Jelly Beans 

Little jelly beans
Tell a story true.
A tale of our Father's love
That's just for me and you.

GREEN is for the new spring grass.
YELLOW is for the sun above.
BROWN is for the soft earth where
People sat hearing of HIS love.

PURPLE'S for the robe he wore
RED is for that precious wine.
BLACK is for the sins He washed
From your soul and mine.

BLUE'S for the sadness of
HIS friends and family,
and is for the glory of the Day
HE rose for you and me.

Now that you've heard the story
You know what each color means.
The story of our Father's love
As told by jelly beans.
So when you see jelly beans on this Easter season,
stop and remember,
Jesus is the reason!

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I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12, and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money.

By 1946 my older sisters were married and my brothers had left home. A month before Easter the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially.

When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. When we thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn't listen to the radio, we'd save money on that month's electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us babysat for everyone we could. For 15 cents we could buy enough cotton loops to make three pot holders to sell for $1.

We made $20 on pot holders. That month was one of the best of our lives.

Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we'd sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering.

The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change. We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before.

That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn't care that we wouldn't have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering.

We could hardly wait to get to church! On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn't own an umbrella, and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn't seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet.

But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt rich.

When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us kids put in a $20.

As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills.

Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night.

We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor.

That Easter day I found out we were. The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn't like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed--I didn't even want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor!

I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew that we were poor. I decided that I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time. We sat in silence for a long time.

Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn't know. We'd never known we were poor. We didn't want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn't talk on the way.

Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun dried bricks, but they needed money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, "Can't we all sacrifice to help these poor people?" We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week.

Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering.

When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn't expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, "You must have some rich people in this church." Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that "little over $100."

We were the rich family in the church! Hadn't the missionary said so? From that day on I've never been poor again. I've always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus!

Author Unknown,

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Philip was born with Downs Syndrome. He was a pleasant child . . .happy it seemed . . . but increasingly aware of the difference between himself and other children. Philip went to Sunday school faithfully every week. He was in the third grade class with nine other eight-year olds. 

You know eight-year olds. And Philip, with his differences, was not readily accepted. But his teacher was sensitive to Philip and he helped this group of eight-year olds to love each other as best they could, under the circumstances. They learned, they laughed, and they played together. And they really cared about one another, even though eight-year olds don't say they care about one another out loud. 

But don't forget. There was an exception to all this. Philip was not really a part of the group. Philip did not choose, nor did he want to be different. He just was. And that was the way things were. 

His teacher had a marvelous idea for his class the Sunday after Easter. You know those things that pantyhose come in . . . the containers that look like great big eggs? The teacher collected ten of them. The children loved it when he brought them into the room and gave one to each child. 

It was a beautiful spring day, and the assignment was for each child to go outside, find the symbol for new life, put it into the egg, and bring it back to the classroom They would then open and share their new life symbols and surprises, one by one. 

It was glorious. It was confusing. It was wild. They ran all around the church grounds, gathering their symbols, and returned to the classroom. 

They put all the eggs on a table, and then the teacher began to open them. All the children gathered around the table. He opened one and there was a flower, and they ooh-ed and aah-ed. He opened another and there was a little butterfly.

"Beautiful!" the girls all said, since it is hard for eight-year old boys to say 'beautiful.' He opened another and there was a rock. And as third-graders will, some laughed, and some said, "That's crazy! How's a rock supposed to be like new life?" But the smart little boy who'd put it in there spoke up: "That's mine. And I knew all of you would get flowers and buds and leaves and butterflies and stuff like that. So I got a rock because I wanted to be different. And for me, that's new life." They all laughed. 

The teacher said something about the wisdom of eight-year olds and opened the next one. There was nothing inside. The children, as eight-year olds will, said, "That's not fair. That's stupid! Somebody didn't do it right." 

Then the teacher felt a tug on his shirt, and he looked down. "It's mine, Philip said. It's mine." 

And the children said, "You don't ever do things right, Philip. There's nothing there!" 

"I did so do it right!" Philip said. "I did do it right. The tomb is empty!" 

There was silence, a very full silence. And for you people who don't believe in miracles, I want to tell you that one happened that day. From that time on, it was different. Philip suddenly became a part of that group of eight-year old children. They took him in. He was set free from the tomb of his differences. 

Philip died last summer. His family had known since the time he was born that he wouldn't live out a full life span. Many other things were wrong with his little body. And so, late last July, with an infection that most normal children could have quickly shrugged off, Philip died. 

At his memorial service, nine eight-year old children marched up to the altar, not with flowers to cover over the stark reality of death . . . but nine eight-year olds, along with their Sunday School teacher, marched right up to that altar, and laid on it an empty egg . . . an empty, old, discarded pantyhose egg. 

And the tomb is empty! 

Author Unknown,

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 The Silent One;

I was there for His trial and His scourging,
when they accused Him of crimes He'd not done;
But I spoke not a word in His defense,
I was "The Silent One."

I was there as He struggled up Calvary,
as dark clouds covered the sun;
And when they nailed His torn flesh to the cross,
I was "The Silent One."

I was there when they cast lots for His garment,
As they jeered and heckled in fun;
And when the spear was thrust deep in His side,
I was "The Silent One."

I saw Him die for all mankind,
And when it was "finished" and done;
He raised Himself up as He promised,
yet-I was "The Silent One."

And now, everyday I encounter,
lost souls sent my way by God's Son;
Still I act as though I don't know Him,
I am "The Silent One."

Dear Lord, when at last I'm before you,
when my race on earth is run;
Will you speak up for me to the Father?
Or will YOU be "The Silent One?"

Author Unknown,

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You need:

1cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important--don't wait til you're half donewith the recipe!)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9

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IN HIS HANDS

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 A New Year of Hope!

There is a decididly beautiful quality in something that is fresh, new, and without memory. Spring’s first grass,the sky after rain and a whole new year of endless possibilities.To really get some of life’s benefits one should emerse themselves in the belief that these things can and do exsist.

Most average people look at 2007 as another year following 2006 and flowing steadily into 2008.That is a rather logical way to see time but unfortunatly will not give you the inspirational lift that can be found in symbolism. 2007 is symbolic of fresh new grass, without memory of past mistakes, soaked and dripping in the possibilities that an individual can create!

The new year can hold in its 365 days anything and everthing you have dreamed of. This year is one for new experiences, friendships, adventures and spirituality, leaving old baggage behind, forgiving and forgetting, building confidence, strengthing your body and faith, loving unconditionally, and anything else that you have always wanted but never obtained. Whatever your New Year’s resolution is, may it bring you joy and give you appreciation for the beauty of each day we walk on this earth.

This year I thought many times about suitable resolutions. There is always the famed “lose weight” resolution, or the equally overused “make more money”. These are both fine and practical resolutions that have their own allure but I realized that I needed something incredible and inspiring this year. I thought of many possible idea’s but none of them packed the emotional punch I was looking for.

Then as I sat there despairingly, it came to me…..
My New Years resolution is to marvel,envelope,surround and even wallow in the beauty of life and nature. I know it sounds strange or even silly, but listen, I will for the next year of my life make a concious effort to appreciate and find spiritual gratification from the simple and beautiful interworkings of each blessed day!

So I respectfully challenge you to find something that gives you the deepest feelings of empowerment and contentment. Please open yourself to something of importance that may have been hidden by other daily tasks and needs. GBU Sue

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Forgiveness…

Carrying around resentment, anger, and hate is bad for our own emotional and spirtual well being.To forgive is to lift a weight from ourselves and someone
else.It is also a necessary tool for sucessful relationships and general life happiness.Most of us have moments of blind stubborness and all we can feel is our
own pain and injustice. We take all these negative emotions and smash them into a little ball that we carry around in our hearts and hanging on our subconcious.

Forgiveness is what God gave to the human race when we were too blind to see his glory here on earth. He was wise enough to see above selfish pain, grudges or
vengence and He gave us a glorious example of the love and forgiveness.
When someone is wronged or betrayed, they suffer emotional wounds which can give feelings such as anger, guilt, rage, resentment, or shame. Forgiving a wrong or betrayal is a process of emotional healing where such painful feelings are worked
through and ultimately resolved. Forgiving for the sake of our own inner healing and well being is important. forgiveness is beautiful.

Forgiving happens inside the person who does it. Forgiving welcomes but does not depend upon the apology of the the one who you have been injured by.

We can forgive in our hearts before we ever say the words “I forgive.” it does not matter if you choose to express forgiveness directly to the one who has injured
you,because you will feel it deeply either way.Give it a try, forgive someone who has wronged you or forgive yourself for the wrong you have done.

Some of the most beautiful relationships and moments are born of forgiveness and after all we are all just human beings who sin and and make mistakes.

good luck and success in the self forgiveness and that of others!
your friend ,Sue

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Even though I hug my blanket and moan when the alarm rings,
I am so thankful, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the bright morning light
as long as possible, I am so thankful that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and and wait until the last minute
to rise, I am sothankful, that I have the strength to rise. There
are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is sometimes wild and hectic,
when socks are lost, Breakfast is burned and tempers are short,
I am so thankful, I have someone who loves me. There are many who
are lonely.

Even though my breakfast table might never look like the pictures
in magazines and the menu is sometimes less than gourmet,
I am so thankful for the food I have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my life seems monotonous,
I am so thankful, for the opportunity to work. There are many who
can not find a job.

Even though I grumble and complain of my fate at times and wish my
circumstances were not so modest, I am truly thankful, for life.

This is how I felt this morning when I woke up and I looked around
and realized that my life is a gift, we can always wish for more,
but happiness lives when we appreciate and are proud of who we are
and what we have.

I am not a millionaire or a famous celebrity.

I have problems and heartaches and moments of insanity.

I also have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and
at least one person on this earth that cares for me. I am so
thankful, and it feels wondeful!

Take a moment today to count your blessings and give thanks for
what you have overlooked. I know that someone has made my life
possible and today I give thanks to Him.

written by "C.H."

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