It's Sunday! Easter Sunday! The day we celebrate the most transformational event in history...  Jesus Christ rising from the dead.     If you think about it... there were no believers... no Christians on Good Friday. Sure, Jesus had plenty of followers up until that time... but then... most of them like Peter fled. In fact, after the crucifixion of Jesus... Peter and Jesus' other followers hid in secrecy.  They thought they would be next. But Jesus. Jesus did something totally mindblowing... After he conquered death and rose from the grave, he went to where his followers were … [Read more...]

  The people waved palm branches and chanted "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" as Jesus rode into Jerusalem... were they so desperate for change they forgot a part of the scriptures they knew so well?    Palm Sunday is a festive day in the Christian church. There's something wonderfully anticipatory about Palm Sunday because we know that in one week we'll celebrate Easter also called Resurrection Sunday. Children will often march through the church during services waving palm branches as the congregation sings, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of … [Read more...]

  Ideas and takeaway tips to help you set a pretty gold pastel Easter table or any table that's colorful and celebrative.      What is it about a few sunny days and their power to flood the soul with joy and inspire creativity? I didn't realize how much I NEEDED sunshine.  There is no doubt that Jesus is our source of JOY... but SUNSHINE after winter's heavy gray shroud hanging low and heavy for MONTHS really pushes up my joy meter.  Does it do that for you, too? I can't really say for sure... but as I was dreaming about my Easter table... and yes I DO do that... I just KNEW that … [Read more...]

  Make Easter dinner a SNAP! Serve up this No Bake! Deliciously Easy Lemony Bird's Nest Dessert.         Between church and dinner and the egg hunt, there's so much to prepare for on Easter Day. Make it easy on yourself and fun this year with this yummy Easter treat topped off with everybody's favorite... Peeps!  Plus, everything can be gathered and prepared in advance for easy serving. I can guarantee that your guests will LOVE this light springtime dessert. But the best part is that it makes life EASY for you on a super busy day. It's a double … [Read more...]

  He is risen! He is risen indeed!   I love this greeting exchanged by believers of the early church.  In our home, when we awake on Easter morning, those are the first words we exchange. It's a wonderful remembrance that Jesus came with a purpose and did exactly what he came to do and said he would do. It lifts our hearts, gives us hope, and reminds us that we can trust and believe our loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ.   But, what about those first followers of Jesus?   They walked and followed and listened to Jesus speak about this new kingdom he was preparing.  They heard … [Read more...]

  Years ago there was a comedy showing at the theater that was uproariously funny to most of the movie goers, yet I slid further and further down in my seat. All the hilarity and crazy antics were blanketed with impending doom. That was the day that I discovered that it doesn't matter what the situation is, light-hearted, funny, or dark... I have an issue with impending doom.     Maybe you relate.  I'm guessing that you have been in a spot where you were overwhelmed with dread.  You had to face something that you absolutely did not want to face. When we think about Jesus' last … [Read more...]

  One of my favorite things to do is to open my home to guests and serve them a delicious meal at a thoughtfully decorated table. It's an expression of my love and the creativity comes straight from my heart. Because I know everyone doesn't share my confidence, I can't wait to show you how to... Create an Elegant Easter Tablescape on a Small Budget. You really can be frugal and fabulous!   Everything I share is easy to do... I'm not one for time-consuming and complicated projects. If you peruse Pinterest you'll see some stunning tables with gorgeous centerpieces that take up every … [Read more...]

  Officially for me... it's NOW spring and Eastertime. Why do I say that? As I was looking out my treetop window on this cold misty gray morning a robin descended onto a branch and proceeded to begin the preening process.  It was such an ordinary spring sight... except that it's now past the middle of March and this is my FIRST robin sighting this year.  As the sun sinks into the horizon tonight, I'm going to listen for the robin's evensong. I cannot wait!  Truly it will be music to my ears.  There's something about hearing those evening trills.  Even for a few moments... peace descends upon my … [Read more...]

Something happened on Good Friday. I was preparing my Facebook posts for the An Extraordinary Day page... it wasn't something I wanted to do... I was just going through the motions... and then I found myself going from being detached... to totally desiring to speak and share Truth.  God's Truth.  Jesus' sacrifice. Something happened to my heart in the midst of writing and preparing those posts. Our church had a Good Friday service which we attended.  For several weeks I had struggled to join in the corporate singing.  But that night, I easily sang those songs.  I sang Truth.  And worshiped.  Really … [Read more...]

  I'm so excited to share this quick, easy, and so pretty Mason jar floral arrangement that is the perfect farmhouse style Easter centerpiece.  Seriously it's so simple you don't need a tutorial... but just for fun... I created one for you... because that's what I do.  I can't stop myself!!!     Here's how it all came together... Last year I was blessed to participate with a group of my blogging friends in a Mason jar blog hop for Mother's Day.  As part of the event, each of us received aqua blue, amethyst, green, and clear Ball pint jars.     I created … [Read more...]

  We were so impressed with all the bright and colorful ideas for spring and Easter at this week's link party.  These are just a few that caught our eye.  Be sure to check them out, pin them, and have fun getting your creativity on. Have a great weekend my friend! Colorful and Stylish Ideas for Celebrating Easter   Color Blocked Easter Eggs by Simply Designing Tissue Paper Spring Wreath by Ilkas Blog Pastel Easter Mantle Vignette by Pastels and Macarons Floral Crown Inspired Spring Wreath by Making it in the Mountains Carrot Grahams Easter Treat for Kids from About a Mom Roly-Poly … [Read more...]

  I woke up to a fresh coating of snow this morning.  After a gorgeous sunny day yesterday... well it's a damp blanket for the day... but I know spring and sunny skies are coming soon. Whatever your plans are for the weekend, I hope you take time to exercise your creativity.  I'll be giving it my best shot.  Because at our house we'll be working at getting over the flu.  Ugh!  It totally put me out of commission yesterday.  Hopefully, I can push through it today.  I'm praying for an extra measure of strength as I have several posts that are in the midst of being completed for the weekend and next … [Read more...]

  Put yourself in this story... The man whom you believed was going to liberate you from the tyranny of the Romans had just been cruelly tortured and hung on a tree to die. A few of your friends also truly believed that this man, Jesus, would rescue you. But instead, they are helping you take his dead body down from the cross to bury him in a borrowed tomb. All hope is lost. Not only was Jesus, your leader and friend, dead but surely this would turn to the worse considering all that transpired the last few days. You're consumed with hurt, grief, disappointment. To say you are devastated would … [Read more...]

  The One who spoke this world we know into existence.... He humbled Himself,     obedient to death—     a merciless death on the cross! Philippians 2:8 The Voice ...for you...and me. This perfect One... took that which was ours....every ugly sin and wrong thing we have ever done. So we wouldn't have to experience the punishment we deserve.   It's Friday....   Jesus' followers did not know, as they watched him die this cruel death on the cross at the hands of the Roman soldiers, that this was not the end. Sure...he told them they would see him … [Read more...]

  In many ways, Palm Sunday is a festive day in the Christian church. Children will often march through worship services waving palm branches as the congregations sings, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. There's something wonderfully anticipatory about Palm Sunday because we know that in one week we'll celebrate Easter or Resurrection Sunday. This morning as I was reading the biblical account of this event, I noted this verse in Luke 19:38 Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! comes from Psalm 118:26.  So of course, I had to read the whole chapter of … [Read more...]

  Recently I  did a little thrift and antique store hopping with my good friend.  We had so much fun. One thing Rochelle collects is vintage aluminum trays.  They're inexpensive, they don't take a lot of storage space, and they can be used for all sorts of things. Serving beverages? Grab a tray.  Serving appetizers? Use a tray.  Serving several kinds of ice cream for a sundae bar? A tray makes a great slop-proof surface. And then my favorite... using a tray to frame a moment (vignette).     After shopping with my friend, we went to her house and played.  Do you do that too?  She … [Read more...]

  Take your cues from Mother Nature and set a bird's nest themed Easter table with these simple ideas.     By now you all know that I'm a big time nature lover. I truly enjoy creating with the beauties of nature...like I did here and here and here. So when my friend enlisted my help in creating a tablescape for Easter I just had to add an extra touch or two from Mother Nature.   Creating A Bird's Nest Themed Easter Table This springy bird's nest themed Easter table all started when my friend picked up a variety of ceramic birds in white, yellow, and blue earlier this … [Read more...]