Can you imagine if we lived in a world where everyone loved Jesus? How amazing would that be? To be surrounded by people who love and trust in him. People would be happier, kinder, and have so much more hope to hold on to.
What if everyone held a door open for you? OK, what if they opened the door for you with a smile? Then, what if they opened the door for you, smiled, and said, “Have a nice day!” This is something that takes minimal effort but can make a big difference in someone’s day.
What if everyone at the grocery store actually put the cart back where it belongs? Do you know those cart corrals placed all over stores in parking lots nationwide? Yup. See, that’s where you take your cart and make maybe twenty to thirty steps to push that baby back where it goes from where you are parked. This way, the cart doesn’t sit vacantly and blow into a car on a windy day, or someone else must move it because you are too lazy to put it back. It’s common courtesy, folks, and honestly, just plain common sense.
What if everyone didn’t throw trash out a car window or dump garbage bags anywhere they felt like? Or when you go to the recycle bins, no boxes and bags of garbage are lying around. I’m sorry, when you pulled in, did you see a sign that said “DUMP?” It disgusts me when I see this.
God made a beautiful place for us to live in. There is beauty everywhere we look! But when I see garbage on the side of a highway, trash bags at the recycling bin, or someone throwing trash out of a car window, boy, does it make me mad. It’s just so incredibly rude. Take some pride in our world and take some pride in yourself! Gee whiz. What are we? A bunch of hogs? I’d say animals, but they don’t even treat our world like this. Why are humans like this?
What if we were a little kinder? What if we smiled more? What if we cared more about the world we lived in? So many people live with fear, anxiety, no hope, and depression. We never know what someone else is going through. Can’t we be kinder and more considerate of others?
Do you know how many times the bible says, “Do not be afraid?”
365 times. Umm, there are 365 days in a year. Coincidence? No, nothing’s a coincidence with God. I think because any given day, people are going to discourage you. They are going to be cruel. Turn family and friends against you, or even take your health. But friends, God will never turn your back on you. He loves us 365 days a year and will care for us. In fact, he loves us so much that he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins. That is some serious love. He has been fighting for us since the beginning, before we were ever born. Exodus 14:14 says, “God will fight for you; all you have to do is be still.” God knows EXACTLY what you are facing; all he wants you to do is trust him. Not only is he handling it, but he is handling it better than you ever could.
You have to put your faith and trust in him, and I promise you over and over again your life will be changed forever. I’m not saying you will never have bad days or have anything bad ever happen to you. As a Christian, I know that things happen for a reason, and I have to trust why God is doing this in my life. I know that I can pray to him any hour of the day, and he will hear me. He may not answer that prayer instantly or at all, but knowing he is there gives me peace that you will never know until you trust him!
Let me tell you this little story about trust quickly. Probably about thirteen or fourteen years ago, my husband and I struggled financially for a while. We had a certain bill that needed to be paid. I couldn’t tell you what it was for, but I know it was $156. I babysat as many kids as I could after our son Tyler was born, and my husband didn’t make big bucks back in the day. We lived paycheck to paycheck for some time. I didn’t know how this one bill would get paid, but I knew God would take care of us. I just prayed about it. I had grown so much in my faith, going through some rough times the year prior. One day, a few days before this bill was due, I got the mail. There was an envelope from our insurance company. I opened it up, and there was a check for $156!!!! I literally had goosebumps and just kept thanking God. Something happened that our insurance had an adjustment somewhere, and they owed us money. It was unreal that it was the EXACT amount dollar to dollar that we needed. Since that moment, I’ve never worried about money. God has always supplied exactly what we needed. I’m telling you this because he can do amazing things if you just let him in. He sent his son to die for you so you could live in this world, knowing he will walk with you in this crazy world and that someday, you can live in heaven with him eternally! God made this world in less than a week, and he has been working on heaven ever since. Can you imagine how beautiful it will be!? You won’t get there by doing nice deeds or “thinking” you are good enough to get there. You have to truly accept Jesus as your Savior.
John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him will have eternal life.”
Folks, you won’t just have eternal life; your life here on earth will be changed for the better! Jesus gives us hope. I can’t imagine going through these times we live in without him. As we go through the Easter season, think about what Jesus went through for you. He loves you so much. Just let him in and watch how he will change your life forever.
If everyone loved Jesus, this world would be a much better place.
My Gram, Lois Liddick, used to make Easter bread every year since I can remember. I always loved how pretty it looked and the sweet taste of it!
Easter Bread
(Not my Photo)
Ingredients:
• 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Packet Active Dry Yeast
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 3 to 3 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 Cups Milk
• 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter Cubed
• 2 Eggs Beaten
• 3 to 4 Dyed Eggs Uncooked
• 1 Egg Yolk for egg wash
• Nonpareil Sprinkles
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, lemon zest, salt and 3 cups of flour. In a saucepan, or in the microwave, gently heat the milk and butter to about 115°. Add the milk to the dry ingredients. Use a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Add in the beaten eggs and mix on medium-high for 2 minutes, being sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. If the dough is still very sticky, add the remaining ½ cup of flour. The dough should be soft and only slightly sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 6-8 minutes. Shape the dough into a round ball and place in a large, greased bowl, turning the dough in it to coat the dough in grease. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, dye 3-4 uncooked eggs of your chosen colors. Let dry completely. No need to hard boil the eggs, they will cook as the bread bakes.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into thirds and roll each portion out into a 24-inch rope. Place the ropes of dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and braid in a traditional 3-strand braid. Form a circle with the braided dough and pinch the ends together.
Very lightly coat the colored eggs with oil and arrange them on top of the braid. Don’t press the eggs into the dough too much as they will sink and settle some as the bread bakes.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for at least 30 minutes, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°.
Make the egg wash by mixing 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of water. When it has finished rising, brush the dough with the egg wash and sprinkle with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles, if desired. Avoid getting the egg wash on the colored eggs.
Bake for 25 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown. The internal temp should be 190°. Let cool on a cooling rack before serving.
