Easter 2013

Our Easter celebrations were pretty laid back this year. We started with a party and egg hunt at J-Man's daycare last Thursday. Daddy J couldn't believe how much junk food the kids ate for their party. If only J-Man would eat like that with his meals, we possibly could get somewhere with his eating habits; and possibly run out of grocery money each month. J-Man does have a best bud at daycare. He clinged to him for the majority of the egg hunt and he didn't want to leave him behind when it was time to go in. They did have to count their eggs to make sure every one got the same amount. Not necessarily a rule that I agree with, but I guess you have to be fair. The only reason why I don't agree with it is because only J-Man's class was out egg hunting at the time (each age group goes alone), so it wasn't like they had 2 year olds hunting with the 4 and 5 year olds. However, I guess I understand why they have the rules - there were two boys that only got 4 or 5 each. J-Man didn't get the most though. I do believe his buddy was the winner until he wanted to give up a pink one to one of the girls.



The Saturday before Easter, we celebrated with our church. We had our annual egg hunt at the home of our children's minister. The kids went in the house to have an Easter message while the parents had the pleasure of "hiding" eggs. As I understand it, there were over 1100 eggs for around 25 kids, so each of them got a plenty! Oh, and each egg had candy in it. Whew! That's a lot of candy. After the egg hunt, we had a nice picnic lunch and had some time to just play outside. It was a beautiful day for egg hunting! 

The young man in the next several photos is J-Man's very best friend. The boys were actually born 11 days apart ("Best Bud B" is older) and they love to spend time together. J-Man had his first slumber party on his birthday this year with this little guy. They had a blast but both were asleep by 9!

Of course, last but not least, Easter morning. I bought J-Man a "big boy" outfit for Easter and he was so excited to put it on. It definitely makes it easier for dressing when he is compliant and wants to wear what I have picked out for him. He even helped me get himself dressed! We had a wonderful morning together. (Daddy J had to work so it was just me and the little man.) I made sure I took my camera to church so that I was able to get some pictures of him as well as his friends. Here are just a couple of the shots I got. I know I am partial, but isn't he so handsome?!?!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter and had some time to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Putting all the fun stuff aside, we were able to take some time to remember the true meaning of Easter and to praise God for sending his precious Son to die for us so that we could live eternally.

The Hard Questions

I know that technically Good Friday has passed, but I am still up (way later than I should be) so it is still Friday to me. I have taken some time to ponder the events of today and reflect on some not-so-easy-to-answer questions from J-Man. The questions may be easier to answer for an eight year old, but a four year old - a bit challenging.

Our church celebrated Good Friday today with a noon-time service and bag lunch. It was actually a joint service with two other churches in our area and I believe this is the third year we have done this. We celebrate with song, prayer, and a short challenge from a preacher from one of the three churches. A wonderful reflection of what price Jesus Christ paid for us. A time to remember and ponder the foundation of our faith.

On the way to the service, with the Easter cantata music playing, we drove by another church and J-Man pointed out the purple "robe" hanging on the cross. "Jesus' robe is on the cross, Mommy."

Further down the road and a bit closer to our church, there are blue ribbons on light poles, signs, and any other posts imaginable. There was a fallen officer's funeral around 6-9 months ago and the ribbons tracked the route taken from another church (where the funeral was) to the burial site. J-Man asked what the ribbons were for. Before I could really answer, he remembered that we had this conversation before and proceeded to tell me that he knew what they were for. They were for the police man. I told him he was correct. They were hung because the police man died.

"Is he in Heaven with Jesus?"

Ooooh. I don't know. After having conversations with my own dad about the officer (as he knew him personally), I am not sure that he is in heaven.

How do I tell this to a four year old?

How do I explain that not everyone makes the choice to go to heaven?

Do I avoid it all the way?

I don't want to lie to him.

I also don't want to judge or make a false statement about the man's faith.

I went with the "be honest" answer. "J-Man, I am really not sure if he is in heaven with Jesus or not. Remember, Mommy and Daddy have told you that Jesus is a gift to us?" He had a positive response. "There are some people who choose to accept Him as their gift and ask Him into their hearts. There are some that do not. When they do accept Him, they have the wonderful opportunity to go to heaven with Jesus when they die." "Those people who choose not to accept that gift, do not get to go to heaven."

Silence.

Was this silence good or bad? Even at this point, I am not sure. I am confident that he was just taking it all in. If he wanted to know more, he would have asked. Sometimes it is just good to answer the question and stop. I have learned to not add an extra two cents - it may be too much. 

When we sat down for service, a black cloth draped the cross in the church. J-Man noticed that it wasn't purple as the one down the road was and asked why. "The black 'robe' is in memory of Jesus dying on the cross for us. Today we celebrate His death." I know Sunday will present the question of why there is a white "robe", but I am so glad that I am able to let him know that our Christ arose from the dead.

We serve a living God. The ONLY living God!

"But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:5-6

Yes, these questions may be hard for me to totally answer for a four year old, but I am glad that there is a glorious outcome after my flesh passes away. I am glad God's promises were fulfilled through Jesus' death on the cross and through his resurrection. I am glad my God is living and breathing and with me every step of my day.

Thank you for the cross, Lord.
Thank you for the price You paid.
Bearing all my sin and shame,
In love You came,
And gave amazing grace.

Thank you for this love, Lord.
Thank you for the nail pierced hands.
Washed me in Your cleansing flow,
Now all I know,
Your forgiveness and embrace.

Worthy is the Lamb!
Seated on the throne.
Crown You now with many crowns,
You reign victorious!
High and lifted up,
Jesus Son of God,
The Darling of Heaven crucified,
Worthy is the Lamb.
Worthy is the Lamb.

Hillsong United

"Worthy is the Lamb"