Sunday, April 5, 2020

My free Easter pattern for you...



About six years ago I first shared a very similar version of this stitchery for Easter, and I've often wanted to remake it in softer colours. That's just what I did yesterday as we rested for sabbath and watched some good teaching from the couch. 

If there's one thing I'm learning about home isolation its that 'things get done'. 
And you know, I'm a real homebody anyhow and rarely ever socialise other than to catch up with Blossom and the girls (before social distancing), but even having the regular morning trips out for fresh fruit and veg curtailed to 'only when absolutely necessary' or spending two mornings a week with Bloss at her house or mine, has opened up more time to do things at home than I can ever remember.

I also find things are being done slower...the rush is gone, the need to complete in order to move on has ebbed away.




And when I stitch, especially with regards to my faith in Christ, I stop more often just to ponder the fullness of each word. And there's a deeper richness being drawn forth from that pondering of His Word.

Yesterday my mind flooded with gratitude as I considered all Jesus did to draw us, me and you, back into right relationship with His Father.
As Creator of all that was made He left the majesty and glory of His throne in heaven behind -

"All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made."
(John 1:3)

 - the omnipotent GOD, humbling Himself to be born flesh in the womb of a woman, born a helpless infant dependant on earthly parents to attend His needs.

"(He)... emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
(Philippians 2:7)




I get concerned that too often we forget this, or we have grown so accustomed to the Easter story that the weight of what Christ did is no longer felt deeply and profoundly enough amidst the chocolate and bunnies so many parents and grandparents use in the way of celebrating this eternity-changing sacrificial choice amongst children and each other. 

I don't do chocolate eggs or bunnies. I used to, but then I stopped.
Finally, God got through to me...the chocolate, the bunnies - they are pagan festivals with no bearing on what a Christ-centred Easter is all about. 

I looked at Easter eggs last year and longed for them...the chocolate, the beauty of the glittery wrapping, oh they were so eye catching and my mouth watered. But then that still small voice spoke clearly across my thoughts -
"It's only chocolate, Jennifer, you can buy chocolate any day of the year...there is nothing special about it being in the shape of an egg."
And He went on to expand more about my application of Easter and how it must change.
Wow, and as my Pop used to say, "the penny dropped". I got it. I really did.

I honestly believe we do a disservice to Jesus when we lead children up the garden path of easter-bunny make believe, and it's been a weight lifted from my heart to step away from these things (just as Blossom has too).

Jesus - I want Him every day, all day, every moment - but I have to work at that.  I have to seek His ways above my ways, His ways above the world's ways (and customs), His ways in drawing my desires out of the world and into heaven. 

And I want that, I want to let go more and more of the world and grow more and more of Christ's character in me instead. Chocolate? I can get that any time. No effort involved.

Use the link below to download this pattern, with my love.

God bless you abundantly and may we all seek a deeper walk with Jesus in the days ahead, may we fully acknowledge what happened that Friday afternoon on a rugged and torturous cross...

"And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." 
(Philippians 2:8)

..and then celebrate the rolling away of that stone, and the Light of the World which through His glorious resurrection still lives today.

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!"
(Luke 24:6)


Loving hugs,



24 comments:

Magda said...

Amen to that!! My days are not as many in these days as being a nurse I am still required to go to work obviously but I decided with my husband that we would stay home apart from going for a medical appointment or groceries and not see anyone so I can stay as healthy as possible for my job. So I am still on a slower pace when at home which has been so nice. More time to do cooking and my beloved cross stitch. I have a good store of your patterns too but so far have not been able to find where to buy that white cloth you use. can you let me know where I can buy it please magda.kvn@gmail.com, May the Lord bless you and your family

Pcsavant said...

Jenny, I have followed you for many years but have never wrote to you. But I want to tell you I’m sooo glad that you are back!!! I realized how much I miss your inspiring words. Always uplifting and faith filled. Thank you for all you do to help us follow Christ in our everyday lives. God bless you and prosper you abundantly

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
Home isolation and feeling good at the same time, what a treat I'm taking time to appreciate things while getting a lot started and finished :) I like the new routine.
Marketing is strong for all that Easter chocolate here as well.
Enjoying a sunny Sunday!
hugs,
Joanne

Nanna Chel said...

Jenny, my daughter and her family don't do chocolate eggs or bunnies either so I have never sent Easter eggs up to my grandchildren. It is going to be such a strange Easter this year as my 83 year old sister is going to find it so lonely not having any company. We are over 70 so are not supposed to be going out either. Just as well we have 1/2 acre here.

RBrown said...

Oh Jenny, thank you for the wonderful message this morning. I so agree with what you said. I do not like Santa Clause at Christmas. I think it negates the whole message of Christmas. I don't put those things out in my house. You have blessed my heart. Thank you

Tammy said...

Good morning Jenny. Love the new version of this pattern even more than I loved the original. Thank you so much for your lovely Easter gift. I did easter eggs with mine as children. I never knew any different. That was the old Tammy THis is the new Tammy. And If I had it to do all over again. I would do it very differently. Rarely do we get chances for do overs in this life... But so many things would have been done differently. But I try to move forwards in my walk with CHrist and I know he has forgiven me my sins. As he will forgive if we ask him. May you all have a wonderful Easter season. Even at home Christ is ever present so if we can't go to church on Easter Sunday or Palm Sunday we can still celebrate at home with our families & Christ present

Lilac Joan said...

In Arkansas it is Sunday morning. I am missing a church service because of the virus. However, your blog has filled the void of the Palm Sunday Sermon. Thank you so much. My soul is full.

e said...

I did this years ago when you offered it. I hung it up and just felt the peace of having done it, but more importanly the security in knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior!!!

Susan said...

Amen. And thanks for the beautiful pattern.

beefi8 said...

Love your pattern and your faith. Amen!

Allie said...

Amen and amen - and thank you for the gorgeous pattern!!!!

Kristen King said...

Just had to send a note and say I'm so happy to once again receive your newsletter! What a treat and thank you, I always enjoy reading about what you are up to. He is Risen!❤

Carla said...

Love the pattern and the soft colors you used.
Thank you for your words of faith and inspiration.

Bonnie Bowmaster said...

We have never done an Easter bunny or eggs with our kids, though when they were young I would put a family basket of goodies together with a stuffed lamb (because Jesus is the lamb that was slain). Love your sticheries!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!

Jackie said...

Thank you for such a beautiful post!

Dots said...

Pretty stitchery. I like the lighter colors, too. I think this would be very soothing to stitch. I have much peace in my heart and soul today. Thanks Jenny.

Mandy Currie said...

Hello Jenny, thank you for your special message, so very important. I love it when you write about your faith it inspires me to keep going. This pattern is beautiful, thank you for sharing. God bless you and your family. Regards Mandy xx

PurplePossum said...

Every holiday either Easter, Christmas etc etc is pagan based it is what is in our hearts that matters
Yes we do Easter we celebrate Jesus and what he did for us but my family knows the difference we don't give eggs etc we don't have the money but
we share Jesus and that what matters
Thank you for your faithfulness to His revealed word to you and your family May you be blessed as you have been such a blessing

Sherry said...

Thank you, Jenny! Happy Easter! Take care of yourself.

FlourishingPalms said...

I pray that many people are turning more to God than ever before. I know that I am much more cognizant of my need to pray. And worship. And be in the Word. Like Esther, I can’t help but believe that those who are righteous were “made for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14.

Susan said...

Some of the same thoughts I've been having lately. There is too much "it does no harm" in the world, and we know who THAT comes from. That verse from Luke is one of my favorites. It's an all-consuming question we all need to ask ourselves. Thanks for providing a compass point for me to check my position. =) Thank you for the beautiful stitchery, too. He IS risen, and that changes everything.

mrsgoose82 said...

Thanks so much for your words - that is exactly what we are doing through this virus time. We are consuming ourselves with the death and the dead at the expense of forsaking the living. I feel that Christ is disappointed with His church - we have rolled over, hid under our blankies afraid to love people which is exactly the opposite of what Christ commanded us to do.

K Reeves said...

Jenny, Thank you for this lovely Easter gift. Every one of your posts is a gift, I feel discipled, challenged and encouraged each time I read one. We never had Easter bunnies or chocolate, but we did enjoy the craft part of dying eggs, even tried pysanki! I still have some of their eggs, one even portrays an empty tomb. :) We also had a set of Resurrection eggs; each one held a piece of the Resurrection Story, and the girls loved them, as well as Resurrection meringues, which I think your grand children would love too. Your post has brought back many happy memories to treasure during this time when we are separated. Thank you!

GetSewing said...

Thank you for inspiring blog, & this pattern. I made a little wall-hanging from it in 2017. I was going to post a photo, but there is no button.
-Barbara