Beauty from the farm and springtime show off on our card called “Windmill and Blossoms.”
Bulging buds burst forth into pink blossoms and frame the old windmill. You may find this card available for sale in our catalog or in our store.
Drawing by Wenda Grabau
Easter commemorates the one day in history when Jesus put death in its place. It is evident from archeology, historical record, bureaus of vital statics, newspaper records, that those who live, eventually are overtaken by death. Death has been man’s enemy. Its authority over man has successfully overshadowed everyone for all time.
To conquer such a foe, someone had to experience it and overpower it by coming back to life. That is just what Jesus did. The historical record makes this very clear.
Now, some folks may argue that it was such a long time ago (nearly 2000 years) that Jesus’ resurrection is a myth. If that be the case, why would millions and billions of years make anyone consider some theory such as evolution to be valid? The historical records of the resurrection of Christ are recorded. The evidence can be examined and found to be true.
So the good news today is that Jesus rose from the dead and has not died again. He has authority even over death. He has the authority and desire to grant this same never-ending life to all of mankind. He desires this very thing for you.
The reason death got the upper hand, is that man sinned. That means he wandered away from God and chose to ignore or disobey Him. Isaiah 53:6 puts it this way, “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; …” To be just, restitution had to be made. Isaiah 53:6 goes on to say, “… and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” The one who bore the iniquity for us is Jesus. He experienced death on the cross, the penalty for sin. The payment was made. His resurrection broke sin’s (and death’s) chains and freed us to live for Him.
How can a person experience this freedom from sin and death that Jesus provided for us? Hebrews 11:6 tells us, ” But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” God requires that we have faith in Him. The apostle John wrote, ” For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
What will open the door to this new life?
My hope for you this Easter is that you personally believe that Jesus did indeed put death in its place. He deserves your trust and your devotion. How glad we can be that through Him the sting of death is gone and the grave is empty!
photo credit: maf04 via photopin cc
photo credit: Яick Harris via photopin cc
Today, the sun displayed the blue of a clear spring sky. Brisk breezes proved that spring is in the air. My daughter and I decided to take a walk in some nearby hardwood forest, to view the coming of spring from a different perspective. I was particularly curious to see if we could find Spring Beauty in bloom.
Many old leaves still shroud the green life in its infancy. Wild flower leaves peak through at various places. Shelf fungi cling to the sides of several trees. Wild raspberry bushes and gooseberry plants show their tender new leaves. Their super-sharp thorns pierce when one walks by too closely. It is too early for blossoms to catch the eye.
Yet , with the absence of much green, one can see through to the far side of the woods for quite a long ways. We walked to a clear opening where our field stretched out before us. As we returned, we followed an old, dry path. Dear Grandpa blazed the trail years ago so that he and others could enjoy a nice 
walk to the corn/hay field as the summer progressed. Since Grandpa has gone, new growth seeks to cover that old path. Next time we go out to the woods, I will take a clippers along to clear the way where Grandpa loved to walk. Maybe next week, we can see further plant growth, God’s handiwork in the forest at springtime.
photo credits:Bretta Grabau
Delight in the changes of the seasons is brought to light with the changes we behold in our world.
We have several cards. . . .
Young perennials spiking up into the sunlight after a winter rest
Birds finding rest amongst bushes and trees covered with bulging buds
Flower buds busting forth their beauty
Find these and other cards in our catalog or in our store.
Drawings by Wenda Grabau
Signs of spring are evident on the farm. Aside from all of the milking and chores, several jobs are in progress. Since we have had a hard, long winter and the cold temperatures linger, there is more wood to move into the wood room. Still, the blackbirds and robins are here, the position of the sun warms the lawn and green is breaking through the sod.
Spring cleaning on the farm becomes a priority.
Why all this “To Do” for spring? Why does the farmer do this every spring?
Since the time of Noah, God made mankind a promise. It is recorded in the ancient writings, in Genesis 8:22.
“While the earth remains,
Seed time and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer
And day and night
Shall not cease.”
God promised us that we can expect seed time and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night. We can plan on it and we do.
photo credits:Wenda Grabau
In 2010, I wrote this little poem when my dear Dad died.
Today I witnessed your last battle.
Could you sense me standing near?
Did you hear my voice sing “Amazing Grace”
Or recite for you “The Lord’s Prayer”?
Did you hear my tender, “I love you,”
As I held and kissed your hand?
I longed for you to feel me near
When you left for that better land.
Despite your lengthy sojourn here,
It ended way too soon.
Silently your sweet soul slipped away
To rest in your heavenly home.
In your ninety-sixth year,
Jesus took you by the hand,
Destined for total victory
To the place He prepared for you.
At last your deaf ears heard sweetness;
Birds singing with angel choirs.
Your painful feet leaped for joy
When He led you through heaven’s doors.
photo credit: Loozrboy via photopin cc
photo credit: Wildlife Boy1 via photopin cc
