Resurrection Morning

Morning is my favorite time of the day. It’s so peaceful, quiet; the birds wake and start singing. I especially love the beautiful golden glow of the sunrise on the trees, ocean, lakes, grass and flowers, dispelling the darkness of the night. I imagine it was such a morning in Jerusalem long ago. As dawn was breaking and the morning sun was ready to cast its golden rays to light up the city, Mary Magdalene and the other faithful women, who followed Jesus from Galilee, were making their way up to the place where they laid him, after his death. They were lovingly carrying a mixture of special spices, such as spikenard, myrrh, aloes and fragrant oils (John 12:3-7, 19:39, Luke 23:56), they had quickly prepared just before the Sabbath started, a couple days before. They had seen how Jesus’ body was hurriedly wrapped up and laid in the tomb, for lack of time. They wanted to honor him by preparing his body for burial in the proper way. Understandably, they were worried that they wouldn’t be able to roll the stone away. I’ve seen the grave stones in Israel. I know I wouldn’t be able to move it without some help. They were startled and frightened by a sudden rumbling noise. They stumbled to the ground by the shaking earth beneath them. It was a great earthquake. After regaining their balance, they were glad that their jars of ointment were still in tact. So, they drew near. A strange brilliant light was shining. It was brighter than the rising sun. The stone was rolled away! The guards were stunned! Their fear grew. As their eyes adjusted to the brilliant light, they saw the Angel. He gently said to them, as he held out his hand, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” Instantly, great joy rushed in their hearts, dispelling their fear and sadness. Then they saw Him! He has risen! He has risen, indeed!

May you, also, experience great joy in knowing the living Risen Savior this Resurrection Sunday, as well. (My thoughts were taken from Matthew 28:1-8. 1 Corinthians 15 is also a great chapter to read on this subject.)

A couple weeks ago, Peter and I were up in North Florida for a week long Bible conference. We got up to catch the sunrise one morning with camera in hand. These are some of my favorites from that beautiful morning.

Purim

At the end of this month, the Jewish people will celebrate a fun festival called Purim. The word Purim means “lots”. Haman, the bad guy, casted lots to determine the day in which all the Jews of the land would be destroyed. This happened centuries before Christ in the Persian period. The story is found in the book of Esther. I encourage you to read it. Talk about a great story! As you read through, take note that there are 3 certainties found in the story that are standard characteristics of the Jewish people in their history. These certainties are also present day realities to all of us, who love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The first certainty is Persecution. Haman wanted to destroy the Jews. Many bad guys throughout history have tried…Pharaoh of Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar, and Hitler, to name a few… But, it is impossible. Read Jeremiah 31:35-37.

Our present reality, as believers, is that we will also suffer persecution and the world will hate us (II Timothy 3:12 and I John 3:13).

2. Providence is the second certainty. Esther, a Jewish girl, became Queen of Persia, “For such a time as this”. She was chosen to be in a unique position to help save her people and enable her uncle, Mordecai, to be placed in high position so that he can help care for his people. Providence is “the Hand of God in the Glove of history”. He was in control all along.

Our present reality, as believers, is that God is still in control. “All things work together for good to them that love God…” Romans 8:28
You are where you are, “For such a time as this”. He can use you for His glory in whatever situation he has put you in.
3. Preservation (Protection) is the third certainty. To His people, Israel, God is faithful to His promise that they will never be extinct from the earth.
“ blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; Genesis 22:17. God cares about His people and He protects them. “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4

Our present reality, as believers, is that we are protected in Christ Jesus as found in Romans 8:35-39
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Gospel can be illustrated by Esther’s actions.
Esther was under the decree of death. – We are all under the decree of death because of sin, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.
Esther feared the king because he had the power of life and death. – We are to fear God who has power to destroy both soul and body in hell, Matthew 10:28.
Esther approached the king and was received. – We can come freely to the Lord Jesus and he will never cast us out, but will raise us at the last day, John 6:37, 40.

We can all be encouraged by Esther’s example. She was a beautiful woman, who had the courage, with God’s help, to do what needed to be done, for such a time as this!

The main points in this post were taken from a sermon given by my husband, Peter Colon.

Orchids and Announcement!

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” Isaiah 42:5
I had the privilege to participate in an art show with Women in the Visual Arts at the American Orchid Society in Delray Beach, FL this month. I took advantage of the time to walk around the facilities when I dropped off my 2 photographs to show. They have a beautiful place there. If you are ever in the area, do stop by. Glad I had my camera with me! These are some of my favorites.

The last one looks like dancing fairies!

Announcement:
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
A little miracle has happen since my last post. I am now a Grandma! My daughter, Sarah, gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Juliet Christine, December 17th. She weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz. Peter and I had the privilege, along with our Son-in-Law, to be present when she was born. She is truly a little angel sent from God, so small, helpless and fragile.
Thank you, Lord, for this precious gift!

Christmas Dove

Last Sunday my husband and I visited a retirement facility where he was invited to speak at their chapel service. He spoke on the history of Hanukkah and how it connected to Christmas. Did you know that there is a connection? A great article on this subject is in The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry archives at http://foi.org/thelightshinesbrighterstill Many Jewish people, who live there, heard the message over their Television. The Chaplin and his talented wife beautifully decorate the common areas with Christmas Trees, winter scenes, wreaths and angels. The most notable is their beautiful manger scene, displaying all the Christmas story figures and the entire town of Bethlehem.
I was drawn to the Christmas tree near the entrance of the Chapel. It had just 2 ornaments repeated all around the tree. One was a merry-go-round horse and the other was a flying dove holding a star and a heart. It was so pretty. It inspired me to paint this picture that very afternoon.
Jesus is:
The Prince of Peace- symbolized by the Dove. Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Light of the World – Symbolized by the Star-John 8:12 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
The Gift of Love - John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
These are only 3 of the many names of Jesus. I pray that you will all have that wonderful Peace, Light and Love given by God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

Note: Visit us at www.PraiseExpressions.com for a free download of this picture in size 5x7 for use in your home. While you are there, explore all the great inspirational gifts available and more!

Nuggets of Thanks from a Banquet Table of Blessings

Thank you Lord…
For Jesus- my Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd and Friend.
For my Family- their love, humor, faithfulness, and support.

For the special smiles I get from my precious mother, now in poor health, both in mind and body.

For my creative husband, who makes life very interesting! And every precious moment we share.


For new experiences and involvement- release of our movie, Dr. Rossvally, movie premiers, first art show, Historical Society, membership in 2 local art societies, murals, 1st commissioned paintings, Mother in nursing home and 1st grandchild!
For all the new friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, we have met this year in our travels and ministry.

For…fun times, trying times, hard work, rest

For our country- it’s history, liberty, honor, freedom for all.
I can go on! There is still much more… leftovers for another time.
Oh! One more bite…THANK YOU… for visiting me here in blog land.
God bless you!

Stepping into a new change in our family

“ ... thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:13b-14
Our family has been getting ready for a special day…the birth of our first...grandchild. For our daughter and her husband, it is their first child. It is a new phase in life: From husband to father, daughter and wife to mother, Father to grandfather, mother (that’s me) to grandmother, brother to Uncle! We are all stepping into a change in the path before us and are all excited with anticipation to welcome this new life into our family. Ever since that glimpse of her little heartbeat at 8 weeks, we were in love with her and the Lord knew her. His hands are gently holding her safe in her mother’s womb. I’m enjoying this special time with Sarah, visiting baby stores, cleaning and painting the nursery and raving over all the adorable baby clothes people have given her already. In all this preparation, I’m re-living my experience of my first pregnancy and birth of Sarah. The circle of life …is come around!
Little Juliet, we welcome you into our family with much joy and love!

A Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets – Rosh Hashanah

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.’” Leviticus 23:24-25
This is the 5th of the 7 unique observances given by God to the Jewish people. It has been observed, off and on, throughout Jewish history for thousands of years! We, as believers in the Lord Jesus, should understand the significance of these observances as well, for they add firm foundation, more clarity, and deep richness to our faith.
In the 2nd century the rabbis adapted the title of “Rosh Hashanah”, meaning “Head of months”, to mark the civil New Year. It also marks the beginning of the Fall High Holy Days – Rosh Hashanah, Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
Traditionally, it is believed that 3 books are opened in heaven – The book of the thoroughly Righteous, the book of the Intermediate or “semi-Righteous and the book of the thoroughly wicked. (Talmud Rosh Hashanah 16a, page 63 Soncino) Everyone hopes that their names are written in the first one – thoroughly Righteous. Revelation 20, in the Bible, talks about books being opened.
It is also believed that Satan goes before God to accuse the people of their sins, but the blowing of the shofar confuses him. (Talmud Rosh Hashanah 16b, page 61 Soncino) Believe me, we tried this… Peter blew the shofar in a crowded church foyer to get every ones attention and it worked like a charm!
“Tashlish” (casting) is performed. This is a ritual of throwing bread crumbs containing yeast into a moving flow of water that flows into the sea, symbolizing that our sins are cast into the sea, never to be remembered again. This is a beautiful visual illustration of God’s love and forgiveness
“He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19
Visiting gravesites of relatives and friends and leaving a memorial stone is also customary. This practice started in the 16th century. You can really see this in Israel. Many of the grave sites have little piles of rocks on them.
Today, candles are lit to start the Sabbath. Kiddush: the cup of Sanctification or “setting apart” is drunk, the people will eat Challah bread dipped in honey to start off the New Year sweet and fish to symbolize fertility and immortality.
In order to see how the Messiah fits in all this we must look closely at what was done in Biblical times. Back then, this day was viewed as a Sabbath day- a day of rest. The shofar (ram’s horn) was blown to warn the people of impending judgment for sin and also to call them to the temple for repentance. Sacrifices were offered in their behalf.
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have heard the shofar’s warning in God’s word, of the coming judgment for sin. This is just one of many:
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18

But, God has also made provision to escape this judgment.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
The sacrifice has been made once for all. Jesus paid the debt that was owed, giving all, who accept it by faith, a true Sabbath rest for all eternity with God.
“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1

Are you still excited about what God has done for you? I pray that during this season you will get a refreshment of enthusiasm for God’s love and salvation for us.

For those who still need to consider this…
Ask yourself:
Have I heard God’s warning…The wages of sin is death?
Have I accepted His provision for my sin… The gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord?
Do I have eternal peace now…by faith?

I pray that you will be able to answer “yes”.
If not… let me encourage you to…
“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6
Read a more in-depth article about Rosh Hashanah at: http://foi.org/atrumpetinzionpart2