Can’t Miss Easter 2015 in RVA
Posted: Monday, March 9, 2015 Filed under: 2k15 | Tags: candy, easter, Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt 2 Comments
Last year, we started a new tradition. We call it Drive-by Joy, where we drive around with the Easter Bunny spreading Easter Joy! This takes an OBSCENE amount of candy! But, sooo worth it! We are grateful for the many people who supported us with gas money and candy! And I have already received the first 2 bags of candy yesterday! WOO HOO! Stocking Up!
Check out 2014 here>> Drive-by Joy and Choosing Love
For 5 years we have held an Easter Party including an Egg Hunt, Resurrection StoryTime, Games and more! We love it! Invitation is below.
You can catch the past few years here…
2012 – Easter – Acts 2 Style
2013 – Candy, Bunny and Eggs…Oh My!
2014 – This. Here.
Hope to see some of my old friends and meet some new ones, too!
Drive-by Joy
Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Filed under: 2k14 | Tags: candy, chic fil a, drive-by, Easter Bunny, friends, generosity, joy, mechanicsville, Regional Memorial Hospital 1 CommentLouis and I are SOOOO grateful for your love and support! The candy drops and the financial support has been nothing short of AHHHHHmazing. Thank you. (In case you have missed what we are doing, check out these 2 links… Easter Fun! and Choosing Love)
Louis made it out on his first Drive-by Joy with me over the weekend. I think he was a little hesitant at first. But, now, he has a new BFF.
You see generosity and giving come more naturally to me. I love to give! But, it didn’t take Louis long to join in on the Joy Bombing of North Ave, Brookland Park Boulevard, Chamberlayne, Meadowbridge – on our way to visit one friend who just got out of the hospital and new friend who in Regional Memorial Hospital for the last few weeks. We were able to Joy Bomb some folks in the hospital parking lot, which was AWWWWESOME!
Yes, I was relegated to the back seat of the car, as the Easter Bunny had to sit up front! But, the best yet…was going through the Mechanicsville ChicFilA drive thru, where we Joy Bombed the employees! But, pulling out of the drive-thru we spotted the Dugai’s in the parking lot!!! As we drove by, the kids were saying to their parents… “Hey….there’s the Easter Bunny!!!”. Carrie asked “What color car is it?” “Red”, they responded. They quickly stopped to greet us with huge hugs! What a treat! Guess who wanted to be the Bunny???
Due to the recent rain and chilly weather, I’ve missed a couple of days. Can’t wait to get back out there. Who wants to go with me???
This. Here.
Posted: Sunday, April 13, 2014 Filed under: 2k14 | Tags: easter, Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt, friends, Jesus, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights 1 CommentWhat a terrific day for an Easter Egg Hunt!
WHY, you ask?
This. Here.
Sun Shining! Birds chirping! Kids laughing! Candy! Cupcakes! Friends! Games! Bunny!
WOO! HOO!
We started the morning by playing a game similar to an old school Cake Walk, while we waited for everyone to arrive. Old friends and new streamed in throughout the morning. It’s always so good to see old friends and make new ones on days like this. LOVE IT!
Photo Cred: Rachel Loughlin
Shortly after the Easter Bunny arrived, we had a photo shoot on the front porch. People typically keep the photos digitally these days, right? I still like my old school prints, and I have learned that the kids LOVE to have their own photos. So, we will now print out pictures for the kids to have their own photos.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a good shot of everyone??? 🙂
After sitting still for so long, the kids were ready to go on an Egg Hunt!
Once all the eggs were found or at least we think so anyway (Bella will probably find one in the next week.), we paused to hear the Good News story of Easter, as told through Resurrection Eggs. Cherie and Ashley did an OUTSTANDING job!
And a party just wouldn’t be the same without the sweet treats…cupcakes, donuts, lemonade!
Louis and I so appreciate the donations that allow us to be able to do this. For the pictures, the candy, the prizes, cupcakes, donuts and more! For the folks that pitched in to help…we thank you…IMMENSELY. We are grateful for the quiet time of chillin’ with sweet friends afterwards. Although we don’t see them often, we thank God for the gift of our spiritual family and friends. And time to relax and catch up…picking up where we left off last…although the baby is now a toddler who walks, talks, climbs and giggles.
If you wonder why we celebrate Easter…Resurrection Day, it’s not because of the yummy chocolate candy, the good food or even the good fellowship.
We love to celebrate Easter with old friends and new.
Why, you ask?
This. Here.
We were created by a loving God to be in relationship with Him.
But we sinned and cut ourselves off from Him.
In His great love,
God became man in Jesus,
who lived a perfect life,
and died on the cross.
He rose again from the dead.
He calls us to trust in Him alone. If we trust in Christ,
we live a new life
and have renewed our relationship with God again.
This is why we celebrate Easter…
because Jesus lives.
Choosing Love
Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2014 Filed under: 2k14 | Tags: acts of kindness, driveby, Easter Bunny, joy, Richmond, RVA, Southern Tip of Highland Park 1 CommentLast week we came up with the idea that we would do some drive-by joy instead of the drive-by shootings that have happened in our community quite a bit lately. You can read about that adventure and more here >> Easter Fun! Thanks for responding!!! You totally answered our plea! Exceeded our expectations! And WOW…are we sooo grateful! Thank you for your generous investment in our ministry and lives!!! You are the BEST friends EVER!
The Easter Bunny and a few neighborhood kids, and I toured the Northside yesterday afternoon…Southern Barton Heights, the Southern Tip of Highland Park, Brookland Park Boulevard, and parts of Battery Park. We greeted people with “Happy Easter!” while giving out candy and smiles to all we saw along the way. We even caused a small traffic jam a couple of times too. OOPS! What a blast!!!
We were greeted with joy, laughter, and smiles. Photos were taken. Fun was had. Candy given out and eaten. We stopped to treat a guy who was walking down Dove Street. He was filled with joy unspeakable. I wish I had gotten his name…knew who he was. But, we gave him joy in the form of candy, and he said “One good turn deserves another. Let me see what I might have to give you.” He presented us with a selection of rings to choose from. These are the ones we chose. His parting words were… “God bless you. Pay it forward!” And…we are. God bless you, too….new friend. God bless you, too.
Ya know, as I pause to look at the picture… to really reflect on my life. As I reflect on this picture…of one White/Caucasian hand among 3 Black/AfricanAmerican hands. I think about all the hate that’s out there. A lot of fear. But, as we approach Easter in another week, I am really reflecting on the cross. Jesus chose to LOVE when he chose to relocate from heaven to earth. He chose love when He died on that cross for our sins.
When I reflected on that picture, I realize that I chose my ring well yesterday..because I chose LOVE on my ring, and I want to choose to LOVE in my life. I really want to choose LOVE every minute of every day. Sometimes, it’s so much easier to hate….with my words, my thoughts and my actions. But, one that I know is that LOVE is a choice. And I want to choose LOVE at all times.
John 3:16-17 (NLT)
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
Side note: Let us know if you want to join us on one of our drive-bys! Happy to have the company!
Candy, Bunny and Eggs…Oh My!
Posted: Saturday, March 30, 2013 Filed under: 2k13 | Tags: barton heights, Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt, missional, Resurrection Eggs, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, spring snowstorm 1 Comment
photo cred: Rachel Loughlin
What a FUN morning in Southern Barton Heights! After we postponed the Easter Party due to the early spring snowstorm last Sunday, today was a beautiful day for a community Easter Egg Hunt!!! I am so grateful to our friends and families who donated candy and prizes! And to our friends who helped stuff a gazillion eggs with candy and other goodies, who ensured that the Easter Bunny arrived safe and sound :), who took pictures and “laid” eggs!
After playing a game and the Easter Egg Hunt, Louis told the story of the last few days of Jesus’s life (from Palm Sunday through the Empty Tomb) through the use of Resurrection Eggs. The kids were super attentive and helped Louis tell the story.
All of this was followed by yummy cupcakes and lemonade! Louis and I so enjoyed meeting our neighbors and seeing old friends! What a blast!!
It’s not just fun and games at this time of year, because it’s not about the bunny! Yesterday we remembered the Cross. Tomorrow, we remember the Empty Tomb. Today and for days to come, we live knowing that because of the Cross and the Empty Tomb, we are reconciled to our Maker after sin separated us. That’s the story! That’s worth remembering!
PS – Hope kids…we missed you and can’t wait for you to come hang out again!
(remaining photo creds: Miranda Pheifer)
Easter Party 2013 – NEW DATE & TIME!!
Posted: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Filed under: 2k13 | Tags: Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt, Hope Church, Southern Barton Heights, West End Assembly of God Comments Off on Easter Party 2013 – NEW DATE & TIME!!3/27 UPDATE: Due to the snowy weather, we postponed the Easter Party until Saturday, March 30th from 10am – 12noon. Here is the updated information! Hope you can come!
You are invited to our annual Easter Party and Easter Egg Hunt! Be sure to come back here and check out any changes we might need to make in regards to weather. It has been reported that the Easter Bunny will make a guest appearance! So, bring your camera!
Thanks to neighbors, friends and family who have donated time, candy, cupcakes, prizes and other goodies. Special thanks to West End Assembly of God who made travel arrangements for the Easter Bunny and Hope Church Youth for continuing to love and support the SBH kids. Can’t wait til Camp Splash 2013!
POSTPONED: Happy Easter 2013!
Posted: Saturday, March 23, 2013 Filed under: 2k13 | Tags: Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt, Hope Church, Southern Barton Heights, West End Assembly of God Comments Off on POSTPONED: Happy Easter 2013!Due to the impending inclement weather, we are postponing the Easter Party until Saturday, March 30th from 10a – 12noon. And know that the Easter Bunny will be here regardless! 🙂
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You are invited to our annual Easter Party and Easter Egg Hunt! Be sure to come back here and check out any changes we might need to make in regards to weather. It has been reported that the Easter Bunny will make a guest appearance! So, bring your camera!
Thanks to neighbors, friends and family who have donated time, candy, cupcakes, prizes and other goodies. Special thanks to West End Assembly of God who made travel arrangements for the Easter Bunny and Hope Church Youth for continuing to love and support the SBH kids. Can’t wait til Camp Splash 2013!
Happy Easter 2013!
Posted: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 Filed under: 2k13 | Tags: Easter Bunny, easter egg hunt, Hope Church, Southern Barton Heights, West End Assembly of God Comments Off on Happy Easter 2013!3/23 UPDATE: Due to the impending inclement weather, we are postponing the Easter Party until Saturday, March 30th from 10a – 12noon. And know that the Easter Bunny will be here regardless! 🙂
You are invited to our annual Easter Party and Easter Egg Hunt! Be sure to come back here and check out any changes we might need to make in regards to weather. It has been reported that the Easter Bunny will make a guest appearance! So, bring your camera!
Thanks to neighbors, friends and family who have donated time, candy, cupcakes, prizes and other goodies. Special thanks to West End Assembly of God who made travel arrangements for the Easter Bunny and Hope Church Youth for continuing to love and support the SBH kids. Can’t wait til Camp Splash 2013!
Miss Marti's House 