Still Celebrating Easter

This is my Easter Weekend recap. Which is a kind way to say- its gonna jump all over the place, so bear with me! Here to start us off is my 2 most beautiful children on Easter morning. Of course, my computer is being ridiculous and I grabbed the picture where Jackson is complaining that the sun is making him squint. But, you get the idea. They're cute. At least in my opinion and I might be biased.

Next we- which was actually before, but that's not the order we're telling this story. And yes, I realize I haven't actually told you ANYTHING at all yet. You really should be used to that by now if you've been here before. Oh, I was mid- sentence wasn't I? Anyway, next we baked and decorated some festive spring cut out cookies. May have been that we were just so excited to experience Spring weather, we had to go with it.

Here is my little sous chef helping me:

She would tell you that I am actually the assistant and she is the head chef, but its my blog and she isn't here, so I'll tell it my own way. It turns out that I didn't even take a picture of the cookies when they were done, so you'll have to take my word for it that they were fabulous!

Between many church services and doctors appointments (which I promised my son that I would stop talking about since he is embarrassed enough even though HE wants to take his xrays to school) we managed to get a wedding shower in for my niece.

I am sparing those people who had to wear toilet paper wedding dresses the humiliation of putting those pics on here because I would like to think that the same courtesy would be shown to me. Thankyouverymuch. This is my niece Shawna in the middle surrounded by her loving and caring and super fun aunts (of course, I would be the favorite *ahem*! again, my blog, I tell it my way)

But with all the hustle and bustle and here and there, I still had the chance to reflect on the best week. It is such an emotionally overwhelming week and I needed the time to take it in and process all that HE has done for me.

Maundy Thursday we had a moving service at our church with communion. We don't usually go up to the front to receive the communion, but on this day we do. And it meant something. To go up to the front and have the elder hand you a cup of wine and say "His blood, shed for you, Alicia" it doesn't get more personal and meaningful than that. There is no denying it at that point. No self doubt that, well, He really couldn't have died for me, just these other good people in the room. He calls us by name and he knows my name.

Then there was the song this weekend. I listened to it over an over on my Selah CD and we sang it in church. If you read my last post you know how I wanted my daughter to understand that Jesus died, we are forgiven, it is finished. She sat there next to me in church and read the words aloud and allowed the Holy Spirit to guide her in joining in the words....

How deep the Father's love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

And make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross

My sin upon His shoulder

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

 

And then, one more time during this spring break that song was sung in our church. Today at the funeral of a young mom. She has a child in each of my kids' classes. I am sorry to say I never got to know her - I could make excuses as to why, but they are just excuses. I know her family, her kids, her husband, her extended family. But I missed the chance to know her.

It was a fitting song today as much as it was on Thursday. His wounds have paid the price. And she is now in glory with Him.

 

This Easter season has come full circle. He died, He rose, He saves those who die. He saved us.

 

How was your Easter? Did you find eggs, creep your kids out with the bunny? Find new meaning in an old song?

 

God is good, all the time!