Mindful. That’s the word I attempt to practice when the Easter weekend comes. Mindful of why we’re celebrating. Mindful of what I’m reading in the Scriptures. Mindful of what we’re singing in church, of the words that come out of my mouth when I greet my friends and family, and frankly, how I view the entire weekend. The resurrection is the only reason I have hope in a world that is so broken and hurting. It matters how I celebrate and worship and live.
I loved reading The Bible Project Holy Week reading plan. Each day had a video explaining a part of the Gospel, then there were passages of Scripture that went along with it. It kept my heart focused on the cross and the empty tomb all week.
On Good Friday, my husband took me to an appointment that I had. While at that appointment, I became VERY aware once again of how the risen Savior makes a difference in my life every single day. I cannot write about this even now without tearing up. What a wonderful Savior He is! Be sure to come back on Friday – I’m going to share what the Lord did!
While we were out, we took time to discuss that Christ had just died at that hour, the sun had gone dark and the enemy thought they had won. We wept. We prayed. We were mindful.
Saturday found me with renewed energy that allowed me to do some baking to help my daughter with Easter dinner. So thankful that Flu A is in the rear view mirror! (Another reason to praise the Lord!) I baked up my Butterhorns and got them ready to take to her house.
I also made a new recipe for a little 6-inch Coconut Cake. It was too late to try to make the traditional one I have made for years, so I went with the recipe on Dessert for Two. I added my lemon curd recipe in the middle of the layer. I liked the recipe for the cake. I’m not a huge fan of cream cheese icing, but it was still good! The cake batter was soft and moist.
I wanted to take a couple videos while I was singing with my grandsons at church, but I didn’t want to distract them or anyone else from our worship. Singing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” with them was precious. My heart was full! One of the boys said, “I really held that last note out!” And he had! So sweet.
Alli did a great job hosting our family and some other guests for dinner following our church service. She followed Whitney’s advice and picked up chicken from KFC and it was yummy! We both added sides and desserts and there was enough food to make us all need a good, long nap!
Many of you followed Whitney when she was blogging, and I thought you’d like to see her pretty face, as well as her husband, Paul. They had dinner in their home, and she sent us this photo. What a sweet couple! I miss them, but they have their lives to live, and their church to attend, and I’m happy for that!
We took a few family photos out back of Alli’s house in mid-afternoon. These were casual shots because it was cool yesterday and we dressed to warm up, and also because who wants to be stuffy and posed???!!! Obviously, not us!
This week while listening to a sermon podcast, Chuck Swindoll said, “Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.” Isn’t that true?! We can rejoice because we’re forgiven. We’re on our way to heaven! This world might be hard, but the best is yet to come and that brings JOY!
Easter’s truth is still true today! Let’s be mindful!
RefreshHer 