Easter Easter day and the days preceding brought a plethora of questions from our littles. And no question is too silly or mocked.  We love the chance to unpack the good news Jesus brings to life. The boys know in their heads that "Jesus died for our sins and He rose again on the third day according to the scriptures" they have memorized it straight from the Bible but this year their hearts wanted more answers.

What if Jesus didn't raise from the dead?

Why did He have to rise?

Good stuff. Great questions.  So dad patiently listened and answered all their questions and I had the joy of overhearing in the hallway. I could hear the eyes of their hearts being opened to what was offered to them through Jesus death and resurrection. They wanted forgiveness and a relationship with Jesus.  I came in after I heard their little voices ask for forgiveness and with child like faith received Jesus gift of salvation.

SALVATION from a life without HOPE.

SALVATION from a life void of purpose.

SALVATION from a very real place called HELL.

Javea quickly asked if he would still keep sinning... my response "Does mommy still sin?" ummm YES. But we have the power not to, the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in you and me.  He smiled and laughed his minion like laugh. I so wish I could have videoed this moment but I pray no matter what accusations the "father of lies" sends their way that they will never forget.  These two brothers have always had quite the unique bond. One I would say is deeper than most siblings.  They survived together, at a very young age when most children are being cared for by loving parents, they grew a love forged out of the lack of love surrounding them.  As much as they compete and tattle they are lost without the other.  They are like Shrek and Donkey. Seriously. So how fitting that laying side by side in their beds they both became CHILDREN OF GOD or as Tay so rightly said "um MAN of God".  They have been welcomed into the LOVING, FAITHFUL, JUST, and GOOD arms of our Heavenly Father. Safe and secure forever IN HIM.  

So I shared with them the new "spiritual" name I have always seen in them. Understand we didn't change their birth names since everything else in life had been taken away and their given names held a part of their ethnicity as well. To Javea I gave the name "Peter"  it means "Rock or Stone". The apostle Peter in the New Testament was in my mind fearful at times and yet through the power of God he was fearless and became the very stone by which God would build His church. Vea has overcome much fear but the neglect of the past haunts him still. I pray he becomes confident in who he is IN Christ. Then fearlessly advances the Kingdom of God. And to our Teaundre O'Shaun I call you "Abraham" which means "Father of many nations" {even though Javea wanted you to be called Samson because of your strength}.  We have watched Tay move furniture at the age of 2 and his physical presence can move people quite easily BUT I pray he helps move hearts for the kingdom of God. That many people will see his faith and come to Christ. Tay stands tall among the crowd and I pray he leads masses to Jesus.

So I hear the question asked -- How was your Easter?  Well gotta say we celebrated NEW LIFE and no chocolate bunny can top that!