The more I learn about God, the more I stand in awe. The more I am humbled at my finite self. As Easter is about to be celebrated this Sunday, I am even more amazed at God's plan of redemption and the beautiful symbolism that orchestrates it all.

How it starts with the Passover celebration and how Jesus makes his entry in to the city and the people shout hosanna to the Son of David (Matthew 21). How the lamb is chosen for the sacrifice. How the Passover commemorates the time of the Israelites leaving Egypt and their slavery behind and going in to a new place of freedom. How we are able to have freedom and a new life because of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. When God writes a story, there is nothing like it.

 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

With Penny getting older and more capable of understanding the true hope of Easter, we have been more mindful about the traditions that we instill. Last year, I wanted to find something that would be fun for her to do but meaningful, as well and came across this little example of how to put together resurrection eggs.

I went on a little scavenger hunt around the house searching for everything, which did not take too long but still had to hand write the inserts. This year, I wanted to make it a little neater and include the scriptures on the cards to make it a little easier and flow better. So, I whipped up this little printable based off of the resurrection eggs, though I simplified and changed some of verses so they would fit to the card (and I do not use facial sponges, so I used a q-tip instead). 

And a quick tip on numbering: I had written the numbers on the eggs with sharpie but it hardly lasted through dinner, so this year I used the paint Sharpie to write them with hopes of them lasting through.

Before eating Easter dinner, we took an egg and went around the table reading the story. It was really fun and interactive, as well as a great way to keep Jesus as the focus. Penny followed along and helped open the eggs. It would be fun to do as an egg hunt, too and then go through them accordingly. Whatever floats your boat.

Praying that as you celebrate Easter that your eyes would be opened to new aspects of the story despite how many times you have heard it in the past. Praying that you would see the beauty in the cross and the love that poured out and know just how much you are loved. Praying that you would seek to celebrate with traditions that glorify God and focus on Jesus, not the bunny, whatever that maybe for you.

And here is the two page printable. Click to download. 

Here's to a risen Savior and one amazing story. 

Each year our church does a People Hunt, in lieu of an East Egg Hunt, which entails children going in search of church members, all of whom are armed with some sort of gift or candy. This is will be my first year, so I am not sure exactly what to expect but it sounds like fun and children are always entertaining. The trickiest part so far has been trying to figure out what to arm myself with, besides the usual chocolate bunny. While rummaging through Google in search of the perfect Easter treat that does not account for too much sugar, yet still meaningful, I stumbled on the family online website. If you are looking for a way to teach your children about Easter, I would definitely check out it out.

The site boasts a recipe for cookies that takes you through the resurrection of Christ, with the intentions of making them with children the night before Easter. How cool is that? Obviously, I cannot take random children to my house and bake with them but I still wanted to incorporate this idea of telling the resurrection through cookies, which lead me to designing this little printable. Like the site suggests, it states the ingredients of the cookies with its correlation to Easter, all in a pretty little to go package.

Here is my abridged version of the ingredient meanings:

Nuts, Beaten like Jesus by the Roman soldiers, John 19:1-3

Vinegar, Jesus’ final drink, John 19:28-30

Egg whites, Pure like Jesus without sin, 2 Corinthians 5:21

Salt: Tears shed by Jesus’ followers, Luke 23:27

Sugar: Sweetest part of the story: Jesus DIED because he LOVES us! John 3:16

Go ahead, take a bite. Missing something? (The cookie has a hollow center, so fun!) Surprise! Jesus’ followers were, too! The tomb was empty! Jesus is alive! Matthew 28:1-9

To find the recipe and complete instructions, click here. I have not yet made these cookies, as I do still have a FEW days before Easter, so hopefully they will turn out yummy.

To download packaging, click here. There is 1/4" on each side to cut and 1/2" from the top. They measure 4" X 2" once folded in half. To get an idea of using the packaging, click here. 

HAPPY EASTER!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16