Let’s add to the fun of your Easter celebration with a book giveaway! The winner will receive a copy of their choice of Miriam, Isaiah’s Daughter, or In the Shadow of Jezebel. Entering for your chance to win is simple! In the blog’s comment section, please simply share any new insights you’ve gained that can deepen the meaning of your Easter celebration.
- No purchase necessary to enter or win.
- Contest is open to US and international participants.
- US residents will win the listed prize, an international winner would win a gift card of equivalent value.
- Contest begins when the Rafflecopter goes live on Monday, March 19th and ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, March 26th.
- Winner will be contacted through email. You have 24 hours to respond with your mailing address. If we don’t receive your confirmation email within twenty-four hours, we’ll need to choose another winner.
- Confirmed winner will be announced on April 2nd in the newsletter sent to your inboxes!
Comments 104
I am seeking a closer walk with God through his Son, Jesus. Learning to be faithful servant.
Author
Beautiful!
I was reminded how Mary broke the jar to anoint Jesus’ feet, days before He would die on the cross. She did not hold anything back. She gave it all to Him.
Author
I LOVE that!
Easter is a time to focus on god’s blessing of the risen Christ. Spring is my favorite season as I love to see everything turning green.
Author
Yes, Vivian! Jesus’ death on the Cross gets lots of attention–and rightly so–but it is His RESURRECTION that conquered death! THAT’S what we celebrate at Easter. Great reminder. Blessings!
I love that the Passover has to be shared with 14people. We celebrated our first Passover last year, asking two families to join us which gave us 15 ( 2 were small children), so almost 14 and we had no leftovers! It was such a wonderful experience to deepen our understanding of redemption.
Author
I love that you had no leftovers! How awesome is that?!
I just discovered your books and loved the two that I read. I love Biblical historical fiction and a touch of romance makes it even better.
Easter has always been special to me. My grandmother used to read me Bible stories. I was 9 years old when I read my first fairy tale. Never even knew there was such a thing as fairies tales until we moved to Germany. My grandmother always taught me the importance of Christ’ s birth, his death and resurrection. Easter is always a time to spend with my family and thank God for sending His son. Its truly a day for celebration.
Author
I’m so glad you found me, Pat! Do you mind sharing how you discovered my books? I love that your heart was filled to the brim with God’s stories before you ever heard a “fairy” tale. How WONDERFUL!!!
I’ve been enjoying Terrie Todd’s three-part series on Easter recently. http://terrietodd.blogspot.ca
Author
Thanks for sharing Terrie’s blog info, Brittany. Wonderful things to say, and she looks like a really fun gal! 😉
I had no idea about red dyed eggs. interesting. and i have read about hyssop, knew it was a plant but not the significance. It is used repeatedly in the Bible. Thanks for all the information on today’s post. this all helps to make Passover and Easter more meaningful.
Author
Hooray! So glad it’s helpful. Have a blessed Easter. 😉
The last couple of years, our church has done a multi-sensory Good Friday service, where you hear the tearing of the clothes, taste the wine vinegar (I’ve not been brave enough to try that part!), but the part that was most significant to me was the writing of our praises and our struggles and physically nailing them to a cross – to hear the pounding of the nails, and to literally nail our sins – just takes on a new significance for me.
Author
This is an AMAZING idea. I’ve heard of nailing our sins (written on paper) to a cross, but adding the other two elements is also very powerful. Thanks so much for sharing, Erin!
I have learned after study that Sunday is not three days after Yahshua”s death. But it would be Thursdaym also how during feat like passover they would have a specialfeast that may be on a different day of the week so they night have had two that week. Depended how it worked out.
Isn’t that facinating? A special Sabbath? Awesome!
Author
You’re right, Hope. The Jewish way of counting days is different than ours, so Jesus wasn’t in the tomb a full 72 hours (3 days). I love that you’re studying the “Jewishness” of Scripture! It brings the true meaning of the stories to life when we understand their culture is so vastly different than our own.
Would love to win a copy of Isaiah’s daughter. Already read the other two books!
Hmmm…something I have learned that will enrich Easter. That’s a hard one. I have been learning many different things lately. This I learned at church and am trying to put It in my own words….One thing is that service to God without Fellowship is just duty. I want to serve God because of my fellowship with Him and my love for Him. Not because of duty sake. Jesus obeyed the Father to death even when he didn’t want to, because of His love for the Father.
Author
Oooooh, so good, Serena. Yes! While he was struggling with obedience, He went to the Garden to fellowship with the Father–not off to a corner to sulk. Nor did He try to do it in his own strength! 😉
My new insight……the weight of the High Priest’s mantel showing visibly the impossibility of humanly bearing redemption’s responsibility!
Author
Hooray, Norma! Glad that spoke to you. 😉
I have been watching my Hubbard squash seeds come up through the ground….first there is a bit of a bump in the small pot of dirt, and then, the bump begins to grow. Just a tiny disruption in the soil within days is a mound. Then suddenly a spot of green! Now the plant reaches for the sun and leaves begin to grow–sometimes a bit of the past remains–a filmy wisp of protection?
Leaves unfurl with the promise of fruit in the future. Just a gentle observable reminder of the the truth that we must die, and not remain a seed, in order for true fruit to appear……and more seed to carry out God’s purpose for this world…..oh the joy of spring and Father’s love! To plant His Son that we might know heaven…….here…..and yet He had to die to bring forth the entire plan for victory! I wish I had better words to convey my feelings as I watch this miracle progress!
Author
I’d say you have BEAUTIFUL words to convey your heart song, woman! Love the picture you created in my mind. Blessings!
My brother and I were always dressed in our finest on Easter Sunday. Yes, part of it was because of our rural upbringing but it was also because we wanted to appear worthy on Resurrection Sunday. Well, we know that our worth is fully determined by our prepared hearts and it is fully accomplished because if God’s grace. Thanks for sharing this Monday morning!
Author
Our family did the same thing on Easter, Connie. New dresses, shoes, even gloves for the ladies! I always got the feeling it was more about the NEWNESS of everything. It’s a precious memory…and we all got corsages to wear to church too! 😉
I would love to read any of these books. Being on a very tight fixed income I dont get to buy many books unless I have a gift card. I did learn something today from the news letter and enjoy them greatly.
Author
Well, I hope you win, Dotty! The little Rafflecopter gadget picks them, but I’m so thankful you’ve enjoyed the newsletter! I’ll keep writing if you’ll keep reading. Blessings on you, dear one. 🙂
God’s mercy is endless and bountiful, so much love He has for us. This is what I ponder on every Easter : his Divine Mercy.
Author
The CLEAR Easter message–a reminder to ponder every year. Beautiful.
I remind myself daily and thank Jesus for dying for me on the cross. He gave me this eternal life gift that I don’t deserve, but that is the meaning of God’s grace. I try to live for Jesus with God’s help because he died for me. I want to be his ambassador so that when others see me, listen to me, they see a glimpse of Jesus.
Author
Wow, a wonderful DAILY goal. Great discipline!
Easter isn’t the only time of year to reflect what God did when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of mankind.
We should be ever mindful of this, each and every day.
Author
SHOULD is such a scary word, but so true, Janet. May we all be more committed to the joy of Easter. 😉
to focus on God’s blessing, and how He continually cares for His people.
Author
Good message, gal!
I am a Romanian girl and I live in Italy, for me the red egg is a legend, but not Easter.
Now at 17 I understand what this celebration really is, for me it’s a new beginning, the beginning of a time of grace and an incredible love.
God bless you.
Author
Jemima, what rich heritage and experiences God has woven into your life to bring you to His arms. ALL Easter eggs are legend, merely a symbol. There was only one Resurrection, and it was not on April 1st. As believers, we celebrate LIFE, grace, and freedom from death EVERY day. Bless you, my sweet sister-in-Christ!
I am learning to lay my burdens at the cross and receive the miracle of Jesus’ sacrifice on a daily basis.
Author
Releasing burdens is definitely a daily lesson. May the Lord bless and strengthen you for the task, Julia!
Something our pastor encouraged me to try it, sitting in the chapel picturing our Lord with his loving gaze on me, prompts a response.
Focusing on trust and obedience this Lenten season.
Author
Oh, that discipline of silence and meditation (adding your pastor’s suggestion) can be so meaningful–and so difficult–in this loud and busy world. A wonderful habit to cultivate.
A Prayer for Easter Sunday
Lord God,
You loved this world so much,
That you gave your one and only Son,
That we might be called your children too.
Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace
Of Easter Sunday, everyday.
Let us have hearts of thankfulness
For your sacrifice.
Let us have eyes that look upon
Your grace and rejoice in our salvation.
Help us to walk in that mighty grace
And tell your good news to the world.
All for your glory do we pray, Lord,
Amen
~ Rachel Marie Stone
Author
Beautiful.
Easter is a reminder that out of real darkness, God’s love shines brightest. The renewal of spring is a great time to remember that God can make all things new no matter how dark our circumstances.
Author
Oh, I LOVE this! I think that’s why I like living where there are 4 seasons. I enjoy winter because it’s quiet, dark, still–and then we really celebrate the green shoots coming through the dirt! Darkness to light – YES!
Remember when Peter denies Jesus 3 times, even after Peter saying he wouldn’t?? Well, we know he does and the rooster crows, and Peter goes out and weeps. I read in a book last year that for the rest of Peter’s life, he heard a rooster crow every morning. So for the rest of his life, when he woke up and heard a rooster crow, he was reminded of that fateful day when he denied Jesus. Imagine you were Peter and every day for the rest of your life, when you hear a rooster, your reminded of this one decision that you made. That ought to change how you live your life.
Author
OMGooooooodness!!!! That’ll preach, woman!!! Love that!
Thank you so much for the chance to enter this giveaway! 😄
Something I’ve loved learning about Easter in the past years is the different aspects and revisiting how women were the first to see Jesus after His resurrection. In a culture where women weren’t esteemed – in fact, where they were downtrodden and treated as so much less than men – Jesus was tender, and so compassionate to the very ones who suffered. So, for me, the overwhelming miracle of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection is deepened even that much more in showing God’s love to let women be the first to see Him alive, something that likely wasn’t socially acceptable to men and other religious parties.
Besides that, the beauty and overwhelming sacrifice of Jesus is something that has to strike me anew every year! I don’t think we can fully imagine it, but I know my life is forever changed because of it.
Author
The mentioning of women throughout Scripture is amazing actually. Some of the things that seem offensive to us today were actually quite liberating for women at the time the OT laws or NT letters were written. Men AND women were created in God’s image (Gen.1:27), and He is fiercely protective of both.
I never noticed how the govenrner’s wife suffered greatly because of Jesus’ crucifixion in a dream.
Why?
He still had to be crucified.
Even when he was being crucified, even outside of the resurrection, he still saved people, showed people that he was the son of God. Even in the darkest day of his life, the life he lived to die, he sorrowed for those killing him. He didn’t refute the accusations, he didn’t defend himself. For us. It’s not that it was a sin to defend himself, but that he didn’t desire to be delivered. Yes, he asked for the cup to pass from him, but he didn’t take matters into his own hands by defending himself. He let God work, and since God didn’t choose to stop it, he accepted that as best.
A lesson I am trying to learn this Easter season is to wait for God, and not to run ahead of him, but to trust his will explicitly, as Jesus did.
Author
Sam, I’m continually learning this lesson. Who was it that said there are three conditions in life? 1) moving into a crisis; 2) in a crisis; or 3) coming out of a crisis. How’s that for encouraging? LOL! The good news is, all of it CAN draw us into a closer relationship with our Creator–BECAUSE OF THE CROSS AND EMPTY TOMB. He is Risen!
I love to ponder and give thanks for the tremendous, unconditional love Jesus has for us.
Author
And THAT, Debra, is the secret to loving an invisible God. I’ve always struggled with HOW to love Him. (I know Scripture says through obedience, but I also saw a God in Scripture who wanted HEART love, not just ACT love.) Meditate on His love, gal. It changes us. 😉
I don’t know if it’s a true story or not but well worth repeating.
A little lady went around all year long asking everyone she met if they believed in Easter. She got various answers including those about the Easter Bunny. It was her brilliant way of sharing the gospel. A great way to open the subject. As the years went by her health declined and she found herself in the hospital. Everyone, nurses, doctors, that came in her room got asked if they believed in Easter. And while she was there Easter came around and God chose to take her home to Him on that special day!
Author
OMGooooodness, Gail! I LOVE that story–and specifically the woman’s question! It’s such a wonderfully “gentle” way to open a conversation. We could do that with Christmas as well! Even Valentine’s and St. Pat’s if we would study the origins of the stories!
The unconditional love of God always amazes me! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Author
Oh, how that word “unconditional” pierces me, Natalya. Isn’t it the most amazing thing? “While we were yet sinners…” Amazing!
In a class, I read a church father who wrote a poem about Jesus’ deliverance of Lazarus from the realm of the dead, even though Lazarus (like everyone) died due to the sin of Adam. That enhanced my appreciation for Easter.
Author
How interesting, James! I’ve always wondered if Lazarus and Jesus had any opportunity to talk after the Resurrection. Surely, Lazarus–because of his own resurrection experience–would have had insightful questions for the risen Christ! And did Lazarus mourn with the rest over the Crucifixion, or did he have a niggling suspicion that Jesus would rise? What was his reaction to the news? Can you tell I’ve got lots of questions for Lazarus? LOL!
I have all your great books in my library except for Isaiah’s Daughter. I’ve learned so much from each of them and each touched my heart in different ways. I would have to say that Love in a Broken Vessel is my favorite so far. God’s love and grace towards us is too wonderful for words. Passover is my favourite time of year as Spring arrives and once again all things are made new! Thank you for the opportunity to win your latest book.
Author
Thank you so much, Val-Marie, for your kind and encouraging words. I’m thrilled LBV touched your heart. It certainly has a special place in mine. Enjoy this wonderful life-giving season!
I have been studying Christianity’s Hebrew roots for the past 3 years. I’ve learned so much, especially about the Feasts. Passover has such amazing history. It really makes God’s awesomeness even more pronounced. I think one of my favorite facts about Passover is the tearing of the curtain in the Holy of Holies. That was God’s renting of His garment in grief when His Son died. What a personal emotion God shared with us humans…His hurting Daddy heart. I love God SO much!!!
Author
YES!!! I love that picture of His garment being torn by the Temple curtain! Thank you for sharing that insight with us here. How deep the Father’s love for His Son…and US!!
I love to read Isaiah’s daughter. I prayed that I get that book.
Shelly O Brien
Author
I pray you get the chance to read it too, Shelly! Thanks for your faithfulness in reading the newsletter. 😉
Easter is such a powerful time for me. It is proof of God’s power and His relentless love. He overcame the darkness of the world and conquered death. Death no longer has the power to hurt us as believers of Christ Jesus. There is no sting for God has beaten it. Now I can be pure and blameless because of His selflessness. Jesus is the ray of sunlight that finally beat the gloomy clouds of death. Now the world is filled with the sun of forgiveness. Thanks be to Jesus who has saved us from the despair and shadows of this world!
Author
I LOVE the phrase “relentless love,” and I’m soooo thankful that He was indeed RELENTLESS! I wouldn’t be here today had He not been. Praising God with you, Gina, for His love and light!
In the tomb the angels sat at the ends where Jesus’ body lay. To me this is a representation of the Ark of the covenant.
Author
OMGooooooodness, Orlinda!!!! I LOVE this thought. I’ve never considered it before. What a wonderful insight–I’ll ponder this all day long. Thank you so much!
I find watching the earth come to life makes me reflect more on Christ resurrection and the new life he offers to all if they accept Him as Lord and Savior.
Author
The earth declares His glory, doesn’t it? I believe Passover–death for Egypt’s firstborns, but new life and freedom for the Israelites–was placed during the exact season of the year by the Creator of seasons because He knew His Firstborn’s death would declare life and freedom for all. How amazing is He?
Am reading Liz Curtis Higgs’ book “The Women of Easter” for a different perspective as I journey through Lent.
Author
Liz is fantastic, digging deep into Scripture and the heart of God. Love that sweet lady and her teaching!
When I think of Easter, the phrase “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!” keeps resonating in my mind! Hallelujah!
Author
I try to put myself in Mary Madalene’s sandals–when she saw Him alive for the first time. The relief she felt. The love. The joy. The hope. It wells up in me, and I can hardly stand it… And then I pour it out for that same Jesus, who is MINE!
I’m reminded of God’s great love, mercy and grace for each one of us.
Author
God was so ingenious to give His people annual, monthly, and weekly feasts and events to FORCE us to remember! He was the Inventor of calendar reminders! And I’m so thankful!
I never knew that a lamb would feed 14. I like that God made the Passover meal a time of fellowship for families that were smaller. But also, thinking about traditions of that time, multiple generations may have lived together, making the family unit larger. Interesting to think about.
Author
As I get older, I become more inclined toward isolation. At every turn, God warns against isolation and provides opportunities for–even commands–His people to fellowship. It’s a great reminder…
I love to see the Savior in the Passover meal. I particularly love the picture of the Afi Komen (sp?) – the Papa of the family selects the middle matzoh of three in the 3-compartment pouch, wraps it in a linen cloth and hides it for the children to look for later in the meal. A beautiful picture of our Savior, the “middle” person of the Godhead Father-SON-Holy Spirit, hidden (buried) for a time (3 days) and then emerging (resurrection).
Author
SOOOOOOOOO many things about the Passover celebration that point to Jesus and provide such a beautiful representation of His coming. Thank you for sharing this!
I don’t have any Easter celebrations. I will go to church and then I will come home and sit on my couch and crochet and either listen to music or tv shows. I have no new insight.
Author
Lisa, I pray that the Lord will reveal Himself to you in a powerful way, not just on Easter, but today. I pray that you will somehow, in some way feel and know His presence as never before and realize anew that His death and resurrection were meant for you.
I have not read any of these three, but I have read several of your books. Love them! Right now I have Bread of Angels to read. Would love to win. Thank you for the chance.
Author
Hi Jacqueline! I LOVED Bread of Angels–one of Tessa’s best (though I love all her books). Thanks so much for your encouragement. Blessings, gal!
Easter is very meaningful to me as I had very little understanding when I first was in Canada and became influenced by my cousin, a Christian. When attending church I used to sing, “Jesus was lifted at Calgary” and wondered what Calgary had to do with anything. Since becoming more mature I have come to realize that Jesus proclaimed himself as king by riding on the colt of a donkey with people voluntarily also giving him the welcome of a king by lining the way with palm branches. He prayed to his Father that this cup might be taken from him, sweating great drops of blood, and yet submitted to his Father’s will. Jesus, not only fully God but also fully man, went through the suffering that, without His sacrifice, would have been ours. I recently saw a crown of thorns plant, nothing like a rose’s thorns, but completely covered in long sharp thorns, the pain must have been excrutiating. Our Saviour justified our sins with his death and resurrection, leaving us with the promise of new life. Easter is our most meaningful celebration.
Author
Oh, Irene, I chuckled aloud when I read your “Calgary” comment, but nearly wept at the beauty of your maturing process that has brought you the realization that Easter is our most meaningful celebration. Indeed, it is Calvary, not Calgary, that saved us, my friend!;)
Our pastor is delivering a very powerful series building up to Easter. I know that I could never be good enough to merit the grace I am granted through Jesus and His sacrifice for us. My family and I will all be singing in the Easter choir again this year at all three contemporary services at our church, and then we will enjoy a special meal to celebrate the assurance we have been given through His Resurrection! The kids are too old for it now, but we used to do devotionals with a set of Resurrection eggs and bake Resurrection cookies the night before Easter Sunday. I hope to share these traditions eventually with my grandchildren.
Author
What lovely and meaningful traditions you’ll pass to the next generation! And what a fantastic and full SEASON of celebration. Love it!
Hi all!! This is really a hard choice. I would love to read all three books. I would need to receive them in pdf as I am in South Africa. But I would really love all three!!!
Author
If you win, Annelie, I’ll try to send a book through BookDepository.com. I pray you have a wonderful Easter season! 😉
I am reading the Bible in a year for the 4th time. Each time I do it, I gain fresh insights. Recently I read the verse you quoted where God explains that blood is symbolic of and necessary for life. I admit I never really understood blood sacrifice before, but after reading that and your explanation, the fact that blood represents life, not death, is my special Easter treat this year😁
Author
Cool! I’m so glad that thought resonated with you. It was especially meaningful to me after I had sort of a disheartening chat with a woman on an airplane. She was open to hearing about the Gospel, and I was so excited to talk with her about it–but she couldn’t get past the blood thing. It was before I knew this concept–LIFE IN THE BLOOD. I’ve prayed for that woman many times since discovering this concept, prayed that someone else would be able to explain what I had no knowledge to offer at the time. 🙁
St. Paul writes for husbands to love their wives, “as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.” Jesus loves us with the truest, purest love that a husband can and should have for his wife. When someone is willing to give their own life for you, this is true love. This makes the holy day of Easter extra special: not only that it is the beginning of the best news ever give – that of our salvation that He won for us – but that He loves us with a love that surpasses everything else we can ever experience. Imperfect as I am, He wants me and loves me to the point of dying for me.
This is not necessarily a new insight, but one that I am coming to know more deeply in my own heart.
Author
When Jesus’ “husband-love” concept was made real in my heart, Alaina, it completely changed MY LOVE for Him. I actually FELT love for Him for the first time. It was more than just obedience. It was emotion, deep and passionate. No, it’s not a new insight, but it can definitely be a new revelation!
Easter time is a fresh reminder of how much Jesus loves us and how He willingly went to the cross for our sins not anything He did wrong. I sit quietly with my eyes closed and picture Him on the cross in such pain. Then I see Him resurrected and smiling at me asking me to follow Him. Yes Jesus I say and thank you for your sacrifice for me.
Author
Oh, yes…what a beautiful way to worship. Putting ourselves IN the Scripture passages with Him, feeling the dust beneath our feet, seeing the darkness of the sky at the crucifixion, and the dew on the grass on the morning of the resurrection… Beautiful!
I love the verse in John chapter 20 where Jesus tells Thomas, “You have seen and believed, blessed are they who have not seen, yet, believed.” I can’t help but smile every time I see that verse – that’s us!
Author
YES!! I love those verses in Scripture that are about us too! Makes it so personal. 😉
It’s not a new insight but something that I want to grasp more deeply – the grace of God our Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit. The grace that covers our sins…..all our sins….
Author
Grace…truly amazing. Searching out more of God…a wonderful plan for EVERY day.
I know I commented but it might have been under something else lol. I talked about his sacrifice heals us and the soilders offering him vinegar on hisop made the sacrifice complete and it was our celebration of healing:).
Author
I think it was under the actual blog post…so good to put it here. LOL! 😉 LOVED those thoughts about hyssop, BTW!