Understanding Easter

See the holes? Cool huh!

In the past, we haven't "celebrated" the Biblical part of Easter as much as I think we should have. This year I have been very burdened to get away from the worldly celebrations & put our focus on the Real Thing. So in an attempt to find ways for our family to come together we planned some activities that hopefully the boys will remember & understand. Last night we made Easter Story Cookies. (check out the link for the recipe) I had never even heard of them, but so glad we found this recipe. It is a really neat activity that helps explain what all Jesus went through for us in a way that won't scare little kids. You can make it as deep as you feel appropriate. You begin by letting them beat some pecans in bags to remind them that the soldiers beat Jesus. Then they smell the vinegar before putting it in the bowl. Then they taste the salt. All along there are Bible verses to read that correspond with the story. We discussed how so far there really wasn't anything good in our cookies. ;0) Then they added sugar (I think this was a relief to Heath). After you make the cookies & put them in the oven then you turn off the heat, & seal the oven with tape. The boys thought that was fun. And you let them stay in there over night. The next morning when you go to get the cookies, you notice that they have cracks on the tops & when you bite into them the insides are hollow - just like the empty tomb. I know I haven't explained it very well, but it really is a neat way to remember what all Jesus went through for us. The boys liked it & Elijah even said he hopes we do it next year. I guess we have a new Easter tradition.