Do you know what these are? Sure you do...and can you believe Easter is just a week away?!

Yesterday was our Church's time for Bingo at the nursing home. We always like to throw in some sort of party for ANY occasion we can possibly find but we didn't have to think too hard beings Easter is on it's way! The Jolly Elders made up 40 Easter baskets with sugar free candy bars, a bag of Easter cookies, stuffed bunny rabbits and 3 plastic eggs with a quarter in each one.

We had 25 residents come join us. When we first started, a few yrs. ago, we would have 10 to 12 at the most. We have now anywhere from 20 to 25! We also provide a snack for them, with the help of some of our Church folks, and yesterday was no different. Libby provided us with beautiful Easter cupcakes she had made for the occasion, and others provided sandwhich's, chips, cookies and drink. The plates set everything off with their pretty yellow color.

Oh, and by the way, that is NOT the Easter bunny...it's Ms. Delo wearing her rabbit ears. Some of us wore them to add a little more to the party. After giving them their snack we presented them with their Easter baskets. Normally we just give the bingo winners a prize but this time they ALL got a prize!

My heart was filled with joy to see them love on their bunnies, shake their eggs and to hear something in them...in their eyes you can see the light of Christ shining back at you. Their smiles are like children.

Mrs. Sarah played some songs on the piano as they went through the baskets and finished their snack. As they began to leave they were so thankful and held on to their baskets as they headed back to their room. Some we were able to push their wheelchairs for them as they held their basket, and others said they could get it...... and they did...Very creative Mr. Bass! Don't you just love them?!

If you don't have a clue of what I'm talking about...you are missing out on one of life's best kept secrets! The nursing home residents are still our family, friends, former community leaders, former barbers, beauticians, Church members and I could go on and on. Just because they need help in their physical living doesn't mean they don't need anyone to share in their spiritual life! On the contrary, they need to have the uplifting fellowship of fellow Christians to keep their fire burning, whether it be in reading to them, singing, playing the piano, visiting, or just pass through and leave a hug and a smile....it will make a weak heart strong once again....for you and them!

Reach out to others just as Christ reaches out to us when we are in need...

GOD BLESS YOU!