Good Friday and Easter

This Good Friday we celebrate the death of Christ. We celebrate the expectation of the resurrection! 

     Jesus Arose!

     Every day, but especially at Easter, I am reminded of how God took the sinless Christ and, in death, poured my sins into Him so I could have God’s goodness poured into me if only I believe.

     The King James version of 2 Corinthians 5:21 states it like this, “For He hath made Him to be sin for us (me), who knew no sin, that we (I) might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

     The Living Bible version puts in like this, “For God took the sinless Christ and poured into Him our (my) sins. Then, in exchange, He poured God’s goodness into us. (me)!” 

     When Jesus died on the cross, He took the sins of the world. When I believed, I received the Holy Spirit and by God’s grace I had God’s goodness poured into me. 

     For this I celebrate and "Praise the Name of My Lord!"

     

     

 

 

 

Jesus Loves

Jesus Loves…and He gave me quite a few examples of what it means to love like Him. These examples are found all throughout His earthly walk as well as when He was on the Cross. 

 

At the last supper, I imagine I was there with Judas. When Jesus fed Judas, He fed me. When Jesus washed Judas’s feet, He washed and cleaned mine, as well. Jesus had such love for me, He was willing to feed a deceiver. He allowed me a choice just as He was willing to forgive for the act of betrayal.

 

At the last supper, I imagine I was also with Peter who said, “I will never deny you. Peter did and I have too. Yet, I was fed, my feet were washed, and I was forgiven just as Peter was loved and forgiven. 

 

When Jesus was arrested, I imagine I was there among the crowd when they mocked and spit upon Him. I was there when one of the criminals asked to be remembered. I was there when Jesus said, because you asked, “today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus was talking to me. I imagine I was at the foot of the Cross when Jesus took His last breath just after He cried out in agony and pain, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus was praying and interceding for me. In death, He was loving me.

 

To say I love Jesus is easy, but loving Him and others the way Jesus loves is not so easy. To do so, I must follow in Jesus’s footprints – His example- and strive to love like Him.

 

Bearing Gifts

My devotional this morning was titled, “Every Sunday is a Little Easter,” which shared that “Each time we die to self and live for Christ, we experience anew the gift of the resurrection.” 

     This got me to thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when I read John 12:23-24.“And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” 

     What better gift could I give at Christmas than the gift of bearing fruit. 

My gifts to celebrate and thank Jesus should be: 

The gift of forgiveness

The gift of prayer for others

The gift of sharing 

The gift of releasing pride

The gift of letting go of my selfish ways

The gift of love

The gift of embracing God and His Word

I pray that every day will find me bearing gifts in celebration of what Jesus did on the cross for me. 

 

It's Easter

     When Jesus said, "It is finished!" as he hung there on the cross. He did not mean His job was done. He meant He had taken the sins of the world upon His shoulders. He had given His people freedom. He took my sin and your sin to give us life. That was crucifixion day!
     Now it's Easter. It's been 3 days since Jesus was laid in the grave. But, He's no longer there. His burial garments have been neatly folded indicating, "I''m not finished. I'm coming back." Jesus arose, but He's not gone. There's business to tend. There's the touch of His nail-scarred hands. some need to see and feel. There are instructions to leave, "Go and Tell!" There's a promise to leave, "I go to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." Yet, another promise, "I will send you the Comforter from the Father. When He comes, He will give evidence about me. He is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father."  

     Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Thank you for the Comforter. Thank you for life everlasting and for preparing a special place for me to live with you eternally.  Thank you for freedom, friends, family, and the opportunity to serve and worship you while I am passing through this earth. 

     

Good Friday - Crucified

On Good Friday Christians commemorate the crucifixion of the death of Jesus Christ. On Easter, we celebrate His resurrection. I wrote the following in 2011 and felt the need to share it this morning. 

Crucified 

I kneel and weep before the cross;

The tears are not for my loss.  

I had it all to gain

Because of my Lord, who was slain.

I weep for the horrible crucifixion;

The pain, mockery, and affliction.

 Even Pilate asked, 

“Why? What evil hath He done?”

The centurion said, 

“Truly this Man was God’s own Son!”

 Jesus healed and raised the dead;

Yet, had no place to lay His head.

He was mocked, beaten, and abused;

Was denied and accused.  

 Jesus, my Lord, was crucified,

Taken to court and tried.

Nails were driven in His hands and feet;

All for my sin and deceit.

I weep for the torture He endured,

Giving His life so mine would be secured..

I weep for the Lamb 

Who was rejected and scorned;

He bled as they placed, upon His head, 

A braided crown of thorns.

 My Jesus!

He suffered the cruelest pain.

And yet, I constantly complain.

 He suffered and bled; 

For that I cry,

And ask, “Why?”

The answer comes quickly 

Through the quiet, 

“I love you my child with all my might.

Do not cry and despair,

For you, 

I carried the cross I was born to bear.” 

 I have no further need to ask, 

“Why? What evil had He done?”

I believe He died for me and is God’s own Son.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  4/17/2011

 

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV

 

 

Easter 2020

     Because the Covid 19 virus has people staying at home and away from the church building, it does not mean that the body of Christ is not celebrating Easter.  We are!  The tomb is empty and Jesus is alive!

Jesus is Alive! 
    He died on the Cross for
 A ll
    He took our sins upon Himself in
 L ove
    He ascended as Christ
 I dentified
    He arose in
 V ictory
    He is the King
 E ternal

In Love

     Easter is coming!  It's a joy to celebrate the blood of Jesus because of His great love.  His love was so great He chose to lay down His life for us, and we rest assured that the grave is empty.  He arose and is alive.  What Jesus asks of us is to "Believe" in Him and love Him, as well. 

     In Love

 First my heart soars,

Then my thoughts are all yours.

My soul fills with joy,

For nothing destroys,

Nor no one annoys.

I fly like an eagle,

Noble and regal.

Oh what a feelin’!

My thoughts are all reeling,

From what God’s revealing.

It must be love!

It must be love!

Love for my Jesus;

Love for my Lord.

Once I was cold;

Lost was my soul.

Then I was saved,

And a new path was paved.

Such a wonder divine,

Sweeter than wine

Or grapes from the vine.

Oh what a dream;

A joy so unseen.

So, awaken the day!

Look up and pray;

Rejoice in the way.

Oh, I must be in love!

I must be in love!

In love with my Jesus;

In love with my Lord.

     Mary Crisp Jameson 4/7/2020

   

The Final Hour

The Final Hour
     It's the final hour!  What do we see?  What do we hear?
     We see a man who was faithful to His mission.  He hung on the cross.  With His very life slowly seeping away, He listens as the thief makes His appeal.  Here is a sinner asking forgiveness; a sinner recognizing the status of the Son of God.  Jesus answers his plea showing His continuing desire for the rescue of the souls of men. 
     It's the final hour!  Jesus sees His mother standing nearby grieving.  He sees John and, with love and compassion says, "Behold your mother!"
     It's the final hour!  Pain is excruciating.  Yet, Jesus cries outs, "Father, forgive them."
     It's the final hour!  What was in His thoughts?  Love, compassion, forgiveness, and concern for souls even though He was suffering greatly. 
     It's the final hour!  What and who will be on our minds when our lives are seeping away? 
   

Easter Is Not Over

      Easter is not over:

 "Jesus died! Jesus was buried! Jesus arose!" 

      Past, present, and future, Jesus is the good Shepherd. 
     Jesus arose!  He remains there for me, because I am among a flock of sheep; weak, wandering, and foolish.  He knows I have need of a shepherd to lead and guide me.  John 10:14-15 gives more insight into my Shepherd. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.  Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep."  You see, Jesus does not just lead and guide, but He was willing to lay down His very life for His sheep.  
     Billy Graham in his book, Till Armageddon, breaks it down in simple language:
1. " He (Jesus) owns the sheep: they belong to him.
2.   He guards the sheep: He never abandons them.
3.   He knows the sheep, knows them by name.
4.   He lays down His life for the sheep, such is the measure of His love."

No, Easter is not over.  He arose!  He remains the good Shepherd.

Psalms 23:1-2 "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lay down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet water, He refreshes my soul."

Jesus is Alive!

     Praise God for miracles!  We all have them in our lives, although, many go unnoticed.  However, for the Christian, there is one miracle, whether at Easter or anytime, that cannot go unnoticed.  It is threefold:  
     Jesus died.
     Jesus was buried.
     Jesus arose. 
Hallelujah!  Jesus is alive!

Easter

     Seldom do I miss church, and I cannot remember the last time I missed an Easter Sunday.  This next Easter Sunday may be an exception.  I have long since stopped buying special "Easter" frocks, because Easter Sunday is about Jesus, the crucifixion and the resurrection, not in the way I dress.  However, in my humanness, I will probable miss this Easter because of some recent surgery.  I had a rather large basal cell cancer removed from the top of my nose which also required the skin to be reconstructed to cover the surgical area.  It required 70 stitches with 40 of those on the exterior surface.  These stitches were removed this week, leaving bright red areas covering the nose, with instructions not to apply makeup for 30 days.  NO MAKEUP! Are you kidding me?  That, in itself, is enough to keep me away from large public crowds.  Vanity! Vanity!  I know...  
     On the other hand, how do I prepare for Easter?  It should not be in dinner menus, cosmetic makeup, or in dress attire, but in my heart.

   
E mbrace Jesus

A spire to love Him more

S tay attuned to His Word

T ake time to form a relationship with Him

E nter into praise for His death, burial, and resurrection

R eflect on the victory of life over death and the return of Jesus

Oh, Lord, let me celebrate Easter and the miracle it represents.  

Easter- Killing Jesus! and the Resurrection

     Easter weekend is here, so I am taking a moment in "A Friendly Shade" to think about the anguish my Lord suffered for my sake. 

Killing Jesus

 “Let Him die,” was the decree,

    yet killing Jesus was not to be.
“Kill Him! Kill Him!” followed the cry,
    but no reason why.

The mob moved within the crowd

    shouting in voices angry and loud.

“He’s spreading rumors all abroad,
    a common man, liar, and fraud.
“Kill Him! Kill Him!”
Oh! So much mayhem!

Soldiers took the whip to thresh,

    bringing blood and tearing flesh.
A vine of thorns became His crown;
To a splintered cross His hands were bound;
Nails pierced His hands and feet.
The crowd came alive and began to repeat,
    “Kill Him! Kill Him!”
People watched with faces grim.
Mockers spit in His face-
    beneath them, was His place.
The cross, slammed into the ground,
    anguish was profound;
Agony and pain
    doubled from bodily strain.
Blood covered barren skin,
    or what had been.

“Father, forgive them,” was heard by those standing there,

    just before the heavens opened, a Son to declare.
Rejected, mocked, battered, and shamed;
    a King, unnamed-
In death, the temple rent in twain.
The earth did quake the valley and plain.
Over it all, light turned to darkness,
    shouts ended in quietness.
Fear appeared on the witness face
    in that very place.
All was silence

     after the violence.

Kill Him! Kill Him,” had been the cry.
They did not know He would not die-
    nor why.
"Arise! Arise!" was God's own cry.
Salvation was the reason why.
A resurrection was God's decree;
    a plan foretold to set the sinner free.
The Son of God, a Savior, missing from the grave.
He arose to live! Souls to save.
A coming day for all to see-
Killing Jesus was not to be.
                              Mary Crisp Jameson

Easter- Jesus Is Not Dead!

     He Lives! is a great song.  Jesus is truly a risen Saviour and He lives!  It would be good to remember this Easter Sunday that Jesus lives, but a person has to know Jesus to give Him the praise and the glory He so deserves.  I watched Watters' World last night on Fox News and was so saddened when Watters asked the people on the streets questions about Easter. 
  Watters asked, "What Holiday is this?"  One answer was, "Memorial Day." Another was "Father's Day."
  Watters asked, "What are you doing this Easter?"  Answer was, "Do laundry, maybe."
  Watters asked, "What does Easter involve?"  There was no answer. She had no idea.
  Watters asked, "What happened on Easter?"  Answer was, "Not sure what happened."
  Watters asked, "What do we celebrate on Easter?"  Answer was, "Jesus was born."
  Watters asked several questions about the Easter bunny, and finally, "Was the Easter bunny found in the New or Old Testament?"  The answer was, "The Old Testament, I guess."
   Watters asked one person  a question about the crucifixion, and his answer was.  "He was crucified as the story goes, but I don't do that scene."

It would be good to remember the Cross, Death, and Resurrection. As the song goes:
"He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!"
"I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near."
     Jesus paid a great price when He came to earth to walk among men and then to allow himself to be beaten and nailed to a cross, and then to take on our sins so we also could live.   

Jesus Is Not Dead

His wounds ran blood red!

Skin torn and pierced-

Body whipped-

Friends stood and wept in dread!

Darkness fell-

The ground shook-

Hanging on the cross, Jesus bled!

Hope sprang forth-

Promises fulfilled-

 Lying upon His death bed!

Angels stood nearby-

The stone rolled away-

Word spread!

“The tomb is empty!”

Hearts lifted-

 He arose the Living Bread!

Lives changed-

Brokenness healed-

In resurrection, Jesus became the Thread!

The Way-

The Deliverer-

He is not dead!

Souls are saved-

Eternal life proclaimed!

                                                    Mary Crisp Jameson-    3/30/2014

 

Easter and The Comforter

     Easter is a remembrance time of the Savior who died on the cross and rose to live the third day. However, Easter is celebrated different ways depending on the culture.  In America, we celebrate Easter with our children by Easter baskets, colorful Easter eggs, new frocks, and sometimes sunrise services.  The Easter baskets often include an Easter bunny or baby chick and chocolate coated candy. 
     I was interested in how Easter eggs and baskets came to be, so I looked up Wikipedia which stated that the Easter egg was the symbol of the empty tomb, and the Easter lily was the symbol of the Resurrection.
     Then I was interested in baby bunnies and chicks.  I didn't actually research how that tradition started, but I did see a sign posted at Atwood's which stated it was unlawful to sell baby chicks in quantities of less than six.  "Why?" I wondered.  So, I looked up Arkansas state law and found that baby chicks are a flock bird.  Within a flock there is comfort, companionship and contentment for each member of the flock.  Since baby chicks have a natural instinct to flock together, a single baby chick could possibly die from loneliness.
     Now that I have given the trivia for the day, let's consider what is said in the Scripture about what happened just before Jesus was betrayed and later denied.
     Jesus called his twelve disciples together for a final breaking of bread.  This Last Supper was to give instruction to His disciples.  Jesus took the bread, blessed it, brake it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."  Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, "Drink ye all of it, for this is my blood which is shed for many for the remission of sin."  Although this was final instruction for remembrance of what Jesus was to do for us all, I believe it was also a time of great fellowship together.
     Afterwards, all but one disciple journeyed with Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus was in great agony, and He needed to pray alone, but He also needed the companionship of His disciples. He wanted them to watch and wait with Him.  Matthew 26:38, "Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me."
     I find that I often need human contact, much like the baby chicks who have a natural instinct to flock together.  Yet, Jesus gave me more than this when He died on the Cross for me.  As a Christian, I have a natural tendency to flock to Him, especially in my times of trouble.  There is no other One who can truly fulfill or comfort me like Jesus can.  
     John 14:16-17, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

"Killing Jesus"

     "A Friendly Shade," takes my thoughts in many different directions as I search for what to post.  This Easter season had me looking through the list of books downloaded on my Kindle.  I noticed, "Killing Kennedy", written by Bill O'Reilly, and remembered how much I enjoyed reading his book.  I have yet to order, "Killing Jesus," also written by Bill O'Reilly, but expect to read that one soon.   
     In the meantime, I decided to post my own version of "Killing Jesus."  As a matter of fact our pastor asked us to contemplate, explore, and share the death of Christ on the cross.  The sermon's scripture today was from Isaiah 53.  In verse 7, I was reminded of Jesus's great love for us as He took on our sins in silence.   "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth."
     By Jesus's actions, He basically said, "I will gladly, and in silence, lay down my life on the cross for you. I will pay the price for your sins." That is just what He did.  He bore the ridicule, the stripes on His back, and the nails.  He did that for me and for all of mankind.

          Killing Jesus

“Let Him die,” was the decree,

    yet killing Jesus was not to be.
“Kill Him! Kill Him!” followed the cry,
    but no reason why.

The mob moved within the crowd

    shouting in voices angry and loud.

“He’s spreading rumors all abroad,
     a common man, liar, and fraud.
“Kill Him! Kill Him!”
Oh! So much mayhem!

Soldiers took the whip to thresh,  

    bringing blood and tearing flesh.   
A vine of thorns became His crown;
To a splintered cross His hands were bound;
Nails pierced His hands and feet.
The crowd came alive and began to repeat,
    “Kill Him! Kill Him!”
People watched with faces grim.     
Mockers spit in His face-
  beneath them, was His place.
The cross, slammed into the ground,
    anguish was profound;
Agony and pain
    doubled from bodily strain.
Blood covered barren skin,
    or what had been.

“Father, forgive them,” was heard by those standing there,

    just before the heavens opened, a Son to declare.
Rejected, mocked, battered, and shamed;
   a King, unnamed-
In death, the temple rent in twain.
The earth did quake the valley and plain. 
Over it all, light turned to darkness,
    shouts ended in quietness.
Fear appeared on the witness face
    in that very place.     
All was silence
    after the violence.

“Kill Him! Kill Him,” had been the cry.   
They did not know He would not die-
    nor why.
"Arise! Arise!" was God's own cry.
Salvation was the reason why.

A resurrection was God's decree;
  a plan foretold to set the sinner free.
The Son of God, a Savior, missing from the grave.
He arose to live! Souls to save.
A coming day for all to see-
Killing Jesus was not to be.
                                         Mary Crisp Jameson

 

 

The Red Carpet Fashion Police

     It was a hot morning but also the last workday of August, and I was dressed in pastel linen.  As I sat in “A Friendly Shade” drinking my first cup of coffee listening to the sound of some wild turkeys gobbling in the woods beyond, it suddenly dawned on me that next week would be Labor Day and September.  “Hmmm,” I thought, “is it time to purge my closet and put these light colored linens I am wearing away?”  I grabbed my cell phone and sent that question out to my Facebook friends.  These are the answers I got.

        “That rule is a million years old.  Retire it the end of September.”

        “I am going to wear white till it gets cool.”
        “September is usually hotter than August. Keep cool and forget the fashion police.”
        “If it still feels nice while wearing it, and you feel pretty in it, I say wear it.”

     Not completely satisfied that I had the correct answers, I quickly went to the web search and received all kinds of comments, from when to wear light or dark colored clothes, open-toed or closed-toed shoes to even tips on seasonal nail and lip colors with the majority of comments stating, “No whites after Labor Day but can wear white after Easter.”

     Needless to say, there were no truly correct answers.  A lot just depends on the weather and where you live.  Even many fashion designers are rebutting the rules. 
     Considering more about the “fashion police,” I thought, "There has got to be something I can wear year-long that will not subject you to the “red carpet” critics."   
     I hurriedly ran to my closet and selected a colorful dress to match the personality that God gave only to me.  It was simple, yet fashionable, and which adequately covered all the important parts, but yet revealing enough to show a heart filled with the Holy Spirit.  Next, I pulled out a matching pair of shoes which I could walk in comfortable, without stumbling, and heels I could walk in fearlessly, hand in hand, with God.  I ran to the mirror to check my smile.  I wanted one showing happiness, peace, and contentment.  Satisfied, I sprayed on a splash of Euphoria, a fragrant steadfast scent which filled the air, reminding me of the steadfast, dynamic, and powerful love of God who is never changing throughout any season.  But I also had to have accessories!  I was missing my jewels, sparkling with faith and joy.  After adding those, I grabbed a hat embellished with truth and honesty, then a matching purse filled with the fruit of friendliness and good labor for others.  I thought I was, indeed, ready for the "red carpet" walk when I spotted a pair of dress gloves.  Oh yes, I needed those too!  They were my fingers of helpfulness and sharing.  Holding them in my hand next to the strap on my shoulder bag, I again viewed myself in the mirror.  I straightened my pose and thought, "Yes! This ensemble should take me from spring and summer on into fall and winter.  If not, to heck with the fashion police of the day.  Only God is the anchor I must satisfy."   In my way of thinking, "I am properly dressed, glamorous enough, and fearlessly ready to take that successful step, with God by my side, out onto the "red carpet"  of life."


     

 

The Garden

       To the best of my recollection, my dad never planted his garden until Good Friday.  For that reason I simply cannot wait to get out in “A Friendly Shade” and plant my own garden.  As I contemplate planting my tomatoes and other vegetables, I can't help but think of how beautiful the Garden of Eden must have been.  God had given man direction on how to keep it and dress it.  He only had one request.  As with all humans, we have such a sinful flesh nature, the request was disobeyed.  That disobedience is the exact reason I will be sweating as I struggle to till and plant my garden. 
     Yet, I am so thankful there was another garden called Gethsemane.  It was there Jesus went in deep despair and prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt.”   In His anxiety, knowing how cruelly He would be treated, Jesus was still willing to be placed on a cross and let nails be hammered into His hands for me. 
     This Easter, I praise God and think Him for giving me salvation through grace as I remember the importance of two other gardens in history. 
 

  The Garden of Eden vs. Gethsemane

The Garden ...

    A paradise,

    All, green and lush.

    Cheerful sounds of a chirping thrush-

    All was beautiful and nice.

 

The Garden...

    The soul was grieved,

    Despair filled the heart.

    Father and Son were to be torn apart-

    Suffering and pain to be received.

 

The Garden...

     Freedom to end,

     Sin would be unfurled.      

     Suffering and fear was to enter the world;

     Man and woman would sin and offend.

The Garden...  

     Freedom was to begin.

     No one understood

     The Man who had done earthy good;

     Nails would soon pierce His skin. 

 

The Garden...

      Disobedience contemplated;

      The serpent simmering in deception;

      Knowledge a preconception;

      Man found sin overrated. 

 

The Garden...  

       Men slept; tears were wept in this place-

       A betrayal was finished!

       God's plan was not diminished;

       The kiss of death, the beginning of Grace.

                                            Mary Nell Jameson 4/17/14

      

          

The Key

     It's Sunday and Easter is here.  As I sit and drink my early cup of morning joe over-looking my friendly shade I can't help but reminisce back to my childhood when I was anxiously getting all dressed up in my new frills and lace and admiring my basket filled with all those different colored Easter eggs.

     But, more than that, the early morning hours bring peace and harmony as I think back to a key hanging from a nail on the old plank walls of my home.  The key was long and thin with an oil-rubbed bronze finish.

     "Mom," I questioned, "why is that key always hanging on that nail? "

     "My child, that key hangs on a nail for anyone who wants to pick it up and find the door it will open," she explained.

     "But you never take it off the nail to open a door?" I continued to question.

     Mom replied, "I don't have to.  I have my very own key just like that one."

     In my child-like wonder, I quickly dismissed the key hanging on that nail and ran outside to play.  Playing was much more important.

     Yet, there were days I would run through the house and see my mom looking up at that key on the nail with a smile.  Then one day I stopped and asked, "Mom, when are you going to show me the door that key on the nail will open?  It's got cobwebs, and it's just hanging there on the nail."

     Mom pondered for a moment before answering, "Those cobwebs will be all wiped away when you decide you want to find the door it will open, and only you are the one who can find the door-  much like finding Easter eggs."

     I simply shrugged my shoulders and thought, "Who wants to find an old door that a key will open?  It'll just be another room anyway."  And I quickly went out to play. 

     Then one day I found myself standing in front of the key hanging on that nail.  It was covered in dust.  As I stood there in utter disgust from that dust covering what was once a polished, shiny oil-rubbed bronze key, I quickly grabbed a rag, pulled up a chair, and reached for that key.  No sooner had I stood up in the chair than the dust fell away on its own.  I was startled and afraid.  I suddenly just wanted to go back outside to play.  But something was tugging inside of me.  It was pulling me back toward that key.  I slowly turned my thoughts away from playing and back to that key hanging on a nail.  Playing wasn't important anymore.  That key just did not belong on a nail hanging from  those rough plank boards.  My hand slowly reached out to wrap my fingers around the key and remove it off that nail.  As I reached up I saw a drop of blood touch my hand.  As quickly as it appeared, it disappeared leaving my hand snowy white.  I heard a sound ringing in my ears.  It shouted, "Father forgive them."  A teardrop fell from my face as I dashed from the chair with the key in my hand.  
     I was ten years old as I ran to my mom holding the key that had been hanging on that nail.  "Mom,"  I shouted in my excitement, "I know what door this key that's been hanging on the nail opens."

     She hugged me as joy filled my soul. 

     It's Easter, He is risen, and Jesus is alive!

*This story is fictional and inspired by a slogan I saw that started something like this: "The key to Heaven hangs from a nail..."