Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ~Psalm 37:4

This was the first verse I read today during my devotional time at the end of my day. It quickly brought things into focus for me. By focus, I mean clarity. Clarity is my “One Word” word I picked to concentrate and explore in my spiritual life throughout this year. I tend to be very concrete in a lot of my views and I like having things neat and tidy, a place for all of life’s little pieces. Not realistic, hence exploring! This week has been filled with events needing clarity, I am so very thankful for the spiritual searching, learning and growing of the past year. God has brought invaluable people into my life to help with this journey, I would love to thank each one publicly but I respect their privacy; however, I hope they know I am overjoyed to have them in my life. I have learned over the past few years and most especially the past few months when my life is centered around God I have a sense of order, peace and balance in my life. When I start to waver in my devotion and allow things to clutter and distract me, I feel uneasy and easily frustrated. I recently experienced a valuable lesson that so vividly describes what I am like when I allow distance between me and God. I sometimes become very passionate and animated in my views and in my interpretation of how the world should be, “according to Charlotte, that is…” Those who know me personally are getting a “chuckle” right now. So, I had a brief yet very loud verbalization stating my disapproval of a coworkers actions, in my opinion of course! I overreacted to the actions of this individual because I was being judgmental, the truth is the person I was judging hadn’t changed or deviated from their usual behavior, it was my behavior that had changed and my need to have things my way. I had allowed myself to become judge and jury for which I have no claim to, God is in control and the further away from God I am the less control and balance I have and display. I am in no way bragging about this poor display of humanness, I only mention it because I want to highlight the closer my relationship is with God and the more I am in conversation with God, the better my life is and as well as those around me. God wants us to be happy and filled with goodness and as the verse in Psalm says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Another favorite of mine is: Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” If you read the whole chapter of Matthew you will see that God will provide and He does! Be open to God and trust is His guidance, we don’t always see the logic of things until afterwards, God teaches us through adversity and pain, preparing our hearts and minds to be strong during difficult periods in our lives. It is only when we recognize these experiences do we truly see the divine tapestry of God’s hand not only in our lives but in the universe. This past week I have had to face two uniquely different circumstances one of emotions opening up the past, reliving memories and one involving physical health. Because of my relationship with God and the lessons I have learned, have I been able to be brave in the face of the “unknown” health concerns and I have no doubts that the difficult times I’ve endured over the past five years were about teaching me to trust in God and place my faith in God so I could have an opportunity to help someone else heal as well as myself and to appreciate love. My idea of love and what it looks like has changed through the years, we learn these lessons only by experience. I do not wish sadness on anyone but for me I understand love more deeply because of the loss of being in love, loss of being loved and the loss of a loved one. I’ve learned that even relationships that end doesn’t equate to being a bad/mistake relationship, maybe incompatible or goals changed…choose to remember the happy times, funny times…things that make you grin just by thinking of them, things that give you butterflies in your stomach. Relationships are not easy, they are actually processes that continually evolve. Time stops for no one, be part of life…living and growing together. I am so amazingly blessed, first chances, second chances…God never gives up in us!

Friends, be open to possibilities but more importantly, be open to God working in, around and through you!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com

“Appetites are never fully and totally satisfied.” ~Andy Stanley – Pastor/Author

Happiness is sought by many; but found by few. Most people seek happiness outside themselves; yet it is a choice inside themselves. Desires are sought after to quench the yearnings of the mind. A small house leads to a bigger house, a compact car to fancier cars, faster boat, better lifestyle, trendier clothes, more friends, etc. Appetites are fueled by desires. And we all know with our human nature that we are rarely satisfied with a little of anything. What the eyes see, the mind goes after. What is at the top of your valuable list? Is it possible to choose to want for nothing? What if your most prized possessions were taken away? Would you survive? What if God said to you . . . “Want me more than you want anything.” What would your life look like? When you want for nothing but your Heavenly Father’s love, all else will be trivial and insignificant. Where are your eyes drawn?
~Daily Inspiration App~

My personal life story…relates to this story, those questions and most of the comments listed above. I decided a little over a year ago to cancel my cable TV and I gave my TV away. To be honest I haven’t missed really missed it. I would like to mention a clarifying point…when I visit family and friends I do watch TV and my job responsibilities require me to monitor TV news and weather information. But at home I tend to spend more time reading, writing and studying. I also have a couple of hobbies I enjoy doing such as drawing, painting, doing stain glass projects to list a few. I also try to participate in activities at my church, book studies and bible studies and I’m going to try to participate with the softball team as my schedule allows. I also just finished a nine week course by Dave Ramsay titled Financial Peace University, wonderful course! I guess what I am wanting to share is we can choose to do things that help us grow and develop new skills or we can choose to sit on the sidelines of life. My life feels full through the activities I choose to do, and sometimes that includes sleeping for long periods of time on my days off but too much of that type of behavior is dangerous, “moderation” God meant for us to rest and encourages it! Maybe look at ways to squeeze more God time in your life and less “nothingness” I promise you will feel and see results immediately! Plan times to connect with people, especially friends and family. In fact, I just finished having lunch with a friend of mine, I am so blessed to have this particular person in my life. She has this amazing quality of listening, actively listening to me and does not get caught up in all the external components of my stories, she keeps me grounded but more importantly she is concerned and interested in the “me” parts of my stories and how things effect me and affect me, she never takes over a conversation and makes it about herself, it’s not politeness (although she is polite) it’s her grace and sincerity that makes our friendship so special. My desire, my appetite for life grows bigger and stronger day by day. It is exciting to see where I’ve been, compared to where I am, and then to imagine and strive to be where I want to go and grow! It’s more than growing older and maturing, I have made a decision to be “intentional” I have a desire and a need to be the person God created me to be. Sometimes I feel like it has taken me too long to get where I’m at in life but honestly it’s because of my long list of experiences up to this point in my life that growth is even possible for me. The one thing I am absolutely sure of and that is…God loves me! So what are you hungry for? Stop just existing and start “being” you have the leading role in the story of your life, be intentional, be present, be all you were created to be…BE!

~Blessings and Peace~

Today is the day we pay tribute to the women who chose to be our mothers. Like most of you the relationship between mother and child can and does change as we grow and mature as children into adolescence to young adults and in many cases become parents ourselves. I can remember my rebellious stage, wanting to be like all my friends and trying new things, I remember watching my parents worry when my sibling was late for curfew. Most of the lessons we learn growing up are acquired by seeing how others do things and their results. My defiant era did not last long because I quickly learned and saw the pain and grief as it covered my parents. I was and still am blessed, my parents never abused me, I was never punished to the point of brutality, I never went to bed hungry and I had a bed to sleep in, I was always clothed and feed. When I look around the world and even my neighborhood I know I was and continue to be truly blessed. I am still fortunate enough to have my dad living, his heart may be weak in the physical sense but it is filled to overflowing with the love of the spirit. I have a renewed sense of respect for the man my father is, today will be a difficult day for my entire family (dad, brother and me). Mom passed away un-expectantly in June 2012, I miss her every single day. I still talk with her from time to time, I find myself crying easily when a memory flashes before me. I visit her and leave little trinkets and flowers for her on a regular basis. She was not perfect, she was strong-willed and often spoke her mind whether or not it was welcomed. She loved her family, she was fair and earned respect even from people who didn’t necessarily agree with her or like her, but others could not argue with the facts she brought to light. She did not expect or want to be treated differently from anyone else only expected treatment to be consistent and fair. She was devoted to her family, which included her in-laws; first and second generations of aunts/uncles and cousins. She was the matriarch our her family and that was a theme within her family, I come from a long line of strong, brave, determined and confident women. I pray that no matter how you might celebrate this day, take a moment and think about the special women that have helped to shape you into the person you are today, if possible tell them. I am filled with love because I was loved first. God created me, He knew me before I was made, loves me in spite of myself and my sin and He walks with me daily. I like to think at this very moment, Jesus is standing with my mom and they are smiling as they are looking down at me. Psalm 139:13-14 (NRSV) “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works that I know very well.”

Happy Mother’s Day…to all the women who make a difference in this world and most especially in our lives. May all receive a special blessing from God today, for I have been abundantly blessed time and again by wonderful godly women my entire life.

~Blessings and Peace~

Make no friendship with an angry man: and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. ~Proverbs 22:24-25 (KJV)

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
~Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV)

This is the scripture verse for my evening devotional, and I have to admit I am having great difficulty accepting the ramifications associated with the application and meaning of this passage. My co-workers, some of them would describe me as “Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde” which saddens me greatly. Partially because they are correct and because the things that bring out Dr. Jekyll are true statements, the issue is in my animated delivery of said statements. I would like to be able to share bits of wisdom with you about this subject today but honestly I’m struggling with understanding and “owning” this situation myself plus, my own perceived weaknesses of my character. My pride can be a huge obstacle for me at times which often moves me away from humility and causes a distance/a divide between God and myself, and my spirit. I do appreciate truth and continually seek clarity in most things in life; however, those two things are more often than not simply a projection of what I want things to be as opposed to the true reality in the reflection of such things. Honestly, I have a heart that desires truth and acceptance but the reality is, it is so much easier said than done. I have great intentions, it’s my follow-through that needs some consistency. I am uncomfortable in my own skin at this very moment, I feel dark, alone and separated from God. I know that God has not, will not and did not leave me, I’m hiding because my eyes have been opened and my exposed infractions/sins are visible to everyone, at least it feels that way. My sins whether they are committed in secret or alone are openly seen by God, I don’t deserve forgiveness but God is standing with arms open wide, offering love, acceptance and forgiveness; but all I can do is stand and stare at the distance, the great divide between us,  wanting so desperately to run and jump into God’s arms, I feel paralyzed, too ashamed to accept responsibility of my actions and trying to convince myself, that I am in complete control of my world.  My body is reeling with emotions and my heart is aching for acceptance and forgiveness. It only takes a small leap, barely a jump and God will catch me and hold me, love me and forgive me. Pride has no place in God’s family. He sees us from the inside out which is where we usually screw things up by looking at only the outside stuff. The fact that I’m struggling tells me there’s more for me to learn about myself and that changes need to happen from the inside out. The only road that leads to peace is Jesus Christ, a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, trusting in the love of the Father and allowing the Spirit to completely surround and penetrate our very beings.

Almighty God, take my life, take me and show me your ways. Forgive me and teach me your truth. Shine your light on me and cast away all the darkness that surrounds me. Change me O’ God, mold me into the person you created me to be,  all for your glory and not mine. In Jesus’ Holy and Precious name…Amen!

Friends and readers, trust in God, do not run from Him, seek Him out and learn from Him. Release the grip that sin and pride has on you, shake it off, pull it off, push it off…be victorious one day at a time. Seconds by seconds; minutes by minutes; hour by hour; press on for salvation’s sake!

John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

~Blessings and Peace~

Come learn with me…discover the names by which God is referred to in the Old and New Testaments. Please click the website listed below to read more…

Learning God’s names challenges us to take him seriously in all areas of our lives so that, as Jesus taught us, we can pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it in heaven.”

The most common name for God in the Hebrew Bible is El, meaning “God.” Derived from a Semitic language, the root meaning of El is “might, strength, power.” This name for God occurs widely throughout the Bible.

El or Elohim, “the one true God

El, the Hebrew name for God, occurs in the Old Testament in many compound forms to reveal important qualities of God’s character. One of these combines El with Elyon, a Hebrew word meaning “go up” or “ascend.” So the name El Elyon reveals God as “The Most High God.”

1. El or Elohim, “the one true God
2. El Elyon reveals God as “The Most High God.”

References:
http://m.today.reframemedia.com/
Matthew 6:9-11
Genesis 1:1-31
Genesis 14:17-20

~Blessings and Peace~

 

I had lunch with the JULIETS today! I was able to have lunch with a great group of women from my church today. I count myself blessed to have found such a wonderful community of faith, family and friends to share my life with, we laughed and shared a meal together. Our hearts missed those who couldn’t attend and we welcomed new comers with open arms. I was afforded the opportunity to share with a new member of our church, God was ever so present and was at the very center of our conversation, I was able to share parts of my story as well as hear parts of hers. What an awesome God we have and He is our great provider. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my faith with someone new. Being new can be so overwhelming, extend a hand of friendship to someone new to your church, office, even a bus ride, God is still saving souls and whether we realize it or not, people are watching to see if we show love and spread God’s love only on Sundays or everyday of the week! I don’t believe I did anything special today, but I am fully aware that God and the Holy Spirit were working though me to show His love. It really does not get better than that! I am at a loss for words, trying describe what I felt today, talking about how God has been working in my life. I just try to live my life as best I can and believe me I make plenty of mistakes, but I try to learn from them and try not to repeat the mistakes over and over. I thank God daily for the experiences I am afforded, nightly ask for forgiveness and mornings thankful for new opportunities. God wants to share your life and your experiences, engage God throughout your day, He wants more than the “cliff note” version of you! Praise God and may you experience the love of Jesus Christ today and everyday!

10 Easy Things To Do That Can Make a Difference:
1. Smile at someone, it could change their whole outlook.
2. Hold a door open for someone, it could keep them from feeling invisible.
3. Say “thank you” and mean it.
4. Say ” you’re welcome” and mean it.
5. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee or a coke.
6. Respond sincerely when asked, “how are you today?”
7. Ask someone “how are you?” and intently wait for a response.
8. If you see someone in need, offer to assist.
9. Take time to notice beauty all around.
10. If you want peace but can’t find it, simply ask God because only by knowing God can we find true peace. I saw this on a bumper sticker once:
~Know Peace (or) No Peace~

Matthew 18:20 ( NIV)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Proverbs 14:25 (ESV)
“A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.”

References:

biblegateway.com

J.U.L.I.E.T.S. (Jolly Unique Ladies Informally Eating Together Somewhere)

~Blessings and Peace~

 

 

May 1st! I awoke with a renewed spirit, refreshed and more focused than I have been in some time. Today is my chance to make a difference in the world. Time to let go of the things pulling me down and staying down due to the intense grip I have on things I should have let go of a long time ago. I am in no way saying the process is going to be easy or painless, but as I am choosing to embark on this journey I hope you will consider joining me. Look to God and God’s Word to lead you, He will not lead you anywhere, causing you to be alone. God loves you and wants only the best for you. One of the devotional sites I use is called “Today…refresh, refocus, renew.” The theme for May is going to focus on “God’s names in the Old and New Testaments, and learn who he is by reflecting on the meaning of his names.” I am looking forward to digging deeper into the scriptures and I hope you can participate as well. I will list the website at the bottom of this entry.

“The most common name for God in the Hebrew Bible is El, meaning “God.” Derived from a Semitic language, the root meaning of El is “might, strength, power.” This name for God occurs widely throughout the Bible…” For more information about names of God click the link below.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
~Deuteronomy 31:6

References:
http://m.today.reframemedia.com
biblegateway.com

~Blessings and Peace~

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Maya Angelou – American Poet

Many children as well as adults do not consider themselves writers. Yet if you are a human being past the age of reason then you certainly have experienced an event, a moment, an incident, a revelation, an encounter with nature, a relationship, or a catastrophe worth writing. Such experiences are simply stories waiting to be told. Allow those stories a life, lighten your weight and awakened yourself for others. You matter and so do your experiences . . . Both big and small.

I have been asking myself during they past 48hrs, what is it I still need to learn about my life? Over the past year and a half I have discovered things about myself I never knew and some I wish I could change, although I can’t change the past I do have the power to do things differently in the present and my future. Life is a gift from God, life is not always easy and life is tiring. I find myself tired a lot of the time. I feel pulled in different directions most of the time. I rarely take time for just “me.” I feel like I’m being selfish when I spend time and money on myself. You’ve probably heard the saying, “burning the candle at both ends” that’s how I feel presently, and in addition there’s sparks in the middle of my candle! I feel like I keep repeating the same days over and over, and nothing changes. The news headlines rarely change, crime and injustice abound. Often my energy is depleted before I get a good start to my day. I have so many blessings in my life, everyday and every moment should be praising God for His abundant love for me. I am reminded again of the acronym F.E.A.R.=False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. My fears, real or perceived robs me of joy, rest and security on a regular basis. This past week I’ve caught myself saying aloud “go away satan” or “not again, uncle Screwtape!” I know I am not alone in my struggles, though that is the feelings I have. Bad things happen to good people not because they deserve them, they teach us in ways we can learn. God knows best! If you are feeling the need to share one of your stories, writing it down or tell it to a friend, perhaps a teacher or pastor. You can share it with me if you want, you matter and so do your experiences! I have a few special individuals in my life I can share my stories with and they help me to lighten my load and help me to see life in “truth” not rose-colored glasses. I am so very blessed. Release the stories and experiences you have pinned up inside, let go of the pain and grief, forgive yourself and others, greet life with open hands and not with clinched fists. My the love of God engulf you and penetrate your walls and give you peace.

References:
C.S.Lewis, “The Screwtape Letters”
Maya Angelou – American Poet
Inspirations by JCTROIS

~Blessings and Peace~

This month has been filled with all levels of emotions for me, with Lent and Easter Celebrations and lots of family things. I found myself getting disconnected from God and frustrated at myself for it. My father has been experiencing many health issues over the past six weeks which have included 3 hospital stays, 4 surgeries with 2 of them serious. I am happy to report, he is now doing better and recuperating at home. I found that I too often put myself in a control position and quickly become overwhelmed, I am only fooling myself, God is the only one in charge and control the universe. Seeing my father age has been a struggle. Since my first memories of my dad, he’s always been active. He enjoys working in his garage, mowing the lawn and tinkering on this and that projects. Although his health requires modification to do these things now, I do not want him to stop doing the things he loves doing. He remains in my heart and mind…the “I can do anything” dad. He often remarks about his limited education but those who have degrees and certifications have nothing on him. I’ve seen him change oil, change tires, rebuild engines, build a tool shed, paint, doing roofing…the list goes on and on. My dad came from a lower middle class family, learning many traits and working long, hard hours was just a part of life that started at a very young age. My dad, in my opinion holds a very special degree, MASTER OF LIVING LIFE which is available everywhere but not all can complete the class!! I have been able to see and appreciate my dad with kinder, more loving eyes, the older I become. We lost the “rock” of our family almost two years ago. The loss of my mom was in my mind devastating, the worse experience I’ve had in my life. But, how much more devastating it was to my dad, after moms passing the depths of my dads love for her was so very evident and so overwhelming I could only try to imagine what it was like for him as he suffered the loss of his wife and best friend. My parents were to celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary just one month and three days after she passed. I had planned a secret gift for them, knowing that it would not be expected at their 49th…a trip to Gatlinburg, TN. When my brother and I were young that’s where we would go on vacation and I knew they loved the area. However, it was not meant to be. Back to my thoughts of being overwhelmed with issues life has thrown at me this month. My biggest struggle this past month has been that my life felt “out-of-balance”; my life routines had been drastically altered. My time with God and studying His Word had been interrupted and initially I remember thinking I’ll catch up with my devotions and reading…you know how that went, out the window!! The further I got away from God’s Word the more frustrated with life I became. Knowledge I have gained during this time of Easter/Lenten celebration has been to live in the moment, celebrate in the moment, being present in the moment. God does not require makeup sessions or detention when we miss a devotional or church service, God will meet us where we are, He wants to meet us where we are. I simply had to acknowledge who God is and how very much I need Him, as well as how very much I want to be in connection with Him. I noticed that the more I connected with God, through His Word, prayers and conversations, the closer I felt to God. When I choose to look at the events of this past month, I can see clearly that what I viewed as overwhelming, was opportunities for me to experience my dad in a very personal way and gain even more respect for him as a person but most importantly my dad. I have new found insights to the realities of Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection! Jesus paid the price for my sins and when He sees me, He doesn’t see the ugliness of sin which is what I often see in my reflection, He sees the person He created along with all the special and individual characteristics that are mine alone, how awesome is that! I am unique and wonderfully made, by God who is my Redeemer, my Salvation and my Heavenly Father. I am so very blessed by my Earthy Father and my Heavenly Father!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
biblegateway.com

Psalm 139:14 (NRSV)
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

Psalm 18:2 (NRSV)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 19:14 (NRSV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Hopefully many of you like me have been preparing for the long Christian holiday of Easter weekend. I found myself watching many movies this past week depicting Jesus’ birth, His ministry, and His death and Resurrection. I also view movies depicting some of the disciples and the history of the children of Israel, including their Kings and Prophets. Tonight, I attended Good Friday services at my church, I have attended many in my life but tonight as I listened to scriptures being read and beautiful music being played I was overcome with questions of why(?) why do we as Christians refer to this day as “good?” Our Savior and our King was beaten, mocked and degraded as something less than human. As I often find things puzzling, I decided to do what I normally do…hit the Internet and search for an answer to my questions. After reading a few explanations, I discovered I was looking at Good Friday from the negative side of things, only the things that occurred on that Friday so many years ago. Absolutely, terrible things happened to Jesus; however, He was fulfilling the prophesies, He willingly submitted Himself to the cruelty of man to Glorify the Father and to take upon Himself the sins of the entire world so that you and I could have life eternal with God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit forever! The “Good” in Good Friday is Jesus was victorious over death, death could not hold Him, He lives and reigns forever and ever!! That’s the “Good” in Good Friday, Hallelujah Jesus was triumphant! This weekend reminds me that no matter how difficult I think my life is at times, it does not compare to the scoffing and cruelty my Jesus endured so that I could have life, life eternal in Heaven with all the Angels, Saints and Believers in Christ Jesus!! Amen and Hallelujah, today and forevermore! Happy Easter!

Mark 16:5-7 (NIV)
“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

John 3:16-21
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

My favorite Easter song:
Christ Arose

Lyrics:
Low in the grave He lay—
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day—
Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch His bed—
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead—
Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey—
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away—
Jesus my Lord!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/123#ixzz2zIhEgv6m

~Blessings and Peace~