Good Friday

Easter 2014

Easter is one of my very favorite holidays; it has been since I was a kid.  I was saved on Maundy Thursday in 1986, and I will never be the same - praise God!  I remember understanding, even at that young age, the high price of my salvation and being so grateful that Jesus paid it all for me.  Easter marks my spiritual birthday, so it is extra special to me.  I serve a risen Savior, there is nothing more worthy of celebration!

On Good Friday, our family wore visible reminders that Christ died for us.  The perfect lamb was slain to cleanse us of our sins and provide us with a way to join Him in Heaven for all eternity.  I pray that the magnitude of his sacrifice is something that we don't ever take lightly.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24

We went to Good Friday service and enjoyed a time of worship and remembrance.  It was a wonderful service!

On Saturday, we had some friends over to play and hunt Easter eggs.  We had a great time with our buddies!

We released the kids to hunt for eggs in age order, youngest to oldest.  The two babies weren't interested in hunting, so Owen got to go first.  He was super excited - as evidenced by his tongue hanging out of his mouth.  Ha!

 This boy was serious about his hunting.  :)

 Some of the eggs were "hidden" up in the trees.  Clayton and Drew were happy to work for those.

 Such a cute group of kiddos!

 Owen spotted one last egg that none of the kids had seen.  :)

We also had some fun with cascarones.  Clayton put his bike helmet on to avoid getting confetti in his hair.  Smart kid!  His mama could learn a lesson on that one.  ;)

Someone got Baby Brother good!

 On Sunday morning, the boys woke up to Easter baskets full of goodies.

 We donned our Easter frocks and headed to church.  :)

 That is a good lookin' group of boys, if I do say so myself!  ;)

 The bowtie and suspenders combo made me smile all day!  Too cute...

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To 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 a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
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

Manna Bags

Our Sunday school class has recently started a little playgroup for the kiddos in our class. It has been fun to organize the activities and plan the fun. We have a sweet group of children, so they make the prep work worth it, for sure. :)

In August, I planned to make Manna Bags at our house. I had read about Manna Bags on my friend, Emily's, blog ages ago. I made a mental note, and finally got the chance to piggy back on her idea. (Thanks, Em!)

Big Kids

Caleb & Will

Clara

Somehow, I didn't get any pictures of Drew or Sadie, but they were there, too. :)

The concept of a Manna Bag is that you fill a gallon ziploc bag with nonperishable foods, toiletries, etc. and then carry it around in your car and give it to someone in need. The name refers to the Manna that God provided for the Israelites while they wandered in the desert. The sweet bread was provided every morning and was enough to sustain them for a day - no more and no less. By the same token, the Manna Bags that we made, provided food and drink for 1 day. I thought that it was a good lesson for our kids to learn about providing for those who are less fortunate.

Our bags included:
Antibacterial Handwipes
Socks
Toiletries
Spoon
Nutra Grain Bar
Bottled Water
Peanut Butter Crackers
A Granola Bar
Beef Jerky
Can of Ravoili (The pop-top kind, that wouldn't require a can opener.)
A Fruit Cup

We also discussed individually finding tracts or a small Bible to include in each of the bags.

James 2:15-17 (NIV)
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.