Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was incredibly sweet and full of family and fun times. 

We were off of work for Good Friday and we spent the morning dyeing eggs at my parent's house with Ann Hatten and Bennett. James and Luke were going to come but, were a bit under the weather that morning. But, we made the best of it and still had fun!

Annie girl was definitely in to the egg dyeing this year! She enjoyed dropping them in the cup and seeing them change colors. 

Not only does Bennett have the best "cheese" but, I can't with Chessy's photo bomb behind him.

Such a cute expression with him really taking it in and dyeing them for the first time. 

After a sweet Good Friday Communion service at the church, we called it a day. 

That Sunday morning we had our Easter Sunday church service and then had family lunch at Aaron & Blair's house. 

We had to get a picture to send to their Mama while she was working.

And at lunch, I finally got to see these little cutie pies! 

The greatest part about Easter weekend is the hope that comes with it. Praise God that Jesus came for us, died for us, and rose for us. "He is not here for He has risen!" 

Luke's Baptism 3/6

 A few weeks ago we had the sweetest Sunday morning for Luke's baptism. 

It is always the sweetest seeing Dad get to baptize his grandchildren. Luke makes for his fourth grandchild baptism and it never gets old seeing this special moment take place. 

I think he was excited to get in his baptismal gown that Mimi made. It's such a special gown made with some of Mom's tatting from her family line. 

The Jussely family, ready for the big morning!

So, Aaron & Blair were talking about if James would come on the stage with them or not so when it got close to time, Aaron had him come to the front row with them and the following is what happened.

He wanted some solo time and while he didn't make it to the stage with the family--he gave us the funniest, best laugh that I've had in a while. That little mischievous face!

Someone didn't want to be in the picture...at first!

Ann Hatten LOVES some "Baby Luke". I mean, every time she's around him she wants to hold him, kiss him, talk to him, so, so cute. 

Praise The Lord for His faithfulness from generation to generation. 

We are praying that there’s never a day sweet Luke doesn’t know the vast and deep love The Lord has for him and pray that Luke will seek Him all the days of his life!

25 Years at LPC for Papa Steve

Sunday, June 2, 1996.

25 years ago. 

I was 6 years old and was going to start the 1st grade that August.

25 years ago, my Dad preached his first sermon at Lakeland Presbyterian Church. 

Little did we know what sweetness and joy was ahead for us as it relates to Lakeland Presbyterian Church and just how much this church family would mean to our (now expanded) family. 

My siblings and I grew up going to Sunday School under the teaching of Mr. John High. Walking around after church to find Mr. Lonnie to snag a peppermint--red or green? Many summers spent at VBS, first attending and then volunteering. So many trips to RYM both as youth and as a chaperone. Countless Wednesday night fellowship meals. Dinners on the church grounds. Weddings, baby showers, funerals, and much more. We've seen this church and this body of believers grow like wildfire and it has been a true joy. We've seen the building itself grow with a family life center and the most recent educational building addition. 

This church holds so much our family's lives and is at the core of so many wonderful memories.

The church where I was married, Mary Claire was married, and Aaron was married--all weddings that my Dad officiated. My niece and nephews were baptized by their Grando in a gown that their Mimi handmade with the help of another church member. Lakeland has been a constant thread that has woven throughout our lives for 25 years now and it is something that is incredibly special and has been a trust treasure here on earth.

The Lord has been so faithful and so good and we are incredibly thankful. 

What a multitude of blessings our family has received through The Lord's provision of this church and church family. What a joy and a privilege it has been growing up listening to my Dad preach The truths of the gospel. Thankful today, and everyday for God's goodness and faithfulness. The Lord has ABUNDANTLY blessed our family through this church and all that He has done through this "little white church" on the corner of Lakeland Drive.  

Our church family was so thoughtful and pulled off the best surprise for Papa Steve. They had Dr. Ralph Davis come and preach (one of Dad's favorite pastors), a surprise BBQ luncheon afterwards, cards from friends and family, and invited out of town best friends and family to come. It was incredibly sweet and our family is so, so thankful to each person that played a part in making it such a special day. We love you all so much and love being a part of Lakeland Presbyterian Church!

"For the Lord is good;

    his steadfast love endures forever,

    and his faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 100:5