He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed.

This has been a truly fantastic Easter Weekend. I was really bummed that Jamie and I couldn't make it home to Oklahoma, but we have made such a fantastic family of friends here in Memphis who made up for it :) Love you guys!

Yesterday, Jamie and I ran some errands and did some hubby and wifey yard work together. How cute, huh? Then he went fishing with BJ and Phillip and I went shopping with Claire and Sarah. I was on a mission for an Easter dress (success at Target). Claire was on a mission for some gold chandelier earrings (fail). Sarah was on a mission for a tie for BJ (success at Steinmart). Then we all met up at Cici's for a classy meal of pizza.

The Classy Girls:

The Fishy Boys:

Easter Sunday

This morning, we all went to the 9:30 service at Bellevue, and I was really excited about it. I absolutely adore the way Brother Steve delivers the Message, and He sure brought it home today! He obviously preached on The Gospel, sharing about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was powerful. His main message was: "A Gospel-focused life is the only life worth living." He focused on 1 Corinthians 15, expressing the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection. Yes, I've heard that story countless times, but I think it get more and more powerful every single time. And it should. It should bring tears to my eyes thinking about His atoning sacrifice for all of our lives. It should make me tremble and get the shivers thinking about His power and holiness. The Gospel should leave me speechless and in awe of His love. The Gospel should also propel me on to share it with others. That is how powerful the Gospel is. If you don't know about it, please talk to someone. Talk to me. Talk to a preacher. Talk to someone who can guide you in His direction. It's the only way to live.

During worship, it started off with about 8 people. 3 singing and the rest playing instruments. Then, the curtains opened and the orchestra was playing and all of the choir members came walking out, filling the stage. Gosh, it was outstanding! It was powerful! It was beautiful! I cried. I got the chills. I was moved by the Holy Spirit. He was in the room. I could feel Him. I could feel His power and His love filling that giant church, and it was amazing. The choir then began singing "In Christ Alone" and I just wept. Please watch this video and listen to the words and embrace His unbelievable sacrifice, knowing His unconditional love for you. Remember Jesus' death--Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Remember Jesus' burial--God's exclamation point that He really did die. Remember Jesus' resurrection. He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Easter Sunday also means 2 other things: Easter pictures and Easter lunch!! Glory!!

My Easter Family this year:
My hubbers, me, Sarah, BJ, Claire, Phillip--I love you guys so much! I'm so glad you're a part of my Memphis family!

The Girls:
The Boys:
I love this man:
The Feast!!!

We all contributed to our Easter feast, and it was delicious! It's hard to compete with my family's cooking, but I think the three of us did a fine job :)

Spinach Salad made by Abby:
Smoked Sausage Purses made by Abby:
The Pioneer Woman Au Gratin Potatoes made by Abby:
Turkey Tenderloin made by Sarah:
Deviled Eggs made my Claire:
Sister Shuberts (or something like that) Rolls made by Claire:
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans made by Claire:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake made by Sarah:
Her pretty decorating:
The food coma happened shortly after our pig fest:

I spent the rest of the afternoon napping, relaxing and watching Glee. How perfect, right?! Now, I'm about to go on a walk, and Jamie just got home from fishing. All around fantastic day! I love my Memphis family. I love my church. I love my God. Thank you, Jesus for your atoning sacrifice for my sins! I love you so much!

Happy Easter!