Happy Resurrection Day!

What a wonderful weekend! Since we were scheduled to work in the nursery this Sunday, we got to attend a special worship service last night for those serving this morning. We went to dinner with the Hollands and then enjoyed the full service planned for today in a small group. Afterwards, we stayed up way past the little girls' bedtime at the reception. They didn't seem to mind being out until 9:30 and thoroughly enjoyed the food and the attention they received.

This morning, we worked in the nursery and then headed home for lunch with the Connells and the Binders. This was our token family picture (possibly the first since Christmas!).

We had a yummy lunch of turkey and steaks, macaroni and cheese, roasted asparagus, strawberry pretzel salad, and rolls plus beautiful Easter cakes made by Becky.

Vivien chilled with the boys for a little bit until joining the grown-up table.

The big girls sat at the white table and had very deep conversations.

Last night, we ended the service with this hymn. It is one of my favorites to sing at Easter. I told Dennis that I want this sung at my funeral and I want it sung to Paul Lee's guitar jam remix! :)

Jesus lives, and so shall I.
Death! thy sting is gone forever!
He who deigned for me to die,
Lives, the bands of death to sever.
He shall raise me from the dust:
Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, and reigns supreme,
And, his kingdom still remaining,
I shall also be with him,
Ever living, ever reigning.
God has promised: be it must:
Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, and by his grace,
Vict'ry o'er my passions giving,
I will cleanse my heart and ways,
Ever to his glory living.
Me he raises from the dust.
Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, I know full well
Nought from him my heart can sever,
Life nor death nor powers of hell,
Joy nor grief, hence forth forever.
None of all his saints is lost;
Jesus is my Hope and Trust.

Jesus lives, and death is now
But my entrance into glory.
Courage, then, my soul, for thou
Hast a crown of life before thee;
Thou shalt find thy hopes were just;
Jesus is the Christian's Trust.