Handsome's heritage is based on passionate preaching. Beautiful, strict adherence to the gospel and sincere wonderment at the prophecies that led up to Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. They have used the same tall cross wrapped in white satin for years. They also fill the church with white flowers which are always sent home for in-laws, friends, and far flung loved ones.
Did you notice the satin and flowers? Our lives before marriage are filled with uncanny connections like this. And for the handful of dogma differences between the faiths, both of our incredible families in their own ways lay out delicious feasts and shower the kids in candy, egg hunts, frills, and love.
In our marriage, then, we have learned to do a lot of blending, and Easter-time is when these hybrid practices are most evident. I like to roll out the Jewish remembrances and Old Testament stuff, which he tolerates with a smile. And he really, really, really loves his chocolate Easter bunnies. Like, so much you guys.
Anyway, this Easter without the kiddos we are not dyeing eggs or filling baskets with fluffy pretty things. I think we'll light a big bonfire here at the farm and cross our fingers that some of the chicken eggs hatch. Some of them are due, after all, and we do tend to get baby chicks ever year on Easter Sunday! One of our roosters named Peep was hatched two Easters ago. I am certain he has sired many chicks by now.
Sunday we will be at church and then with both of our big beautiful families, taking pictures of nieces and nephews, filling up on ham and sugar and love. In the mean time I am so happy to dig through old photos and memories and share a few glimpses of Easter Past...
"Then ye shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover,
who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt
when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses.
And the people bowed the head and worshiped."
~Exodus 12:27
If springtime is when the earth reawakens, then Easter is when my spirit does. No doubt about it, witnessing so much spontaneous life all around us grows more amazing every year. If seeds can sprout just by sitting on top of damp soil, untended and unwept, then surely Love can spark in even the dimmest relationships. Surely healing can be delivered to withering bodies. Love is what makes this happen, and it is the most powerful force of all. When something is promised to you, however unlikely it seems, trust it. When you have heard that whisper that everything is gonna be alright, then stop railing against the circumstances and just be ready for it.
"And behold, there was a great earthquake:
for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
and came and rolled back
the STONE from the door, and sat upon it."
~Matthew 28:2
Happy girl in white lace gloves at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a big cousins egg hunt! 2006 She has downright infectious laughter and can squeeze the air out you with one of her famous hugs! |
They wore their dresses and bonnets all day long! |
Here is my gorgeous little sister Ang with her baby and my little buddy Kenz. The baby goats were a handful, but they did not lack for attention that Easter! |
So maybe your Easter traditions are steeped in faith and ceremony. Or maybe they are lovely pastel shades of chocolate and Pagan (wink-wink, rib-rib, totally kidding). Better yet, maybe your customs are a perfectly American blend of the two. However you celebrate this weekend, the Lazy W wishes you and yours lots of love, lots of joy, and lots of deep refreshment. The best kind, the kind that lasts and lasts.
"But whosoever drinketh of the water
that I shall give him shall never thirst;
but the water that I shall give him
shall be in him a WELL
of water springing up into everlasting life."
~John 4:14
that I shall give him shall never thirst;
but the water that I shall give him
shall be in him a WELL
of water springing up into everlasting life."
~John 4:14
Celebrating New Life is Good.
Believing in Impossible Miracles is Better.
Happy Easter You Guys!
xoxoxo
I love this. I am so glad you came over- this blesses me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! : ) And I check in on your site a lot, love to watch it build up. Have a wonderful holiday weekend, and keep enjoying this weather!
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful traditions, Marie. Hope you have a wonderful, blessed day tomorrow.
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Thank you Heather! We have had some last minute changes now (LOL) but I know it will be beautiful still. Hope yours is too!! xoxo
DeleteBeautiful memories.. Thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeannie! Happy Easter to you guys...xoxo
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful post, Marie!
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