It is Not Brain Surgery!: Easter Weekend Joy: "I'm so happy"

It's taken me two days to write this blog post. I didn't want to leave anything out and yet I know as soon as I post this, I'll think of something else I want to say. Oh well, such is life :) So without further ado, here's a little recap of my Easter weekend.

Maundy Thursday was awesome. My work friend, Debbie came to the service which made it even more special to me. We got to partake in the Lord's Supper - Jesus' body and blood. There's nothing more precious. Here's a picture of the bulletin:

Do you see anything different in this picture as opposed to other Lord's Supper paintings/pictures? Your answer should be yes :) My dad pointed out to the congregation that you'll notice Judas is pictured, but he's the only one that does not have a halo. I thought it was neat.

Good Friday was an overcast day here in Knoxville- how very appropriate! Our Good Friday service is very solemn and somber as we remember the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, but at the same time it's magical. It's one of the most precious, meaningful services we have and has a very, very profound effect on me each and every year. Here's the sanctuary decorated for the occasion:

Speaking of magical, one of the most awesome things occurred this year after the service. As the congregation was leaving, the sky outside transformed into a stunning scene in which God and only God could have planned and painted for the ending of Good Friday:

The picture doesn't even do it justice. It was in one word: spectacular!

Saturday was the annual Easter Passion Play and egg hunt for the kids at church. It was a blast as usual and huge kuddos again go out to Jeff and Amy S. - the "brains" behind the whole shabang.

I know there are others too numerous to count that all made Saturday happen and if you are one them and reading this, a HUGE thank you goes out to you as well. I had the honor of helping with the crafts. Here's the craft we did:

In my humble opinion the absolute best part of the Easter Fest at church is the Passion Play:

Hosanna, in the highest! (And, yes, that is a real donkey!)

The Lord's Supper

The walk to Golgatha

The crucifixion

Jesus appears to Mary

Our resurrected Lord!!

Easter Sunday was a glorious day filled with celebration!!! We celebrate that the grave is EMPTY and JESUS LIVES!!

My God reigns! Sin, death and the devil have been defeated and my God reigns. Hallelujah!

My Aunt Sue, Uncle Vince, Katie, Stuart and Steven before Easter Sunday Services

Mom and I before Easter Sunday Services (the senior pastor offered to take this picture of us - wasn't that nice of him?! It's almost like he is family or something! -Haha)

Dad preached a great sermon, but I have to admit, I think all his sermons are great :)

Steven, myself, Mom and Dad after Easter Sunday Service

I must say we all left church feeling happy. We got to hear the Word of God, were forgiven of our sins, got to sing some absolutely wonderful songs (thanks, John, Carrie and the entire worship team) and even dance. Yes- dance - thanks to a little song called "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. You may of heard of it :) Dad referenced the song in his sermon and let's just say we couldn't let him be the only one that got to dance!! Who said Lutherans can't have fun in their worship services?! We sure did and I couldn't have thought of a better Sunday to dance around and praise the One who gave us life, then on the day we celebrate our resurrected Lord. It's definitely a Sunday I won't soon forget.

After church, Easter Sunday was spent with family. There's no better way.

The Family minus Stanton and Aubrey