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This is the first Easter we have not gone to church, or to another religiously affiliated event.

Ever.

For the past couple of months we have been worshipping together, as a family, at home. And no, that is not code for not going to church and replacing it with nothing. We really do. Worship. Together. As a family. At home.

During the week leading up to the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, we read through the scriptures together, beginning with Palm Sunday - and ending with the Ascension following Jesus' days on earth after his resurrection. We spoke regularly about what was happening in the days prior to the crucifixion - how Jesus may have been feeling, what his disciples might have been going through, what Jesus was doing to prepare himself and them, and what his resurrection would ultimately mean. It was a very sweet, tender time for Bob and I to delve deeply into scripture with our children. They were so eager, responsive, willing to take it in, to think about the events surrounding the time we know as Easter Sunday. They were truly special days.

I have not idea what other people should be doing or what it is that draws them near to Him. All I know is this: For me, there has never been a year that I have felt more connected to what exactly it is we were rejoicing over last Sunday.

There are many factors that played a role in our decision to worship at home during this season rather than attend church services. I have spoken to enough people to know this is a highly controversial subject. I really do understand that this issue is a huge stumbling block to some and there are folks who could not imagine devoted followers of Christ living apart from (at least) weekly church services. I get that. Given a different upbringing or general personality, I could definitely see myself feeling the same way. But, I was given neither that kind of upbringing nor personality, so I have absolutely no problem with worshipping at home.☺

I can not express how much God has used this time for great good in my heart, my mind, my life, and my family. We have been heavily in prayer, in our Bibles, and in praise through music. He has restored broken pieces that I feared were lost forever. Parts of myself that I thought I may never see again, are budding anew. I have found Him here. For that, I offer my thanks, my praise.

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Below are the 4 oldest kids singing and signing In Christ Alone on Easter for the family. (They also recited the entire chapter of Psalm 103, showing off their big, smart brains and hard work since January. My heart! I was so proud of my little whippersnappers.)

I thought the song would be so completely familiar to everyone watching. It wasn't. Apparently, every person has not run out to buy a copy of it immediately following the first moment it fell upon their ears causing immense joy to erupt from deep within. {Shock!} I hold the humble opinion that this tune should be in every Christ follower's repertoire to belt out anytime they need an every day ordinary reminder of the extraordinary price paid on our behalf. I *may* get all kinds of choked up during that one (glorious!) part causing moisture to involuntarily leak from under my eyelids. Even more so now that I know sign language to accompany the words. So, as I dab the corners of my eyes I say, "don't mind me, I must have something in my eye."
It's just a little happiness falling out....