It was the Easter of 2000 that my Dad joined us for his last Easter on earth.

On Easter Monday he was taken to the hospital where he declined and passed away three weeks later.

That year, he brought me an Easter basket filled with spring bulbs and I planted it later after the blossoms had died.

Each spring I watch for the sign of new life from those bulbs and each year the green pokes through that ground and the yellow little daffodil buds begin to form and open up.

I've divided that little patch and instead of his gift giving me one year of joy it has multiplied offering beauty throughout the garden.

His gift reminds me of how my spirit is renewed at Easter.

As Christians we join together at church because we want to join other believers in praise and worship to God for the sacrifice he made on our behalf.

All the years growing up Easter was important and given a place of reverence.

There was no working on Good Friday or Easter Sunday and even Monday was considered special.

As children we looked forward to that Easter basket and new Easter dresses and of course...Paska...but our parents demonstrated what it meant to them personally by keeping Easter.

I learned early that Jesus was on the cross with our sin upon his shoulders.

It was his dying breath that brought us life.

Today the children will come over and there will be Paska and Easter baskets and even new dresses but they already know that Easter is more than what can be bought at the store...

because children have excellent memories and in the weeks leading up ...

have already been telling us what Easter really means.

I wish you all a very blessed Easter.

May you experience your own reminder of renewal around you and find joy in the realization of the Father's love for us.