Are often told, shown and lived by many generations in various ways to demonstrate the joy of Easter and the ways we celebrate. One of my favor scriptures highlighs the word, JOY in the moment of fear!
“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary left the tomb quickly with fear and great JOY and ran to tell his disciples.” Matthew 28:8 (NRSVUE) (see link below for more understanding of the Easter Story).
“The butterfly says to the Sun, “They can’t stop talking about my transformation. I can only do it ONCE in my lifetime. If only they knew, they can do it at ANYTIME and in COUNTLESS ways.” -Dodinsky
As my granddaughter just now age 4 and her Aunt with eighty years age difference shared in our Easter celebration with their art stories joy exploded in my soul. I was astonished really how Sierra chose from among many stickers for her to use a butterfly theme to decorate her eggs.
Her Aunt sent by mail “Naughty Bunny” art for our enjoyment. And, also our “Butterfly” quote by Dodinsky.
And, then our friend and co-writer, Tammy Holton thought to share the story of Easter told by her minister, Daniel Davenport, of Edenton NC. I listened and shared with others thinking what a great storyteller Daniel is bringing all parts of Easter into focus. (Sharing Link below)
Daniel gives hope in how we can unite forever in love and continue to share our Easter stories in joy even when we may feel much fear. Feel free to share your Easter story in comments right here.
I Am the Resurrection and the Life 3/31/24
thedailylily.com 
I love seeing the work of the two gifted artists from opposite ends of the age spectrum. Both are truly unique and the colors so inviting! Sierra’s artwork seems to perfectly illustrate Dodinsky’s quote that Aunt Yvonne shared…as that butterfly looks just like it is talking to the sun with earth revolving around it as shown by the egg lines. And Aunt Yvonne’s Naughty Bunny art is a beautiful example of transformation because she transformed a blank lifeless background into a life-giving treasure for us viewers to delight in!
I so appreciated listening to the message Tammy shared by her minister, Daniel Davenport. He used his gift to encourage us with with the good news of a transformed life, further confirming Dodinsky’s quote.
And, Sara’s gift of words and insights tied it all together.
From all these gifts shared above, I was reminded of a scripture I thought related to these gifts and Jesus’ Easter resurrection:
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7-8
Debi has given us a scripture from Ephesians 4:7-8 to think on. I think reading the chapter (Ephesians 4) in its entirety opens windows of great insight that confirms Dodinsky’s thoughts on “transformation”. Daniels’s online teaching shows us and tells us how to access the power to be able to transform anytime and in countless ways to a life of change for our peace, love and joy. Daniel has a great illustration comparing how electric power has a source that feeds our light switch. So does the resurrection power of Jesus fuel hopeful action for all that believe through “commitment” Vs 23-34 of Ephesians 4, days
”… with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.“
Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.4.22-24.NIV
Thanks for sharing in Ephesians Debi! I read the verses you shared and the footnotes for verses 4-7 in the NLT. I’d like to share these here. “All believers in Christ belong to one body, All are united under one head, Christ himself (See 1Corinthians 12: 12 – 27). Each believer has God-given abilities that can strengthen the whole body. Your special ability may seem small or large, but it is yours to use in God’s service. Ask God to use your unique gifts to contribute to the strength and health of the body of believers.”
Those Easter eggs above done by that little DOLL, Sierra, are beautiful! I love the butterflies!! 🦋🦋🦋
As always a blessing to read your footnotes Tammy.
I just love the offered prayer you gave, “Ask God to use your unique gifts to contribute to the strength and health of the body of believers.”
🥰🙏🙏🙏✝️
Sara suggested we read the entire chapter of Ephesians 4. One scripture there seemed to relate to Sara’s comments on ‘transformation’ and ‘commitment.’ Vs 16 says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
It struck me that we don’t live out our lives and use our gifts in a bubble. The bubbles have to connect to make a perfect one that includes other’s gifts. So, as we make the ‘commitment’ to do our ‘own special work’, mindful of others and their ‘own special work’, we can help each other in the transformation process… “it helps the other parts grow”.
This was taken from one of my morning devotions…The question for today was, “Do you feel the Holy Spirit’s Breath? WOW!
“…The good news is that the risen Jesus continues to breathe on and into us. He is willing to do this for anyone and everyone, especially for those willing to come close enough to feel his breath.” Trevor Hudson? “Pauses for Pentecost”
“When [Jesus] had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22 (NRSVUE)
Tammy, one thing that spoke to me about the scripture you quoted was, “All are united under one head, Christ himself “. I thought it was significant to remember that even though we have gifts, use them, strive for unity, etc…if we don’t remember and operate under our Leader, “one head, Christ himself”, then we have no real anchor, focal point or lasting purpose.
What happens we keep jumping in another’s lane? Or, think we have to do a job because God has been slack in filling a position?
Or, just out of ignorance think we should be doing a job we are not gifted for but we just want to do to have control? Or, have a beautiful gift but refuse to use it in the proper place or update it about. Changes do happen. Glance in the mirror once in awhile!
I think I have more questions as it surely seems like the Body of Christ is out of sync! Including me at times!
Gloria Gaither peened these words from her recent blog…
“And that makes me wonder if there are architecturally beautiful buildings that still bear the sign outside but are slowly being “de-consecrated” by the people who still gather there for “church” but are detached from the Lord they once worshipped in that place.
“Maybe, on the other hand, it’s time to carry our dedicated pews and communion tables and altars and pulpits to the town green or city squares or prisons or youth centers, and change these pieces of furniture and artifacts and symbols into the actual eucharist and communion, living sermons and places of prayer our Lord intended them to be.”
https://www.lovesongtomylife.com/blog/de-consecration
Sara you said, “Or, just out of ignorance think we should be doing a job we are not gifted for but we just want to do to have control? Or, have a beautiful gift but refuse to use it in the proper place or update it about.
I think you have pointed out some things we should really pay attention to because maybe it is easier or more convenient, etc. to stay in the same place, rut, and deceive ourselves into thinking we are accomplishing something and using our gifts.
It made me think of some plant analogies. Landscapes (like in the photo) don’t stay the same…they are constantly changing. Trees grow and make shade where once there was sunlight. That, in turn, creates the need for the grass and/or plants under the trees that needed sun to now be moved (or struggle and/or die). Perennials get old and need to be divided; the inner dying section discarded, and their parts moved to a new location where they will thrive. Lovely shrubs that once graced a house and its foundation and architecture, outgrow their location and now block the windows and detract instead of enhance. And we could go on and on about issues like these. Yet, to quote an older and valuable reference plant book, “Right Plant, Right Place”, if a plant is in the right location, it will thrive and benefit the surrounding landscape.