But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. (‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭1-9‬ NLT)

Easter is about more than bunnies, eggs, and food. While our culture has made light of the most incredible day in history, it is a celebration of unparalleled grace and mercy…of God’s incredible power to raise people from the dead and to forgive our sins. It is a day of such joy for those who love and follow Jesus, because without this day, we would not have the hope of eternal life. We do not deserve this amazing and precious gift, but He gives it freely to those who follow Him.

It is this hope that gets Brennan and me through each day – before Tori got sick, but especially now. Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross paid our debts and opened the gates of Heaven for those who follow Him. We could not have done this for ourselves, so Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice. He died and then rose again on the third day – Easter. His resurrection was an incredible display of God’s power and reminds us that He is MORE than able to heal our baby girl.

Easter also gives us the hope of eternity with Tori, even if she goes before us. Another Krabbe family reminded me this week that our time on earth with Tori is a mere fraction of the time that will be spent with her in Heaven. Our earthly lives are so short in comparison with eternity! Does that mean we won’t grieve? Of course not. But it does make things a little easier knowing that she will be in the best possible hands and that we will see her relatively soon if that is what the future holds.

We are so thankful for all that Jesus did for us. He is risen!

Once and for all
The Father’s love
He is the light in the darkness
Who took on flesh
And took our place
The weight of the world on His shoulders
The weight of the world on His shoulders

We believe our God is Jesus
We believe that He is Lord
We believe that He has saved us
From sin and death
Once and for all

Once and for all
Our debt is paid
There on the cross it is finished
The Lamb of God for us was slain
Up from the grave He is risen
Up from the grave He is risen

Jesus, Jesus
God from God
Light from Light
You are our salvation
Jesus, Jesus
God from God
Light from Light
Your kingdom is forever

— “Once and For All” by Chris Tomlin

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I have never cared about fashion, coordinating with Brennan, etc. I still really don’t care. But, for some reason, what we wore on Easter mattered so much to me this year. We grew up wearing new dresses/outfits on Easter to symbolize the new life that we have been given through Jesus’ sacrifice, but I haven’t bought a new dress in years. So, I think the thought that this could be our only Easter with Tori made me want to make it as memorable as possible in even the little ways like this.

So, when the outfits I had bought for us came in the mail and mine didn’t fit, I was so disappointed. I really don’t like shopping, so the fact that I went to TEN stores to try to find a dress for myself that matched what we already bought Brennan and Tori was really something. 🙂 But, I finally found a dress that went well with what they were going to wear, thanks to the help of Brennan’s cousin Sarah.

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We had a fantastic day, starting with church. Our church is such a blessing and the Word of God is faithfully   preached; they have become like family to us and we are so thankful!

    

After church, we went to Brennan’s cousin’s home to celebrate with his family. As always, it was a wonderful time.                      
  

Tori did so well and napped next to me on the couch for about an hour! Then she was intrigued by the patterns on the pillows for quite a while. She did so well today despite the volume levels. 🙂 Brennan’s family is fun and can be loud when they all get together 🙂    

We finished the day by relaxing together at home and opening all the mail for Tori from the P.O. Box! We share the P.O. Box with our friends and they are so kind to check it for us every week.  We are so amazed at how many people love our Tori and are praying for her! All of the cards mean so much to us! We have been trying to display them all but we’re running out of room, so we’re having to put them in a basket now. 🙂 It’s a great problem to have!

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Jesus is alive, He is risen, and He has defeated death. What an amazing reason to celebrate today! Thank you, Jesus!