Queen Anne's Lace and Lilacs

The Gift of Christmas: An Act of Mercy

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Easter

Mark 16:1-8

The Resurrection

"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.  Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"  But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.   As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid Him.  But go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see Him, just as He told you.' "  Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.  They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."

I spent some time thinking about Easter's past today (it's just after midnight on Monday, so it's still Easter to me).  I enjoy thinking about Easter when I was a kid (except for that one that I had to skip out on, having roseola).  We celebrated a number of Easters by starting the day at sunrise services.  I think I miss those services the most.  There were some that were a bit chilly, but there were also some quite pleasant Easter sunrises.  Afterwards, there was usually a special breakfast.  Then we'd go to church.  I loved the songs we'd sing Easter morning:  "He Arose," "Christ the Lord has Risen Today," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "He Lives," and "He's Alive."  I don't mind the worship songs/praise choruses, but on Easter I'd rather sing the more traditional hymns.  None of these were song at church today, so I'm thinking I'll purchase them for my iPod.   

It was always fun to see the pretty spring outfits everyone was wearing.  Everybody was always in a good mood, at least as far as I could tell.  After church, we had a fancy meal, eat candy, and hang out.  So, my childhood Easters were great.  After I started having my own kids, Easter was at least as wonderful as before.  Dressing them up, egg hunts up at the church, and the fantastic music we had been working on for several months in the choir are the memories I cherish the most.  Each year the choir and others in the church would reenact the Easter story.   I really miss  being in that choir! 

Today started out at church.  There were a zillion people there, and the seats available were back by the people with babies and small children.  It was a bit noisy.   The songs were a bit unfamiliar, it seemed, to most people.  There was a small instrumental group that played a Celtic-sounding version of "O, for a Thousand Tongues" that was quite pretty. 

The sermon was from Mark 16 with some time spent on verse 7.  The angel at Jesus' tomb told Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus was going ahead of them to Galilee.  The pastor discussed why Peter was mentioned separately from the disciples.

 

Back at home, the egg hunts began.  We had two.  One was inside for Bethany.  It took her a little over an hour to find all of the eggs.  She was getting a little snippy about the whole thing towards the end - yet determined.  Then, she wanted to be in charge of the outdoor hunt, so she took 36 plastic camouflage eggs (Tim manages to find the most unique things!) outside and hid them for Tim and Evan to find.  Most of the eggs were either completely hidden or blended in so well with nature, that it was nearly impossible to find them.  That hunt took over an hour, too.  We finally had to call the event for dinner preparation.  Three of those eggs were never found.  Bethany has no idea where she hid them.  I figure the cats will find them.

 

The rest of the afternoon, Tim and I cooked another holiday meal masterpiece.  Well, for us.  It does just about kill me to spend hours cooking and about 10 minutes eating.  The kids cleaned the place up after we ate - with no complaining, come to think of it.  Interesting.  Brett's girlfriend, Kara, came over in the evening.  We played "Disney Scene It."  Tim and I lost, just like always.  You think you know everything Disney until you play that game.