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Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman

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2nd Easter Edition: Resurrection Recipes, Decorations, Baskets, Coloring Eggs, Favors

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If "Heart to Heart" fills a need in your life, bringing blessing and encouragement, please INVITE your women friends and family to subscribe and be blessed and encouraged as well.  Instructions appear at the very end of each newsletter. 
I suggest you PRINT this newsletter to read at your convenience, but save the original e-mail for checking websites.
Send ADDRESS CHANGES to Remain on the E-mailing List - Reply to newsletter with your name & old and new address.  

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

JERUSALEM OBITUARIES  - 33 AD

BUT NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!

THE BEST MATHEMATICAL EQUATION EVER

RESURRECTION RECIPES:

        RESURRECTION CAKE

        RESURRECTION ROLLS 

        EASTER STORY COOKIES 
THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS (Fiction, but still a great story)
THE STORY OF THE PINE TREE CROSSES

EASTER MANTLE DECORATIONS

A SMART KID

CREATIVE EASTER BASKET IDEAS ~ ALTERNATIVES TO CANDY

COLOR EASTER EGGS NATURALLY WITH DYES FROM YOUR KITCHEN

CREATIVE IDEAS:  HOW TO COLOR AND DECORATE THOSE EASTER EGGS

LEFTOVER EGGS

THE EMPTY EGG

FAVORS FOR UPCOMING WEDDINGS, SHOWERS OR DINNERS ~  PASTEL M&M'S  

JESUS WAS THERE ~ AND HE'S THERE FOR YOU!

 

 

JERUSALEM OBITUARIES  - 33 AD

This is how Jesus' obituary could have been written.

Thanks to Shirley Dulaney in Virginia for sending this! 

 

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull.  Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romana, by the order of Pontius  Pilate.  The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture and loss of blood.

 

Jesus Christ, as descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David.  He was the Son of the late Joseph, Carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted mother.  Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea.  He is survived by His mother, Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples and many other  followers.

 

Jesus was self educated and spent most of His adult life working as a Teacher.  Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that He healed many patients.  Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor.

 

Jesus was most noted for telling Parables about His Father's Kingdom, and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind.  One the day before His death, He held a Last Supper, celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.

 

The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family.  By the order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb.  Roman soldiers were put on guard.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to try to live as Jesus did.  Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

 

 

BUT NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!

The Lord Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and is alive forevermore!  He is risen indeed!

 

 

THE BEST MATHEMATICAL EQUATION EVER

Thanks to Linda Crosby of Virginia for sending this.
 
    1 cross    
  + 3 nails
--------------
  = 4 given 

 

RESURRECTION RECIPES
Note from Lois:  As we celebrate the RESURRECTION of our Lord, here are three recipes that would be perfect for your Easter dinner.  They will make a lasting impression on your children, as well as the adults!  Why not let your children or grandchildren help you make them, as you celebrate Christ's resurrection!
 
RESURRECTION CAKE 
We made this Resurrection Cake one Easter.  Grease and flour a 2 quart oven safe measuring bowl and bake a regular cake mix in it.  I used the glass Pampered Chef mixing bowl.  After cooling the cake and inverting it onto a plate, frost it with chocolate frosting all over. On one side scoop a hole out to represent the empty tomb of Jesus. A round cookie can be the rolled away stone. On top of the cake make 3 crosses with pretzels glued with royal icing, some green tinted coconut for grass, and use colored frosting on the side above the "tomb" to write, "He is Risen!"

 

RESURRECTION ROLLS 

This is a wonderful way to teach children about the real meaning of Easter!

 

Ingredients: Crescent Roll Dough - Melted butter - Large marshmallows - Cinnamon and Sugar Mixture.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

 

*Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls.  The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.
*Give each child a marshmallow, this represents Jesus.
*Have him dip the marshmallow in melted butter, which represents the oils of embalming.
*Dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body.
*Wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up...but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.  This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.
*Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes (The oven represents the tomb--pretend like it was three days!)
*When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty).

With Easter coming soon, take this opportunity to make these cookies with your children---young and old.  It will be a wonderful object lesson of Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection!
 

EASTER STORY COOKIES 

1 cup whole pecans        Ziploc baggie
1 tsp. vinegar                   wooden spoon
3 egg whites                    masking tape 
pinch salt                          Bible
1 cup sugar      

 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read John 19:1-3.     

 

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30.

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

 

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

 

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psm. 34:8 and John 3:16.     

 

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.  Read Isa.1:18 & John 3:1-3.     

 

Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.
    

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.  Give each child a piece of masking tape and seal the oven door.  GO TO BED!  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20& 22.     

 

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

Pass these recipes on to teenagers who may baby-sit.  A babysitter could ask if the parents for whom she sits would allow her to make these rolls or cookies for the children.  This would be a great witnessing opportunity as well.  

 

Note from Jennie Ramos, a "Heart to Heart" subscriber in Michigan:  It is always a blessing to receive your articles. I want to share the glorious response I got from using one of your articles -The Resurrection Cookies.  I used this in one of the Christian Education workshops I had to do, being that I am the Christian Education Coordinator for our Michigan District.  The reaction of the Sunday School teachers, as they were the ones doing the cookies, it was tremendous, the expression on their faces as they made the cookies and after being told that they had to wait 24 hours to eat them was very serious.  Of course, I had already had some pre-made to share with them!  But it was a lesson to learn that things don't always come the way we want them to and God has control of ALL things.  Even as we wait for His soon return, we must wait with eagerness and faith.  The title of the workshop was, "Teaching with the Use of Objects."  I translated the material in Spanish since I work with the Hispanic population.  Thank you so much and may the Lord continue to use you as you continue to share these articles.  I too look forward to reading/receiving and using them. 

 

 

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS
This is a story from one of the many inspirational fiction writings by Russell Kelfer, and is shown with other stories of his on his website, http://dtm.org/.  Thanks to Linda Isom in North Carolina for sending this moving story.  Read it to your family!
        
        Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas.  She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips.  Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.
        One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns.  When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.
        Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns.  Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.
        Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly.  Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"
        Beverly said, "Why yes I do."
        Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"
        Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up."  Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
        Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.
        After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad?
        Are you reading your Bible?  Are you praying?" Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and
it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."
        Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes?  You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"
        Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"
        Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up.  Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said,
"Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."
        Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith.  Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.
        Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an Army hospital.  She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane.  She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.
        One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.  Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.  When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."
        Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.  I'm not interested."
        Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."
        Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.
        Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you ! Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."
        One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day."
        Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question,  "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."
        Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked."
        Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"
        Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life. "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.
        Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."
        Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter.  Happy Easter Phyllis!"
        Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.
        When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap.  Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have      passed away."
        Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"
        Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

 

 

THE STORY OF THE PINE TREE CROSSES

http://wandascountryhome.com/pinetrees/ - Thanks to Karen Coughlin in Florida for sending this!

 

 

EASTER MANTLE DECORATIONS

by Lois Breneman, © 2000, Heart to Heart Newsletter, jhbreneman@...  

 

My son, Jeff, gave me a crown of thorns that could be very much like the one that was pressed on Jesus head, as he was paying the debt for our sins.  One day as I was walking on the treadmill, I gazed for a long time at that crown of thorns on a small table in the room and thought about Jesus dying in my place.  It so gripped my heart that it wasn't long before the tears were flowing.  That visual aid was so powerful in that moment of quiet meditation. 

 

This year I used that crown of thorns in a mantle decoration in the family room.  My husband sawed and nailed together a three foot rugged looking wooden cross for me, and that is in the center of the mantle, with a purple cloth draped on the one side, and the crown of thorns hanging on the other side.  There are other reminders of Jesus' great suffering and sacrifice for us.  I have praying hands that my daughter made in Bible school when she was seven years old hanging on one side of the cross, representing Jesus and the disciples praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Hearts hang on the other side of the cross.  Red jewels are glued to an invisible thread on either side of the cross, representing Jesus' drops of blood.  There is a tomb cut out of construction paper with rocks drawn on, a door cut out, and an actual round garden rock to the side with a ceramic angel (from a nativity scene) standing there.   I fastened a small sponge to a stick (without the vinegar on the end) and placed it on the mantle with thirty pieces of silver (quarters, nickels and dimes), a silver cup, several bunches of grapes arranged with a white basket of purple flowers, mauve tulle and pink lilies. 

 

The purple flowers help tie it all together with the purple robe draped on the cross.  It sounds like it may be a cluttered mess when you hear of all these items, but it really is not if you balance the items and colors.  Just move them around until it looks right to you, if you try this decoration.  The cross, purple robe and crown of thorns are the focal point.  You may also want to write an appropriate scripture verse for your mantle, if there is room. 

 

We have never taught our children about the "Easter Bunny," but I do think that rabbits, chicks, eggs and other "spring decorations" are appropriate to use in decorating our homes, as we celebrate new life during this season of new beginnings - spring!  God certainly gave them to us to enjoy.  I love rabbits and our sons have raised many of them when they were young!  But with all the "Easter Bunny" talk around us, it is a good idea to explain to small children that we display bunnies and rabbits only because God gave them to us to enjoy and springtime is when they are hopping everywhere - especially in our gardens! 

 

However, let's remember the real meaning of Easter and make an effort to emphasize that aspect in our decorations.  A visible display of reminders of Jesus' payment for our sins will have an impact on us, our children and visitors to our home, as we are remember what He went through when He took our place!  

 

Note: Some years since this article was written, I have displayed the cross on our front porch, with a purple cloth draped over it, along with the crown of thorns, which is attached with invisible fishing line.  Lavendar lilies were also tucked into the decoration.

 

---

A SMART KID

A mother asked her 5 year old son if he wanted to go visit the Easter bunny.  After a few minutes of silence he replied, "You know Santa is fake.  It's just God in there dressed up - the Easter bunny too."  Mom: Really?  So God is the one that brings us gifts?  Son: "Yup."

 

 

CREATIVE EASTER BASKET IDEAS ~ ALTERNATIVES TO CANDY
by Margie DeMonbrun of Missouri - 2004
Note from Lois: Great ideas from a wonderful grandma!
 
I need to go out poking around and find some things for my grandkids' Easter baskets. Their mother does not like candy, but prefers only one or two candy items.  Last year they all three got new hats; Chris, a sports hat with sunglasses attached; Kelsey, a white Sunday straw hat with ribbons and bow; and Olivia, a darling white baby bonnet.  The girls also got gloves and pretty anklets with lace; Chris got some socks he'd been wanting and a zippered coin holder.  
 
Rather than loading up Easter baskets with sugary snacks, you may want to put an emphasis on a chocolate candy cross or a peanut butter egg, new Christian CD's for the older ones, a Veggie Tale for the younger ones or Steve Green Scripture Songs on tape or CD's.  Other ideas without sugar are a miniature Easter tea set, a good book, art supplies (there are so many neat things anymore from stickers to sprinkles, colored pens and pencils, rubber stamps, ink, erasers that glow in the dark, gel pens, crafts), Legos, colored light bulbs for lamps in their rooms (green, purple or dark rose...get them at Wal-Mart), sippy straws ( with a soccer ball that bounces around when you sip or a baseball (also Wal-Mart finds), hair bows and accessories. 
 
I personally think the kids LOVE this kind of basket. Putting in a couple of colored plastic Easter eggs - one or two with some quarters and one with a dollar or two -- those ALWAYS bring gasps of delight!!!   Usually, by the time I get done with it, I've spent quite a bit on this Easter basket thing; but Jerry (husband) and I prefer to put some money into worthwhile, character building items than into all candy.  They are only children once ... toyland becomes a thing of the past all too fast.  We ALWAYS, however, make SURE the children understand what the real meaning of Easter is ... just as we do at Christmas time.  The children help Papa (Grandpa) read little poems, verses, etc. on the holiday - it helps center our attention on the reason of the season and gives the children something constructive and educational to do....plus they learn more about Jesus.  And we are instructed to teach the children (Deut. 6) when and wherever we are in life ... step by step, precept upon precept.   

 

 

COLOR EASTER EGGS NATURALLY WITH DYES FROM YOUR KITCHEN
by Debra Lynn Dadd ~ Used by permission
 
The most beautiful dyes for Easter eggs come from foodstuff you may already have in your kitchen.
 
I have been delighted with the results of the colors I have tried and my friends have been thrilled to receive them as springtime gifts.
 
The colors are very unusual — gentle, earthy, soft, and very vibrant, without being harsh like the artificial dyes — and when I tell people the colors come from plant dyes, they always want to know the origin of each color.
 
To color these eggs, you boil the eggs with the dyestuff, rather than boiling the eggs separately and they dying them.
 
Here are the general directions:
 
1. Put raw, white-shelled, organically-raised eggs in a single layer in a pan. Cover with cold water.
 
2. Add a little more than a teaspoon of white vinegar.
 
3. Add the natural dyestuff for the color you want your eggs to be. (The more eggs you are dying at a time, the more dye you will need to use, and the more dye you use, the darker the color will be.)
 
4. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
 
5. Quickly check the eggs for color by removing them from the dye liquid with a slotted spoon.
 
If the color is as desired, pour off the hot dye liquid and rinse the eggs immediately in cold water to stop the eggs from cooking. Continue to change the water until it stays cool in the pot because the eggs are no longer releasing heat. Drain and allow eggs to cool in the refrigerator.
 
If you wish a deeper color, strain the hot dye liquid into a container, then rinse the eggs immediately in cold water to stop them from cooking. Continue to change the water until it stays cool in the pot because the eggs are no longer releasing heat. Drain the last of the cold water, then cover the eggs with the strained dye liquid. Add more water if necessary so that the eggs are completely covered. Put into the refrigerator immediately and keep eggs in the refrigerator until the desired shade is achieved. Overnight is good. Longer than about twelve hours some of the colors just get muddier instead of deeper, and the lighter shades are more vibrant.
 
Try these foods to dye your eggs:
 
Red - Pink — lots of red onion skins, cranberry juice, or frozen raspberries.
 
Orange — Yellow onion skins
 
Brown — Red beet skins or grape juice (produces a beautiful sparkling tan), coffee.
 
Yellow — Saffron, tumeric or cumin, orange or lemon peels, or celery seed.
 
Green — Spinach, or carrot tops and peels from Yellow Delicious apples for a yellow-green.
 
Blue — Red cabbage leaves make the most incredible robin’s-egg blue.
 
Deep Purple — Red wine makes a beautiful burgundy color.  (Editor's Note: Red beets work too.)
 
Tips for successful results:
 
* Use filtered or distilled water. Chlorine and other chemicals will work against the dye, making it less intense. Buy distilled water or use your own filtered water.
 
* For deeper colors, use more dyestuff or let the eggs soak longer.
 
* For even coverage, cook eggs in a pot large enough to hold enough water and dyestuff to completely cover the eggs, even after some of the liquid has evaporated during the 15 minute of boiling.
 
* Again, for even coverage, if you continue to soak the eggs in the refrigerator after cooking, make sure the eggs are completely covered with the dye liquid.
 
* Blot the eggs dry or allow them to air dry, as for some colors the dye will rub off while still wet. On the other hand, if you wish to make a white pattern on the egg, you can rub off some of the dye for some colors immediately after cooking.
 
* Make sure eggs of different colors are completely dry before piling them up in a bowl together, as wet dye from one egg can transfer to another. 
 
Hailed as “The Queen of Green” by the New York Times, Debra Lynn Dadd has been a consumer advocate for products and lifestyle choices that are better for health and the environment since 1982. Visit her website for 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural and earthwise products, and to sign up for her free email newsletters. www.dld123.com                   

               

 

CREATIVE IDEAS:  HOW TO COLOR AND DECORATE THOSE EASTER EGGS

by Angela Billings

Children and adults love to decorate Easter eggs for the big hunt or to use for decorations around the home. My children and I have experimented with a few ideas and wanted to pass
them along to you. As always use precautions when working on any kind of project.

 

You will need to have your eggs boiled for these projects.

 

Color Your Eggs With Food Coloring

Have a small bowl for each food coloring color you want to use and any mixed colors you want to make. Add 1 cup of hot water along with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to each bowl
and then measure ¼ teaspoon of food coloring into each bowl and mix. Then add your eggs to the mixture and allow them to soak until you get the desired color you want about 5
minutes or longer.

 

Refer to this chart as a guideline to make other colors with basic food coloring. For deeper colors add more until you get the color you prefer.

 

Purple – About 5 drops of red coloring and 15 drops of blue 

Teal – 5 drops of blue coloring and 15 drops of green
Raspberry – 14 drops of red coloring and 6 drops of blue

 

Making Designs on The Eggs

To make various designs on the eggs you can use some of the ideas below.

 

Marbelized Look

Simply place several eggs in a strainer type bowl and pour vinegar over them, after this is done drip a few drops of your food coloring choice and roll them around in the strainer and then proceed to add your other color choices until you get the effect you are looking for. Let each color set on the eggs about 30 seconds before adding the next color. Then rinse them and let dry.

 

Rubber Band Technique

For this you will need a large rubber band to wrap around the egg several times but still leaving some of the egg shell exposed. Then you put the egg in the food color of your choice and allow it to sit until you get the desired effect you want. Rinse with cool water and then let dry.

 

White Crayon Messages

Use a white crayon to draw designs or write things on the egg shell. The next step is to put the egg in the food color of your choice and allow it to sit until you get the desired effect you want. Rinse with cool water and then let dry.

 

I hope you find these ideas and tips helpful and fun as an Easter activity for the family. Just remember that candy eggs are fun to eat and plastic eggs are fun to find with treats inside but coloring your own Easter eggs is an activity in which you can make some fun memories.

 

Angela Billings is the author of the ebook Home and Family Ezines Guide To Easter Fun you can read more about it at http://www.homeandfamilyezine.com  - Used by permission

 

 

LEFTOVER EGGS

An excerpt from the article,  Bunnies and Ham and Eggs, Oh My!

by Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper -www.LivingOnADime.com/ - Used by permission

 

Leftover Eggs: Make potato salad, tuna salad, pasta salad, chef salad, spinach salad with eggs and bacon, deviled eggs, golden morning sunshine or fill tomatoes with egg salad.

Golden Morning Sunshine
2 cups white sauce                                     4 eggs, hard boiled and chopped
Make white sauce. Once the white sauce has thickened, add eggs.  Serve on toast.
 
White Sauce
1/4 cup dry milk                                   1 cup cold water
2 Tbsp. flour                                        1 Tbsp. margarine
dash salt

In a covered jar, combine dry milk, flour and salt and mix well.  Add water.  Shake until all the ingredients are dissolved. Melt margarine in a 1 quart sauce pan. Stir in flour-milk mixture and cook over low heat until mixture thickens and starts to bubble.  Keep stirring until thickened completely.

 

 

THE EMPTY EGG

Author unknown - Thanks to Becky Noell in Georgia for sending this great story!

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a consultation. As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five year gap between his age and that of the other students."

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here." Doris sat for a long time after they had left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a  distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read and write. Why waste any more time trying?

As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family, she thought. Lord, please help me to be more patient with Jeremy. From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him.

"I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice, Jeremy. N-now please take your seat."

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller," the children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment?
Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them.

That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground, we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out. The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that's new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine." Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My daddy helped me," he beamed.

Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty. Surely it must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy, your egg is empty." He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too."

Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh, yes," Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up."

The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.

Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.

 

FAVORS FOR UPCOMING WEDDINGS, SHOWERS OR DINNERS ~  PASTEL M&M'S  

By Lois Breneman, © 2000, Revised 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

 

The pastel M&M plain candies make a lovely favor in a small lace bag and tied with a narrow ribbon.  Stock up on the pastel M&M's after Easter, when the prices are cut!  Find lace by the yard in the wedding color or use white or cream lace, and tie with a narrow ribbon in a coordinating wedding color.  Cut 4" X 5" pieces of lace fabric; fold the 5" in half to form a 2 1/2" width and sew a 1/4" seam down the one side and at the bottom.  If you use a lace with a finished edge for the top, that will save you time and the look is very nice.  Turn the bag right side out, fill with about 20 to 25 

candies, and tie with a ribbon. 

Note: Other sheer fabrics can be used as well, with a rolled hem or serged edge at the top.  We made these favors in teal lace, tied with white ribbons for our daughter and son-in-law's wedding and everyone enjoyed them, so this idea has been tested.  Another thing to keep in mind for future weddings is that the Valentine M&M's come in pink, mauve, red and white, in case that works better for a wedding color scheme.

 

 

JESUS WAS THERE ~ AND HE'S THERE FOR YOU!

Just click your mouse on  <A title=http://www.passionup.com/fun/fun4528.htm?e=louiseungro@hotmailcom&f=froggiemad1@...&h=bb08c6204ace9eec&mp=1&confirm=1 href="http://www.passionup.com/fun/fun4528.htm?e=louiseungro@hotmailcom&amp;f=froggiemad1@...&h=bb08c6204ace9eec&mp=1&confirm=1">I was there...            Thanks to Rosanne Ayers in Virginia for this link!

 

 

 Ladies, have a Blessed Easter!

  Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, so

                                          please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

(¨`·.·´¨)                                                   God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!

 `·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)                                                       And remember, I love to hear from you dear ladies!

      `·.¸.·´                                                                            Your Heart to Heart friend,

                                                                                                                        Lois

                

The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more.  Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person to Lois at [email protected].  New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit." 

 

Disclaimer: Various web sites are given as credits or to supply additional information for readers.  However, all the views and advertisements represented by web sites given in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the editor.  Please use your own discretion regarding all information given in this newsletter.

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