Easter Blessings

He is risen! He is risen indeed!


Grandpa and Grandma came for a visit.


Donning Easter threads and big grins.

Pastor Greg preached a powerful message about God's forgiveness found through Jesus on the cross, and the hope and promise revealed by His resurrection. Doyle Dykes accompanied our gospel choir for an amazing rendition of Keith Green's "Easter song."

Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as he said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the word,
He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
Christ, He will reveal it now
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus’ power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

May every blessing of our risen Lord be yours this Easter and forevermore!

"He is not here, for He is risen, as He said." Matthew 28:6

This Week's Quotables

Daniel: Do you know what the most important book is? The Bible, because it's God's Word.

Elizabeth: Mama, Easter is not about eggs. It's about Jesus!

Jonathan: If I think hard enough, I probably could find over a hundred blessings for today instead of just seventeen!

I'm Still Alive and Kicking...

though not as high as I used to!

Lots of stuff happening here, but very little time to blog about them. The other day, Jonathan said, "Mom, this year is flying by!" Here's what's been happening in our corner of the world.

Chelation has started for the boys and it's going smoothly. Elizabeth had an ear/sinus infection at the time, so she will begin at our next visit in two weeks. God is faithful!

I also had a checkup with the MD and was encouraged when he commented that we were on the right track with our recent diet changes and decision to kick coffee. It's been three weeks since I had my last cup of java. I can't believe the difference it's made in my energy level; I feel so much better all around. Alan decided to join me in quitting coffee, but he asked if we could find something hot to sip on instead. Enter decaf green tea, very soothing and high in antioxidants to boost.

More fun to report. I've been spending hours at the dentist having my amalgams replaced. Just one more, and I'm amalgam-free! I can't believe how relaxing it is to lie down and listen to classical music from headphones while the dentist drills my teeth. The assistant was surprised when I admitted to dozing off a few times. I told her that it's rare that I get a quiet moment (sans drill) in the middle of my day!

I went on our church's women's retreat and returned renewed, refreshed and refocused. Our retreat speaker was Catherine Martin of Quiet Time Ministries, and the theme was my verse for this year, Psalm 46:5. "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." During the retreat, God's still, small voice was heard; idols were laid down and burdens were nailed to the cross. The Author and Finisher of my faith penned another promise-filled page.

We joined a group of homeschooling friends at the park to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Everyone had to bring something green to share. I brought guacamole and chips to add to the spread which included green salad, honeydew melon, kiwi fruit, green grapes and more. The girls enjoyed the swings and play equipment, but the boys immediately became imaginary warriors waving around their "swords." What is it with boys and sticks?

This is the week for visitors. My childhood friend from Hawaii, Susan, her husband and three kids are in town to visit Disneyland. They came by tonight for dinner. Though we haven't seen each other in years, our conversation flowed as if we had talked just yesterday. It's amazing how some things never change, like pidgin accents!

My parents fly in tomorrow to spend Easter week with us. The kids can't wait--when Grandma and Grandpa are here, it means lots of read alouds, treats and fun galore! Spoiling the kids is a grandparent's prerogative, isn't that the truth?

Elizabeth is looking forward to wearing her new Easter dress and hat!

Have a blessed week as we contemplate the depth and breadth of God's love toward us.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:31, 32.

Jonathan's Book Report

Little Pilgrim's Progress, by Helen L. Taylor

The book is about a little boy named Christian. He went on a long trip. It was a little dangerous because there was a giant mountain that was hard to climb. It is very exciting. He met a boy named Hopeful. They traveled to the Celestial City.

This book teaches you things about Jesus. I recommend kids read it!
Jonathan

Spring is Right Around the Corner

...which means it's the perfect time for:


Helping Mama with spring cleaning.


Enjoying the sunshine.


Admiring the peach blossoms.


Praising the Lord!

"And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long." Psalm 35:28

Be Bold

"Each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand mediocre minds appointed to guard the past." ~ Maurice Maeterlinck

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Four Years Old, For the First Time

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

"Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" Isaiah 43:19a

Three Years Old, For the Last Time

Dear Daniel,

Tonight before I put you to bed, I hugged you extra tight and said, "This is the last time I'm hugging you as a three year old!" And you squirmed with delight like you always do and flashed me your sweet grin. How can it be that my baby is turning four tomorrow?

I've been thinking a lot about last times recently. The other day, I came across a diaper that never got used. I didn't want to throw it away. Isn't Mommy silly? Even though I am so proud of you for becoming potty trained, that diaper brought back so many memories of laying you down to change you, tickle you and give you raspberries on your belly. I tried, but couldn't remember the last time I changed your diaper. If I knew then it was to be the last time, I might not have rushed through the process.

Who would've thought a diaper had such sentimental powers?

Then there was the time when I took a little longer than usual cleaning up after dinner. When I went upstairs to join Daddy in tucking the kids in, I was surprised to see you sleeping on the bottom of the bunk bed. I turned to Daddy, and he said that you were ready for the Big Boy bed. I started to protest that you weren't ready yet (or was it that I wasn't ready?) but when I saw your contented smile I couldn't resist. What a bittersweet moment. I wished I had known the night before that it was to be your last time in the crib. I would have plumped up your bumper pads, tucked your favorite blanket in with a kiss and said a special prayer. Maybe I would have taken a photo for your scrapbook.

Sometimes, as I'm washing the dishes, I look outside and see you joyfully whizzing by on your bicycle. I say to myself, he's growing too quickly. When was the last time he rode his tricycle? I can't remember.

I know there are many last times ahead. There will be the last time you need help taking a bath. The last time you will play with your toy trains. The last time you'll need a reading lesson. And the biggie no Mommy ever wants to think about, the last time you live under our roof.

So if you wonder why I'm always taking photos or staring at you intently at times or hugging you extra tight, just know that Mommy hasn't flipped out. She just wants to preserve all those special and ordinary moments for those days when her memory fails and she can't remember the last time.

Happy Birthday to you, our dear Daniel!

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." Isaiah 49:15-16