A Week of Celebration

I love this time of year. Green is everywhere, consistent warm weather is around the corner and we are reminded of the hope and newness we can find in Christ during this Easter season. This past week leading up to Easter Sunday was particularly special this year.

It started with a non-Easter event that the Men's Ministry at our church put on: Father-Daughter dancing. My dad invited me to go, and we joined 40+ other dads and daughters. Despite being the oldest (and I mean OLDEST) daughter there, we created such a great memory that evening. It started with getting our picture taken like we were at prom, followed by being escorted to a spaghetti dinner and then an hour-plus of dancing to oldies, Justin Bieber (remember I was the oldest, so this was a hit with all the little girls), Electric Slide and other fun songs. It ended with picking up our earlier taken photo in a frame. How special is that!? Fathers play such an important role in their daughters' lives in making them feel valued, beautiful and loved, and I'm so glad our church and my dad know this, too.

The following morning the Men's Ministry started another new tradition with a sunrise cross raising on Good Friday. Geoff is on the Men's Ministry leadership team and he built a 14 foot cross with a contractor friend for the event. Men were encouraged to come and bring their children, and they had about 60 in attendance. I hear it was a Spirit-filled and touching event. Plus, it's incredibly awesome to see so many dad's stepping up and leading their families in faith.

The afternoon of Good Friday we went back to church as a family for the Good Friday Remembrance Walk where we encountered many of the faces that were with Jesus in his last hours of life, and we ended the evening with Communion. Our worship and fine arts team does such a wonderful job creating an event where you can really feel and understand the sacrifices of our living Savior.

On Saturday, we had our annual Easter egg hunt and lunch with my mom, stepdad and all the cousins (minus the newest one, Bexley). It's always fun to get the cousins together and test my mother's patience. :) Mary-Michael was definitely more interested in hunting for eggs this year, but I think once she realized they contained candy and money she was content to stop and enjoy the goodies inside.

And then of course there was Resurrection Sunday to celebrate Easter! After a number of celebratory, clap-worthy songs we were reminded of the resurrection power we have in us as believers. What good news! These last several weeks since Geoff has returned from Africa have been so amazing, focused and intentional. He was already a wonderful husband, but he returned with an even bigger heart and passion to know God more. He shows me what resurrection power is on a daily basis now. I am so thankful.

We hope your Easter was a reminder of hope and newness - remember, God's mercies are new every day. There are many days I am incredibly thankful that I am given a clean slate and can start over. That is worth celebrating!

Pictures below from our Easter lunch with Uncle Zach, Mimi and Poppy.