Happy Easter

He is Risen!  Praise the Lord!  We have hope because He Lives! 

At church this morning we had a wonderful time of worship and teaching.  The choir and orchestra led us in one of my favorite songs, Jesus Saves.  If you want to hear a clip, check out the first five minutes of the clip above. 

My favorite lines are these:

"It is done!" will shout the cross
Christ has paid redemption's cost
While the empty tomb declaring
Jesus saves

This is one of those songs that you just know you'll be singing in heaven.  I love songs like that!  In Christ Alone and Victory in Jesus are a few other favorites that I know will be in heaven's hymnal!

Our pastor taught on the passage from Mark 16:1-8.  He pointed out that Mary Magdalene and Mary were very surprised that Jesus wasn't in the tomb even after Jesus had explained His plan to them many times.  Why are we so shocked when Jesus does what He says He is going to do?  Isn't He always true and faithful?  A little something to ponder...

During the same week Christians around the world have been celebrating their hope in Jesus, the Jewish nation has been celebrating their festival of Passover.  During this holiday Jews take time to remember the Lord's faithfulness in freeing their people from slavery in Egypt.  I've always been fascinated by Jewish people.  They are so close and yet so far from the truth.  God's chosen people are left waiting for a Messiah who has already come.  If only they could see that the humble carpenter from Bethlehem, who was crucified and raised from the dead was their long-awaited King!

Our EASTER LUNCH-

Peter & Kathy invited some couples who were in town and without plans for Easter to enjoy lunch at their lake house!  We loaded up and drove to Kerr lake just over the Virginia border for a delicious potluck.  It was such a beautiful day to enjoy home-cooked food and wonderful fellowship (and the view of the lake wasn't bad either)!

 Our gracious hosts with their house

Branon, Katy, Joy and Jill

Susan, Ryan's aunt Gail, Kathy, Ryan, Jason and Caitlin (clockwise from left)

Derek, Leiana and Jenelle

My plate complete with fruit, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, squash casserole, green beans, asparagus, a deviled egg and a roll!

Caitlin and Susan

The whole gang

Hopefully this will be the first of many trips  to Kerr lake this summer.  Jason and I can hardly wait for water skiing season to begin.  Now if only we had a boat or jet ski...maybe one day:)

Thanks Peter and Kathy for your generosity and hospitality!  What a great Easter!