Easter People

On Resurrection Sunday Pastor Mark challenged us to be "Easter People". We are supposed to be proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of JESUS' RESURRECTION! "He ain't there (in the tomb)!" We are challenged to stop dwelling on past hurts and what-ifs and move forward in the hope that Christ has made possible for us all through his death and resurrection. It was a pep talk and a very good one, at that.

I think it's pretty neat how God makes the earth come back to live each year, right around Easter time. Coincidence? I think not. Everywhere you look, there are signs of new life. Even on those cold, rainy days when you have to stay indoors...and your kids make up a play.

This year we were especially blessed to enjoy some warm, sunny weather outdoors for the annual Engelke Easter egg hunt. Here are the "single cousins" present (there are 31 total, some are married & some couldn't make it)!

Then it was down to Grandma & Grandpa's farm for a rousing softball game.

Girls vs. the boys! I love how the older girls were so patient and enthusiastic with their younger cousins.

Back home for the annual Skin (Egg) Coloring.

The Easter Bunny visited us OUTSIDE this year!

Even Mickey got a little treat.

Time to celebrate the REASON for the season...all slicked up for church!

After cooking a delicious meal, Great-Grandma Joan explained the directions for her "Easter gift hunt" (she hides little presents for the kids).

For the first time, we visited Mark's dad's family, too. Listening to Great-Grandma Boots play the guitar and sing was a real treat. It really capped off a beautiful Easter.

May we remember to celebrate each day as Easter, for that is what it is--a gift from God! Happy Easter!

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? Jesus is not here! He has risen!"--Luke 24:5