Things I loved about this Easter:

• The focus upon Easter - that history itself has been altered because of the death and, more importantly, the resurrection of One Man.
• The fact that so many stores and businesses closed early last night and were closed today - people got to spend time with their families…and breathe - all because of Easter.
• Buying Easter lilies for my front porch…not out of obligation - not because I had to…not even because I was expected to buy a-gazillion for the church platform - but, because they’re beautiful, and because they remind me of the hope of salvation and the promise of spring. So, I bought two…and only two.
• Picking out an Easter dress…and feeling girlie. (But not getting my nails done…just to prove I’m not so high maintenance).
• Seeing the early morning volunteers, Crew, C3 Kids, and Staffers…wearing Easter outfits or jeans and C3 tees - Because, we are all about “Come as you are”.
• Little girls in their frilly dresses…I saw so many fabulous outfits - too bad they don’t make them in my size.
• Little men in their various attire - Jackson was my fave in his blue and white striped sear-sucker jacket…Fierce!
• Seeing brand new faces…and those that are growing more familiar each week.
• Being a part of the worship experience…feeling the Spirit moving people through praise.
• Hearing Byron “bring it”…twice - knowing he’s doing what he was born to do…and doing it well.
• Having lunch for 18! Hearing the chatter and noise of a full house…
• Wearing a polka-dotted apron…and feeling girlie.
• Watching the kids hunt for eggs and candy…in record time! (Ethan doesn’t move slowly when candy is involved).
• Going on a 2 1/2 mile walk with the kids.
• Sitting on the front porch with Byron, Kayleigh, Barry and Josh…talking and just being.
• Having a clean kitchen…after having lunch for 18!!!
• Putting on my “LOVE WINS” t-shirt - and knowing that it has won…again.
• Feeling absolutely exhausted…in a good way.
• Being reminded that there’s always hope…just like the sun keeps rising…just like springtime always returns - so it is with hope…Easter reminds me: Hope springs eternal. (Even when it’s Friday and it seems like Sunday will never come!).
• Remembering that this hope is possible because of Jesus.

There are many other things…many other blessings - too many to mention. And I am grateful…

As my “Oma” said today, “Well, you know all of these blessings are from God! God takes, sometimes, but then He gives back something even better…”

…and He has - over and over.

Peace.