Covered

 When I was growing up I remember my mom always loving the spring. The longer the days grew, the more she couldn't wait to plant all the flowers and tend to anything outside. I didn't much share her love for spring. It had to be about 87 before I came alive outdoors. And even at that I didn't have the healthiest hobbies like tending flowers. Mine involved way too much of a decision I would later regret called baby oil aka tanning lotion circa 1992.

But the older I've gotten the more my perspective has shifted. On spring and burning myself to look like a lobster. We came home from spring break a few weeks ago and as we headed up the driveway all I could think about is if my hydrangea bushes planted last year had any buds or signs of life at all on them. I have now become my mother. 

I'm sure you can sense my joy the last three weeks or so as I've walked alongside those bushes some of which are now covered in green and basically marveled at all that they will become over the next few weeks and months. I might have the bloom covered driveway I've always wanted this summer. Just maybe. 

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This morning Bella came bouncing downstairs all ready for school and the first thing out of her mouth on this Wednesday of Holy Week was, "How do you know for sure if you're name is in the Lambs book of life?" I just looked at her for a moment and kind of prayed real quick for the wisdom to answer her well. 

This is where I need to add that this question did not stem from any stellar parenting done by me. I credit her curiosity to a teacher this year who makes the Bible come ALIVE. Her heart is so tender and she's at an age where she soaks it all in and then some.

I stumbled over my words I'm sure but I did my best to explain to her that we know for sure our name is there when we can go back to the time that we believed in Jesus, repented and asked Him to be the Lord of our lives and to live in us forever. I remember a few years ago when Bella was curious and started asking all of the questions about salvation. And I remember the day vividly when she bounced into our bedroom early (she's always been an early riser) and said "Well, today's the day. I'm ready to be saved today!" She gave her little heart to the Lord right then and there. 

Bellas a kid with a lot of joy most of the time. She feels things deeply and I can tell her emotions are going to be something to work through as she grows. Welcome to the female population Bella :) I want her to remember that when the enemy tries to sneak doubt into her young mind the best thing to combat that with is the truth of God's word and the truth of what He has already done in her life. Truth is more important than anything anyone will ever feel.

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I don't think it was ironic that my bible reading this morning had me in Exodus chapter 12. I was reading about the Israelites instructions for Passover about the time that Bella had came downstairs and announced her question. Verse 13 says, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."

The children of Israel were covered by the sacrifice and spoken for by the blood on their doorposts. 

And if you and I have given our lives to Christ we are indeed spoken for and covered for our transgressions still to this day. 

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I don't know what suits your fancy as far as tangible reminders go, but my prayer for you today is that you too will see all the ways in which you are indeed covered by the blood of the lamb. If your name is not in the book of life then don't wait, let today be the day of salvation! But if it is, then I hope this beautiful spring season and the blooms that are causing so many allergy flare ups and a thin film of green to be everywhere will serve as a reminder to you that you are indeed covered too.

You are covered and cared for by the one who created those flowers and all things spring in the first place. And if he cares enough to clothe them in his splendor, then how much more does He love and care for you too?!