Victoria Advocate, A Different Perspective
Our family Easter dinner in New Braunfels didn’t disappoint. We spontaneously decided on a Brazilian theme because of our son’s upcoming wedding to a native of that country.Never mind that Carolina wasn’t able to attend, still being in Brazil.
It was fun to try new recipes and make something different. My daughter sent a recipe for Brazilian salsa, so I made that. Phil said it tasted right, even if the texture was more like pico de gallo.Since it disappeared, I’m taking it as a win. I also tried a one-pot dish that instantly became a hit with all the menfolk. It was a rice casserole with sausage and pinto beans.I received pleas to make it again, not just for a holiday. We rounded it off with my daughter making kebobs, her husband contributed a marvelous charcuterie tray, and Dave baked cinnamon rolls. We grazed all afternoon.
Phil created a scavenger hunt for the five grandchildren, priming the pump with a slushy-run to Sonic if they found all the clues. There were lots of clues. My favorite conversation was with Annabelle when she asked if her cousin Emmitt would get a slushy too. In her mind, it was a legitimate question, since his participation was spotty.
Both Phil and I took turns explaining that, of course, Emmitt would get a slushy because it was a game. He shouldn’t be penalized because the game wasn’t his thing. And we both reiterated what Emmitt did or didn’t do wasn’t her business. Her very charming grin assured us she’d heard it before.
Our daughter’s latest acquisitions, chickens poking around the backyard, totally mesmerized the two visiting cousins. Our oldest grandson enjoyed holding the hens until his aunt asked if he’d been pooped on. Phil’s explanation of his sister’s endeavor went like this: “The HOA said no chickens. The city said four were permissible, so Nancy has nine.” Funny how even the best rule-followers will stretch the boundaries for a pet project. We were all entertained by Nan’s fuzzy chicken math.
Because Saturday was so jampacked, everyone was content with a peaceful Easter Sunday. We attended church service. Such a privilege to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection with other believers. It always makes me want to re-institute the Hebrew festivals. Our culture no longer revolves around holy days, the sole purpose of which is for people to remember God and His mighty acts. Probably why the world is in such a mess.
Monday rolled around all too soon with a funeral for a dear friend. Yet, as we gathered once more, my heart wasn’t sad for her, for Christians believe the end of our earthly passing is the beginning of eternity with our Lord. Yes, we suffer the loss of each individual who goes before us. It’s difficult, but so much easier than grief without hope. Lovin’ On Red, book two of my series releases next week on April 9th. It’s available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Wal-Mart.
Here’s what an early reader had to say about it: “Lovin’ on Red is an excellent novel with lots of page-turning action and dramaI loved reading about two hurting characters and watching them turn to God and each other. I can’t believe this is only your second novel! Can’t wait to read your third!”
In the meantime, our son is healing from knee surgery. Our daughter, her girls (and her chickens) thrive. Life continues, but the cry of my heart is that people, especially those I love, will recognize the power and the majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ and give themselves to Him without reservation.
Nothing is more important.