*** This photo has NOTHING to do with this post, however I found it on dad's computer and LOVE it. It is from dinner one night at Disney***
We have been a Gigi and Granddad's since yesterday, and are going home tomorrow... however we have had a great time with friends and family! But I am so sleepy. Today was a sad day because it was John Hunter's last day of Great Escape... when I went to pick him up all the teachers were crying:) So that got me started!
I have pics to post but I left my laptop at home...so get ready. Tomorrow mom and I are going to a mother/daughter brunch for MUMS then I have to get a crown put on... and not the princess kind!
However my friend Darby has inspired me with a get to know you better... so I am opening up my comments to any and everyone to ask what more they would like to know about me, my family, my God, etc. Keep it clean and kind... and I will do my best to respond:)
It want to start my recap with another one of my devos that I wrote for church....
In John 20 we find Mary Magdalene has gone to the tomb, but the stone has been rolled away. In utter shock she is fearful that her LORD’S body has been stolen, and then He appears to her. He quiets her fears (vs. 17) and instructs her to tell the others. Can you imagine how she felt, the gammed of emotions that took over? Her Savior, the one she saw on Golgotha, the one who conquered the grave, and the one who called her by name is now standing in front of her. Now if that is not a “hilltop experience” I don’t know what is?
Have you ever had an experience like that before, one where you stood in disbelief that the Savior who conquered the grave was calling out to you? I know I have. Easter is one of my most favorite times of the year. All things are new, growth is starting to form, and there is reconciliation in my soul, that the grave was conquered for me (and you too!) If you ask anyone who knows me well it is not Easter without the hymns. The songs of old (and new) and resonate within singing about the power of His death, and the glory of His resurrection. This week we are going to look at 5 different songs that will give us that “hilltop experience” with our LORD!
What better place to start than with my favorite? “Up from the grave He arose”
Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose
The God who loves you and knows you by name defeated death. He arose. And I love the line that says “with a might triumph o’er his foes”. I have ever felt like you were being attacked? Oh I know I have. Through the power of His resurrection He has defeated the evil one. With Christ on our side on one can touch us. Isn’t that comforting? Isn’t that victory? That’s Easter!!! He has risen, and we need not fear as Mary did, because He is for us. And as His word says, “If Christ is for us, than no one can be against us.”
We celebrated this Easter knowing the power of the Risen King. I loved the fact that John Hunter really didn't know the bunny but ever egg that was empty he said, JESUS IS ALIVE! We had a great Easter day that started with worshiping the LORD! The service/worship was excellent. The Sr. Pastor fell ill so the associate preached and he was great. Just a side note he is Rich Mulllins brother! It was so fitting to be at the nail piereced of the Almighty this day!
After Church we went and ate at a wonderful stakehouse (thank you gigi and granddad for lunch) The food, company, and fellowship was full of lasting memories!
After "brunch" we headed home for an Easter Egg hunt. John Hunter had such a fun time and when he walked through the door he found another basket! He loved it...
We said a tearful good-bye to Gigi and Granddad, although we will see them Tuesday miss them already.... we all took naps, watched the Masters, ate dinner, and are heading to bed!
To recap the day... nothing could be better than today! UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE! **********************************************************************************
SIDE NOTE: I had a just had to put this picture in.... last night when we were playing Gigi did not make a wise choice so to drive home a lesson. We sent her to TIME OUT. It was a hoot to watch John Hunter respond to her being there. However, when she was asked to get out, she said it was the best 2 min. of her day because she got some peace and quite:)
Easter of 1993 I had an experience of a life time. Our family was on spring break in Las Vegas, but we took a weekend trip south to the Grand Canyon. We woke up very early Sunday morning to be a part of the sun rise service looking of the Grand Canyon. Even at the young age of 13 I still remember marveling in the majesty of God, the vastness of the canyon and the beautiful sunrise that could only be masterpiece done by the Master.
We gathered on the canyons edge and there was a Scripture reading followed by a small sermon. Then at the end of the service, and group of people, no one really knowing each other, gathered and sang the words of the following hymn:
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
A glimpse of heaven on earth is what I encounter that Easter. Have you ever had a moment like that, knowing that you belong to something greater than yourself? I can remember looking over the canyon and seeing the sun appear with strokes of vibrant orange and streaks of radiant red. Here I was a young girl at one of the wonders of the world, knowing that the same Maker of this canyon was the same Maker who knit me together in my mother’s womb.
So today as you remember Easter, remember Him. He is alive today, just as He was that first Easter morn. Look around as you go about your day, look at the ways He loves you. Can you see it in the sunrise, or the sunset? Do you see it in the laughter of a child, or a cup of java, can you feel His love as He quiets your anxious spirit? Or do you see Him as you sing praise to your Maker? Whistle the words, “Love’s redeeming work is done!” It is finished, He has redeemed us! This hill was for you and me! And today as you see the hills wherever He takes you, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the He loves you. There is no one who will ever love you more, and He will NEVER love you any less, You are His child, the apple of His eye, and when all is said and done, “Christ has opened paradise!” Alleluia!!!
Today has been a great day! We got up and got the house cleaned, opened the windows, watched the Masters, made a cake, and even rested! It was a good day! Eric and I also joined a gym today. I am super excited. I love the gym itself, and the childcare facility is amazing. In the mean time... I am hoping this makes me motivated to work out, and it will give us a chance to get out of the house:) Before we met Eric at the gym John Hunter and I went to the park across the street from our neighborhood.... I let him play and then went into the baseball field and ran the bases... HE LOVED IT! After the gym we came home and "Larry" the neighbor brought us over an Easter lilly and my heart was thrilled. However I realized it was not from Larry but address to me. So when I opened the card it read, "To Mommy. Happy Easter.... Love John Hunter." Seriously, have you ever seen anything sweeter:)
So today on this Maundy Thursday I leave you with this video. May you think about the sacrifice that was made for you... you are LOVED:0)
*** This photo has NOTHING to do with this post, however I found it on dad's computer and LOVE it. It is from dinner one night at Disney***
