The Miller Memoirs

A WEEK WITH CHRIST
When I was little, whenever I was asked my favorite holiday, I never hesitated to say, "CHRISTMAS"! I still feel fond feelings for the Christmas season; however, I can no longer say "Christmas" with as much conviction. I think Christmas and Easter are now tied as my favorite holidays. Both holiday's celebrate the "MOST IMPORTANT" things in life--both holiday's celebrate the Savior.
When we started the tradition to "Walk with the Savior", I had no idea how it would impact my family. I am grateful for this tradition. It has turned our hearts to the "most important". It has created an unshakable testimony of the Savior--not only in me, but also in lives' of my children. My family and I have gained a greater appreciation of the Savior and His Ministry. We have grown to love Him as we have re-enacted His life, and tried to walk His path. Easter has become what it was meant to be--a focus on the Savior. We shouldn't need a holiday to remind us of the most important; however, I am grateful for the holiday's that do just that!

Sunday-Day 1

Triumphal Entry

-Read Mark 11:1-11

-Watch The Lamb Of God

Monday-Day 2

Cleansing of the Temple

-Read Matthew 21:12-16

-Clean the house

-Color Easter eggs for FHE

Tuesday-Day 3

Teaching the people, The sacrament, Washing of the Disciple’s feet

-Read Matthew 25:31-46 (parable of the sheep and goats)

-Read Matthew 26:26-41 (The sacrament)

-Read John 13:1-30 (Washing of the Disciple’s feet)

Eat a symbolic dinner: Chicken, bread, grapes juice, grapes, green salad w/ vinegar dressing, hard boiled eggs, and olives

During dinner choose a family member to do a secret service for and leave sheep as a clue to the origin

This year, we asked our kid's to teach the devotionals. In the "Teaching the Gospel in the Savior's Way" it states that "all of us are converted as we learn to walk the gospel path for ourselves" (Teaching the Gospel, pg.3).
This experience of teaching about the Savior gave my kid's an opportunity to testify allowing them the opportunity to solidify their testimonies.

Wednesday-Day 4

Gethsemane

-Read Matthew 26:36-46

-Read “You Are Priceless”

Thursday-Day 5

The Betrayal of Jesus

-Read Luke 22:45-62

-Good friendships are important: deliver yummy treats to a special family

Friday-Day 6

The Crucifixion, 3 Days of darkness

-Read John 18:28-19:37

-Read 3 Nephi 8-10 (personal selections)

Eat dinner, read the scriptures and spend the evening in darkness

Saturday-Day 7

Jesus’ Burial and The Tomb

-Easter Egg hunt (morning)

We were at the cabin just prior to Easter, because it was our week of Spring Break! We had a fun Easter Egg Hunt at the cabin, and again when we got home that night!

When we got home from the cabin, the Easter Bunny had left a trail of eggs.

-Easter Story Cookies

1 C. whole pecans (or almonds)

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

Pinch of salt

1 C. sugar

Ziploc baggie

Wooden spoon

Tape

Bible

2 cookie sheets

Parchment paper

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. 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 19:1-3.

2. 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.

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

4. 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 sins. Read Luke 23:27.

5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing, are they? Add 1 C. 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 Psalms 34:8 And John 3:16.

6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in Gods eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3; 1-3.

7. 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 Matthew 27:57-60.

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door closed. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

9. Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven over night; however, Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 &22.

10. 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 Matthew 28:1-9.

(On Easter Morning I will have the tomb open and unsealed before the kiddos wake up)