Yesterday was a beautiful day for C3 Church. I don’t really know how to verbalize “why”, but I’ll try…
For a long time, we - as a community of faith - have been fighting: fighting for change, fighting for a vision, fighting for a dream, fighting our Enemy and those who would be used by him to stir dissension, fighting against our own fears and doubts…fighting for love.
Yesterday, it felt like we were beginning to be…to be more of who we were always meant to be - not so busy having to defend or position…but just breathing the breath of a church that is now becoming…
The volunteers were beautiful in their efficiency, dependability and…welcoming smiles. The spirit in “the house” was one of expectancy and hope. The message was clear and creative. Everything was so…C3.
We’ve said that for quite a while now - about one thing or the other: “That’s so C3!”, or “He/She is so C3.”…we’ve said it with hopefulness…
Now we can say it with hopeful understanding…because C3 is coming into her own identity. You can feel it. We are becoming comfortable in our own beautifully diverse, incredibly unique skin.
We are becoming, and it feels great.
And…it’s so C3! 
Peace.
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.
So, the week leading up to Easter can be challenging…it seems like the Enemy knows he needs to fight against us…as if it could just stay “Friday” or even Saturday night…
…anything to keep Sunday from coming.
All week it has seemed to be perpetually more like Friday than Sunday…
For my new friend Sola, I know this has to be true because her mother passed away (in Nigeria) last night…
Our prayers are with you and your family, Sola - It’s Friday…but Sunday’s comin’!
All of the attacks, the weariness, the doubts…the hard work that goes into preparing for Easter - all of it can weigh us down - It’s Friday…but Sunday’s comin’!
All of the expectancy, the waiting, the hoping to see what God will do on Resurrection morning…even the fleeting doubts, memories of loss, wondering “Is it worth the cost?” - all of it can just wear us out - It’s Friday…but Sunday’s comin’!
Sunday’s comin’ and everything’s gonna be alright. After all, we already know the end of the story…
…now there’s nothin’ left but the victory party.
Happy, happy Easter…and peace to you.
So, the week leading up to Easter can be challenging…it seems like the Enemy knows he needs to fight against us…as if it could just stay “Friday” or even Saturday night…
…anything to keep Sunday from coming.
All week it has seemed to be perpetually more like Friday than Sunday…
For my new friend Sola, I know this has to be true because her mother passed away (in Nigeria) last night…
Our prayers are with you and your family, Sola - It’s Friday…but Sunday’s comin’!
All of the attacks, the weariness, the doubts…the hard work that goes into preparing for Easter - all of it can weigh us down - It’s Friday…but Sunday’s comin’!
All of the expectancy, the waiting, the hoping to see what God will do on Resurrection morning…even the fleeting doubts, memories of loss, wondering “Is it worth the cost?” - all of it can just wear us out - It’s Friday…but Sunday’s comin’!
Sunday’s comin’ and everything’s gonna be alright. After all, we already know the end of the story…
…now there’s nothin’ left but the victory party.
Happy, happy Easter…and peace to you.
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