I am sure that every Easter I am struck with how appropriate it is that it happens at the spring time of year, but this year I am especially struck with the power and amazement at how the earth is being reborn! Maybe it is the very long and hard winter that we have just experienced here in Minnesota, and I do think that those places that do not experience the 4 seasons are missing out... but even here from my chair I can look out at the trees in my grove each day as I sit here and watch the dramamtic changes in the leaves coming out more and more each day! IT seems very appropriate to go along with the Gospel for both yesterday and today... which actually overlaps one with the other. From John3:1-15 to cover both days...
One verse is very familiar to me as it is on the refrigerator at my parents cabin on Lake Michigan..."You must be born from above. The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound that it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." This ends the Gospel of yesterday and begins the Gospel of today... so I would say that is pointing out that this is very important for us to really take it in and take it to heart and allow it to "renew the face of the earth."
The reason my mom put it there is because when they built their retirement/vacation home on Lake Michigan about 12 years ago... they thought that it would be a wonderful way to "give" their kids something...as a Protestant minister and then Deacon of the Catholic church with 11 kids... there is not an inheritance to be had. So this way we could each take our week in the summer and come to spend a glorious week in Michigan in close communion with my parents. My maiden name is Cross... so my parents were led to this verse in scripture to represent the truth for each of us kids...that we need to be born of the Spirit in order to have true happiness and follow Christ! And with that prayer on their hearts...and this scripture in their hearts...they named the cabin "Crosswinds" and this was the scriture verse behind that name and that heartfelt wish for each of their 11 children, inlaws, grandkids and greatgrandkids! I know that my parents are every day at breakfast sharing morning prayer together and also going down the litany for each and every one of us! That means so much to me personally and I return the favor for each one of my children and know that they are aware of those daily prayers... I say a rosary with a decade for each of my kids each day... I have also added a decade each day for Pat and the many that are with us on this journey of hope, trust and faith! If there is ever anything coming up of concern or big... I receive prayer requests from my kids... I am now praying for some big issues that will be a turning point for a couple of my girls! Jesus we trust in you!
There is a change happening in Crosswinds...the one drawback of the whole idea is that my parents are 7-11 hours away from all of their kids! A couple of my siblings tried to live there, but it just didn't work out! So with a few health scares...my parents are selling the cabin and moving to a little house that is in ST Criox Falls, Wisconsin... about a 4 hour trip for me and allowing me to go for a day or so now and then and get some of the time I love with my parents! They are the world to me, and the times I can be with them I cherish! I missed my week this last summer as John was occupying our time and energy! It is sad to know that I will no longer get to look out on the big lake and walk on Beautiful beach! Yet the thought of my parents being close enough to even go up and back on the same day... that by far is wonderful and exciting and I can walk away from Crosswinds the place.... forever holding Crosswinds the promise that being born of the Spirit through baptism and comfirmation has changed the face of my earth!
Jesus... life changes constantly... allow us to ever carry you along with us and to listen to your call to take this turn or that path. Your hand on us is comforting and exciting as we go forth filled with your Spirit! Jesus we trust in you! Bless-bless, Barb
I think that you see I still have many pics from Saturday to share. I hope you enjoy and can share with Nancy and her family in the JOY!
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