Easter Weekend... yes it's 3 weeks late!

We had a great Easter weekend. It was full of activities and fun! Saturday we spent the morning dying easter eggs with some of our nieces and nephew {and Brynlee of course}.

Then we went to a family lunch. James' mom's side does a big meal and easter egg hunt each year! So off we went to South Tulsa for the celebration. We don't get to see this family often enough... usually 3 times a year but we always have a good time!

Sunday we began the day at church! I know I have said this before, but I love our church! I am so happy to serve/attend a church that celebrates the death, burial and resurrection each and every Sunday, but especially on Easter! Then we went off to lunch at my parent's house. It was a little weird without the rest of the family {Joel in Portland, Elizabeth can't travel due to baby Graham coming any day, and Abigail and Tyler needed to stay in Joplin!} but a nice surprise... my Uncle Jeff was in for the weekend! So we got to spend some time with him along with my cousins Lindsey and Blake! Brynlee had a fun time meeting new cousins! I still need to get these pics from my mom!

Now, we did not do an Easter basket. When I was kid we didn't do Easter baskets. I asked my mom why and she said that there usually wasn't enough extra money. It was either Easter clothes or a basket... and clothes won out! But don't worry I definitely don't feel deprived or anything like that. If anything I am kind of thankful. Easter baskets are fun and there is nothing wrong in doing them {although I haven't exactly figured out why we do them?? You are welcome to clue me in if you know...} There are so many things that make the day busy and about food and family and everything but Jesus. So I figure it is one less thing to get in the way. Now, this is not to say we won't do an Easter basket when Brynlee gets older... who knows! Actually, it didn't even occur to me that we didn't do one until I was at Wal-mart Friday night and saw all the baskets and people going crazy buying them!!

We had a great weekend celebrating Jesus raising from the dead!

Easter

There in the ground, His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I live

Good Friday

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

Nichole Nordeman