Happy Easter!

On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.Christians believe, according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. As part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday, always the Friday just before Easter. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus. (For a more detailed explanation about his death and resurrection, see Why Did Jesus Have to Die? and Timeline of Jesus' Final Hours.)

Easter Season

In Western Christianity, Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday and Ash Wednesday is not observed.Because of Easter's pagan origins, and also because of the commercialization of Easter, many Christian churches choose to refer to the holiday as Resurrection Day.

Easter in the Bible

The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.

Determining the Date of Easter

In Western Christianity, Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday immediately following the Paschal Full Moon. I had previously, and somewhat erroneously stated, "Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday immediately following the first full moon after the vernal (spring) equinox." This statement was true prior to 325 AD; however, over the course of history (beginning in 325 AD with the Council of Nicea), the Western Church decided to established a more standardized system for determining the date of Easter.   http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/qt/whatiseaster.htm

Written By:

Mary Fairchild

Where did the Easter Bunny come from?

He's fluffy, friendly, and oh, so fertile!
Hippity, hoppity! Here comes the Easter Bunny with his basket of Easter eggs and other springtime goodies! How did an egg-delivering rabbit come to represent Easter, the resurrection day of the Savior?

Actually, the entire Easter holiday has its roots in pre-Christian tradition. Early Christians adapted the Jewish Passover and pagan celebrations to mark their highest holiday of faith, in which the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled by the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.

Where did Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, begin?
The ancient Anglo-Saxons worshipped Ostara, a goddess of fertility. During the spring moon, or vernal equinox, tribal members would offer seeds and colored eggs on a fertility altar to please and appease this goddess.
Christians transformed the word "Ostara" to "Easter" to mark the celebration of Jesus' resurrection in the springtime. This timing was both historical and logical, as the Last Supper of Christ was actually a celebration of the Passover Seder, which also occurs in the spring.

How did Easter eggs become associated with Resurrection Sunday?
Since early Roman times and before, people have regarded the egg as a symbol of new life. As a sign of Christian rebirth, the egg is ideal. What once appeared to be lifeless has sprung into new life. A bird hatching from an egg has been seen as a type of resurrection, even as Christ stepped out of the sealed tomb of death.
Incidentally, in Greece, Easter eggs are dyed red, to symbolize the shed blood of Christ. Elsewhere, eggs may be colored in rainbowed hues for festive fun. In the United States and other countries, children participate in indoor or outdoor Easter egg hunts.

How did the Easter Bunny traditions begin?
Rabbits are among the most prolific of all living creatures. They exemplify fertility, as they may produce many offspring at one time. According to Anglo-Saxon mythology, Ostara (again, the fertility goddess) transformed a bird into a bunny, who laid colorful eggs for children. Thus began the tradition of a bunny giving children decorated eggs in the spring.
In America, Pennsylvania Dutch settlers recounted stories to their children of the "Oschter Haws" (Easter Hare), who visited homes and left colored eggs for well-behaved children. Little boys would leave their caps, and little girls would leave their bonnets, as nests. In time, families began weaving and crafting baskets instead.
In the 19^th century, German confectioners began making Easter bunnies from pastry.
Today, in the United States, families perpetuate the tradition of the Easter Bunny, who brings treats and trinkets to children. Many other countries have similar traditions.
As real rabbits begin birthing their many young this spring, one cannot help but consider our great blessings. Aren't we fortunate that the Easter Bunny drops jelly beans and chocolate eggs, instead of what all those other bunnies leave in our yards?     http://voices.yahoo.com/easter-bunny-beginnings-where-did-he-come-from-1302871.html

Written By: Linda Ann Nickerson

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail! Egg Hunt in Your Area.

These are all FREE Easter Egg hunts in the SF Bay Area!

 

San Francisco

San Francisco - Spring Eggstravaganza

WHAT: Egg hunts, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a BBQ competition. $8 per person.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 11am-3pm.
WHERE: Golden Gate Park Carousel Area, 198 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA.

East Bay

Berkeley – Spring Egg Hunt Extravaganza

WHAT: Petting zoo, a visit with the Spring Bunny, spring-themed arts and crafts, an interactive kid’s carnival with fun prizes, Bunny Hop Dance Lessons & egg hunts for 2-9 year olds. Cost: $5.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 10am-1pm.
WHERE: Willard Park, 2720 Hillegass Ave, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley – Eggster Egg Hunt & Learning Festival

WHAT: Eggster Egghunt and Learning Festival (Free), the largest free egghunt in Northern California, is run by a non-profit student organization to benefit the local children’s organizations. A limited amount of food will be available: $1 bottled water, $5 grilled cheese sandwiches.
WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 2013, 10am-3pm.
WHERE: Memorial Glade on the UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA.

Hayward – Bonnet Parade and Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT: Easter Bonnet Parade for kids up to 6 years old led by the Easter Bunny. Prizes given for prettiest, most unusual, and most colorful homemade bonnets. Egg hunt for 3-9 year olds. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 9am-1pm.
WHERE: Kennedy Park, Hayward, CA; (510) 888-0211.

Oakland – Great Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT: Entertainment, arts & crafts, face painting, picnic on the lawn, mansion tours, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Adults $5, Kids 4 & up $4, kids 3 and under free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 12pm-3pm.
WHERE: Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA.

Peninsula

Belmont – Egg Hunt

WHAT: Easter Egg Hunt, bounce houses, arts and crafts, and more. Bring your basket, don’t be late and keep your eyes open for the bunny! Ages 3-10 years free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 9am.
WHERE: Twin Pines Meadow, Belmont, CA.

Los Altos – Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT: Hunt for candy and prize filled eggs, meet the Easter Bunny, crafts, face painting, balloon artist, and games.
WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2013, 10am.
WHERE: Noon, Main, State and 2nd Streets, Los Altos, CA.

Menlo Park – Egg Hunt

WHAT: Egg hunt, entertainment, festive activities. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 10am-12pm.
WHERE: Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St, Menlo Park, CA.

Menlo Park – Egg Hunt

WHAT: Egg Hunt, magic show, crafts, Jelly Bean Guess, take a photo with the Bunny. For kids 8 and under. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 10am-12pm.
WHERE: Kelly Park, 100 Terminal Ave, Menlo Park, CA.

San Mateo – Eggstravaganza

WHAT: Pancake breakfast, arts & games, bunny patch, 6 different egg hunts throughout the day, community parade, live entertainment. Free, but pancake breakfast is $8 adults, $4 children.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 9am-1pm. Pancake breakfast 9am, parade 10:30am, egg hunts at 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm.
WHERE: Central Park, San Mateo, CA.

South San Francisco – Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT: Easter Egg Hunt for children 8 years of old and younger. Hidden prizes, meet the Easter Bunny. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2013, 10am.
WHERE: Orange Memorial Park/picnic area (Orange Park Shelter), Orange Ave, South San Francisco, CA.

North Bay

Mill Valley — Spring Eggstravaganza

WHAT: Bunny Breakfast with a chance to meet the Easter Bunny (Adults $6, Children $4, ages 2 and under free), egg hunt (free).
WHEN: Bunny Breakfast 8:30am-10am. Egg Hunts at 10am (ages 2 and under), and 10:15am (ages 3-4 and 5-8).
WHERE: Mill Valley Community Center, Mill Valley, CA.

Novato – Spring Celebration

WHAT: Egg hunt, free kids activity booths, arts & crafts, cookie decorating, photo ops with Easter Bunny and San Rafael Pacifics baseball team and mascot. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 11am-2pm. Egg hunt starts at 11am.
WHERE: Grant and Sherman Avenues, Downtown Novato, CA.

Petaluma – Sunrise Rotary Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT: No further details posted yet.
WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2013
WHERE: Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA.

San Anselmo – Children’s Egg Hunt

WHAT: Egg hunt for kids 7 and under, youth activities, fair, magical performance. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 11am. (Flashlight Egg Hunt for kids 7 and older at dusk on Friday, March 29, 2013.)
WHERE: Memorial Park, San Anselmo, CA.

San Rafael – Egg Hunt and Breakfast with Bunny

WHAT: Egg Hunt, free. Breakfast with Bunny, adults $7, children 12 & under $5.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013. Egg hunt starts at 10am, breakfast directly after.
WHERE: Egg hunt at Marinwood Park, breakfast at Marinwood Community Center, 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael, CA.

Sausalito – Spring Easter Egg Hunt and Parade

WHAT: Parade, egg hunt, live music by Tim Cain, Easter Bonnet Contest.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013. Parade 10am, egg hunt 10:15am, live music 10:30am, Easter Bonnet Contest 11am.
WHERE: Caledonia Street/Dunphy Park, Sausalito, CA. Parade begins at the corner of Johnson and Caledonia Streets.

South Bay

Campbell – Bunnies & Bonnets Parade

WHAT: 15th annual Bunnies & Bonnets Parade featuring marching bands, baton dancers, classic cars, and more. Free.
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2013, 12pm.
WHERE: Parade downtown Campbell, CA, along E Campbell Ave from the railroad tracks to Third St.

Redwood City – Malibu Grand Prix Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT: Easter egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, balloon animals, raffle prize drawings, and more. Free. Registration required for the egg hunts.
WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 2013, 11:30am. Registration for egg hunts at 11:30am-12:45pm.
WHERE: Malibu Grand Prix, 340 Blomquist St, Redwood City, CA 94063.

The Tax Man is Coming! April 15th Deadline

Uncle Sam wants you to pay your taxes. And you only have a few more weeks to do it. This year the saddest of all unofficial holidays is April 15, 2013.

 

Tax day (normally the 15th) can vary depending on how the days of the week fall in a particular year. Folks get a bit longer to pay their taxes this year because April 15th falls on a Sunday. Monday the 16th is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in Washington D.C. that celebrates the freeing of American slaves. (According to the U.S. tax code, tax day can not fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.) But one thing that never changes: You have to file by mid-April. That wasn't always the case.

 

As the Library of Congress puts it, the income tax is linked to the passage of the 16th Amendment on July 2, 1909. The 16th Amendment reads as follows: "The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration."

 

Basically, the government is entitled to a taste of the bacon you bring home. The 16th Amendment was ratified a few years later, on February 3, 1913.Nobody is certain why lawmakers chose March 1 as tax day, but some speculate that it was because March 1, 1914, fell roughly one year after the 16th Amendment was enacted. But tax day didn't stay on March 1 for long. A few years later, the Revenue Act of 1918 moved the day forward to March 15.

 

And there it stayed until around 1955, when Congress moved tax day a month later to April 15. There it continues to live (more or less) as a day of dread. Why April 15? Historians believe there are two reasons. One, it gave the IRS a month longer to go through the tax returns (imagine the piles of paper before e-filing), and two, it let Uncle Sam hang onto the money a little longer before issuing refunds. Of course, the later date also meant the government had to wait longer to get a check should it be owed money.

 

There are those who believe income taxes levied by the federal government are unconstitutional because they argue the 16th Amendment wasn't properly ratified. Many of these “tax resister” cases have gone to court. As this blog from Oregon Live points out, none of these arguments against the government has prevailed.

No matter what day taxes are due, be sure to drive carefully on the way to the post office. A recently released study shows that, perhaps due to increased stress, there are on average 6% more auto accidents on tax day.

Passover ... March 24-April 4, 2013

What is Passover?

Passover is a freedom festival. It commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, and their departure from slavery to freedom. Passover's main ritual is the seder, which occurs on the first night (or the first two nights) of the holiday--a festive meal that involves the re-enactment of the Exodus through stories, songs, and ritual foods, such as matzah and maror.

What are some Passover practices?

The most marked Passover practice is a set of intense changes to the usual dietary cycle, including the absence of hametz, or leavened foods. The joyous cycle of psalms called Hallel is recited both at night, during the seder, and in prayers during the day. Additionally, Passover is the start of a 49-day period called the Omer, which symbolizes the count between offerings brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. This count culminates in the joyous holiday of Shavuot, the anniversary of receiving the Torah.

What foods do we eat on Passover?

Matzah, or unleavened bread, is the main food of Passover. You can buy it in many stores, or you can make your own. But it doesn't stop there! There are many traditional favorites, from haroset (a mixture of apples, nuts, and cinnamon) to matzo ball soup, that are eaten--and there's a myriad of creative ways to cook without leavening

The Meaning of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, and marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus' death.

The History of Palm SundayThe celebration of Palm Sunday originated in the Jerusalem Church, around the late fourth century. The early Palm Sunday ceremony consisted of prayers, hymns, and sermons recited by the clergy while the people walked to various holy sites throughout the city. At the final site, the place where Christ ascended into heaven, the clergy would read from the gospels concerning the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In the early evening they would return to the city reciting: "Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord." The children would carry palm and olive branches as the people returned through the city back to the church, where they would hold evening services.

By the fifth century, the Palm Sunday celebration had spread as far as Constantinople. Changes made in the sixth and seventh centuries resulted in two new Palm Sunday traditions - the ritual blessing of the palms, and a morning procession instead of an evening one. Adopted by the Western Church in the eighth century, the celebration received the name "Dominica in Palmis," or "Palm Sunday".
A Palm Sunday video is a great way to prepare for your church's celebration of Palm Sunday.

The Meaning of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.
These Palm Sunday PowerPoints depict scenes and images of Palm Sunday, providing a perfect enhancement to your teaching on this subject.

The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.

Palm Sunday in Modern Times
Today, Palm Sunday traditions are much the same as they have been since the tenth century. The ceremony begins with the blessing of the palms. The procession follows, then Mass is celebrated, wherein the Passion and the Benediction are sung. Afterwards, many people take the palms home and place them in houses, barns, and fields.

In some countries, palms are placed on the graves of the departed. In colder northern climates, where palm trees are not found, branches of yew, willow, and sallow trees are used. The palms blessed in the ceremony are burned at the end of the day. The ashes are then preserved for next year's Ash Wednesday celebration.

In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus' life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.

Written by: David Katski

http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/what-is-palm-sunday.html

Container Gardening for Apartment Living

Varieties of Succulents

If you want an easy container garden, succulents are a great choice. There's a wide variety of succulents to choose from. They come in a wide variety of colors and textures. Use a low-bowl or a saucer for your succulent garden. They don't need a lot of soil because they have a shallow root system.
You want to select plants with similar light, water, and nutrient needs. Many succulents only need a few hours of sunlight a day.

Prepare a Succulent Container Garden

To get started making your own succulent container garden, select enough succulents to fill up your container. Add soil to the bottom of the pot. Carefully arrange the plants in the plants in the pot the way you prefer them to be. Make sure the plants sit just below the container's rim. Fill in the spaces between the plants with soil. Be sure the soil doesn't cover the crown of the plant. Choose a soil that is specific for succulents. You can also use cactus potting soil. Make sure the soil stays moist, but do not over water. You can decorate the top soil of your container with pebbles, marbles, or beautiful sea glass. Consider using a well-balanced, time-release fertilizer.

For more information, go to: www.homegarden.about.com.

Spring has Sprung!

Find a Pallet

The first thing you need to do is–obviously–find a pallet. I’ve had good luck finding them in dumpsters behind supermarkets. No need to be squeamish. It doesn’t smell. At least, it doesn’t smell that bad. Don’t just take the first pallet you find. You’re looking for one with all the boards in good condition, no nails sticking out, no rotting, etc. If you intend to put edibles in your pallet, be sure to find one that was heat treated as opposed to fumigated with pesticides.

Collect Your Supplies

For this project, you’ll need the pallet you found, 2 large bags of potting soil, 16 six packs of annual flowers (one six pack per opening on the face of the pallet, and two six packs per opening on the top of the completed pallet garden), a small roll of landscape fabric, a staple gun, staples, and sand paper.

Get Your Pallet into Shape

Once you’ve dragged your pallet home, give it a once over. Are any of the boards a little loose? Is the wood chipping in places? Nail down any loose boards, and use sand paper to smooth down any rough spots.

Let the Stapling Begin!

Decide which side of the pallet will be the bottom when the pallet garden is completed and leaning against the wall. You are going to be covering the bottom, back, and sides with landscape fabric, leaving the spaces between the slats and the top uncovered (you’ll be planting flowers in the uncovered spaces).
Lay the pallet face down. Roll the landscape fabric over the back. Cut two identically sized pieces that are long enough to go from the top edge of the back of the pallet and wrap all the way around the bottom, plus a few extra inches.

Hold the two pieces of landscape fabric together as if they were one piece of fabric. Fold over the top edge by one inch and center it on the top board of the back of the pallet. Staple the fabric into place near the top edge of the top board. Smooth the fabric out to the left and right and pull it taut. Staple the fabric down on the top, right edge of the top board. Repeat on the left side. Fill in between those three staples with one staple every two inches along the top edge of the top board.
When the top of the landscape fabric is securely attached to the top, back board, smooth the fabric down, and repeat the process along the bottom edge of the bottom board, except don’t fold the fabric under, leave a long flap on the bottom.
Pulling the fabric tautly along the bottom, fold the cut edge under, and staple the fabric down along the front edge of the bottom. Smooth the fabric out to the left and right and staple every two inches along the front edge of the bottom.
Now for the sides. Start near the bottom and fold the excess fabric inwards as if you were wrapping a present. Fold the cut edge of the fabric under and staple it down near the front, bottom edge of the side facade. Smooth the fabric out and place a staple every two inches along the front edge of the side of the pallet. The fabric should be taut but not in danger of tearing. Repeat on the other side of the pallet.

You should now have a pallet with landscape fabric wrapped around the sides, back, and bottom. Place more staples along the spine of the back side of the pallet, and anywhere else you think the fabric needs to be held down so that soil can’t creep into places you don’t want it to go.

Now for the Fun Part–Planting!

Bring the pallet close to wherever it’s final spot will be and lay it down face up. You’re going to plant it while it’s laying flat on the ground.

First slide the plants into what will be the top. Plant everything very tightly, you should have to practically shoe horn the last plant into place. Now that you have capped the top, pour the entire first bag of potting soil on top of the pallet. Push the soil into the pallet between the slats and smooth it out so that the soil is level. Repeat with the second bag of potting soil.

Push potting soil into the bottom cavity, so that there is a trench directly below one of the bottom openings. Plant six plants in the trench, so that they are very tightly fitted into the opening. Repeat with the other bottom opening. Now push the potting soil up against those flowers you just planted, making a trench beneath one of the openings in the second row. Plant your flowers tightly in that opening. Repeat for all the remaining openings.

When you’re done planting, you should have plants that are completely covering every opening (i.e. there shouldn’t be any place for soil to fall out). There should also be soil firmly pushed into every part of the pallet where there aren’t plants.

Caring For your Pallet

Now, I’m going to tell you what you should do, and I what I always end up doing (which is what you should not do). You should leave the pallet flat on the ground for a couple of weeks (watering when needed), so that the roots can start to grow in and hold all the plants in place. I can never wait though, so I always tip the pallet upright a few days after planting. Some soil does fall out, but it seems to be okay. But I think it would be better if you left it to settle and only tipped it upright after a few weeks. Do as I say, not as I do.

Water your pallet regularly, they dry out quickly. Pay special attention to the bottom two openings, they seem to be the driest. Fertilize with water soluble fertilizer added to your watering can (follow package instructions for amount and frequency).
http://lifeonthebalcony.com/how-to-turn-a-pallet-into-a-garden/#more-4806