Spring is whispering “Easter.” The power of the cross is a victory that lights our way. Every Easter we take a fresh look at the familiar events of the resurrection of Christ.

His death was no ordinary execution. Jesus endured torture. He was beaten, bruised, torn, stripped and spit upon. A crown of prickly thorns was placed upon his head. His feet and hands were nailed to the timber. Heavy with pain, he could scarcely move his head. His parched lips parted, and the swollen tongue spoke for the last time, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” according to the Easter story.

Why didn’t he quit? Why didn’t he save himself? Because the love for his children was greater than the pain of the journey. Jesus of Nazareth predicted his death, and even prayed that God take the cup of sorrow from his lips. But now it is done. We see how dearly he paid for us.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, watched as Joseph and Nicodemus wrenched the five-inch nails from the hands of this broken body. After tenderly wiping the bloody, wounded face of the crucified King, they carried the body into the tomb and lay it down on the carved rock ledge.

At the light of Easter dawn, Mary and the women, their hearts filled with grief, found the tomb open. The rock was rolled away. Mary stooped and tried to peek inside.

“Why seekest thou the living amongst the dead?” she heard the angel. “He has risen as he said.”

When Mary saw her lord, her heart was filled with rapture as she knelt and worshiped. The words he spoke to Mary, he still speaks to us today.

“Go tell the others that I live.”

Jesus is most alive when he is embraced in the heart of believers.

Easter holidays are a special time for family and friends to gather around a table filled with food that is lovingly prepared. Cherish these times, and remember the meaning of this holiday as you enjoy the traditions together.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].

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I promised several ladies this recipe, and I apologize because I do not remember exactly who they were, but here it is. This healthy recipe was shared with me by my granddaughter, Kristin. And it’s become extremely popular.

Bok Choy Salad

Noodle mixture:

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup sliced almonds

2 packages ramen-style noodles

Salad mixture:

1 large head of bok choy, about 2 pounds

4 scallions

1 romaine lettuce head

Dressing:

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Note: This recipe should not be prepared until it’s time to eat.

Don’t boil the noodles, just break them up into small pieces. Then, in a sauce pan, melt the butter or margarine and add the sesame seeds, sugar, ramen noodles and almonds. Sauté until brown ”“ about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature, but don’t refrigerate.

Coarsely chop the bok choy and romaine lettuce, slice the scallions and mix together. Set your salad mix aside.

Mix dressing ingredients.

Toss greens, noodle mixture and dressing, and serve immediately. Enjoy!