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Another Easter Sunday 

My sisters and I pile into the family station wagon for the long ride to Grandma’s house. Mom balances two Easter lilies and a coconut bunny cake on her lap as Dad takes the scenic route through the cemetery. We stop to pick Grandma up then drive over the Bloomfield Bridge to the Spring Flower Show at Phipps. Pap stays home to watch the Easter ham and the jelly beans… 

Susan Beth Furst

​Can you find the Easter Bonnets?




Easter Message...

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples; 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)

Imagine that! The angel tells the women to go and tell the disciples: Peter, James, and John, no less, that Jesus is alive. It was the most important news in the universe, and it was the women who carried and delivered it. 

In Jesus' Kingdom, it doesn't matter who you are. Jesus died for everyone. And when you believe in him, you will have everlasting life. It's that simple. Jesus loves you. He told me to tell you. Really.
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Trinity l d.Perry


seismic shift jelly beans lost in paper grass

Susan Beth Furst

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Because

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Because You showed the world that love wins over hate
Because You showed the world that You are the open gate

Because You showed the world that love is sacrificial
Because You showed the world that love is stronger than death
Because You showed the world that love is powerful

Because of You, this heart will not ever be the same
Because of You, this soul will bow
​
Because of You, this mind will be at peace
Because of You, this body will surrender
Because of You

Krystle Nicole Martin

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Grace l S.B. Furst

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The Price of Peace

Christ stands before us, silent, still,
in perfect, fearless grace.
We taunt and jeer. Derision rules,
yet Peace is on His face.

His hands of mercy now are bound.
Foul tongues are loose instead,
spitting sharp as thicket’s thorns
forced onto His head.

His back, though bruised and beaten raw
by hands of kings and priests,
now bears the weight of sinful hordes,
yet stands in utter Peace.

His brow bleeds tears of crimson deep,
which robes Christ in the flow,
yet still He stands in perfect Peace
so we can surely know....

True Peace is not the gentle fruit
of meditative flight,
but is the wine Obedience pours
into the darkest night.

Peace is not cheap. It comes with cost,
adherence to God’s Will.
When one life proves, “Thy will be done.”
Peace shall that one life fill.

No, happiness is not the same
as deep abiding Peace.
Oft times while groaning in the pain
our hearts still find release.
​
For as the Savior stands this day
before all men of earth.
He proves obedience is the key
to a heart where Peace is birthed.

L.W. Owen

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Phipps Conservatory l W. P. Remy

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​                  
​Almost Judas
 
We are sitting
on the front porch,
fireflies lighting up the red maple.
And I tell you the most clever and amazing joke!
 
You look at me for a split second,
and start to laugh,
so hard that you can’t catch your breath,
and tears run down your cheek.
 
And you tell me it’s the best joke you’ve ever heard.
 
Even as I push in the thorns,
and pound the nails so hard
that you can’t catch your breath,
and you hang there until it is finished.
 
Until I start to cry, and you pick me up,
 
and sit with me
on the front porch
beside the red maple,
and I tell you the most clever and amazing joke,
You and the fireflies laughing.   

Susan Beth Furst

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​A Spring Day

Spring has sprung here in south Louisiana and it is so welcome! As I walk along the gravel road bordering the cypress filled Lake Martin, almost every step exposes another sign of new life! My camera stays at the ready as my eyes search out Mother Nature’s fresh tidbits of color and textures. Wildflowers with their faces turned sunward, greening trees and lotus pads, the calls of nesting egrets and herons, a sunning alligator, and smell of bedding fish overwhelm my senses. Thank you, Lord, for this day!

spring morning...
flooding the cypress swamp
sunlight and birdsong

Al Galllia
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Jesus Christ is Risen Today

Easter Hymn
Anonymous
14th Century Latin Hymn
Surrexit Christus hodie


Jesus Christ is Ris'n today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!


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Behold


​Behold
and keep beholding
this amazing Wonder.
God in human flesh
Sacrificed for us
Beauty beyond words.

Behold
and keep beholding.
Let it never grow old for us.
God come down to fallen earth
So we could see His Love.

Behold
and keep beholding.
Don't turn away just yet.
Look again very close
And you will see
everlasting Love
exquisite Gift.
For you
For me.

Sharon Brani

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Phipps Conservatory l W. P. Remy

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Many thanks to our poets and artists: Marla Shaw O'Neill, Krystle Nicole Martin, L. W. Owen, Al Gallia, Sharon Brani, and d.Perry. Your poems and art speak to the ineffable love that our Savior has for us, even as He gave his life to save us from our sins. I hope that our readers will experience that love anew, and for those who do not know Him, may they be inspired by your words to find their way...

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10 (NIV)

Behold, the Lamb of God!


Susan



Haiga, Spring Morning, Al Gallia
Seismic Shift previously published by Sonic Boom, 2017
Photographs of Phipps Conservatory by W. P. Remy, my dad, who took many pictures at Phipps on many Easter Sundays.
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d.Perry is a self-taught abstract artist who paints intuitively, using many different medias, including acrylics, watercolors, and digital programs. Many of her pieces are a manipulation of various shapes using texture and vibrant colors. She is inspired by nothing in particular, yet everything she sees and feels. You can find d.Perry on Instagram @dlmspk, d-perry.pixels.com/ & zazzle.com/pymeohmy


​Marla Shaw O'Neil has been composing poems since childhood. Her passion comes from knowing Jesus on a personal level. As she writes she prays, “Holy Spirit help me write what it is you want to say.” Marla has written hundreds of poems and shares them on her blog at becourageousbebold.com


Krystle Nicole Martin is from Oklahoma. She is a poet. She is an author. She believes that when you write, you should write with a purpose to make your words have meaning. Krystle believes that there is always hope in the middle of chaos, and that there is nothing to fear if God is on your side. She knows that faith and love always endure no matter what happens in life.


Al (Alec W.) Gallia resides in Louisiana with his wife of many years. At an early age, Al’s love for the outdoors and solitude led him into his lifetime passion for nature photography. In 2017, Al discovered haiku poetry and fell in love again. He now enjoys capturing his special moments as both verbal and visual images. You can find Al at alecwgallia.com/& agallia.smugmug.com/Portfolio.


Linda Watson Owen is the immediate past president of the Mississippi Poetry Society. Her poems have appeared in various journals and publications, and have been consistent winners in both FaithWriters and MPS competitions. She is a retired secondary level educator and pastor's wife and may be contacted at lowenpoem@yahoo.com.


Sharon Brani is an entrepreneur who cares deeply about people. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Master Life Coach. Sharon has written five books, including The Power To Keep Going and Finding Peace in the Chaos. She enjoys jogging, playing the piano, and the beauty of nature. Sharon finds her wisdom in raising two wonderful daughters and her deep faith in God. You can find her at sharonbranicoaching.com


Susan Beth Furst is an award-winning Japanese short-form poet and Children's picture book author. She has published three haiku collections: Souvenir Shop, Road to Utopia, and Neon Snow. Susan's books for children include The Amazing Glass House and The Hole In My Haiku. You can find Susan on Instagram @susanbethfurstpoet & paperwhistlepress.com
 

Susan also enjoys wearing the editor's hat for Behold and Life Poems: A Journal of Christian Poetry. If you enjoyed reading this issue of Behold, leave a like or comment. It is a great encouragement. If you want to submit poetry or art,  you can find submission guidelines at Beautiful Defect - Behold
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Behold © 2021

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​Memories of Semana Santa


on Palm Sunday

Step-Mom takes home
blessed palm branches
as trophy for attending mass

the day I question
what our tradition is all about


*

the malls are closed
radio and tv shows
are off the air

two half-sisters
squabbling in the pool

when does real praying start?


*


from a distance
a chanting of religious verses
until 2 a.m.

teasing and taunting me

the summer heat becomes
more unbearable


* 


   Banal na Huwebes** and Biyernes Santo***
a non-working holiday
to visit 7 churches

my brother and I giggle
as Step-Mom leads the Station of the Cross

how much do we need to repent?
​​

*


  caught eating meat
I am judged to be a sinner

only fish is allowed
during Holy Week,
they say

​we eat quietly over every meal


*

​
finally, it's Easter Sunday

groceries are open
karaoke music in full blast

once again
Father and Step-Mom
start their bickering
​
Christine L. Villa​

​​* Semana Santa means Holy Week.
**Banal na Huwebes means Holy Thursday.
​***Biyernes Santo means Good Friday.

             

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ONCE FOR ALL

A shadow of later graces, the law could not undefile.
An obsolete offering was undesired, futile.
Delight in the Father's will was His clear design.
A better promise, He wrote on our hearts and minds.
Our sins and unholy acts He won't recall.
His true, atoning sacrifice was "once for all."

Carol Grandell Scott

Gethsemane l d.Perry

  
                      
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Did you cry?

Did you cry
on that starless night
when all your friends betrayed you?

Did you cry
when they took you down
to mock you and to flay you?

Did you cry
as he kissed your cheek
to fulfill the prophecy?

Were you able to remember
your final destiny?

Did you cry
when they hung you there
for all the world to see,

asking to forgive the sins of all
for the sake of one like me?

Did you cry
as you breathed your last
when all your work was done,

when the gathering crowd grew silent
in the presence of the Son?

Susan Beth Furst


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  untitled l d.Perry

Words of Institution

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the  disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."

And he took a cup and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." 
​
Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV)

Lamb of God

The Passover commemorates when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. God was sending one last plague so that Pharoah would let the Israelites go. He was going to kill all of the firstborn sons in Egypt.

​God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to sacrifice a year-old lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. The houses under the blood were "passed over" by the Angel of Death, sparing all of Israel's firstborn.

Fifteen hundred years later, Jesus, the Son of God, became the sacrificial lamb, this time sparing everyone who believes in Him, everyone covered by his blood.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Herb Furst

                                        Painting & Words by Christine L. Villa
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Pilate Before the Christ

Pilate, how pathetic,
as you bend your will to sin,
a pleaser of the people,
giving in to every whim.
Priests hold your feet to fire
as you gaze at God’s own Son.
Do you know your name lives on here
when your life on earth is done?

Look upon the face of Jesus.
See beyond the surging crowd.
Shut out the screaming voices,
so demanding, coarse, and loud.
Still your questions, and step closer
to the One who stands accused.
Feel the power of His Presence.
Will you ‘I AM’ refuse?

O Pilate, can your palace walls
protect you from yourself?
Shall your eternal soul be saved
by earthly fame and wealth?
Before you dip your hands into
delusion’s soothing bowl,
consider now the price you’ll pay—
the losing of your soul!


L. W. Owen

Son Stretched Sky

Vs 1
Thank God, it's Friday
Must have been on His mind
Praying in the garden
Not my will but thine

Pilate stood before Him
Whom shall I crucify?
Stripped down and beaten
Jesus gave His life, He gave His life

Chorus
His disciples didn't understand
They just couldn't comprehend
Why Jesus wept
And Jesus bled
With arms open wide
He said, Father forgive
I want them to live
As He covered the sun stretched sky

Vs2
Thank God, it's Friday
Must be on their mind
Trying to make it through the week
So they can live another life
They stand among you
As you pass them by
Whipped and beaten
When will you give your life?
When will you give your life?

Chorus 2
So many don't understand
They just can't comprehend
Why Jesus wept
And Jesus bled
With arms open wide
He said, Father forgive
I want them to live
As He covered the sun stretched sky

Chorus repeat
Woah-oh, Jesus wept
And Jesus bled
With arms open wide
He said, Father forgive
I want them to live
As He covered the sun stretched sky

He covered the sun stretched sky

He covers the sun stretched sky

Brian Shertzer © 8/8/07

              

                  Susan Beth Furst

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​My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 


I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

For dogs have compassed me; the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 

A prophetic psalm of David, Psalm 22:1,14-19 (KJV)

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                       untitled l d.Perry                      

                    


Many thanks to our poets, songwriters, and artists: Christine L. Villa, Al Gallia, Carol Grandell Scott, Herb Furst, L. W. Owen, Brian Shertzer, and d.Perry. Your words and art speak to the ineffable love that our Savior has for us. They have touched my heart. May they do the same for our readers and those who might stumble across this page by accident or divine appointment...

Behold, the Lamb of God!


Susan



Art by d.Perry
Haiga, Stained-glasss Jesus, Susan Beth Furst
Haiga, Victory Parade, Painting by d.Perry & Words by Susan Beth Furst
Victory Parade Haiku, previously published, Frogpond, 2018
​Images by Canva

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​Meet our Poets and Artists

d. Perry is a self-taught abstract artist who paints intuitively, using many different medias, including acrylics, watercolors, and digital programs. Many of her pieces are a manipulation of various shapes using texture and vibrant colors. She is inspired by nothing in particular, yet everything she sees and feels. You can find d.Perry on Instagram @dlmspk, d-perry.pixels.com/ & zazzle.com/pymeohmy


Christine "Chrissi" L. Villa is an all-around creative explorer. She is a children's book author, haiku and tanka poet, publisher, speaker, photographer, visual artist, and a crafter. Her books, poems, photos, and artwork have won awards and recognition. Her collection of Japanese short-form poetry is entitled The Bluebird’s Cry. Chrissi is the founding editor of Frameless Sky (a poetry video journal) and of its imprint Velvet Dusk Publishing.  You can visit her at www.christinevilla.com.


Al (Alec W.) Gallia resides in Louisiana with his wife of many years. At an early age, Al’s love for the outdoors and solitude led him into his lifetime passion for nature photography. In 2017, Al discovered haiku poetry and fell in love again. He now enjoys capturing his special moments as both verbal and visual images. You can find Al at alecwgallia.com/& agallia.smugmug.com/Portfolio.

​
Carol Grandell Scott is a music teacher who enjoys sharing her love of music with her students. She has sung and played keyboard at various churches over the years. Carol enjoys writing inspirational poetry, designing memory books on Shutterfly, and reading non-fiction and historical fiction. Her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

​
Herb Furst is a retired optometrist. He is a jewish believer in Jesus and looks forward each year to remembering the Passover message, that as God set free the Israelites from slavery, we have been set free by the blood of the Lamb.


Linda Watson Owen is the immediate past president of the Mississippi Poetry Society. Her poems have appeared in various journals and publications, and have been consistent winners in both FaithWriters and MPS competitions. She is a retired secondary level educator and pastor's wife and may be contacted at lowenpoem@yahoo.com.


​​Brian Shertzer was born and raised in Pennsylvania where he attended Upper Dauphin Area Schools. He's had a passion for writing since the eleventh grade. Brian's been married tor eighteen years to his beautiful wife, Dawn, and they have a son named Dakota. He deeply loves music and playing the guitar. Changing Tides writings and more – Inspired to write all my ...



Susan Beth Furst is an award-winning Japanese short-form poet and Children's picture book author. She has published three haiku collections: Souvenir Shop, Road to Utopia, and Neon Snow. Susan's books for children include The Amazing Glass House and The Hole In My Haiku. You can find Susan on Instagram @susanbethfurstpoet, & Paper Whistle Press - Author, Books for Children, Poet   

Susan also enjoys wearing the editor's hat for Behold and Life Poems: A Journal of Christian Poetry. If you enjoyed reading this issue of Behold, leave a like or comment. It is a great encouragement. If you want to submit poetry or art,  you can find submission guidelines at Beautiful Defect - Behold

​

Behold © 2021

Break me open
Pour me out
Break this off of me
I need more of You

Break this heart of stone
Break this wild heart of mine
Break me until I groan
Break this wild and untamed heart
I need more of you

What is it that You see in me?
What is it that You want in me?
What is it that You need from me?
How am I without You!
I need more of You!

Break me,
Shake me,
Contain me,
Lord, You created this wild heart!
It needs more of You!

Break me open until there is nothing left!
Break me open and pour me out!
Break me into tiny pieces!
Break me of my own will!
Break me of my own stubbornness!
Break me!
Fill me up with You!
I need more of You!

Lord, take this whole heart as an offering
Lord, take this mind and keep it at peace
Lord, take this body and hold it steady
Lord, take this soul and use it for Your will!

Break me,
Pour me out until there is nothing left of me!

Krystle Nicole Martin
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the old water pipe

at the top of the hill
we tiptoe and turn the knob.
water splashes our faces
spilling over our buckets and
filling our shoes.
we dance in the puddles
and the mud,
dragging our pails
behind us. 

of such is the kingdom

Susan Beth Furst
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Just a thought...

By Krystle Nicole Martin

​Did animals follow Jesus around? I mean, I would follow Him around all the time. I do it. I have no shame in admitting it. I only ask because when I'm outside playing my music, I see birds, insects, butterflies, flies, and other creatures. When He is near, all of creation comes alive. I firmly believe it. I believe they followed Him around. I am sure that the big animals like bears, big cats, wolves, and other such animals were always nearby, but the Bible doesn't ever talk about it. Do you think that when He would go off by Himself that animals followed and laid next to Him?

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Peace reigns where our Lord reigns.
​
Julian of Norwich
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Images by Canva
Photograph, water pump, Susan Beth Furst, © 2021
Break me and Just a note, Krystle Nicole Martin, © 2021
the old water pipe, Susan Beth Furst, © 2021


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Behold ​© 2021

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:13-17​



Anointing

He comes up out of the water, smiling,
droplets like diamonds on His brown skin,
His teeth perfect, white.
God descends like a Dove,
joyfully circling the Baptist&
the crowd, blowing them away,
with a voice like thunder,
the Father announces
his Son.

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Quotables

"My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness,"

Edward Mote


God loves you

Jesus Saves
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"Anointing," Susan Beth Furst, 2019
Scripture Translation, English Standard Version

​ Quotables

"While the world changes, the cross stands firm." Saint Bruno

Be encouraged.

God loves you.

Just Believe.


"Kenny waits," Susan Beth Furst, Tzynchromesh, March, 2019
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"Beachcombing," Susan Beth Furst, Editor's choice, Summer Contest-short forms, Time of Singing, June, 2020