Here we stand–on February’s welcome mat. You may or may not know this but evergreens, various pine trees, populate Arizona. We do host myriad cactus too, however, we also see our share of deciduous trees. Sycamores. Cottonwoods. Arizona Ash. Acacia. Mesquite. Elms, and more.
Their leaves have finally given way to cold temps and winter winds. As part of God’s design and holy rhythm, the trees stand bare in their time to wait. It’s their turn to take a break from producing and to rest. Recuperate. To be rejuvenated before they bud and bloom again.
Perhaps you in your spirit and soul, heart and mind and body are in winter, a season of waiting. Looking for something somewhere to sprout. Someone to breathe new life into what was and isn’t anymore. Or could be. Hold onto hope. Jesus came to earth, and Easter Sunday happened! New life is a reality.
The momentum of the new year has me looking forward to my favorite celebration on the calendar. Easter. For Jesus followers, Easter holds the banner of God’s love out to all. Puts His mercy and grace on full display.
To celebrate the hope we have in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I’m kicking February off with a book giveaway. Not just one book. I have two books for a giveaway. My thanks to Paraclete Press!
Women Who Followed Jesus ~ 40 Devotions on the Journey to Easter by Dandi Daley Mackall, Paraclete Press, 2024
After reading Three Wise Women ~ 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna by Dandi Daley Mackall, I’ve looked forward to reading Women Who Followed Jesus. Again, the author’s careful study of Scripture and first-century historical references and skillful writing compels readers to walk with eight women who followed Jesus during His in-between times–birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection. Her educated imaginings point readers sheds light on the grace and mercy and companionship available to us today.
Season of Beauty ~ A Lent and Easter Treasury of Readings, Poems, and Prayers by Paraclete Press, 2024.
Season of Beauty provides a peaceful and beautiful resource for remembering and reflecting on Love incarnate, the gift of Christ’s cross and resurrection. Through artful prose, poetry, Scripture, poignant quotes, and reproductions of Christian Art, Season of Beauty invites us into contemplation of the hope we have in the light that dawns in these holy days between Lent and Easter.
To ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for one of these two books, simply comment on this post with one of your favorite Easter memories.
The giveaway ends Sunday February 4th at midnight (MST). Comment and share your favorite Easter memory now!
CONGRATULATIONS TO LESLIE and GEORGIA, who each won a book in the drawing.
Comments 12
We had a crazy family game we played on Easter–adults and kids: the cat and dog peanut hunt. Someone would hide all the in-shell peanuts outside around the house. That was the ONLY similarity with other peanut hunts. There were two teams–the cats and the dogs–led by an adult with a sturdy plastic bag. The adult leader was the only one who could actually pick up the peanuts. Team members would either meow or howl when they found peanuts, and the leader would have to rush here, there, everywhere to pick up the peanuts. The team with the largest amount of peanuts won. What did they win? The peanuts, LOL!
Author
Janet, LOL, is right! Thanks for that.
My favorite memory is my Grandma buying me a new dress each Easter for church. 🙂
Author
Leslie, what a sweet memory. Thanks for stopping by here.
Author
Hi, Leslie. Congratulations, you won the copy of Women Who Followed Jesus! Happy reading. Mona
When I was little my grandmother always had summer pjs laid out on her bed for us when we went to her home on Easter. Grandpa would always take us out to see the bunny’s – somehow he always had a litter or two of babies for us to snuggle.
As an adult we visited Israel and the Garden Tomb. It wasn’t at Easter time but it was a favorite part of our trip and I now use pictures taken there to make cards to send out at Easter.
Author
Dalva, what wonderful memories. I loved hearing about your grandparents’ engagement with you and about the Garden Tomb. Yes, Makes send that experience would greatly impact your Easter celebration.
My favorite Easter memory was when my children were little and we lived by family. We would all go to Easter morning service and then share a meal together, worshiping Jesus!
Author
Georgia, generational celebrations create such rich memories. Family, table time, and Jesus worship–doesn’t get better than that!
Author
Hi, Georgia. Congratulations, you won the copy of Season of Beauty. Happy reading. If you’ll send me your address, I’ll get the book in the mail to you. Mona
One of my favorite Easter memories is getting a new dress. Often my mom had someone sew it for me. But the special thing was that my dad bought me a corsage (and one for my mom). He would pin it on me with a big smile and gentle hug. Often it would snow on Easter. I would have to wear my snow pant, snow coat, and boots with my Easter dress. But no matter the weather, my dad lovingly presented me wit a beautiful corsage, his smile , and hug.
Author
Hello, Re’, sweet memories. Thanks for joining me here.