Monday, March 25, 2013

Celebrating Easter

At our house we love to talk about the Resurrection.  If you ask Fletcher if Jesus is still dead, he will start to laugh and joyfully shout, "No! He's alive!" Then he will proceed to sing My Jesus is Alive... it's so sweet! So you can imagine how excited we are that Easter, the holiday remembering Christ's conquering work over death, is upon us. Here are some of the ideas that we have in store to celebrate the week:

The Jesus Story Book Bible
Reading this book is a standard activity during our day. It is a superb way to teach children a cross-centered view of the Bible. Throughout this week we are going to read a story pertaining to the Holy Week, ending with Christ's resurrection!




Resurrection Easter Eggs
Each egg contains a tiny object lesson describing what Christ did for us through his suffering, death, and resurrection.


Resurrection Cookies 

(I'm REALLY excited about this one!)


3 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vinegar
pinch of salt
wooden spoon
Ziploc bag
Bible
Tape (Packing tape works best)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place pecans in Ziploc bag and let children beat them with the wooden spoon until broken into small pieces.  Read John 19:1-3 and remind them that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

2. Let each child smell (or taste) the vinegar.  Pour 1 tsp into the mixing bowl.  Read John 19:28-30 and explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar.  Eggs represent life. Read John 10:10-11 Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it, then brush it into the bowl.  Read Luke 23:27.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed Jesus' followers as well as the bitterness of our own sin.

5. Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because of His great love for us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him.  Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

6. Beat with mixer on high for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed  Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.  Explain that the color white represents the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

7. Fold in the broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper (or parchment). Read Matt. 27:57-60.  Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

8. Place the cookie sheet into the preheated oven.  Close the door and turn the oven OFF.  Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.  Read Matt 27:65-66.  Explained that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

9. Go to bed.  Read John 16:20 and 22.  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus' followers were very sad when the tomb was sealed.

10. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are empty!! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt 28:1-9. 
HE HAS RISEN!!!

He is risen indeed.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Naptime Blues

I have never met a mom who didn't love naptime, that glorious time of day when both children and parents get some much needed rest and rejuvenation. But there are some days when naps don't go so well, and the usual 2 hour session ends abruptly after 60 or even 45 minutes. I would love to tell you that when that happens at our house, I contentedly say, "God is good; we'll just try again tomorrow. Now I get to have the blessing of spending an extra hour with my children!" Sadly, I must tell you that my response is the very opposite. I get frustrated and discouraged, convinced that the rest of the day will be ruined. In other words, I get the "Naptime Blues."

I have asked myself many times why I struggle so much when naps are cut short. Part of the reason is that I know the benefits of sleep. If my children are well rested, they will stay healthier, learn better, and enjoy their day more. But if I dig deep into the depths of my heart, I know the ultimate reason is because I love "me." I feel that I deserve alone time, that I will be happier if I can just get a few hours to relax and unwind. And if I don't get what I need, I am robbed of my joy.

Elyse Fitzpatrick defines idolatry as "the thoughts, desires, longings, and expectations that we worship in the place of the true God. Idols cause us to ignore the true God in search of what we think we need."  My children's 2 hour nap (and a reprieve for mommy) is a good, beneficial thing. But if that time doesn't go the way I'd like and I respond in anger or selfishness, I have made naptime my idol. I have believed the lie that alone time and my children's health will bring me happiness rather than the God who is the fullness of joy. I have ignored the true God who is in control of all things (even how long my kids sleep) while sinfully searching for what I think I and my family deserve.

So when I am tempted with the "Naptime Blues," I shouldn't balk at the sovereignty of God or find comfort in lesser joys. Instead, I try to meditate on this passage of Scripture:

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
My soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."
~Psalm 63:1-4


Friday, March 15, 2013

Life After Kids

If you are in need of a good laugh, I hope that you are as tickled by this as I am!
Happy Weekend!





Tuesday, March 12, 2013

A Prayer for My Children

"Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him, for He is your life and length of days."
Deuteronomy 30:19a-20b