April 2021

This Easter as we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death, I am reminded of past Easters growing up in the Midwest. For me, Easter marked the end of the winter thaw, or more positively, the beginning of Spring. Even if there still was snow on the ground or blustery weather, Easter brought hope of a new season - a season of flowers, sunshine, and warmth. Now in Arizona, Easter is traditionally a joyous morning of celebrating Christ’s resurrection, followed by a big family meal and then, years ago, in the evening, Tom would start working on our summer travel plans. Tom loved to escape the Phoenix heat and relax in a cooler climate. If possible, he would arrange speaking opportunities and vacation days for the full 8 or 9 weeks between July 1 and Labor Day. Once he started planning, Tom could hardly wait to pack up and get out of town!

I love how God gives us natural seasons and rhythms for our lives. Last year as COVID began, I found myself grasping for rhythms and routines. I don’t know about you, but for me, it took quite awhile to settle into what became new habits and schedules. Now, here we are a full year later and things are finally opening and getting back to “normal”.

I have a question for you.

How is your spiritual health? Are you feeling close to Jesus these days? Are you spiritually dry?

I have been contemplating this lately. For me, the many changes that COVID brought about created what feels like a spiritual fast; corporate worship became different, zoom bible studies left me with computer eyes, and my sisters and brothers in faith seemed far away.

And then, it hit me. I realized that my faith walk needs structure too! I need a routine - a habit that keeps me in check and close to Him. And so, this Lent I began a daily study in the bible each day – reading, breathing, and reflecting. What a joy it is to feel the pages and read His words. And, bonus! I get to see Tom’s handwriting on the pages of one of his bibles.

Now back to you. How are you doing? Have you had similar thoughts as you and your family endured the many months of this strange season? What do you think about doing a weekly Tom study again? Or maybe the next best thing?

I think we can help. The Priority Living board and I decided to create a weekly study for you to sink into God’s word through Tom’s teaching. We’ll start today with Tom’s lesson on Philippians 1:1-2. Here are the links to the audio message and study guide.

Philippians 1:1-2 - Session #1

Study Guide

And then, for the next eleven Wednesdays, you’ll receive an email with the featured audio lesson and study guide with questions. Tom’s audio lesson will be full of his wit, Shraderisms and God’s truth. The study guide questions will help you reflect, contemplate, and apply Tom’s lesson to your heart, home life, work life and community. I think it is the best of both worlds – Tom’s lessons and today’s questions!

This study in the book of Philippians is perfect for the season. In this study, Tom focuses on the joy we have in Christ - which is definitely something we all need these days. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we have in preparing the studies for you. In the coming weeks, I pray you will fall into a new routine of listening and interacting with Tom’s study. Please send me your thoughts and comments.

For now, happy Easter! May this Easter begin a new season of joy, peace, and celebration of God’s many blessings for you and your family.