dancing in the minefields: He is risen INDEED!

I had such a lovely Easter weekend (wish Jordan was with me, too)! My closest girlfriends from my childhood and moms and two other special friends threw a bridal shower for me. I got to have lunch with some close girlfriends (and husband of one of them). Pressley had his first play date with Calli's shihtzu Charlie, and he was on his best behavior. After the shower, the Wilkinsons had all of the families over for a grill out and Easter egg hunt. I missed the egg dying party because my family lives an hour and a half away from my hometown so we had to travel back.

For me, Easter means so much more than fun egg hunts and dying eggs. It means more than baskets full of candy or cute bunny rabbits. It is a reminder and celebration of a perfect Savior. Jesus Christ who knew no sin became MY sin on the cross. He endured the most brutal of deaths so that I may know the Father and have communion with Him. His work was finished on the Cross, and now I can sing and serve a Savior who loves me enough to die for me.

"Lifted up was He to die;

'It is finished!' was His cry;

Now in Heav'n exalted high.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!"

"How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mark the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer.

But this I know with all my heart,

His wounds have paid my ransom."

All of the hostesses with Mom and me. These are my best girlfriends, their moms, and 2 other very very special friends to my mom and me.

Laura, Calli, me, Jessica, and Noelle (we're missing Rebecca because she lives so far away!)

The 6 of us have been friends since the very beginning. I've known Laura the least amount of time, and I have known her since I was 6. I can honestly say that each of these girls has had a profound impact on the person I am today. They have seen me at my best and worst and are still my biggest encouragers and cheerleaders.