Consider the Lilies, Day #4

April 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Hi! I am Rachel from Family Ever After. I love Easter, and I’m happy to be a guest on Amanda’s blog!
Easter is a special time in our home, and this year I am making a concentrated effort to help my children understand why it is that we truly celebrate Easter. It is such a neat time to learn about the last week of Christ’s life spent ministering on Earth. There is so much symbolism to be found… 

Spring (newness of life), the Sun (Jesus is the light of the world), Easter Grass (mortality doesn’t last forever, it withers like the grass, Christ offers Eternal Life), Easter Eggs (newness of life, resurrection), Lambs (Lamb of God, Good Shepherd), Flowers (many important events happened in gardens- the Fall in the Garden of Eden, the Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Resurrection in the Garden of the Empty Tomb). In this blog post, I am focusing on the Easter Lily, and how it relates to the phrase, “He is Risen.”

LESSON: EASTER LILY
Content-
Lilies are Easter flowers because they teach and remind us of Christ in 3 ways.
1. Consider the Lilies of the Field- Faith in Christ
While Jesus lived on the earth, he taught, through the imagery of lilies, about having faith in 
Him: “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they 
grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: …Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the 
field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe 
you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What 
shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? …for your heavenly Father knoweth 
that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his 
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:28, 30-33. 
When we see the lilies, we can remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know us, and they know our needs. When we have faith in Jesus Christ, He will provide for us in all that we need. 
2. Bulbs to Blooms- Burial to Resurrection
Lilies are flowers that grow from bulbs. Bulbs stay buried in the ground all winter, and in 
spring blossom forth with beautiful life. Jesus was buried in a tomb for three days, and then 
came forth in a perfect form, having immortal life. Lilies remind us of this miracle and 
symbolize the hope we have of everlasting life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and provided a way for all of us to rise again after we die. 
3. Trumpet Ushers in the Second Coming of Christ
Lilies are shaped like what instrument? (trumpets) “In the scriptures, trumpets are used to sound warnings, proclaim news, and herald visitors. Moroni holds a horn to his lips with his right hand, symbolizing both the spreading of the gospel throughout the world and the long-anticipated Second Coming of the Savior, which will be announced by trumpet-blowing angels” (“Looking Up to Moroni” by Wendy Kenney, November 2009 New Era). 
The trumpet shape of the lily reminds us that trumpets will herald (announce) the second coming of Christ.
Matthew 24:31 “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” 
Joel 2:1 “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.” 
(Content compiled by Jen Lund)
Visual Aids- 
a bouquet of Easter lilies or picture of lilies in a field
lily bulbs
picture of resurrected Christ
Moroni with trumpet
Audio-
listen to “Consider the Lilies” sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Printable-
Download this free 8×10 printable here.
Craft-
Make handprint lilies. 
Supplies needed: paper, markers, glitter, yellow and green pipe cleaners, tape, scissors.
Directions: Trace hands on white paper. Allow children to color and decorate as desired. Cut out as many as you want for the lily blooms. Roll the handprint vertically to form a funnel shape. Secure the side with clear tape. Roll each finger down to form the curls of each bloom. Cut yellow pipe cleaner ~3” (1 for each bloom). Loosely curve the yellow piece to form a U shape. Wrap the top of a green pipe cleaner at the bottom of the U. Curl the ends of the yellow cleaner to form the center of the bloom. Insert the completed green stem into the center of the bloom and pull through. Display the 
lilies in a vase or wrap with a ribbon.
I hope you find this useful, perhaps as a Family Home Evening lesson, or a Primary lesson in church. May you have a happy Easter!


Filed Under: 14, 14 Day Walk with Christ, easter

Jesus Loves Me, Day #2

April 7, 2014 by 1 Comment


Hello! It’s Ginger from Ginger Snap Crafts! I am so excited to be participating in the 14 Days of Christ series! I think it’s a wonderful thing to do with your family this Easter season! 🙂 Speaking of family ~ I have a fun, wild & crazy one that’s for sure! ha! 😉 My husband & I have 5 beautiful & active children ages 16 to 4. They sure do keep it interesting around here. 🙂 Over on my blog I share fun crafts, easy recipes, organization tips & more.

One of our favorite spring time traditions (that we have done several times over the years) is to hatch eggs in an incubator. We usually hatch chickens, but this year we have some turkey eggs in our incubator! I’ll have to do an update on our turkey chicks on my blog in about 28 days or so. 
We also use this tradition to teach our kiddos about the wonderful creations that Jesus has made for us. We talk about how much Jesus loves them, and how he has created this beautiful world full of wonderful things just for us. It’s amazing to see one of Heavenly Father’s creations up close. It’s so fun watching my kiddos seeing the miracle of life. We still laugh when we think about my youngest daughter asking, “How did that chicken get in the egg?” She just couldn’t figure that one out! haha! 😉

I know many of you probably aren’t able to hatch your own chicks but maybe you could take your kiddos to a petting zoo, classroom or farm that has some chicks hatching. It really is an amazing thing to watch. You can also find lots of fun egg hatching videos online, too. I’ve included a link to a super cool hatching video below along with some other fun activities to go along with the Jesus Loves Me theme for today.

Today’s Activity:

Watch this video of chicks hatching or visit a petting zoo or farm. 🙂

Talk about how Jesus created the animals for us. Tell them that Jesus created the world, plants, animals & our families for us because he loves us. You could also talk about why we color Easter eggs & hunt eggs at Easter. Eggs symbolize new life & are a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.

Song: 

I Know That My Savior Loves Me

Lesson Ideas: 
Treat:
Lil’ Chick Cookie Cups from The Gunny Sack
Handouts: 
I also made these handouts to include in your 14 days of Christ notebooks. 🙂
You can just right click on the image & save to your computer.
With this handout have your older kids list all the ways
that they know that Jesus loves them.
For younger kiddos you could have them draw a picture.
This handout is the chorus of one of my favorite songs.
You can really feel the love of the Savior when you hear this song.
I made one where you can add a picture of you & the Savior.
Then I made a handout with just the words. Enjoy! 🙂

 

Filed Under: 14, 14 Day Walk with Christ, easter

Jesus is the Light of the World

April 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Welcome to the first day of our 14 Day Walk with Christ.  I hope you and your family enjoy these lessons and take time to Come unto Christ as we anticipate the wonderful celebration of Easter.

Day #1 – Jesus is the Light of the World
Lesson Printable:  Download PDF, Download JPEG
This lesson is a little backwards as we are doing the activity/craft first.  We are making lanterns to be used in the lesson.
 
Activity: Mason Jar Lanterns
Supplies: Mod Podge, Mason Jars, Tissue Paper, Wire. Paper Punch, colored tissue paper, tea light
I used a hexagon shape paper punch, you can use any shape to cut the colored tissue.  Mod Podge the tissue paper shapes to the outside of the jar.  Let dry.  Wrap wire around the mouth of the jar to secure and form a handle.  Place a tea light in the jar.

Have everyone design their own pattern – you can’t mess them up!  They all turn out cute!!

Lesson:
Begin the lesson by turing off all the lights, or going into a dark room.  Have a discussion about light and darkness.  What types of physical light do we need in our life (sun, flashlight, light bulbs, candles, headlights, night light, moon, etc.) ?  How do you feel in the dark?  Do you remember a time you were afraid of the dark?  
One by one, light the tea lights in each person’s lantern and notice how the light gets brighter with each light.

Light always dispels darkness, it can never be the other way around.
Sing: Teach me to Walk in the Light of His Love
Scripture:  John 8:12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
 
 He also declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He is the way and He is the light because His teachings light our path in mortal life and show us the way back to the Father.
 
What does “the path” refer to?
How can we feel spiritual darkness?
How can Jesus light your path?
 
As we keep the Lord’s commandments, we see his light ever brighter on our path and we realize the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise, “And the Lord shall guide thee continually” (Isa. 58:11).
 
“And so we see that Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good.” – Dallin H Oaks
 
Sometimes the path is hard…
Jesus taught that “there will be times when you will walk a path strewn with thorns and marked by struggle. There may be times when you feel detached—even isolated—from the Giver of every good gift.” For these times, he reminded us that “we were not placed on this earth to walk alone. … He will be there for us to provide help if we but ask.  Two ways we can find comfort: as we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter.” Thomas S. Monson
Journal time:
What is “the path” and where is my path leading?
How can Jesus light your way?  What can we do to see the light?
How have you felt Him light your path?

If you have little ones who have a hard time writing in a journal, they might enjoy coloring this picture:

Filed Under: 14, 14 Day Walk with Christ, easter, FHE

Bunny Love Pillow

April 3, 2014 by 6 Comments

I guess there is no stopping the bunny projects!  Meet my newest bunny creation – Bunny Love pillow! This is a fast and easy project that will add a Folk Art Easter feel to your home.

Supplies:
Backing fabric, 3/4 yard
Scraps of fabric for appliqué – I used Anna Griffin’s Grace line
Pom Pom trim
22″ zipper
Pillow form or fiber fill
Heat n Bond lite

Begin by cutting the pillow front 20″ x 12″
Iron the Heat n Bond lite to the back of your appliqué fabric.  I used the Sizzix bunny die for the bunnies.  The folk art tulip pattern can be downloaded here.

Once you have cut out your appliqué pieces, center them on the pillow front.  Iron to set in place and stitch around each piece twice with black thread.

Cut the pom poms the width of the pillow and baste them into place.

For the pillow back…..
There are a few options to finish the pillow:
1.  You can cut the back piece the same size as the front, sew it, turn it, stuff with fiber fill and hand stitch the opening closed.
2.  I used a pillow form and put an invisible zipper in the bottom portion of the back.  I cut 2 pieces for the back:  20″ x 2″ and 20″ x 2.  Set the invisible zipper joining the two pieces.  For invisible zipper tutorial, click HERE.
Pin the back to the front with right sides together, making sure zipper is open.  My back was a touch larger then the front, so I just trimmed off the excess.  Make sure to tuck those pom pons in so they don’t get caught in the seam.
Sew all the way around the pillow using 1/2″ seam.  Turn and insert pillow form.
OK, now this is my favorite thing in my house 🙂

Amanda

Filed Under: easter, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, pillow, Therm O Web, tutorial

14-Day Walk With Christ 2014

April 2, 2014 by 1 Comment
I am so excited to announce my 14-Day Walk with Christ begins on Sunday, April 6th.  This has been such a memorable tradition in our family.  Ever day for the 2 weeks leading up to Easter I will post a lesson about Jesus that you share with your family.  Many of the lessons will include activities or crafts or games.  The goal is to spend 2 weeks growing closer to the Savior as you prepare for Easter.
I have some fabulous guest bloggers contributing this year:
Ginger from Ginger Snap Crafts
Rachel from Family Ever After
Jessica from Latter-Day Chatter
Marci from Marci Coombs
Heather from Raising Memories
Melanie from LDS Handouts
I can’t wait to see their creative lessons!
Here is the schedule of the lessons in case you want to print the topics out and put them in your 14-Day Calendar.
I will post each lesson in the evening so you can prepare to share the lesson the next day.  (Technically you will begin on Monday, but the lesson will be up Sunday night)
Day #1 – Jesus is the Light of the World
Day #2 – Jesus Loves Me
Day #3 – Jesus is our Foundation
Day #4 – Jesus is our Example
Day #5 – Christ-Like Attributes: Obedience
Day #6 – Christ-like Attributes: Faith
Day #7 – Christ-like Attributes: Patience
Day #8 – Christ-like Attributes: Charity & Love
Day #9 – Service
Day #10 -Parables: 10 Virgins
Day #11-Parables: Sheep & the Goats
Day #12 -Parables: the Sower
Day #13 -Jesus Christ our Savior
Day # 14 -Atonement & Resurrection
If you would like to view last year’s lessons, click HERE.
Last year we did a printable journal.  You can make a special journal for the 2 weeks or use your current journal.  There will be journal questions after each lesson and a hand-out you can glue in your journal as a reminder of the lesson.  Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you join us!!
Filed Under: 14, 14 Day Walk with Christ, easter

Bunny Bricks Quilt Take Two

April 1, 2014 by 4 Comments
Meet the smaller version of the original Bunny Bricks Quilt.  It’s perfect for a wall hanging or for a table topper.  It sews up faster – so now you have to make one!  The only modification is that there are 6 bricks in each row and the rows are arranged slightly different: two on the the top, then the 8″ bunny strip, 4 rows, 8″ bunny strip and 2 rows.  Again, the rows are offset so it creates “bricks”.  The bunnies are arranged a little differently – that was my Sister-in-Law’s doing 🙂  and there are only 6 bunnies total – so less time appliquéing!!  HOPPY SEWING!!!

Amanda

Filed Under: easter, quilt

Vintage Bunny Skirt Tutorial

March 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

The bunnies keep multiplying!  I knew they would make a darling skirt (what’s next, throw pillows & tote bags??) This is a simple tutorial for a girls skirt size 6/7 that sews up in no time!  The tutorial is being featured over at the Therm o Web blog.  Click HERE to check it out!!

Amanda

Filed Under: clothes, easter, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, sewing, Therm O Web, tutorial, tutorials

Burlap Bunny Pillows

March 27, 2014 by 3 Comments

I can’t get enough of these appliqué bunnies in the Anna Griffin Grace fabrics!!  I had some left over from my Bunny Bricks Quilt so I thought I would make a few burlap pillows for gifts.  They are so cute and sew up really fast.  
Here’s how you can make one:
  • Cut 2 pieces of burlap 8″ x 11″
  • I already had the Heat n Bond Lite fused to the bunny, so I just ironed it to the center of the burlap.
  • Stitch around the bunny twice using brown thread.
  • Pin the two pieces of burlap wrong sides together.  
  • Cut a 17″ piece of lace and pin in place, tucking the raw edges inside the pillow.
  • Sew 1/2″ seam around the pillow leaving an opening at the bottom to stuff.  Stuff with fiber-fill and top stitch the opening closed.

They are so cute, and did I mention I love bunnies?  They are the cats of Easter 🙂

Amanda

Filed Under: appliqué, easter, Heat n Bond, sewing, Therm O Web, tutorial, tutorials

Bunny Bricks Quilt Tutorial

March 26, 2014 by 13 Comments
I am so excited for spring and Easter and flowers and bunnies and sunshine!  I am a cat person by nature, but when spring rolls around my obsession with cats turns into an obsession with rabbits.   I have rabbit “nick-nacks” all over the house!!!  A new bunny wall quilt is long over due!  When I came across this amazing line of fabric from Anna Griffin, called Grace, I fell in love.  It feels like vintage spring!!!!  I paired the rectangle “bricks” with a bunny silhouete appliqué from Sizzix.  I’m in love!  

Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies: 15 assorted prints, fat quarters or 1/4 yard cuts
1 yard of cream solid cotton
Heat n Bond Lite by Therm O Web for appliqué
1/2 yard fabric for binding
1 1/3 yard fabric for quilt back
cotton batting

Assemble the Bricks:
Cut the 15 assorted prints into 3″ strips x WOF
Sub cut the strips into 6.5″ bricks

The bricks measure 3″ x 6.5″ each.  Stack them into piles.

Begin making pairs out of the bricks and chain piecing them;  leave about 12 single bricks.  Pair up 12 of the pairs with 12 pairs, and so on.  The goal is to have 12 rows of 7 bricks.  I went pretty random and did not lay the pattern out ahead of time.

Here you can see my 12 rows.  The rows will be sewn into sets of 3’s.

Press the seams of the bricks to one side.  To sew the rows together the bricks need to be offset just like in real masonry work.  Align one of the rows on your cutting mat.  Each brick should measure 6″ (except for the end ones.)  Align both seams of the brick with the 6″ marks on the cutting mat.  Take the next row and align the seam along the 3″ mark which is the center of the first brick.  Put right sides together, pin, and sew using 1/4″ seams.

Continue sewing the rows together in sets of 3’s.  The ends of each row will be uneven because we are offsetting the rows.  Once the rows are sewn, press seams to one side and “square up” the edges (below).

Cut the cream cotton into (3) strips 8″ x 39.5″.  This will be the bunny appliqué pieces.
Prepare the appliqué:

Cut the bunny fabric and Heat n Bond roughly the size of the Sizzix Die.  Iron Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong side of the fabric.  Run the fused piece through the Sizzix to cut the bunny.  I cut 2 at a time.

I was completely in love with each and every bunny that I cranked out!!

Peel the backing off the Heat n Bond Lite and position the bunnies as desired.  I alternated the direction of the bunnies in each row.

Iron the bunnies into place and top stitch twice around each bunny using black thread.

Once all the bunnies are finished, lay out the quilt and sew the rows together.  (I have little papers pinned to number my rows.)

Now that the quilt top is finished, quilt as desired!  I quilted straight lines in the “brick” part and “loop-de-loos” in the bunny part.

I am so happy every time I see it!

Amanda

Filed Under: Blend Fabrics, easter, quilt, Therm O Web, tutorial, tutorials

Day 14 – Easter

March 31, 2013 by 3 Comments
 I can’t believe today is Easter.  What a fun 2 weeks it’s been.  My plan was to hike up the hill by our house to watch the sunrise.  However, it has turned cold and I don’t want to make everyone sit in the freezing cold for a lesson.  So, we are getting up early and sitting around the fire and sharing our thoughts and feelings about Jesus and reflecting on the past 2 weeks.  We are also going to watch the video, He is Risen.  We will write one last entry in our journals of our testimony of Jesus Christ.
I hope you and your family have a memorable Easter and I hope you have enjoyed this journey with me.  Thanks for reading!!!

Filed Under: 14, 14 Day Walk with Christ, easter