Here in Minnesota our governor has just extended our “lock down” til May (something new), and snow is predicted on Easter (something old).

It’s an understatement to say that this Easter will be different than any we’ve ever known. I was struck by this image from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which I have visited many times. It marks the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Jesus.

I’m reminded of this verse:

You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.

MATTHEW 16:18 MSG

Maybe having the trappings we have become accustomed to stripped away will help us to pay attention in a new way to the work of Jesus on the cross and in our lives!

Where will you be attending church online? Share in the comments!

As we carry on and look for the things Jesus wants to form in us during this time, I hope some of the following will make you smile or encourage you.

This warmed my heart.

And this…Instead of Boarding Up, Businesses Are Painting Their Storefronts With Uplifting Messages

I loved these ideas: 57 Things to Do With Friends When Social Distancing Beyond “Catching Up”, but 57 was a little overwhelming, so here are my favorites.

  1. Do a morning WFHOOTD (work from home outfit of the day) photo call-out in your group chat.
  2. Organize a remote game night; this spreadsheet has a bunch of good games for multiple players.
  3. Have a night where everyone utilizes the same ingredient (probably beans) or cooks the same recipe and then shares photos and/or eats together.
  4. Do a book club, or podcast club.
  5. Learn the same TikTok dances and show them to each other.
  6. And this one I’d add – memorize a passage of Scripture together.

You guys know that I love hanging out on Instagram because I try to follow and post images and stories that highlight beauty, goodness, and truth. Most mornings during the pandemic I’ve been posting a two minute devotional thought on my Instagram stories that I pray may encourage you.

Durning this time when we’re homebound (and even when we’re not!) I love to travel vicariously through the following Instagram feeds. I feel like I “live” on a farm in the mountains of Virginia and birth baby lambs with Sweckerfarm, and stroll the English countryside with Suddenjourneys! Both post delightful Instagram stories every day – highly recommend!

I’m awed by the beauty of God’s creation with earthpix and usinterior

Here’s the current stack of books I’m reading
but one of my go-to’s for recommendations is Anne Bogel – check out this post.

If you want an uplifting series that embodies honor, and integrity, I highly recommend The English Game on Netflix! It’s by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) and is about the creation of soccer in England in the late 1800’s and the clash of classes at the time.

I don’t know about you, but these days I’m doing more slow cooker stuff that I can also split and freeze. Tonight I’m trying this from my friend Tonja of Tonja’s Table!

Easter meals are going to be really weird this year, amiright?? Is anyone sharing a meal virtually with family??

This egg bake (sorry I don’t have a picture) is our favorite for holidays. You make it the night before. Although it may sound strange, the two keys to making this great are English Muffin bread (From Great Harvest if you can), and Velveeta cheese (yes, you read that right!)

Cheryl’s Egg Casserole

  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced
  • mushrooms sautéed (if you want)
  • 1 cup ham diced (I just ask them to cut one thick slice of ham in the deli and then I dice it, but you can use bacon if you want)
  • 15 eggs scrambled (yes, cook them)

Make a cheese sauce like this:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup (or more) Velveeta cheese added slowly in chunks to melt

Mix everything together and put it in a casserole. Refrigerate overnight.

Melt some butter and toss torn pieces of English Muffin bread with it. Cover the egg casserole with the bread crumbs and bake at 350 til bubbly.

Have a blessed, joyful Easter everyone and remember to share where you’re going to church in the comments!