An Easter idea for the neighbors

A few weeks ago, I had this idea for Easter. It’s normal to “do something for the neighbors” at Christmas. Not that I ever actually have. But we’ve been thinking the last few years about how for the believer, Christ’s resurrection is our biggest celebration of the year. The greatest moment to exalt in. Anyways, I thought, we should “do something for the neighbors” and maybe write them a card or note explaining why celebrating Christ’s resurrection on Easter means so much to us.

So fast forward to about two days ago and I think we’ve got a plan!

There are little kids in every apartment near us, so we’re going to give them this book.

More Than a Story
More Than a Story

More Than a Story, Easter book

More Than a Story, Easter children's book

The illustrations are beautiful and the words have a beautiful rhythm. It outlines some of the fantastic miracles throughout the Bible and then gives the defense that if Christ had the power to rise from the dead, that all of that is possible. It’s a wonderful presentation of the gospel, of the authority of Scripture, and of God’s revealing Himself to mankind.

Not to mention our girls love it, and we love reading it to them, too! (In fact, I think the idea came while reading it to them)

And then for fun, we’re going to try to make these fun treats!

source
source

I should probably make some practice ones. = )

It’s a simple start, but it’s something. I know it’s a little late in the game to post about this, but maybe it could start some ideas of how you could use this season to spread the glory of Christ.

Looking forward to celebrating!!

“If I Be Lifted Up…” an Easter sermon from Dr. Doug Bookman

Have you ever wondered Christ had to die on a cross? Or did he have to die on a cross?

Why the crucifixion?

I know at different points in my life I’ve asked all these questions and more.

The Easter sermon we heard last year, dealing with this exact topic, had an impact on me that lasted all year long.

I am planning on listening to it again in preparation for Easter Sunday, and I would love it if you would, too.

If I Be Lifted Up…

by Dr. Doug Bookman, (one of Paul’s favorite professors!)

Celebration Preparation

I want the girls to understand that Easter is our biggest celebration day of the year. It will take awhile (probably years) to figure out how to make this happen completely, but for now, we’re going to do what we can.

It struck me on Sunday that I should probably take this whole week to prepare/celebrate. Last minute plans and efforts make for stressful situations and divided hearts.

So I decided to do what I could, with a week.

I’ve looked at Easter crafts and lessons online and am largely unsatisfied with what I’ve found. The typical resurrection eggs, cookies, wreaths made out of eggs, and bunnies just don’t appeal to me. They might have a place later on, but for now, I want the girls to be really sure that we’re celebrating Jesus, specifically his victory over death.

Here’s how our first craft attempt went:

The girls have been begging me to paint forever; I found some paper and drew a picture of a cave with the stone door rolled off to the side and wrote at the top “Alleluia!” I figured they could paint it however they wanted. It was an in-the-moment idea, but it ended up pretty well.

We were not planning on Gracie joining us. I inwardly groaned when I heard her waking up, but she turned out to be a happy addition. (At first she said that she didn’t want to paint because she was scared. I told her she could just sit with me and… it didn’t take her long to dive in. = )

Here are pictures of the girls in progress.

Hope, who was the most conscientious
Hope, who was the most conscientious
Sophia, who was a lot more grown up in how she used the paint this time (yay!)
Sophia, who was a lot more grown up in how she used the paint this time (yay!)
And Gracie, who was really excited!
And Gracie, who was so excited it was hard to get a non-motion-blurred picture!

Here they are displaying their master skills and unique styles. = )

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Paul called this the mug shot.
Paul called this the mug shot. Believe it or not, this is her “Cheese!” face.
Here; this one is a little better = )
Here; this one is a little better = )

Our work space; set-ups like this make me happy.

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And, because I couldn’t resist. Mom has to have a little fun, too, right?

IMG_2082IMG_2085IMG_2084Ha! I love it!

And yes, they are wearing Mommy’s t-shirts turned inside out to protect their clothes.

So fun! I’m really glad we did it. I have a few more ideas for the rest of the week… we’ll see what happens.

Happy Celebrating!