Behold, Easter (Issue 5), He's not here!!!

Phipps Conservatory l W.P. Remy

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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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An Easter Poem by Marla Shaw O'Neill

​In a time and place of ancient times,
​there lived a man they called the Nazarene…
He did many things, we’ve never seen…
Some called him Rabbi, others called him friend…
Some called him the son of Beelzebub…
But others called him Savior, Lord of All, God’s love…
Humble of spirit, but courageous and bold…
They killed the son of God tis told…
And out of a sepulcher he arose…
Death could not stop this man
Hell had no hold on him,
And through all time and space since then…
He lives! He lives! He lives!
He is High Priest! Mighty Warrior, He is Holy.
He is beginning and in him there is no end…
Open your heart and let him in…
The scales are removed from their eyes…truth overcomes the lies…
The new creation sings and all of heaven brings…
New beginnings…
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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
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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.
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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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Roses in Remembrance l Sharon Brani​

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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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He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!

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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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Meet our Poets & Artists
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                     Easter Peeps l W. P. Remy 

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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