brings us to the Cross and the Empty Tomb that
speaks not just once or even yearly each Lenten Season, it speaks boldly with joy into
our lives every day.
My encouragement is to spend some time with a reflective and thankful heart this
weekend for what God has done and continues to do. It is so very easy to get caught up
in family gatherings, easter baskets, egg hunts and all that the bunny wants to bring into
our lives. My invitation to you is to stop and give thanks for the gift of salvation that God
has given to you… it is once and for all!
May you have a blessed Easter!
Pastor Greg
The past week offered up a few warm days to head outside and do a little yard work. As
I spoke with my neighbor who was working on his landscape, he was commenting about
the massive amount of daffodil and tulip bulbs I planted for last year’s spring blooming
season. His awareness that yes, they were coming up again was a joy to him as he
said he really enjoyed the blooms that emerged last year. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if the
flowers would emerge for a second year. I had questions as to the quality of the bulbs I
had planted, were they a “one and done” level of quality? I also know from previous
plantings that the bulbs planted provide a feeding environment during the winter for the
local rodent population.
So yes, the blossoms look promising… the bulbs look like they are going to pop again!
Seeing the beautiful flowers brings joy to me, and now I am aware of the joy it brings to
my neighbors. There is new life!
It is so good to know that although the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus was a “one
and done “significant moment, it’s not a “one and done” that says that’s all there is. The
culmination of our Lenten Journey brings us to the Cross and the Empty Tomb that
speaks not just once or even yearly each Lenten Season, it speaks boldly with joy into
our lives every day.
My encouragement is to spend some time with a reflective and thankful heart this
weekend for what God has done and continues to do. It is so very easy to get caught up
in family gatherings, easter baskets, egg hunts and all that the bunny wants to bring into
our lives. My invitation to you is to stop and give thanks for the gift of salvation that God
has given to you… it is once and for all!
May you have a blessed Easter!
Pastor Greg