Well, yesterday, we did it. No, we didn't finally get that puppy. Billy and I did what every able-bodied person in this country is doing about this time of year.

We got out in the yard and raked up those crinkly dry leaves and old brush that are crowding the new growth that is peeking up through the ground.

Think of it from the small green shoots point of view. You feel the urge to stretch yourself upward and when you do, all you see is a bunch of dead brown stuff. Sometimes you can't even get through all of the leftovers from last year and so you miss out on the all important sunshine that helps you to grow and thrive.

In order for new young things to grow you have to clean out the old. Spring-cleaning for the garden, the house and for your spiritual house as well.

So, in addition to cleaning the windows and raking the garden and whatever constitutes spring-cleaning in your neck of the woods, spend some time with God. Check in with your Risen Savior and see how things are looking in your spiritual house. Not only your spiritual house here at Atonement, but the house that is your body in which the Holy Spirit dwells.

Are there some things left over from years of habit? Is the Holy Spirit sending up a young shoot to flower in your life? Shake the dust off of your Bible; make a special effort to be a blessing in someone's life. By getting rid of the clutter we can provide more room for the Holy Spirit to work.

Enjoy the springtime as you dust off your life and rake the leaves out of your spirit. 

                                              Pastor Tina