Easter Eggs, Bunnies, and Christ

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

The beginning of spring sends a message of renewal. Many young are born in the animal world around this time of year. It is also the time that we celebrate Easter. Children eager to paint their eggs for the Easter egg hunt. Bunnies and chicks are symbols of Easter. Most of all, it’s the holiday celebrated for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Being curious about the origin of the Easter egg hunts, the chicks, and bunny factors, I did a little research on why these things are associated with Easter. It has been widely reported that after the resurrection of Christ, Mary visited the Emperor of Rome telling him that “Christ has risen”. His comment as he pointed to an egg on a table, “Christ is no more risen than that egg is red”. It was told that the egg immediately turned blood red.

Many believe eggs were painted and given as gifts symbolizing the end of Lent. In Eastern Christianity, meat and eggs are prohibited during Lent. The eggs and the hatchlings are symbols of new life and the resurrection of Christ.

As we enter this Easter holiday, let’s keep focused on new life, renewal, and a new beginning.

Luke 24

The Resurrection

¹On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. ²They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. ⁵In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " ⁸Then they remembered his words.

Is Your Suitcase Packed?

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

Over a decade ago, my husband and our friends went on a weekend getaway to the lake. That is where the long standing joke they have with me began. For that weekend trip, I packed two suitcases and a makeup bag. One weekend. Two suitcases and a makeup bag. The joke is that I have a suitcase just for my makeup.

Over the years, my vacation packing practices have improved. I’m now down to one suitcase and a makeup bag; however, I have the largest sized handbag you’ve ever seen in your life! I hope they never catch on to my deception!

A person should be prepared for anything and that’s why my suitcase is always packed to the hilt. Most of the time, I’m prepared for virtually any type of weather change for me and any of our friends. My most helpful fashion tip? Never go to the beach without a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, rain jacket, and long pants.

Paul told us in 2 Timothy: 4-8 to preach the word and to be prepared for the Lord both in season and out. We have to be ready to tell others of God’s love and to minister unto them; therefore, we have to make sure we have the right gear packed in our “suitcase of life”. Do you have the right gear packed?

2 Timothy 4:1

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

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An Omen of Peace

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

This past Friday as I scoured the major news websites for interesting articles, I came across one that astonished me. For the first time in “a memory”, snow fell on the city of Bagdad. The article showed a father holding his child and they both had the most beautiful, carefree smiles on their faces. The first snowfall of the season does put a smile on most people’s faces. Can you imagine seeing it for the first time, especially as an adult?

The city of Bagdad may have sleet or a cold rain in the winter, but for at least six decades, there has not been snow. As you can imagine, the residents were delighted with such a gift and declared the snowfall an “omen of peace”, according to a Reuter’s source. To me, it represents purity and cleansing. When David prayed to God after committing adultery, he asked God to cleanse him making him whiter than snow.

Going with the thought provoking phrase “omen of peace”, there is so much war, violence, poverty, and prejudice in the world that we all need to strive to make a difference by searching for that “omen of peace”. If we all come together, we can make a difference one step at a time.

Here are some ideas on how you can begin your quest for peace:

· Write your congressmen about issues that you feel need to be addressed whether it is the war and unrest overseas, genocide in the Sudan, or aids prevention worldwide. The key is to bring awareness to the forefront.

· There are many needs here in our own community. Donate your time and talent to a charity by volunteering. There are many organizations that would welcome you as a helper of mankind.

· We are all God’s children. We are all brothers and sisters in his eyes. We are all different individuals with different views and different beliefs. We’ve got to start “getting along” by respecting each other. There is no other way. Stop the prejudice now!

James 3:18: Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

The January Blues

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

The packages are unwrapped. The decorations have been taken down and are now in their boxes and stored in the attic. The new year has been celebrated. The first week back to work after a holiday season and the winter depression is ever present.

Is it the lack of sunlight? Is it the ice, snow, and cold temperatures that seem to put the big freeze on our emotional well being? Here are a few tips to help remedy those January blues.

· Plan a summer vacation. There is nothing better to put you in a better frame of mind. If you are a beach vacationer, there is nothing more refreshing in January than to plan every aspect of your beach trip right down to the flip flops you intend to pack.

· Get rid of the “clutter” in your life by organizing your drawers and closets. The freedom you will attain by this simple task will be positively liberating.

· Take at least 30 minutes a day to read your bible. Select uplifting books to study such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Galatians. It will be inspirational on the coldest winter’s day.

The priority is to take control and do not let yourself become self absorbed into those depression filled thoughts. Be positive and pledge to do something to resolve that “blah” feeling.

Blessings to each of you for a great January!

Great Expectations

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

Dedicated to the memory of Jamie Mattingly Frey and Betty Morgan

It’s the beginning of a new year and we all struggle with wanting to make a fresh new start with something in our lives. There is always something we would like to change or improve upon in our personal lives.

A little over ten years ago, my husband took me to meet his family. We had a delightful visit and I immediately adored his mother and aunt. They were fascinating and I could talk with them for hours. It was over Labor Day weekend in 1997 when Jamie, Betty and I were having coffee watching the television coverage of the death of Princess Diana. It was devastating for us to hear of her death. We were the enthusiasts who watched her televised marriage to Prince Charles in 1981 at 3am Eastern Standard time, took great pleasure in seeing the press of her dancing with John Travolta at a White House function, and were deeply moved by her aids awareness and landmine prevention campaigns. As we sat with heavy hearts, Jamie looked at me and said, “Go after your dreams, Sandra. Don’t wait until it’s too late to accomplish them”.

That day, I made a promise to compile a yearly list of attainable goals each year that would take me closer to my dreams. The key word is “attainable”. Many have “high expectations” regarding goals and push themselves over their limits, but never attain true satisfaction with achievement. Wouldn’t it be better to have “great expectations” and move forward in a manner where you enjoy the journey to true accomplishment?

Happy New Year!