Dear Madi and Trev,
We blinked and it was spring and Easter Sunday arrived. And yes, we dressed you in clothes spiffy enough for an egg roll on the White House lawn because there is just something timeless and special about little children dressed to the nines on Easter.
The day was breathtaking, and as I knelt by you and your Easter basket Trevor, I glanced up and saw God's majesty as morning broke over the palm trees and orange groves.
As we do every Sunday, we went to church as a family to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each Sunday is a celebration of this victory - each day, really - but there is certainly always an excitement in the air on Easter Sunday morning. I felt it as a child; I feel it now.
Your Paw Paw used to come in my room early every Easter morning and say, "He is risen!" From under my covers and out of my sleep the first words I spoke each Easter were my response to him. "He is risen, indeed!" When I grew up and moved away there was always an early morning phone call with this Easter morning greeting exchanged. This year you two called him first, fresh out of bed with sleepy eyes and messy hair. "He is risen!" "He is risen indeed!" Amen and amen.
After church we ate lunch at Grammie and Paw Paw' house. As usual there was family gathered, delicious food, and love in the details. We are so blessed.
But the most special part of this Easter was that you both got new Bibles. Madi, Daddy picked out a very special, beautiful Bible for you. You had been wanting your own Bible since you got saved and baptized a few months ago. This study Bible for little girls is just perfect for you, and your excitement about it was contagious. You have been reading it, taking it to church, and even brought it to school to show it to your teacher!
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word and following its rules.
Psalm 119:9
You have been sitting with Miss Marlene at church on Sunday evenings. She takes notes in a journal, and you wanted to as well. She got you your very own so you can take notes just like her. You will one day understand what a gift it is to hide God's Word in your heart at a young age. And you will also one day understand the gift of godly people to help guide you in the journey of faith. I thank God for people like Miss Marlene in your life.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
Trevor, Paw Paw and Grammie got you an Action Bible, full of the many exciting Bible stories laid out in a vivid format just perfect to help you understand them. You are an action sort of guy, and I am excited to see the Bible come to life even more for you! You showed your Bible to everyone at lunch, and started reading the stories right away (especially the one about Samson and Delilah because you know it freaks your sister out).
Your Word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
For the word of God is full of living power.
It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep
into our innermost thoughts and desires.
It exposes us for what we really are.
Hebrews 4:12
You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood,
and they have given you the wisdom to receive salvation
that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:15
The grass withers, and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Your Daddy and I and your Paw Paw and Grammie promise to always teach you God's Word, and live out God's Word in our daily lives. It is our source of authority. We believe it is truth and it is our joy to obey it! There is true blessing in obedience and we pray that you will both read and learn and grow and obey God's word all the days of your lives because we want God's absolute best for you! We love you more than any words could express. You are God's greatest gifts to us.
Love,
Mommy
