blessed beyond measure

The boys counted down to their Florida trip with Giga and Poppop with more enthusiasm than they ever count down to Christmas or school ending. And aside from a few attitude issues that are sure as the sunrise, they all seemed to have a great time. Swimming in the warm pool and chilly ocean, a marathon of bike riding, and quality time with grandparents is their happy place for sure.

"Boys, go outside. I don't care what you do, just do something so I can take pictures of it." This, of course, followed by eye roll and legs turned suddenly spaghetti-like. Which is how they often stumble upon actual fun. I sure have missed my camera. A best-of-seven rock-paper-scissors tournament for who decides what to play. This one is to be blown up into a poster and framed, so says Trey. He's the statue of liberty. In case you couldn't tell. Mercy are they ever handsome. Home. Love. Blessed.

April 19. His other birthday. Sweet, curious Aden thought visibly deeper about Easter and its meaning this year. His prayers repeating gratitude for Jesus taking the punishment that should have been his. Last week's kids church sermon did him in, and he told us it was time for him to belong to the Savior. And for the second time in four weeks, our family joined the angels in their rejoicing. What has followed has been infectious smiles and telling everyone who would listen, "I accepted Christ!" How we praise, praise the Lord. For grace and redemption. For Aden, now born twice. He is new . If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

You came for criminals and every Pharisee You came for hypocrites, even one like me You carried sin and shame, the guilt of every man The weight of all I've done nailed into Your hands Oh, Your amazing grace, I've seen and tasted it It's running through my veins, I can't escape its grip In You my soul is safe, You cover everything Oh, Your love bled for me Oh, Your blood in crimson streams Oh, Your death is Hell's defeat A cross meant to kill is my victory

We celebrate Easter differently than many people. For the ninth year straight, we have spent months upon months preparing for and are now all up in the middle of the Easter drama at our church. Brandon handles microphones, music, and sound. I handle, well, just lots of stuff, and mostly do the jobs no one else wants to do. The preparation is, at times, a pain. Keeping it real, y'all. But once we get to performance time and the huge, humbling experience of sharing the story of Jesus with over a thousand members of the community and beyond, God takes over. And it never fails to be amazing and real. To stop being a burden and become a blessing that helps define our lives. To knit a hundred of our church members family-tight, serving as the body of Christ. To remind us of what Easter is and what Jesus did and that the grace given on that hill so long ago is enough to make you dizzy with unworthiness. It's different. And I wouldn't trade it for the world. It means m...