Rise Up! Easter 2012

 Happy Easter, y'all! He is Risen! He is Alive!

This weekend was definitely jam packed, but so awesome!

 Our church had a Good Friday service on Friday night. It was so good and reminded us of what Easter is really all about, which is that Jesus died for us ALL and three days later, He rose again!!!

Saturday morning, Russell and I had choir practice for the Easter service this morning. It went really well. I was SO glad to see one of the sweetest girls I know, Carly!

 Carly is one of the most joyful, caring girls I know. She is adorable! She sings beautifully and has a strong heart for the Lord! Love you, Carly girl!

My friend, Janet Pate, from our church, has ovarian cancer. She is just a precious lady and wonderful woman of God. So many people just love sweet Janet. In honor of her, a bunch of girls participated in "Hats for Easter".

 I was so glad to get a quick picture with her! (Thanks for letting me borrow the hat, Mandy!) Funny thing is, I don't own any hats. I think it's because I am pretty picky about which one just MAYBE would look decent on me. HAHA! I didn't care which hat I wore, but I wanted to participate and let Janet know I love her and I'm praying for her!

Sidenote: I think I like the "Kentucky Derby" style hats more than any. :)

SO MANY people showed up to get a picture with Janet!

 Wow! What fun and how special it was to do that!

 I love my sweet friends! Me with Rhyanne, Baby Eden, Mandy, and Adrienne! Love them!

It was soon time for the second service at church, and since Russell and I are both in choir, we sang in both services. So after the "hat fun", I rushed to the choir loft for the 10:30 service.

Oh my word. Easter was TRULY reflected in the service this morning!! The youth sang along with a live pop video to a song sung by Maegan Kufahl, called Rise Up. It was so great! We sang "Blessed Assurance", "Jesus is the Lord," "Jesus Never Fails", and two of my faves, "Your Great Name" and "Unto the Lamb." Twenty-six decisions were made during the services. It truly was amazing!!

I have a special place in my heart for youth and college girls. Just because it can be such a busy, stressful, yet fun and exciting time in their lives. Therefore, I have gotten to know girls like Carly Sorey and this Carlie!

 Carlie is also a precious girl and oh so sweet! She plays the flute just beautifully and has such a heart for the Lord! Love you, Carlie!

Yesterday, I worked on cooking....and cooking! HA! But It was so worth it for this special Easter day! :)

 I made Breakfast Bread Pudding (it's savory, not sweet), for our choir's brunch in between the services. Yummy!

After church, we headed to Amy and Tony's house to continue celebrating Easter.

 I made Spinach Casserole....a.k.a. heaven in a dish! Let me know if y'all want the recipe!

 Also made Cheddar Scallion Popovers

 The table was decorated beautifully! You can never go wrong with fresh Spring flowers! So sweet!

 Also loved the bunnies on Amy's baby grand piano!

 Pretty!!!

 Look at this little honey bunny, Leighann Grace!

 I made New York cheesecake for dessert.

 Amy, Leighann, and me!

 It was such a thrill to see Leighann hunt for Easter eggs this afternoon. She got so excited!

 Eggs are in her basket! I think she found a lot of them!

 Russell had fun blowing bubbles with Leighann too!

 What fun!

Me and my sweetie on our seventh Easter together! I love him!

I hope y'all had a blessed Easter.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6