The Significance of Passover in Easter: A reflection of the New and Old Testaments

Many years ago I read a fictional book series that consisted of 7 books. I remember telling a friend after I finished the series that it amazed me how the author connected seemingly inconspicuous details from the first book to major events in the last book. Did the author know the whole story while they were writing the first book? It was really thought provoking to think of the creativity and ingenuity this author held.

Now, in 2023, I have been reading the Bible from cover to cover for several years now. Even more so than when I read the fictional series years ago, I am in awe of how details from the Old Testament reflect major events in the New Testament. Unlike when I wondered if the author of the fictional story series knew the whole story when they wrote the first book, I know for certain that my God actually did. Every day I am in awe of God’s creativity and ingenuity. Wow, the greatest Author there ever was!

Today I am sharing one of the ways God connects the events of the Old Testament to the New Testament, and even to our lives today. I hope you will follow me as I volley back and forth from the Old Testament to the New Testament as I talk about how Passover from the Old Testament and the resurrection of our Messiah are a reflection of one another. Easter is coming, and if we are to truly understand the magnitude, we must also understand the Passover Lamb.

To begin, we need to go back to the very first Passover in the Old Testament book of Exodus. There we find Moses, with the help of his brother Aaron, asking Pharaoh (most likely Ramses II) to let the Israelites go so that they may worship God. Each time Pharaoh refuses or changes his mind, God brings a plague upon Egypt. Finally, we get to the last plague, in which God says that the firstborn of all living creatures, people and animals, will die. But before doing so, God gives the Israelites instructions to follow so that God would ‘pass over’ them when the first born were struck down. In these instructions, God was very specific about actions the Israelites were to take, what they were to wear, and what they were to eat. We’ll come back to some of those specific instructions in a minute.

Next, we jump forward to the New Testament. In Matthew 26, we read that Jesus and His disciples were preparing for the Passover. In fact, this Passover meal is what we now refer to as “the last supper.” Matthew 26:17-18 says, “Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’ And He said, Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, The Teacher says, ‘My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with my disciples.'”

Now, let’s go back to Exodus chapter 12 and take a look at some of God’s specific instructions to the Israelites while they were preparing for the last plague to fall upon Egypt:

  • During the last plague, every firstborn child and animal was to die. (Exodus 11:4-5)
  • God told the Israelites that each household was to select a perfect, unblemished, one-year-old lamb.
  • They were instructed to slaughter it at twilight, as darkness fell.
  • The Israelites were instructed to roast the lamb and eat it in its entirety. Nothing was to remain in the morning.
  • They were also instructed to eat unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
  • Using a bunch from a hyssop plant, they were to apply the blood to their two doorposts and lintel.
  • The blood was a sign for God to pass over them. This blood was their protection.

What does all of this have to do with Easter? To understand that we need to jump back to the New Testament. There we can see:

  • During the events of Easter, God’s one and only Son was to die. (John 3:16, Romans 8:32)
  • Jesus was observing the Passover the night before his crucifixion. (Matthew 26:18, Mark 14:14, Luke 22:11)
  • Jesus is the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God. (John 1:36, John 3:5, 2 Cor. 5:21, Hebrews 4:15)
  • During the Passover meal, Jesus used unleavened bread to signify His Body. (Matthew 26:26)
  • During the Passover meal, Jesus used wine to represent His Blood. (Matthew 26:27-28)
  • We know we are saved from our sin by the blood of Christ. Christ’s blood is our protection. (Hebrews 9:22, 1 Peter 1:19)
  • Using a branch from a hyssop plant, they put bitter wine on Jesus’ mouth. (John 19:29)
  • When Jesus died darkness (twilight) fell. (Luke 23:44-45)
  • Just as the Passover lamb was not to remain in the morning, Jesus did not remain in the tomb until morning. (Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:6, Mark 16:6)

When we understand how Passover and Easter are related, we can comprehend the significance. The Author of this world knew when he was instructing the Israelites to observe Passover that he would one day send his Son as the perfect Passover Lamb. His blood not only covers our lintels, but our lives and our souls.

In closing I would like to share how our family chooses to recognize the significance of Passover in Easter. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I feel strongly about creating family holiday traditions that follow events on the Bible and thereby teach the actual Bible events to future generations. (This is why our Protestant family observes Epiphany to teach about the true story of the events of the Wisemen.) On the Thursday before Easter, typically known as Maundy Thursday, our family will have communion at our dinner table before we eat. We’ll use Passover Matzo crackers as our communion bread and grape juice. We’ll read the New Testament where Jesus uses these to represent his body and blood. We’ll also read in the Old Testament of the Passover, because Jesus is the final, perfect Passover Lamb. It doesn’t always, but the first day of Passover actually falls on Maundy Thursday this year. I hope your family will join us in celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior. If you have time to stuff and hide Easter eggs, maybe you can find the time for this as well. 🙂

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Lemon Ginger Honey Tea

Lemon Ginger Honey Tea

Hi! I’m just popping in with a quick post to share an easy tea recipe.

This tea is made using fresh ingredients. All of these ingredients are known to boost immunity, and what better time to enjoy a warm drink than during the cold and flu months of winter?

Lemon ginger honey tea recipe

For this receipt you will need organic ginger, organic lemon, local honey, a small jar, and some kind of utensil to use to get the honey from one container to the other. I used a small rubber spatula and a wooden stirrer. I’ll explain below why you want to use organic, instead of regular lemons and ginger.

Lemon ginger honey tea recipe

First, you will need to wash and thinly slice the lemon. Next you need to peel and thinly slice a finger length of ginger. The easiest way to peel ginger is to use the edge of a metal spoon and scraped the peel off. After everything is washed, peeled, and sliced, start layering your ingredients in your jar. You can either add honey in between layers as you go, or you can fill of your jar at the very end. (I layer the honey as I go.) Did you know that honey is the only food that will never spoil, as long as it is kept sanitary? If you don’t know where to get local honey, some Costco locations sell local honey.

Lemon ginger honey tea recipe

At this point your “tea” is done. You can keep it in the refrigerator for two weeks. Each time you want to make tea, simply scoop a spoonful of the mixture, including some lemons and ginger, into a mug and fill it with warm to hot water. You don’t want to use boiling water because it will remove some of the healthy benefits of the mixture.

Lemon ginger honey tea recipe

A few tips before we get to the printable recipe: The lemons and ginger need to be organic. Otherwise, a) the lemon will be coated in a preservative that you don’t really want to be brewing and ingesting, and b) the ginger won’t contain the healthy yeast it is known to have if it is organic. An alternative to putting your jar in the refrigerator is to allow it to ferment on the counter for 2-4 weeks before putting it into the fridge. Fermenting requires other steps, like burping the jar daily. I do not have experience with fermenting the mixture, so if you want to do that, you should do a quick Google search to find some directions.

Lemon Ginger Honey Tea

A soothing tea made with fresh lemon and warming ginger.

Credit: BelleAntiquarian.com

Ingredients

  • 1 small organic lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 finger of organic ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • local honey to cover and fill your container
  • a clean small jar

Directions

  1. Wash, peel, and slice the ginger thinly.
  2. Wash and slice the lemon thinly.
  3. Layer the honey, lemon, and ginger in a small jar.
  4. Refrigerate your mixture until you’re ready to use it.
  5. When you want to make a cup of tea, scoop out some of the honey mixture, including some lemon and ginger, and place it into a cup. Fill your cup with warm or hot water and mix together. Don’t use boiling water or it will eliminate some of the health benefits of the ingredients.

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1920 Lane cedar chest tall footed

Antique Lane Cedar Chest

Hi, there!

Last weekend we went antiquing in Braselton, Georgia. We’re familiar with the antique shops of Braselton, because it’s where I actually had my first antique booth in 2012. After stopping in Countryside Antiques, we drove next door to A Flea Antique. While we were there we picked up a Lane cedar chest.

1920 Lane cedar chest tall footed

I had been looking at a cedar chest in a different antique store a couple of months ago, but it wasn’t a Lane chest. I like the style of this chest, which I have learned is called a Tall Hasp with Feet, or THF. To give you an idea of the size, it measures 27″ high by 46″ wide by 19.25″ deep.

After bringing our new Lane chest home, I did some research. I learned that MOST Lane chests can be dated by the serial number on the bottom of the chest or under the lid. The serial number, read backwards, gives the production date. However, my chest only has a style number, not a serial number. I found out that some of the earlier chests did not have a serial number listed. Lane stopped their production of cedar chests in 2014, but I did contact the company to request some information.

1920 Lane cedar chest tall footed

As part of my interior design degree, I have taken several Furniture History courses. Combined with my time selling antiques, I believe this chest to be from the 1928-1940 time range. This is mainly due to the style of the feet, the bullseye rosettes used, and the floral design motif on the front.

Other than being in desperate need of some wood conditioner and wax, the chest is in great condition! The only thing I am unsure of, and asked Lane Furniture Company about, is whether the green lid is how it was originally decorated. It hasn’t been colored in recent history, but at some point it may have been refinished that way. I’m really not sure.

Here’s a look before moisturizing and waxing:

1920 Lane cedar chest tall footed

Here’s a 15 second video showing how I gave it some TLC…

After here’s an “after”…

1920 Lane cedar chest tall footed

If you’re interested in following along with more of my antiquing adventures, be sure to follow along on Instagram. Here’s a little snippet of what you’ll find us doing!

I’m not a Lane cedar chest expert, and the information that comes up on a Google search hasn’t had all of the answers that I’m looking for. If you have any information about this chest, please either send me an email or leave a comment below. I would greatly appreciate any details about this piece.

AbbyLeave a comment

Home and Antique Events 2023

Georgia Home and Antique Events that you don’t want to miss in 2023!

I get a lot of questions from my Instagram followers about where to find good antique store and events. I want to share several upcoming events that you will want to add to your calendar.

January 20-21, 2023 Cathedral Giving by Design

Where: Atlanta, Georgia

What is it: Formerly an antique show, Cathedral Giving by Design is now a tour of homes and a series of lectures by professionals related to the interior design field.

Tickets: Required, purchase online HERE.

Tips: I’m disappointed that this event no longer includes an antique show, but the lectures are a hidden treasure. Immerse yourself in the world of interior design and treat yourself to one of these lecture events. Dress comfortably, but nicely. These are great networking opportunities if you work in the design field.

February 23-26, 2023 Thomasville Antiques Show

Where: Thomasville, Georgia (The Biscuit Company 219 Oak Street, Thomasville, GA)

What is it: an antiques show, lectures, workshops, and party

Tickets: Required, purchase online HERE.

Tips: This is a “ladies who lunch” antiques show. Don’t expect a “picker’s paradise.” I highly recommend purchasing a boxed lunch, which can be purchased on the same page that you buy admission tickets. Noteworthy: a Junior Floral Workshop for 2nd – 10th graders.

March 10-11, 2023 Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale

Where: All along GA HWY 341 in South Georgia

What is it: yard sales in individual yards, as well as groups in parking lots.

Tickets: No tickets are needed.

Tips: Stop your car when you want to browse for anything including the kitchen sink. You’re bound to find treasures! Plan your route ahead of time and book accommodations early. Bring cash! Since many of the sellers are individuals in their driveways, don’t expect to pay with check or cards.

April 14-15, 2023 Madison Tour of Homes

Where: Historic Madison, Georgia

What is it: The self-guided tour will feature a selection of Madison’s treasured historic and modern homes. You can experience the living history of the town while strolling through the city’s architecturally significant homes as they come into full bloom!

Tickets: Required, $30 per person through April 12th; $40 the day of. Purchase tickets online soon HERE.

Tips: There are a lot of great antique stores in and around Madison, as well as some really good places to eat. Madison is a very walkable city, so if you are able to get a good parking spot, you can leave your car for the day and take advantage of all the area has to offer.

April 28-30, 2023 Vintage Market Days

Where: Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, Georgia

What is it: A market for old and new. Expect vintage, antique, art, plants, and crafts.

Tickets: $5-$10 online. Find them HERE.

Tips: Bring something to carry your purchases in.

May 6-7, 2023 May Market at Rose Lawn Museum

Where: Rose Lawn Museum, Cartersville, Georgia

What is it: A festival featuring handmade arts & crafts, and the best food and garden products in the South. Guided tours will be available during the festival.

Tips: Bring your camera! The 200+ varieties of roses will be in full bloom.

May 18-20, 2023 22nd Annual Madison Antiques Show and Sale

Where: Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, Madison, Georgia

What is it: Antiques Show and Sale will be featuring over 20 dealers from across the nation who will be displaying the best in American antiques and accessories predominantly from the South. Items range from furniture and vintage linens to silver, pottery, and fine art.

Tickets: Required, $10 for show entry; preview party $50. Buy show entry tickets online or at the door. Preview Party tickets will be online.

Tips: There is a *free* lecture before the show opens on Friday and on Saturday. Take advantage of that! Also, Madison is a very walkable, beautiful city. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we go several times a year to antique shop and eat in Madison. Be sure to drive down Eatonton Road to the Madison Flea Market. It is the most affordable antique store in town, and where you’ll likely find me when I’m in Madison.

I hope you are able to attend one of these events! If you see me there, please stop me and say hello. If you go, take some pictures and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your adventure.

AbbyLeave a comment

Style it Saturday, Red Coat

Welcome back to another edition of Style it Saturday…on a Wednesday?

It’s that weird week in between Christmas and New Year’s, when no one really knows what day it is. So I decided that it was perfectly acceptable to post a Style it Saturday on a Wednesday! 🙂

Today I am sharing 3 ways to style a red coat after Christmas. During the holidays there are countless ways to wear your red coat. After Christmas comes and goes, it doesn’t have to stay in the back of your closet! Red coats are fun to wear all winter long. (As a reminder, you can find all of the exact items featured today by clicking on the photos and following my commissionable links. You will also find other suggested items that would work in different price ranges.)

First, I am showing my favorite way to wear a red coat after Christmas. I love wearing a red coat with a blue and white button-up shirt. Paired with these trouser jeans and neutral accessories, this is a sophisticated and timeless look.

Click the photo above or HERE to find these exact pieces.

Next, I am showing how you can wear a red coat for a fun night out! Red + leopard print is always a YES for me. Add in some faux leather pants, and this just became a sexy date night outfit. You could swap the leather pants for jeans, and it would be equally cute!

Click the photo above or HERE to find these exact pieces.

Finally, here’s a fun way to wear a red coat while running errands or having lunch with your gal pals! I linked a lot of other shirts that would also work well with this casual look, so be sure to click the photo for more ideas.

Click the photo above or HERE to find these exact pieces.

That’s all for today! Be sure to subscribe below so that you never miss a post. (You can unsubscribe at any time.) You can also follow me on LTK, Instagram, or Facebook.

AbbyLeave a comment
Thanksgiving tablescape inspiration

Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

We’re just over two weeks away from Thanksgiving, and I would like to share some Thanksgiving table ideas with you.

Setting a Thanksgiving table doesn’t have to be expensive. As always, you can click any of the photos in this post to find the exact items pictured in my LTK shop. However, if you’re on a budget, you can use these photos to get inspiration for a color scheme. Try finding pieces to use in basic colors that can be used in multiple ways throughout the year.

First, this tablescape with rich colors and decadent textures creates a warm ambiance for your Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving Table Ideas
Click the photo above to find these exact pieces.

Next, basic elements are pulled together to create a warm, casual feeling.

Thanksgiving Table Ideas
Click the photo above to find these exact pieces.

Finally, a timeless blue and white color scheme makes for an elegant, fun holiday tablescape.

Thanksgiving Table Ideas
Click the photo above to find these exact pieces.

Above all, I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and peace with the people you hold dear.

Until next time, Abby

Thanksgiving tablescape inspiration

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Christmas Running Playlist

Christmas Running Playlist

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, then you know that I decided about a month ago to set a goal of being a “runner.” I was running regularly until about 10 years ago when I got a stress fracture. Afterwards, I never got back into it. I do cardio exercise regularly, but it hasn’t been in the form of running.

Click the photo above to find this playlist on Apple Music.

I found a walking-to-running plan on Pinterest, and I thought I would give it a try. My husband and I weight train 5-6 days a week, so I would be lying if I gave the impression that I was starting from zero activity level. Even so, I have found it to be very difficult. About a month into the plan, I hit a mental wall. The plan was requiring a set number of minutes running, then a set number walking, then a different set number of minutes running, etc. I was finding that counting the minutes until I was “supposed” to start walking again (before running again, LOL) was actually making it more difficult for me.

So I’ve set the Pinterest plan to the side, and I am just working on increasing the number of minutes per day that I am able to run. I am allowing a rest day in between each run until I have more endurance. In the meantime, I’ve signed up to run a 5k on Christmas Eve. I put together a Christmas Eve running playlist to listen to while I train.

Click the photo above to find this playlist on Apple Music.

I use Apple Music, and I will link it HERE if you want to use it as well. (Apple Music comes free with my cell phone service, sorry Spotify users.)

Click the photo above to find this playlist on Apple Music.

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Must have winter accessories

Style it Saturday, Winter Holiday Finds

Hi, friends! Welcome back to another edition of Style it Saturday! Today I am sharing some special finds that would work for the holidays and through winter. As always, you can click the photos to be taken directly to each of these outfits on my LTK.

First up is a holiday party outfit. Together these pieces make for a classic, sophisticated look. Separately, you’ll find that you can dress them up or down for countless looks.

Holiday party outfit
Click the photo above to find these exact pieces.

Next, here is a cozy, casual look for the holidays. This would be perfect for running errands or catching a movie.

Casual winter outfit
Click the photo above to find these exact pieces.

Finally, here are some must-have winter accessories. These classic pieces can be used year after year.

Must have winter accessories
Click the photo above to find these exact pieces.

That’s all for today! Be sure to follow me on LTK, and never miss a deal or outfit.

AbbyLeave a comment
Countdown to Christmas this year‘s best advent calendars

Countdown to Christmas: This Year’s Best Advent Calendars

It’s November 1st, and if you haven’t started planning out your fun Christmas activities, today is a great day to start. One of our family’s favorite traditions is an advent calendar. They’ve changed over the years as our kids have grown. Some years I put together the little advent goodies to open each day, but on other years I felt like it was much easier to buy one that was ready-made. Today I am sharing a dozen of the best advent calendars you can find this year.

Below you can find a description of each calendar. You can either click on the name of the calendar to be taken directly to the retailer, or you can click on the photo below to be taken to my LTK shop. Did I miss a really great advent calendar that you’d recommend? Be sure to let me know in the comments.

This year‘s best advent calendars

Playmobil was the very first advent calendar our kids did! Pro tip: This is actually a reusable advent calendar. Open the boxes carefully and save them to use again year after year. Click HERE for the Playmobil advent calendar.

Pukka Tea makes a wonderful advent calendar. My daughter and I did this together one year, and it is one of her favorite memories. Pukka tea is organic and sustainably sourced. Click HERE for the Pukka Tea advent calendar.

Dog Treat advent calendar is always fun to do at least one year if you have a furry friend. Our family had a ton of fun spoiling our pups with these delicious treats each day. We even made them pose with a Santa hat to get a cute photo opening their box each day. Click HERE for the dog treat advent calendar.

Rituals bath, body, and beauty advent calendar is really exciting for the makeup fan in your house. It even comes with little string lights to decorate the tree. Click HERE for the Rituals advent calendar.

Sugarfina advent calendar is perfect for the person who wants a little sweet treat each day. Each drawer is filled with FOUR pieces of candy! Click HERE for the Sugarfina advent calendar.

Harry & David Deluxe Advent Calendar is highly rated. These are some of the most decadent truffles you can taste. Click HERE for the Harry & David advent calendar.

This Wooden Advent Calendar is perfect for busy, small hands. No worries if they want to add the ornaments over and over again. With 5-star reviews from parents who love it, you can’t go wrong with it for small children. Click HERE for the wooden advent calendar.

Lego Advent Calendars are a hit with kids and adults who are kids-at-heart! Our college aged son picked this out for himself this year; he remembers having a lot of fun doing a similar one as a kid. Click HERE for the Lego Advent Calendar.

Coffee Advent Calendars are perfect for the coffee lover. They’re going to drink a cup each morning, so why not make it fun and festive? We love this one for the Keurig owner. Click HERE for the coffee advent calendar.

I am especially excited about this Bon Mamman advent calendar. I love their French jams and honey. For the price, I think this is one is a gem. It has sold out on a few websites, but I found one that still has it in stock. Click HERE for the Bon Mamman advent calendar.

Ornament advent calendars can help you get into the holiday spirit each day. At $125, this is one of the pricier advent calendars on the list this year, but I think these little glass ornaments are beautiful. Pro tip: save the calendar to store the ornaments in for next year. Click HERE for the ornament advent calendar.

The Adventure Challenge advent calendar is one of the more affordable calendars on the list this year. It is also one of my favorite finds! This advent calendar has a little scratch off box each day with an activity to do together with your loved ones. The website says, “this holiday edition was created to help build new holiday traditions, find new ways to connect during a busy season, and enjoy time with loved ones.” Love it! Click HERE for the adventure challenge advent calendar.

I’d love to know which ones your family did this year! Follow me on Facebook to share a photo of your advent calendar. You can also find me on Instagram and LTK, just search “BelleAntiquarian.”

Until next time!

Abby

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Activity gift guides for the whole family

Activity Gift Guides for the Whole Family

Today I am sharing some activity related gift guides for the whole family. These are gift ideas for the “tech tired” shopper. The gifts featured are ones that will involve the gift recipient in fun activities and hobbies and will get them up off of the couch and off of their phones.

Below each picture you’ll find a list of the items in each group. You can either click on the item’s name to be taken directly to the site, or you can click on the picture to find the gift guide on my LTK where I’ll be featuring curated gift guides all season long.

Here are a few gift ideas for the the men:

Click the photo to find the commissionable links for these exact gifts.

Here are some activity gift ideas for Women:

Click the photo to be taken to the exact links for these gifts.

Here are some activity gift ideas for the older teen boy:

Click the photo to find the exact links for these gifts.

Here are some activity gift ideas for the older teen girl:

Click the photo to be taken to the exact links for these gifts.

Next are some activity gift ideas for kids:

Activity gift ideas for kids

Finally, here are some activity gift ideas for toddlers to enjoy:

Activity gift ideas for toddlers

If you’re looking for more gift ideas this season, be sure to follow me on LTK or subscribe to my blog in the box below. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Activity gift guides for the whole family

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