Easter Bunny, Fox, Lamb or Rooster

I know the story about Christ's birth, life, death and ultimately his Resurrection which is what brings us to Easter but often I have wondered where the eggs, bunnies and candy came into the equation. First I went to the all trust-worthy Wikipedia.
EASTER EGGS, also called PASCHAL EGGS, are decorated eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. As such, Easter eggs are common during the season of Eastertide (Easter season). The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans. Eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility, and rebirth. In Christianity, for the celebration of Eastertide, Easter eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus though an egg appears to be like the stone of a tomb, a bird hatches from it with life; similarly, the Easter egg, for Christians, is a reminder that Jesus rose from the grave, and that those who believe will also experience eternal life.

Then I found this little video that I found helpful.
Watch This Easter Video by the History Channel

The girls and I had fun making these Easter Egg decorations. Thank you Pinterest
Items Needed:
Water Balloons
Flour
Sta-Flo Liquid Starch
Embroidery Floss, one skein per egg
Paper to cover your table, this is a messy project

 The directions gave me a heads up on this one. Gradually unwind the skein of floss into the flour/starch mixture otherwise you will have a HUGE mess. Do not take a short cut on this, you will regret it.

 As you can see, this project also required a few Frappuccinos
Let the balloons dry completely, turning a couple times.

 I know this isn't the full instructions but you can easily find it on Pinterest.

Finished Product

Pinterest suggested making a wreath from the eggs, we decided we didn't like that look. Instead we have a center-piece for the table.

Tonight we plan to dye eggs. This is one of my favorite activities. Chris is planning on being gone.

First and foremost, I am a Christian who believes that Jesus Christ is one part of the trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He left Heaven and became fully man to live amongst us so that He have a relationship with man-kind. Jesus knew He had to die on the cross to take on all the sins of humanity, he was the perfect sacrifice, also known as the Lamb of God. The Earth shook and veil in the temple was torn at the moment of His death. There was mourning and fear but three days later He arose from the dead. To this day Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father. All will see Him face to face one day. Knowing this story is not enough, even the demons know this story. Believing Jesus is your Savior and knowing you are saved by His grace and your faith IS ENOUGH!

HAPPY EASTER TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU! GOD BLESS

VERSE OF THE DAY

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is 

eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Life To The Fullest

VERSE OF THE DAY

The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come 

that you might have LIFE and have it to the FULLEST.

John 10:10

Jesus Calling to the Rescue

I like to have a plan when the crazy hits and it's hitting this week until about late July. This week however has three very ugly days. I'm not sure we will eat dinner together much this week. Oh that makes me sad. After I paced the kitchen, vented to Chris and even talked to my friend Tracy about how crazy it's getting I remembered I hadn't spent time with God yet today. This fantastic devotional by Sarah Young called "Jesus Calling" sits on my night stand, I started there. The first line reminded me that there's one who knows every detail.

"I am a God of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance." 

Whew! Thank you Jesus for that word! It goes on to say...

"When you entrust the details of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests."

I know these are Sarah's words, not God's but it draws me into a time with God. God, you are all knowing, larger than life, strong tower, infinite and yet care about the smallest detail.

VERSE OF THE DAY

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

High Hurdler

What's with these track officials? Get out of my way...I'm trying to take pictures of my girl!

Today (ok yesterday because I forgot to post this) was Emma's first varsity track meet. We are proud of this girl, she works so hard and continues to improve each time she is out there. Thank you God for the beautiful weather in March. 

VERSE OF THE DAY

Here I am! 

I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20 NIV

I like this verse. So often I hear people ask, "where is God when I need him?" (I wonder the same thing from time to time.) But this verse reminds me that He is here, not passively but actively trying to get my attention, wanting a relationship with me. All I need to do is be still and listen. Oh I struggle with that. This week I challenge myself to be still, and listen.

Essentially Taking Down The Pests

Like most of you, longer days and warmer temps bring a smile to my face however the emergence of all things creepy and crawly kind of bugs me. This the season for bugs but we don't have to eat, sleep and play with them. I have never been one to blindly follow the pack I also don't want to reinvent the wheel so I find myself researching and trying something new, well new to me.

Each of these bottles contain 250 extremely potent drops of oil. These oils have been around since God created the plants. No chemicals just pure oil. Recently I came across this list of anti-pest oils that won't kill my cat. We already use these oils for things like clear breathing, coughing, nausea, digestion, energy, snoring, purifying, dry skin, relaxation why not add killing spiders. Tonight I'm tackling spiders in the basement and in a few months I will be trying out lavender for mosquito repellent. We are always up for an experiment, hope you will try too.

ANTS- Peppermint, Spearmint

APHIDS- Cedarwood, Hyssop, Peppermint, Spearmint

BEETLES- Peppermint, Thyme

CATERPILLARS- Peppermint, Spearmint

CHIGGERS- Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme

CUTWORMS- Thyme, Sage

FLEAS- Peppermint, Lemongrass, Spearmint, Lavender

FLIES- Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage

GNATS- Patchouli, Spearmint

LICE- Cedarwood, Peppermint, Spearmint

MOSQUITOES- Lavender, Lemongrass

MOTHS- Cedarwood, Hyssop, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint

PLANT LICE- Peppermint, Spearmint

SLUGS- Cedarwood, Hyssop, Pine

SNAILS- Cedarwood, Pine, Patchouli

SPIDERS- Peppermint, Spearmint

TICKS- Lavender, Lemongrass, Sage, Thyme

WEEVILS- Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood

Jesus Calling March 18

Today's entry in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling Devotional should be booked marked and read everyday in this house. Maybe I will one day let this truly settle in.

Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in his supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting.

Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangled up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time.

VERSE OF THE DAY
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.
Matthew 6:34

All Kinds of Goodness

If I want to be completely honest, last night I was dreading today. The calendar on my phone was overwhelming. Now that I have completed the day, I look back on it with a sense of joy and accomplishment. Thank the Good Lord I have a husband who is helpful. That Mr Raabe is a pretty good guy to keep around.

Emma overbooked herself which means she enlisted her mom's help without prior consideration. The day started with taking her across town early for babysitting. (I'm NOT a morning person) What came after that is a bunch of goodness... 

P O W E R T O O L S !!

My friend (pictured below) and I built a super cool filing device. I am bound to be uber organized now. We shopped at Home Depot, used a chop saw,  circular saw and nail gun. Loved it!!

I do think I will end up painting the bare boards.

The rest of our day consisted of taking Reagan and 2 friends to a movie

Olivia & I went to "Cinderella" since it was $5 Tuesday...great flick!

Shopping for a birthday party gift for Livie's friend.

I babysat for 3 hours while Emma went to track practice.

Reagan going to the dentist...2 cavities. :(

Olivia to soccer practice then to a sleepover party.

Chris sold stuff on Craig's List

Me going to a meeting for busy women, ironic huh? 

Chris going to men's bible study.

It's so nice to relax over spring break. I know I sound like a clanging gong. Actually I enjoy my kids being home and running around with them. The days can be long but the years are short. I was created for such a time as this, right??

VERSE OF THE DAY

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Proverbs 17:22

Verse of The Day

Woo Hoo! I'm 2 for 2! 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

This verse brings me great comfort. There have been circumstances that seem unbearable and then God reminds me of this verse. He does not bring chaos into our lives so that we might learn a lesson or draw near to Him but He will use it to deepen a relationship with us. Oh God, you are so merciful and loving. Thank you for the reminder that you love us and will use our misguided ways for good.

Verse of the Day

This is something I hope to start adding to my posts. I'm not sure if I should call it "verse of the day" or "verse of the week" maybe even "verse of the month". I know I won't get on here daily but it is still MY daily verse. So in short expect change and don't hold your breath that I will remember to even post ever again. There have been days that I forgot to pick my child up from the bus stop. I can't be trusted!!

Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25 NIV

I encourage you to look up this verse and read the rest of the story.

Going Postal

I am heading to the post office in a few minutes with these boxes of books. There are kids (and adults) waiting for THE PHENOMENON TRILOGY to arrive at their doorstep in the next couple days. This series is a thrilling story about four high school kids who find themselves in the midst of danger, adventure, government conspiracy and love. I know the books my husband wrote are amazing but when I hear other readers gush about how they can't put the book down, I feel a surge of excitement shoot through my body.

R.E.V.I.E.W.S 

R.E.V.I.E.W.S

R.E.V.I.E.W.S

WE LOVE THEM! If you have read The New Phenomenon, On The Run, or End Game by Chris Raabe please take a minute to write a quick review over at Amazon or Goodreads. If you have not yet read these books you can find them on Amazon or better yet get a signed copy straight from the author. Contact me at melanie@chrisraabe.net to set up payment and delievery.  Please check out his facebook page HERE and "like" it so you receive updates. Chris' blog is RIGHT HERE. Feel free to leave Chris messages or order books. We love to hear from our readers!

Have a great day. Read On!