easter

I so badly wanted to describe our day today. So, I thought, why not start a blog like the rest of my friends? It will also be a good way to post a few pictures of our family for those of you who do not see us regularly.

Today, was Easter. We had it on our heart to have a neighborhood egg hunt. Actually we have had it on our heart for a few years. God has given us such a burning desire to be salt and light in our neighborhood. What better way than inviting kids to an egg hunt? We started early this AM at 7:00 meeting with a group of Jesus followers. In my mind, I think it must have looked like the upper room where the disciples of Jesus met after his death. What a joy it was to read the word, sing hymns, pray and listen to the translating of our English words into Spanish (we had a non English speaking guest). Then our time of communion, which was so sweet and rich. We had great discussion over a huge breakfast together as we shared our personal stories of how Jesus pursued us. Everyone had something to offer to make our time a potluck of sweet fellowship. It was good. The morning flew. We then hit the streets and joined our neighbors to begin a cookout for the neighborhood. Hungry mouths started arriving as the sweet fellowship which had been inside our house, flowed out to the street. The conversations I happened upon between believers and non believers were rich and full of life. The children were running through our cul-de-sac looking for treasures and the adults visited with each other searching for treasures of the heart. What difference did today make to the church, to the kingdom, to God? It seemed so small and insignificant. Yet, in faith we believe that as we do to the least of these, we do for Him. The little boy I have never met before who won a special treat from the blessing box will not soon forget that experience. The little ones running through the water sprinkler in today’s record heat will not soon forget. The adults on the street may or may not forget the warmth of the day, but surely will remember the warmth of the hearts connecting in our gathering. It was a monumental day for us. It was the day we envisioned almost 2 years ago, when God called us out of our pew and onto the streets. Yes, it was a little uncomfortable without the climate controlled building, sitting on blankets rather than padded pews. Would I trade where God placed me today? Never. I can honestly say there is no where I would have rather been today than on the cul-de-sac of Ashton Court. He is risen indeed!