He has Risen! And a little family history...

Easter is a lot of fun with a 5 year old.  There are Easter baskets, lots of colorful eggs, and tons of candy.  This year, we tried to downplay that a bit (okay, we didn't down play it too much!) and really focus on the real meaning of Easter.  That Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead.

We went to Easter service on Saturday night, and Mase chose to sit with us instead of going to his Sunday school class.  I must admit, at first I was a little disappointed, as I always feel he may be a distraction in church.  But, then, I look over and see Richard lifting him up and Mase clapping his hands to the music and my heart instantly flutters.  Seeing Mase worship, being held by Richard, is a great thing!  Plus, I must say, he was extremely well behaved during the entire service.  He must have knew the Easter bunny was watching.

Mase, age 5

Val, also shared a story of Easter when she was a little girl:

I woke up as I do every Easter thinking about going to sunrise service as a little girl.  It was always at my granny Baker's and Papa Baker's.  We called him Papa Gummy, not sure why?  Granny and Papa lived out on a 35 acre farm on Spring River, in a beautiful, old, 3 porch house.  There was a big red barn, a round, white, chicken house which we got to collect eggs with Granny there.  I really remember there were lots of spring flowers everywhere.  I know my granny must have planted all those tulips and spring flower bulbs at some point, but at the time, I thought they just all appeared.  Out in the field were 3 crosses.  And that's where the whole Quapaw Christian Church came for sunrise service.  It was usually a little cool out, but really magical as we saw the sun peering through the trees, rising in beautiful colors as the preacher told us the story of Jesus.  After that, all the men of the church cooked a big breakfast outside in iron skillets on a campfire: eggs, bacon, ham and of course Granny headed up the homemade biscuits and gravy and fried potatoes.  I can still smell the breakfast cooking.  And Granny and Pap with their gracious hearts serving their family and community.  What a great memory!

I love the way she still has this memory every Easter and I wanted to put it into writing, so that it stays in the family.

May we all celebrate because He has Risen!

Only 5 Years Old and Already Has It Figured Out

I took Mason with me to vote (2016 Primary). 

As we were leaving I tried to explain that we are very lucky we get to help choose our leaders, because not everyone gets that right. 

His response: "Mom, know who I want my leader to be?  God."

I left with tears streaming down my face.  I'm not sure I've ever been more proud.  

Getting Our Camp On

Some friends of our are avid campers.  So when they mentioned that they were going camping, I jumped at the chance... Even though the last time Richard and I went camping together 1. We were married, but not to each other and 2. If I remember correctly, he forgot the poles to his tent.  Needless to say, we were out of our element.  But, in the spirit of adventure, we decided to go.  And we loved it!  Mase loved playing with his friends and we enjoyed some drinks and good conversation around the camp fire.  Can't wait to go again!

Richard, Julie and Mason Moss
Josh, Brooke, Tyson and Liam McKay
Chris, Mary, Conner and Charlie Boyles

Only 5 and Already Has It Figured Out

I took Mason with me to vote (2016 Primary). 

As we were leaving I tried to explain that we are very lucky we get to help choose our leaders, because not everyone gets that right. 

His response: "Mom, know who I want my leader to be?  God."

I left with tears streaming down my face.  I'm not sure I've ever been more proud.

Baller!

Our church, Osage Hills, hosted Upward basketball this year.  It's focus is on both sports and learning about Christ.  We decided to make it a family affair, so Richard and I signed up to coach.  Mase loved that his Daddy coached the team.

It was an incredible experience to see these young kids grow in both their basketball skills and with their sportsmanship.  We had all kinds of ability levels on our team and on several occasions, I choked back tears seeing these 5 and 6 year olds work together to make sure everyone on the team could score a basket.  

During one of our devotions early on in the season, I posed the question "What does it mean to be Christlike?"  Our sweet Mason blurted out "it means that our friends are more important than basketball."  Proud mom moment!  

Mason, age 5

Bringing the ball down the court.  

Richard is trying to teach the rules of basketball.  The kids are asking what is for snack.