Tuesday, April 6, 2010

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!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

What a week you had! Your kids ARE beautiful, you're not just biased!:D
I have heard that song, we sing it for worship on occasion, and it is one of my absolute favorite ones. Fun post, Alicia! Have a great day, sweet sister!

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Your kids are so cute! And what a great helper you have to make cookies! I *love* baking with my mom and grandma... many wonderful memories made in the kitchen. Congratulations to you beautiful niece on her wedding!! Wow... looks like you had a wonderful Easter weekend!

Ashli said...

our Easter was fantastic, and we just got in from a two day road trip to Charleston, SC where it was 80 degrees! Summer shoved spring to the side here! Too bad our A/C is broken!

I love your little girl's Easter dress, so pretty!
I also like the way you write like I talk, one subject jumped to another, it makes me feel like we are really having a conversation!

I have always wanted to make those cookies, but never gotten it together. We did dye eggs the night before Easter at like 8:30, talk about last minute!

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Great blog and so well written. I just loved the poem on how deep our Fathers love is for us. I will lift you up to the Lord in prayer that opportunities come up for you as a writer. God bless, Lloyd

Deborah Ann said...

Your kids ARE adorable! I love your daughter's hair style.

Ah, the toilet paper wedding dresses. That's the silliest thing I have ever seen done at a shower. At my daughter-in-law's shower which was close to Easter a few years ago, she offered to have everyone guess how many peeps she could stuff into her mouth. I don't think it gets any sillier than that!

LOVE the song. LOVE JESUS!

Emily Ann Benedict said...

Wow, you had a full week...I don't think you're biased at all. ;)
Glad to hear you had so much goodness.
My easter was quiet and restful, but that's just the way we wanted it. :)

Unknown said...

The communion out your church does sound very moving! Your kiddos are ADORABLE! I am glad ya'll had a wonderful Easter!

alicia said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Thank you also for validating my kids' cuteness :)

Gabby- stop rubbing it in about the weather!
Lloyd-just wanted to clarify that I did not write the song. It is a song that we sing in worship and honestly, I can't find who wrote it originally.
Sara- muuwwah!
Jennifer- I know, baking together is the greatest thing!
Debbie- I am so glad you understand the tp dress! The peep contest sounds hilarious too!
Emily- grateful for you that you were able to have a quiet and refelecitve Easter!
Alisa- the communion was special - we need that on occasion so that the elements don't become to ritualistic I think.

have a great weekend y'all!