An Easter morning at 1500 ft.

This year I wanted to start my favorite Sunday of the year with something special... going to Haleakala crater for the sunrise! Sometimes it's not what you do for the holidays, but what happens that makes them special. And of course, watching a sunrise happen is SO amazing!

The morning star got my mind started on all the hymns we sing that refer to it. The best way I can think of to stay warm on top of a mountain is hum your favorite songs. :)

As the hues grew lighter and the sun came closer to peeking over the horizon, the clouds began to rise. The coming sun warmed them, and they rose up in greeting. Of all the things about the sunrise, this really struck me. Everything in the sky (heavenly things) grew brighter, and the crater and all the island below (earthly things) seemed darker. Right before Christ comes for his own, the contrast between this world and the children of light should be greatest. Will we be ready to rise in greeting for our returning King?

Thinking of the promise of heaven when Christ returns made me excited.

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

And when these things begin to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:25-28

We have to take to heart the warning here too:

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:34-36