Happy Easter

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease 
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied 
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain 
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

We sang this song in church this morning.  I love words, and I think this is a powerful statement that beautifully describes Easter and the hope we have as Christians.  We also sang the chorus of "Because He Lives," which is Bennett's favorite song.  Except, he likes me to sing all three verses.

Texas weekend

What I learned in 2012

A daddy is very special.

At first, he's bigger and stronger than you can imagine.

He teaches you how to work

and how to play.

and you sort of glow in the knowledge that he thinks you are something really special.

Daddies delight in your successes 

and your joys.

And someday, you get to give back to him, even though it never seems like enough.

I learned some other things this year too.

A family is a very special gift.

There's still nothing quite like a good story, especially if it is shared.

Even a grandma is a mama first.  Hold the grandson but then you want to know if your daughter is ok.

Some things just get better with age.

Grapes on the stairs is a great tradition.

 Laughter is good medicine

and music is good for the soul.

The most pleasure is often found in simple things.

A sister is a great gift

and should never be taken for granted.

If you're too timid, you might miss some really great times.

Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers.  They're always there."  

I want to be one of them!

There is obviously no limit to cute.

Sometimes, cool runs in the family.

Even dogs deserve a vacation.

God delights in the unexpected

An unexpected sight is fun.

Papa's unexpected walk was exciting that day.

Getting to the top of that hill feels great!

Brotherly love is sweet.

Sweet memories are a pleasant thing.

and it's fun to create new ones.

 Almost everything is better when shared.

There’s no need to be afraid if you know who’s going to catch you.

Community is important.

Mamas are happy to see their daughters happy.

It is still fun to meet deer on early morning bike rides and runs.

Making something beautiful is worth some time and effort.

I love bike riding with this guy!

There is definitely a runner's high, though I've never felt it!

Sometimes, a nap is just what is needed.

Some things never change.

There really is grace in the valley!

It is very hard to say good bye.