Jesus is on the loose!

Easter Sunday came and went and I didn't post a single photo on here? I know you're just dying to know that we went to church and ate food like a lot of other Americans. I won't keep it from you any longer. We went to church AND we ate, folks. Riveting.

It was a good day, though. Full of worship, thankfulness, friends. After church we went over to a friend's house to eat. They had a lovely meal planned for us with the table set and everything! We felt right at home and were happy to spend Easter with Army family if we couldn't be with our own (I know, you're beginning to think that I don't really know her. I swear we hang out weekly- we just never document it. Bad little bloggers! I've known her in real life for well over a year now, yet I don't think a single photo exists of the two of us together).

Although, there were no Easter egg hunts (my fav!), there was tons of candy (also my fav.). And wouldn't you know it? Little man got a visit from the Easter bunny. He racked up!

I always miss my family on holidays, but I'm so grateful that technology allows me frequent glimpses into their worlds. I got several photos that day from my little nephews and niece and more from my Mom and her clan. Aren't they beauties?

I sure do miss them. I haven't seen them since Christmas so I'm really looking forward to getting to this weekend! I don't want to talk about that, though. I'm still uneasy about leaving my sweet boy.

Anyway, I'll bring my Easter post to a close with another awkward moment brought to you by Mrs. K:

As we were leaving church, a line formed as it usually does so that the church goers can shake hands with the pastor(s) and tell him what a good sermon it was. Well, you must know by now that I can say some pretty ridiculous things when caught off guard. I spoke with the main pastor first and told him happily, "Happy Easter!" What I didn't see was that his dad, a pastor before he retired, was standing close by. As I approached, he smiled at me, grabbed my hands, and enthusiastically said, "He is risen!"

What did I say?

"Thank you."

REALLY?

Not "He has risen indeed!" or "Hallelujah" or as my husband smoothly said, "Isn't that great news?" Nope...

"Hiya, Mr. Preacherman. I kindly thank you for the fact that Jesus Christ has risen."

I might as well have said that. That's what I probably sounded like. Oh well, at least Christians are understanding folks. I can think of a whole host of other things that could've come out that would have been a lot worse.

Next time I hope I shout back, "Jesus is on the loose! Glory be!"

Easter Blessings

Music sounds from the sanctuary in a big welcoming noise inviting all those who enter to praise God. Warm "hello"s and genuine "how are you"s escape the lips of everyone we pass. The sanctuary is filled to the brim with people in all walks of life. On stage, there's a black man with a silk shirt on playing his heart out on the sax. There's the skinny white kid with the guitar and the band tshirt. There's a middle aged lady swaying back and forth on her feet, hands held high, in complete awe of the Lord. There are people all around me who all have their own journey. Some found Christ when they were ten years old on their first youth trip with the church and others found Him when they realized cocaine was just not working for them anymore. Every Christian has a story. Here's mine:

In short, I'm a failure. But if you want to delve in deeper in my walk then I encourage you to read on.

I was "saved" when I was a little girl in church. I went to the Pastor's office, talked to him, and voila! I'm a Christian. No, that didn't really work for me. I believed in God. I believed that He sent His son to die for me, but at that point in my life it was still just a story. It was like a history lesson is to many young girls- it's accepted as true, but applicable? Nope.

I remember taking a trip to God's Mountain, a camp retreat nestled in the backwoods of Tennessee. It was there that I felt God truly speak to me, clearly for the first time in my life. I was a few years older at this point and the story of Jesus Christ began to sink in- I needed Him and he wanted me. What other King cares so deeply for his followers?

Since that day, I've fallen in and out of a close relationship with my Savior. Why is that? It goes back to what I was saying earlier. I'm a failure. I know I am because I see it every day. I fail to worship fully. I fail to share Christ with others. I set horrible examples. I forget how incredible His sacrifice was/is and I fail to let it immerse my whole lifestyle. I fail yet He forgives me each time. So as I walked into the church today with the man I was blessed enough to get to spend my entire life with and looked around at all of God's people, I was confused why someone wouldn't want to be a part of it. I've found something that will bring me through any obstacle I may be forced to overcome and I'll never be alone. Never. As a Christian, I'm humbled in the fact that God pardons me. Undeserving, little ole me.

As you may have guessed, I had a wonderful Easter holiday. I woke up to an Easter egg hunt/scavenger hunt game that my husband had designed for me to lead me to a surprise basket of many of my favorite things! Chocolate, jewelry, and kind words from my other half--What more could a girl ask for?

 

Drifter even got a tasty Prime Rib to enjoy today. Look at him patiently waiting to devour it. Such a good boy when there's motivation around!



Afterwards, we had coffee and bagels and settled in for a Skype date with my family back home. It sure felt good to see everyone. Cousins, grandparents, a church friend, my aunt, and my mom all crowded around the webcam to visit with Jordan and me. It was almost as if we were right there with them. Until, of course, they showed me that it was a gorgeous East Tennessee day and the pool was already open!

After our chat, we hustled out the door to attend church. Tonight we're going to cook dinner together and enjoy the rest of this long weekend. I just wanted to write and say how blessed I feel today-

Love,
Mrs. K

Home Sweet Home

Last year at Easter I was spending time with my family, going to church, and enjoying some tasty Southern food. I remember one family event in particular in which my computer was glued to my hip because my favorite soldier was still deployed to Iraq and chatting online was our primary means of communication. I was having a late lunch at my Nanny's when that alien-like Skype ring sounded from the speakers of my computer into the conversations of all those around. Everyone turned to see what was making the alarming noise, but not me, I jumped into action to catch the video chat with Captain J. Unfortunately, I had very little service in the house so in order to get to talk, I had to go outside. I remember it vividly--it was a beautiful spring day. I didn't mind having to go outside. Anyway, I swooped my computer into my arms and took off to talk to my man. I was so glad I would get to see him on Easter Sunday. Knowing that my guy was safe and sound was a gift from God. We chatted and laughed and reconnected awhile, but I started to lose service so I wanted to get closer to the main road where my car was parked in hopes of not loosing our Skype call. There I was in a dress and heels running down a grassy hill near a creek with computer in hand and webcam powered on when my shoe sunk into the grass and I plopped tummy first onto the ground. Embarrassed, I brushed myself off and looked up to the window of the house to see if anyone witnessed that moment. Sure enough, most of them were watching. Oh well, ya can't say I wasn't devoted! I regained service coverage and finished up our conversation with a goofy smile on my face and a little dirt on my new Easter threads, but lots of hope for spending the next Easter holiday with my man.

And here we are! It's hard to believe it's been a full year since then. Life passes so quickly! I know I'll miss my loved ones back home on Sunday, but I'm happy to be with my husband, too. Now, I look forward to the day when we can all be together. We don't have plans this year to celebrate except, of course, attending a church service. Perhaps we'll color some Easter eggs or maybe we'll take Drifter on the puppy egg hunt going on in town. Who knows? But the real reason for Easter won't escape my mind. I'll continue to be amazed at how God blessed me when he sent his Son to suffer on the cross only to rise from the dead and live in me again so that I may have eternal life. I won't dismiss how he blesses me even still today--For this year, my soldier is home. Home Sweet Home.

(P.S.- To those of you I fooled on facebook, I'm somewhat sorry! I thought changing my birthday would be a funny April Fools joke, but then I saw everyones sweet wishes and I felt bad. haha This is why I'm not a trickster :) )