“Quiet” in the tomb….

 “Quiet” in the tomb….

My caterpillars are changing…yesterday they looked like caterpillars hanging from the lid of their jar, this morning they have changed into a shrouded,  wrapped looking, hanging cocoon….something is going on inside that wrapping…

Something I can’t see or define or even understand…but change is coming…transformation…

Just like the resurrection….I don’t fully understand it, but I embrace it…the hope, the life eternal…the Christ who died, arose for all mankind …to prepare a place for believers…to sit at the right hand of God…to send the Counselor…and so much more…thank YOU…on this Easter week rememberance…

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain. 

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

John 11:25-27 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3-9 

“By Linda Riddle  



The butterfly has long been a symbol of the resurrection. The butterfly symbolizes rebirth into a new life after being inside a cocoon for a period of time.

To understand the symbolism, it is important to understand the life cycle of a butterfly. The butterfly has three phases during its life: the caterpillar, the chrysalis or cocoon, and the butterfly. The caterpillar just eats-symbolizing normal earthly life when people are preoccupied with taking care of their normal earthly needs. The caterpillar spins itself into a chrysalis or cocoon, resembling the tomb. The butterfly emerges from the cocoon, representing the resurrection and a glorious new life, free of material restrictions.

This symbolism also tracks the life of Christ. When Christ died on the cross, he was placed in a tomb. At the end of three days he arose from the dead. In the resurrection of Jesus, God was doing the same kind of thing he does when he makes butterflies out of worms. When people die, because of Christ's resurrection, we know it is possible for them to live again, too.

The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. The symbolism is related to the following verses, written by Paul. The theme of Paul's teachings is that "we shall all be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51) The Christian hope is that what is sown in the grave as a weak mortal body will be raised an indestructible spiritual body not subject to temptation, sorrow, death or pain. (1 Corinthians 15:44-54) Through death the spirit will escape-not from its body but from the vulnerabilities and hardships of mortal flesh. The victory of eternal life over death represented by the butterfly makes it a favorite image on old tombstones.

"So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

"For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.(1 Corinthians 15:52b)

There is a butterfly by the name of the Cleopatra butterfly which appears during the Easter season. In some countries the nickname of this butterfly is the "Easter Jesus." The "Easter Jesus" and, in fact, all butterflies can serve as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how his sacrifice has given all of us the opportunity for life eternal.”

Signs and Symbols in Christian Art: With Illustrations from Paintings from the Renaissance…



Butterflies and ladybugs…

 Butterflies and ladybugs….

In 2009, I purchased a kit to raise ladybugs…my husband and I watched each day as those tiny little bugs changed and eventually changed into the ladybugs we see on our plants and flowers…

We then took the container on a trip to the foothills of California on the road leading to the giant Sequoia redwoods where we met with family for a family reunion instigated by my father…my oldest grandchildren met us and we released those ladybugs in the bushes near our motel rooms…

A few years later, I needed a diversion, so I got a butterfly kit to watch in wonder as the little caterpillars grew and changed daily in their lifecycle to finally emerge from their chrysalis to butterflies and fly away…

So remembering those times of wonder, I recently purchased another butterfly kit to watch the process again…everyday there is change and growth…a guide book comes with each kit so I can follow along with the change…

it is still marvelous to watch the miracle of life and change…

With this season of Easter, spring, new life in nature, it is fitting  to ponder the wonder of the resurrection of Christ….each year we have the reminder and rememberance of what Christ did on the cross for each and every person across the eons of time…there was a plan, there was a purpose…we have the Guide in the Word, we have the “diary” of the events…we see the agony of the changes in people, we see the agony of Christ….but we see the joy, the forgiveness…the victory of life over death…the love given…demonstrated…nothing will ever compare…

Thank YOU….

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17

Matthew 26,27

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:8-11

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:15-20

Desert or streams of living water…2022

 Desert or streams of living water…2022

Another Griefshare class completed….more lives touched by life’s pain and peace…more lives reaching out to joy, hope, healing…that comes from Jesus’ healing Word…

Thank YOU…

“Desert or streams of living water ......2015…



We finished our 13 week study in Griefshare last night...I was sooooo very blessed by people that God sent, their lives, our growth, our conversations, the connections...every week was a growth time...



We are not finished with grieving, but everyone is moving forward "from mourning to joy" as the title insists...

From death to life, moving forward into new normals, new seasons....never forgetting our loved ones, but becoming emotionally healthy in our lives...looking to God for His direction, His peace...



We each have choices to make: bitter or better, deserts or streams, trust or distrust, and so many more....

And the timing is right...do we have a dead god or a resurrected Savior, this season? Do we live in the parched land of unbelief or the lush fertile valley of trust and life giving water with an eternal Creator?

 Do we shrivel up and exist or bear fruit? Whose are we? And whom do we follow?



Thank YOU for Your timing in our lives...help us to live in that trust, in that living water...moving forward toward new normals, new lives in Christ ...finding new purpose, new normals...as You direct...

.

Jeremiah 17:5-8 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. 
That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” 



Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

                                         



 JESUS THE KING: An Easter Devotional By Timothy Keller: Day 1 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/1489/day/1?segment=0

Weariness…10 years later…

 

Weariness….10 years later…

Today marks the last griefshare lesson for this time around…this weeks also marks the 10 year “anniversary “ of Don’s passing…the lesson on, “what is heaven like” and where do we go from here?….moving forward…or just moving at all….

There have been times of extreme weariness, times of wondering where the time went, times of loneliness….times of looking forward….times of looking back…and times of triumphs….

I can honestly say…God has been there through them all…I admit I have questioned, been angry, wondered why…but throughout it all, He has been there…some times silent, sometimes with songs, sometimes with a silent voice, sometimes with drama…

Thank YOU….

“Weariness......

 

Today was the last Griefshare lesson and homework…

 

The ending verses were from Isaiah 40:28-31

 

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord Will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

 

 

In grief, one grows weary of the death, the loneliness, the decisions, sometimes life itself, the unrelenting grieving that seems to stalk every waking moment....the fogginess, the tears, the reminders that seem endless at the time...

 

Oh yes, we can seem joyful saying  or hearing such things as "they are in heaven now", "they have no pain", etc., etc., etc.,...the clichés that go on...we paste smiles on that don't go to deep into our hearts...we grieve...that is just a fact....

 

But there comes a time when we have to face reality...where are we going?  What are we doing?  Who are we?  Where is our trust? In whom can we trust? Are we ready to give up this weariness and replace it with what?  Do we want to move ahead? How can this be used for good or anything? Can we leave this "pity party"?  We can turn a corner or still head down the same road....

 

We are not forgetting or dishonoring those who are gone...they have stepped into eternity...we are still here in this temporal world for a while....we have faced the enemy...Jesus has taken away the sting by His victory over death through His resurrection...now we have to decide how to live....

 

God refreshes the weary, He helps us soar, He helps us run and not grown faint...He satisfies...He strengthens through His Word....He bring us Good News....He sustains....He takes the burden and gives us rest....He gives wisdom when we ask...He gives hope...truth....life abundantly .....

 

There is no other name under heaven like His...praise be to Him....thank YOU...

 

 

Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” 

 

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Proverbs 25:25

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Proverbs 30:1 he sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance.

This man’s utterance to Ithiel:

“I am weary, God,
    but I can prevail.[a]

Isaiah 46:1

[ Gods of Babylon ] Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary.

 

Isaiah 50:4

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

 

Jeremiah 20:9

But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

 

Jeremiah 31:25

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

 

Holy Week Through the Eyes Of…: Day 1 • Devotional
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/30663/day/1?segment=0

Palm Sunday 2022…

 Palm Sunday…

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 

3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 

This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 

Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 

And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 

And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-11

 

And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

Luke 19:41-42 

It doesn’t say what kind of transportation Mary had riding into Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus…but it was common to use a donkey…

But, if she did, Jesus entered earthly life, riding in the womb of Mary, on a donkey…

Angels proclaiming…“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:14 

Then he rode into Jerusalem, toward his death, riding on a donkey…which meant peace as well…

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Palms symbolized goodness and victory….

Thank YOU that you knew the victory was yours, but you came, endured the cross…your Grace and goodness to all mankind…