Easter Week

I love this time of year. It is so wonderful to see trees sprouting their new green leaves. The azaleas are blooming and the dogwoods are absolutely gorgeous. I feel so joyful and hopeful in springtime. New life surrounds me and I sense the presence of God in it all. It seems so appropriate that Christ died and rose on Easter. The world was brown, dull, lifeless, and dreary. Then Jesus came into the world and he brought life, new growth, joy and hope to us all. Springtime, Jesus time.

This Easter was so busy with the kids practicing every Wed. for the Easter Pageant. We helped with the Maundy Thursday Dinner and program. It was again so meaningful and inspiring. Pastor Bob read about the disciples at the last supper with Jesus. We ate together and then the elders served Holy Communion. The service ended with Melody Thompson singing "Were You There". It was moving and many people were in tears. Then on Saturday I took Hayden, Lucas, and Sydney to the Church Easter Party. They had such a good time. They divided into groups and played lots of games. The Easter bunny came and Lucas was so excited. They got their faces painted and had their pictures taken with the Easter bunny. They decorated cupcakes and then ate them for their snack. Fun was had by all. On Sunday we brought in some fruit for the Sunday brunch. I helped Norma get things ready and then headed across the street for early church. Jill, Tray, Troy and Sydney met us there. They looked so adorable, Troy in his lavender shirt and tie and Sydney in her black and white dress and pink shoes. Bill was an usher and was serving communion to the congregation along with other ushers. The service was moving and the lilies in the windows were beautiful. The music was also fabulous. They ended the service with the Hallelujah Chorus.We went across the street to Westminster Hall for brunch and the Easter Pageant. Katy, Matt, Hayden, Josie, and Lucas were there waiting for us. They looked so cute, Hayden in his blue shirt and tie and Josie in her dress and shoes identical to Syds and Little Lucas in his plaid shorts and polo shirt. Troy was one of the narrators for the program and he did a great job. Sydney and Hayden sang and placed ornaments on the Easter Tree. Josie and Lucas sat with us in the audience. We were all so proud of them. After the program we took a lot of pictures out by the azaleas then I headed straight home to get my hams out of the oven. The family was coming for lunch at 12:30. We had Jay, Jill's family, Katy's family and Mema, Jeff and his family couldn't be there.The lunch was so good. Haleigh and Chad brought sweet potato casserole, Jill brought the baked beans, Katy brought the mac and cheese. I made some corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes, deviled eggs, ham and rolls. We had turtle pie and rice crispy treats for dessert. After lunch we hid eggs several times for the kids. It was a great day. I tried to hold onto the message for the the day Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Risen Indeed. I looked around at my precious, wonderful children and grandchildren and I thought Jesus how great it is to know that we will be together always in your heavenly home that you have prepared for us. You will be sharing in the joy of this day with us as you have today, but we will be seeing you and hearing you when this life here is over. Thank you for your love, thank you for taking away my sins and thank you that we will be sharing eternity with you someday.