Day 33 - Emerging from the Tomb

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." John 11: 1-4

Sunday, April 10, 2011

This was Day 25 of the 30-day diet, with only 5 more to go.

After a quick breakfast of leftovers from last night (minus the lettuce), I attended church, where the Gospel reading was the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. This miracle was a taste of what was to come -- Jesus' own resurrection to follow. It was also a means to also raise people's expectations and awareness of this man who had come into their lives, of the many prophecies he fulfilled, the miracles he performed. But raising from the dead -- what could be more powerful than that?

I too am being raised from the dead. I too am being brought back to life. I too am being called from the tomb.

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11: 38-44

I have taken off the grave clothes. I have given up the sack cloth and ashes. I have shed the mourning garments -- spiritually, mentally, and even literally.

This morning I tried on my little black dress. I'd bought it a few months ago, and it was too snug to wear, so it was a dream dress, to be worn someday, whenever. And that someday is getting close! I was able to zip it up easily -- with no one's help. I stepped into my black patent leather stilletos and paraded in front of the mirror.

I LOOKED GOOD! I FELT EVEN BETTER! What a joy that was!

Thus encouraged and inspired, I tried on several other dresses -- all bought for that same future "someday." And they, too, now fit me.

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16: 22

For lunch, I fried a chicken breast, and fixed some green beans to go with it. Dinner was my take on sweet and sour pork - browned pork pieces simmered with onions, snow peas, peaches, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.

Su