Easter story ideas

So, I need some help.  I am responsible for the story at our church Easter egg hunt next weekend.  I want to find something that has some visual aids and will capture the attention of the children.  It can't be too long since we will have some pretty young kids there.  I have seen the Resurrection Egg lesson, and right now, that's what I'm leaning toward.  But, I am still looking for other ideas! 

Thankful

I have so many things to be thankful for in life, but today I am especially thankful for weekends!  I get to spend a weekend with no major plans and a house full of kids.  There is not much better in life than the sounds of laughter and giggles from happy girls.  I love that my girls love to be at home and are comfortable inviting their friends over.  I'm thankful for happy, healthy girls and a fabulous husband.  Despite life's trials, life is good.

As I was having a test run yesterday at the clinic in Texarkana, the technician (Brandi) and I were talking.  She was super sweet, and I felt like I had known her for years.  We started talking about keeping life in perspective.  She recently lost her grandfather and has really struggled with that loss.  But, she said that as she starts to feel really down, she is often reminded that there are certainly those in worse situations in life.  We all know people or know OF people who are in dire need of healing and prayers.  That reminder was good for me.  I was a little anxious about that test and some other circumstances in my life, but I was reminded that I have so many things to be thankful for....family, friends, health, food, clothing, shelter, and so many more. 

So, today I choose to thank the Lord for weekends full of little girls :)  Now THAT makes my heart sing!

Trials

First off.....yesterdays oncology appointment went fine.  He never has the blood test results when I see him, so he always says he'll call if there is a problem.  So, no news is good news. 

Anna's knee is healing well.  She gets her stitches out this Friday, and she is so ready.  She wants to get on the trampoline!

The Children's Choir sang in church Sunday night, and they blessed my heart.  I love to see them praising the Lord, and they do it with such confidence.  They don't seem to doubt like we adults do from time to time. 

Here is my issue for the day (pretty sad that I seem to have a new "issue" each day)!  I have a dear friend who is facing some trials in her life right now.  She is a very private person, so I will not divulge any details to respect her privacy.  But, I have found myself really struggling alongside her.  I KNOW that God has a plan for her life.  I find myself, however, begging God to make that plan the one that would be most comfortable for all of us.  Some of the possibilities she is facing are not good at all, and that breaks my heart. I want her to be ok.  No, I NEED her to be ok.  I know that is selfish, because that is thinking of what "I" need.  I want to be able to reassure her that things will be ok, but I don't have that knowledge or confidence.  This situation is not one that I can fix or make better for her.  All I can do is pray. While I know that is the most powerful thing that I can do, it leaves me feeling pretty powerless for some reason today.

As I sit here writing, a song is playing in my mind.  The song reminds me of a time in high school when life was not so great for my family.  A man named Benny Johnson in LR would come to our church from time to time and would sing this.  It soothed my soul back then, and it still does to this day.  When this song plays in my mind, I hear Benny singing it :)

So, I will leave you with the words to "His Eye is on the Sparrow".  God loves my friend, her family, and me as if we were the tiniest sparrow.  He has a PERFECT plan!

Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for Heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
A constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches over me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches (I know he watches)
(I know he watches me)

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me (He watches me)
He watches me (I know he watches me)

"Let not your heart be troubled,"
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me.