He is Risen Indeed! And we have hope!

 We had a very nice Easter.  I went up to Gwen and Tim's to see the kids do their Easter Egg hunt before we went to church together.  The girls looks so sweet in their coordinating dresses, hats and gloves (Anna refused to leave her hat on her head!).  Zeke was quite happy to celebrate in jeans and a polo shirt!  The kids had a successful egg hunt and then we managed to get their picture on the steps.

Oh how I love these cuties!  I love how their personalities show through in this picture.  I am imagining a picture at some point in the future when we recreate this shot.  I suspect that we will see exactly the same blast of personality from each of them.

Their church was FULL! And we were at one of three services!  It was an incredible service that highlighted.... we are alive because HE lives....AMEN!  There was a point in the service that brought tears to my eyes.  And I was not expecting it.  Pastor Dave mentioned the hope and assurance that everyone who has lost someone this year has because of Easter... because of Jesus' finished work.  I was missing Lucas even though I was remembering the HOPE, it was a bittersweet time.

After church we all met at Doug and Susie's for dinner.  Doug had smoked some amazing pork chops.  It was a wonderful meal.  Doug and Susie recently purchased a new camper and we all got a chance to see it - inside and out.  The kids loved going in and out.  And even Sammy and Kylie went inside! It will be good for Doug and Susie to get away and go camping without the worry of weather and bugs!  They already have several trips in the works.  Yes, it is good to be together.  Together we are going on, yet we are all missing Lucas.  And even in the hope, and the knowing that he is safe with Jesus, we are missing him.

Today as I was watching Zeke and Anna play, I was thinking how fast they have grown up.  I know that it is a common feeling.  Watching Anna walking around (actually toddling around...she is still quite wobbly) and listening to Zeke tell long and detailed stories just make this so clear.  Today Anna was a bit under the weather with a low grade fever and a bit of a cough.  But she was still quite happy playing.  And when you are child number 4 in your family, you are quite able to participate in things way beyond your age.....such as this.....

Not just ONE hockey stick would do....no Anna needed to have two sticks.  It amazes me how determined she is.  She will certainly be a force to be reckoned with.  I have no doubt that she will hold her own in the years ahead.  I can't wait to see how her personality develops!  

Easter is a season of new life and looking at the full life that we have because of Jesus.  So it is difficult to balance the grief and the missing with the growth and new accomplishments in our family.  The center of that balance is HOPE.  I know that I have said this over and over on this blog, but I don't know how our family would have gotten through this awful time if it were not for Jesus. 

I have been thinking a bit about my last blog and the challenge to talk about Jesus every day.  After Easter it seems even more important.  I feel as if it is imperative that others understand the hope, the joy, and the assurance that is yours when you understand who Jesus is and what he has done for us. I know that I will need some of Anna's determination and Zeke's ability to share an important story to make this happen.  How blessed I am to have these little ones to encourage me!  

Jesus, Thank you for family and times to be together.  Thank you for the seasons that remind us that spring always follows winter.  Holy Spirit continue to pour out hope and give us all the ability to share not only your story Jesus, but our own testimonies!  Thank you for determination and strength that only come from you.  Amen