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Let Us Come Together in Prayer đđž
Hey dear friend! I’m so glad youâre here! Today, in honor of the National Day of Prayer, Iâm going to be sharing with you a short story I wrote a couple years ago! I haven’t done much editing, because I want you to see the innocence of it. And it’s also a reminder to me that Iâve grown so much since then, which is very encouraging! Alright, with further ado, I give you, Let’s Come Together In Prayer! I hope you love it!đ
It was another sunny day at the Ryker family’s farm. And on that sunny day, in the small town of Blossom, was the national day of prayer. Now the people who lived in Blossom took prayer very seriously.
So after a breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, the Ryker family went out to the school barnyard to pray. Now, there were four of the Ryker children. Their names were Emma Mae, who was seventeen, Zoey, who was sixteen, John-David, who was fourteen, and Matthew, who was thirteen. And Mama Ryker, whose name was Ms. Kyla, was pregnant with the fifth Ryker child. It was going to be a boy, and his name was going to be Elisha-Luke.
Papa Jonas was the man of the house. He started the farm with his own bare hands, with some help of course. He and his family owned 200 acres, so that when the children grew up, they would live on the property and start their own family farms. “All right kids, as you all know, today is the national day of prayer”, Papa Jonas announced. “So as we do this all the time, I’ll start off, then Mama, and so on and so on. And after the last prayer, I’ll close with the last closing prayer, ok?”
“Ok!” All of the Ryker children said in unison.
“So I’ll start”, Papa Jonas said. “Dear God, thank you for waking me up this morning and allowing me to see another day. Lord, I thank You for giving me this beautiful day, and for giving me a wife and girls who can cook excellently! Thank you for giving me this farm which I work with my two awesome sons,and I thank You for giving me this farm so I can provide for my family. And I thank you for giving me my wonderful family. Lord, I thank you for giving me a town where my family and I can grow up in a safe christian environment. Lord, I thank You for giving my family Family’s Corner where we can hang out as a family, and where other families and friends can hang out with good christian peers working there. Lord, I pray for any child and adult that live in a not so good environment, that You would protect them and save them, and I pray that you would comfort them and that You would reveal yourself to them. I pray that you would help us to become better christians everyday and I pray that we will serve you for the rest of our lives. In Jesus name I pray, amen.â
“Alright momma, you’re next!”Matthew said.
“Here I come!”, Mama Ryker said. She sighed and looked down at her stomach and started rubbing it. “Ok Elisha-Luke. I’m about to pray, so no more kicking from you.” She chuckled at herself. “Ok, dear God, I thank You for waking me up this morning and allowing me to see another day. Lord, I thank you for your many blessings. Lord, I pray for any hurting mothers that are single and that have to take care of their children. I pray that You would give them the strength to carry on. Lord, I pray for all the evil that’s going on in the world that it will stop in the name of Jesus! I pray, Lord, that you would open the eyes of the people who don’t see the evil that’s going on. I decree and declare that the people who are doing these evil things will be exposed in the name of Jesus! Lord, I pray that you would give me the strength to keep calm and carry on. I pray that you would strengthen all of us in our walks with you. I pray for anybody who feels like they’ve sinned so much that you don’t love them, or they’re not good enough to deserve your grace and love, that you would reveal yourself to them and tell them that they will never be good enough to deserve your grace, but that it’s a free gift from You and that You love them so much no matter what sinful act they’ve committed. We love you Lord so much! In Jesus name I pray, amen!”
“Amen,” all of the Ryker children echoed.
“Now, before Emma-mae prays, I would like each of you to share what you guys will be focusing on when you guys are going to pray,” Mama Ryker said. “Zoey, let’s start with you!”
“Today I want to focus on children who are fatherless, and I also want to focus on Christian teenagers who need to step up as christians and take up the calling that God gives them.”
“Very good Zoey!” “Papa Jonas said.
“Yeah, I like it,” Emma-mae said.
“John-David, what do you have?” Mama Ryker asked.
Now John-David was really shy, and sometimes the rest of the Ryker family forgot he was even there!
“I want to focus on kids who are struggling with their identity in Christ, and I also want to focus on people who are struggling in their walk with God.”
“Very good John-David! Emma-mae, how about you?”
“I want to focus on girls who have low self-esteem, and I also want to focus on our leaders in government.”
“Very well! And last, but not least, what do you want to focus on Matthew?”
“I would like to focus on soldiers who give their life for their country, and their families, and I would also like to focus on boys that are fatherless and just don’t have good examples.”
“Good! So, Emma-mae, you can start first.”
“Ok mom! Dear heavenly father, today I come before You standing in the gap for girls who have low self-esteem. I rebuke it in the name of Jesus! I decree and declare that those girls who have low self-esteem will know that they are beautiful and lovely, and that there is a man who loves them, and His name is Jesus! So, I’m saying that those girls will have a high self-esteem about themselves in the name of Jesus! But I do also want to pray Lord that they won’t have so much confidence in themselves that they start thinking that they are better than most girls, or they are the prettiest girls in town, but that they just realize that they are loved by You and that they don’t have to do anything to earn love outside of You. And now Lord, I come before You standing in the gap for our leaders in government. The government is so wicked! Help us not talk bad about our leaders in government, but help us to pay for them in love. I pray that they will see their evil ways and repent. I pray for their salvation that if they do not know You, You would reveal Yourself to them. Help us not to judge them, for we don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. We love You lord so much. In Jesus name I pray, amen.”
“Amen!” the Ryker children echoed once again.
“Alright, I’m next!”, Zoey said.
“Oh yes you, are sweet girl,â Mama Ryker said. She smiled at Zoey and brushed her hand on the side of her cheek. “Go ahead darling.”
“Ok. Dear God, I’m coming before you standing in the gap for children who are fatherless. I don’t know how it feels to be fatherless, but I do know that it must feel terrible. Lord, please comfort them. We know that You are the ultimate Father, so we pray that you would reveal yourself to those children that are fatherless, and I pray that they will have an open heart to receive You. Lord, I pray that, because I know some of them must have hard hearts, You would soften their hearts and that You would give them hearts to receive people that are trying to help them. And now Lord, I pray for Christian teenagers who need to step up as Christians, and who want to step up as Christians, but don’t know how. Lord, help teenagers who want to be radically sold out to You, but don’t know how. Lord, I pray that those teenagers will long to know You, that they will long to experience the sweetness of Your presence, that they will not worry or think about what other people think about them, but that they’ll focus on who You called them to be. I pray that they will love You like never before, like a Father loves his son, like a ewe loves her little sheep. I pray that they will not come to church just to see their friends, or to see the cute boy or pretty girl, but that they will come to church because they want to be with You, and to worship You, and to honor You, and to praise You for who You are, and because they want to fellowship with other people that follow Christ. Lord, help me to become a better Christian each day, so that other teenagers and other people will see the change in me, and then they will want to change. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.”
“Amen!” the Ryker family echoed.
“Ok John-David, you’re next!” Matthew said with a big smile.
“Yep! That’s me! Dear Papa, I come before You standing in the gap for kids who are struggling in their identity. They are contemplating if they are really loved, by their parents, by others like their friends, and by You. In the name of Jesus, I cast out the spirit of doubt! I decree and declare healing over their minds right now! I pray that they will come to know that they are loved, and cherished, and seen by you! I also pray for those who are struggling with their walk with you. Lord, sometimes this Christian walk is hard, and you know that already, and You put people in our paths to help us become more Christ- like. So Lord, today I am asking You to put people in those’s paths that are struggling with their walk with You. Put people in their paths that can encourage them, and strengthen them, and just love on them – be there for them. We love you Lord so much, and I pray for all the things in your holy precious son’s name, amen!”
“Awesome job, John- David!” Papa Jonas said. “Alright, last, but not least, go ahead Matthew!”
“Ok dad! Dear Papa, I come before you, standing in the need of prayer. I pray over those soldiers that risk their lives for their country – spilling their blood for those they don’t even know! I just want to honor them today. Lord, comfort their families – bring peace to their families. Protect the soldiers that are on the battlefield. It’s a big task to have, and they have a huge responsibility, so help them too. I pray that if there is a soldier that doesn’t know you, they will come to know you. And now Lord, I also want to pray for the young boys that are fatherless and that really don’t have good examples around them. My heart goes out to them! Lord, help them to know that You are the ultimate Father, and that even if they don’t have a physical father, they have a spiritual father up in heaven. Help them to have good examples around them that will show them the way. I ask this in your name, amen.”
“Alright, I’m gonna do the last closing prayer,” Papa Ryker said. “Dear heavenly father, we thank You for blessing us to see this amazing day where we come together for prayer. Lord, we bless and thank You for hearing our prayers! And Lord, we just pray that Your will be done over our own will Lord, and we thank You so much for all You have done and all You are going to do. I pray for these things in your son’s precious name, amen.â
What the Ryker family didn’t know was that day, a very special prayer warrior was to be born, coming from their own family line.đđ
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Life is what You Make It!!!
Hello friend!!! Iâm so glad youâre here! I hope youâre having a wonderful day! As you can tell, todayâs topic is all about life. Life is what we make it. We can make life good or bad through what we say, who we surround ourselves with, and our attitude. So, if youâre ready to jump into todayâs topic, letâs go!!!
What we say is powerful. It can affect our whole life. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Seriously. So if youâre saying bad things and always cursing things, your life will be cursed. But if youâre saying good things and blessing things, your life will be alright! Whatsoever you speak you shall have! So if youâre speaking death, you shall have death, but if youâre speaking life, you shall have life. And the same applies for what you speak over yourself. We always need to be mindful of that. We all have a tendency of saying negative things about ourselves, and the crazy thing is that we do it without even thinking. We have to realize that positivity is always the way to go. Nowaday it seems like depression is the new norm, and that being depressed is cool, but itâs really not. Speak life over yourself! Affirmations are a great way to do so! Always speak positive words, always speak life words, because what you put out is what will produce.
Who we surround ourselves with affects us. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, âBe not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.â Now, this is a negative when talking about who we surround ourselves with, but itâs so powerful! Believe it or not, we are influenced by people everyday, especially our associates. As little children, we are taught by our parents to be mindful of who we associate ourselves with. Well, that still holds true for us when weâre older as well. The people who we hang around affect our lives and the decisions we make, whether for good or bad. So, I encourage you that if you want a prosperous life, surround yourself with good people. Psalm 1:1 says, âBlessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.â A lot of times we hang around people because we think theyâre cool/popular, but theyâre really leading us to ruin! We all want to be accepted by the âcool kidsââ group, but what if we started wanting to be accepted by God? I have my moments as well when I want to be accepted by the cool kids, but all that is only temporary! Jesus is everlasting! Donât settle for less! Settle for Jesus! Be mindful of who you surround yourself with. They can either bring you to prosperity, or they can lead you to ruin.
Did you know that our attitude affects our lives? Ephesians 4:23 says, âAnd be renewed in the Spirit of your mind.â We all need to be renewed in the Spirit of our minds! Our minds can be good and bad. Itâs all in the mind. If you allow your mind to tell you what you can and canât do, youâll do exactly that! You have to control your mind. If you fill it with junk, it will produce junk in your life! Fill it with positive things! Romans 12:2 says, âAnd be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.â Do not conform to the world’s way of thinking. Their thought process is corrupt! Itâs only when we are transformed by God that our minds will be renewed! The Bible also say in Philippians 4:8, âFinally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.â My mother taught me and my siblings this scripture at a very young age, and Iâm glad she did, because this is the criteria for everything we do! And this should be the criteria for everything we do! And this should be the criteria for everything you do too! You need to be thinking about these things, and if you are not, you need to start! Things you think/dwell on will affect your life, so be mindful of things youâre thinking!
Ultimately, life is what you make it! Life isnât necessarily good or bad. And our actions will determine how our life goes. So, be mindful of what you say, who you surround ourselves with, and your attitude, because those are the things that will affect your life for the good, or for the bad.
Mindset shift
This one is in honor of earth day, and earth month! Recycle! Recycling is super important! It helps the environment a bunch! Research things in your home you can recycle, and if you donât have a recycling bin, look into getting one, or find a place where you can drop off your recyclables! Also, beg your parents! When going to the grocery store, tell your parents to use a reusable bag, and if they donât have one, ask them to get one! My mom has plenty we donât use! Recycle as much as you can and save the planet!
Thankfulness List
Earth
God
Plants
Air
Good people
Recycling
Tress
Flowers
Grass
Sun
Precept of the Day
âWe are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.â~ XIYE BANDISTA
Of course, this is also in honor of earth month! I really like this quote by the way! Our purpose while on this earth is to take care of all life! Plants, animals, people, etc. We are to be good stewards of the earth and take care of it as best we can! We also need to take care of each other! We need to have each otherâs back! Weâre all in this together, and youâre not alone in your struggles! Save the planet, save each other!
Alright friend, that is the end of this post! I hope you liked it as much as I did! If you did, consider subscribing if you havenât already! Also, like this post and comment, telling me something you learned from the post, the mindset shift, the precept of the day, or all three! You can even tell me your thankfulness list and ways youâre going to save the planet!! I always love hearing from you! Ok, Iâll see you next time, but until then, save the planet, save each other!!!
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My Favorite Movies and Why!!!đżđŹđ˝ď¸
Hey friend! đđžđ¤ Iâm so glad you’re here! Today we’re following in the same vein of my post on Thursday about my favorite books and why, and we’re going to talk about my favorite movies and why!đżđđď¸đźđď¸đ˝ď¸đĽđŚđŤđŹ Sorry about all the movie emojis! I just love movies so much, and Iâve honestly seen a lot of them in my lifetime! I’m going to list ten of my favorite movies (I have way more), and I’m not going to list the ones that are based on the books I mentioned last time (Wonder, The Giver, Anne of Green Gables, etc.). I might also list a couple Christmas favorites. Weâll see. So, are you ready? Then let’s go!!!
Jonah: a VeggieTales Movie
Call me a baby if you want, but yes, I am still a teenager who likes VeggieTales and still watches it from time to time. I like this movie because it’s really funny but has a powerful message, which of course is the VeggieTales way! My whole family loves it! It’s really just a normal VeggieTales episode, just longer! This one definitely has a special place in my heart!đ
The STAR
This one is also such a funny one! This is a Christmas movie and is about the birth of Christ, just with a little twist: it’s about the animals. It’s an animal adventure! I like it because it’s funny and light-hearted, but still shows the importance of the birth of Christ!â
Sister Act 1&2
I don’t know if you know this one since it came out in 1991, but this movieâs star is Whoopi Goldberg! You know I’m a little old school in my movie choices! This is such a classic in my family! I like this one because it’s hilarious! I love to laugh! But it also has some great lessons, especially in the second movie! Friend, if you haven’t watched this yet, what are you waiting for? You’ll absolutely love it!đŤśđž
Home Alone 1&2
This is a Christmas classic! If you’ve never heard of Home Alone before, what is wrong with you??? Everyone should know about Home Alone! But mind you, only 1 & 2 are classics. All the other ones⌠I don’t know about all that! I like this movie because it brings in the holiday spirit! It’s also kinda an adventure we go on, which is really exciting! And, I really like Marv and Harry! Theyâre classic!đ
Cheaper by the Dozen 1 & 2
This is literally the story of my familyâs life! We relate to this movie so much! It is absolutely hilarious, but it really does have some basic truths that apply to every family! If you have a big family like mine, or even if itâs small, I still think you should watch this movie!đđ¨âđŠâđŚâđŚ
The Peanuts Movie
I think this is such a wholesome movie for the whole family, which is really rare these days because there are so many movies that are inappropriate! And I think it does Charles M. Schulzâs work justice, which really made my heart glad!đĽ
The Polar Express
I know, this is another Christmas favorite, but I canât help it! I just love Christmas! I think this one is close to my heart because this is my childhood! Just the thought of traveling on a train to the north pole on Christmas Eve is so enchanting! So magical! I love the whole message of the movie: Just Believe!đ
Letters to God
This is based on a true story, and I literally cried at the end because it was so beautiful! Watch this movie! I will change your life forever!âď¸
The Bad Guys
Oh my gosh! I honestly had never heard of The Bad Guys (which is actually a book series) until I had seen the movie for my 13th birthday! It was so funny, and it was really interesting! It was so interesting in fact that I bought some books in the series! Itâs wholesome for the whole family! You should watch it!đşđˇď¸đŚđ
The Grinch
This is honestly a Christmas classic! Thereâs, like, three different versions, and I like all three to be honest! Itâs so funny, and I love watching it every Christmas! This is another family favorite of ours. It really brings us together!đđ
Alright! Those are some of my favorite movies! I do encourage you that you’re interested in watching any of the movies I listed to look them up before watching them to make sure they meet your standard of being appropriate. Also, in the comment section below, tell me what some of your favorite movies are! Alright, on to the mindset shift!
Mindset Shift
Make a thankfulness list everyday. It doesnât matter what it is or how many things you list! This helps boost your mood and attitude in life. We always have something to be thankful for!
Precept of the Day
Itâs not whether you get knocked down, itâs whether you get up.~ Vince Lombardi
This is so powerful! Everyone gets knocked down. Life happens. But the most important thing is getting back up! I just heard some news the other day that knocked the wind out of me, and Iâm not gonna lie, I did feel like not getting back up, but then my older sister reminded me that it wasn’t the end of the world, and that âthe Lord will provide the lamb for the sacrifice.â So, never let life overwhelm you. Know that everything will work out. The best thing you can do is to get back up and to have a positive attitude that it will all work out the way itâs supposed to, because it will!
Ok friend! That is the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! If you did, consider subscribing if you havenât already so you donât miss everytime I post a new post. Also, like this post and comment, telling me if youâve heard of any of the titles I listed, and what your interpretation of todayâs precept is! Alright, Iâll see you next time, but until then, peace, love, and hairspray!âđžđđ
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Use Your Gifts Now!!!đ
Hello dear friend! Iâm so glad you’re here today! I hope youâre doing well and that youâre excited for todayâs topic, because it’s all about gifts! We all have gifts. Even if you think you donât, you do! And we all can and should use them! Itâs important to share our gifts with the world, right now! No matter how young or old you are! So, if youâre ready to get into todayâs topic, letâs goooooo!!!
So, I know I said earlier that your gifts are important, but why? The Bible says in Proverbs 18:16: âA gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.â You donât know where your gifts will take you! You could literally travel around the world, meeting kings and queens. The whole world could know your name! Of course, itâs not about that, because ultimately the world will know God and Heâll get the glory! But what Iâm saying is you could change the world! The greats that you read in history? That could be you! And by Godâs grace and mercy, it will be you! Donât underestimate the power of your gift! And donât think your gift is too small to be used! Even if itâs just stand-up comedy! The Bible says that âlaughter does good like medicine!â And itâs actually the seemingly small and unimportant ones that are unique and get noticed! Remember, thereâs no gift too BIG, and no gift too small. And thereâs no age limit to world changers!
Are everyone’s gifts the same? No you say? But why is that important? Well, for one thing, the world would be super boring if we all could do stand-up comedy. But also, diversity makes the world beautiful! The body of Christ is very diverse. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:4: âNow there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.â We all have different gifts and abilities, but they all come from the same God, Jesus Christ. The Bible says that âevery good and perfect gift comes from God.â So it doesnât matter if our gifts are different because they make us unique, and they all come from one God. Here are some more scriptures on the diversity of gifts: 1 Corinthians 12: 19-20: âAnd if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts yet one body.â 1 Corinthians 12:27-30: âAre all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in other languages? Do all interpret?â
So now that weâve talked about why your gifts are important, and why us having different gifts is actually a good thing, the BIG question that still lies is: HOW DO I USE MY GIFTS NOW??? And do you know what my answer to that question is? Thereâs not just one specific way to use your gifts now, because, like I said earlier, all of our gifts are different, but there are some basic ways we can use our gifts now!
Share them with your family. Iâm sure that your family would like to enjoy your gifts! Donât be shy! Your family is going to be your first and biggest supporters! I hope! And even when it doesnât feel like it, your family will always love you and support you and have your back!
Share them with your friends! Your friends are the second best thing to your family, and theyâd like to enjoy your gifts as well! They love you, and theyâll support you as well!
Share them in your community! In your school for a talent show, at your church, at your extracurricular activities! People in your community would like to enjoy your gifts as well!
Just know this: your gifts are very important, especially in the kingdom of God, and you are never too old or too young to use them today!
Mindset Shift
Remember when I said in my last post to clean. Well, this one is related in the same category. Go on a trash walk in your community. Bring a trash bag and wear some gloves and start picking up trash in your community! Not only is it good for the community to be free of trash, but youâre also getting your exercise in, so itâs a win-win scenario! So donât wait, but go on your trash walk today!
Precept of the Day
Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.~ Henry David Thoreau
This is my interpretation of this precept:The creation that we see around us is beautiful! Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by the bad that goes on that we donât see the good in life, but there is beauty all around us. The heavens declare the goodness of God! It feels so good to be alive! There is beauty all around, if you would just look!
Ok! This is the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! If you did, consider subscribing if you havenât already so you donât miss every time I post a new post! Also, like this post and comment, telling me something you thought was impactful to you, and what your interpretation of todayâs precept is! I always love hearing from you! Alright friend, I will talk to you next time, but until then, always remember⌠I love you so much, I miss you already, byeeeeee!!!
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My Favorite Books and Why!!!đđ
Hi friend!!! How are you today? Iâm so glad youâre here! I know you can probably tell from the title, but today weâre talking about my favorite books! Iâm going to try to list off my top 5 books, but I might go over just a little (foreshadowing). Iâm really excited about this post in particular because Iâve never really made a fun post! When I make a post about writing, I mainly give tips, not really just a fun post like a snippet from my wip or a post like this one. So, letâs jump right in so we can get to it!
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
I just love Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery! I think one of the reasons I love it is because Anne is very relatable in so many ways. She has a lot of flaws (like me), she loves to read and write, and she ultimately wants to find her place in the world. I think itâs also just fascinating to read about a characterâs life, whether fictional or real. I love how Anne succeeds and fails. She has her ups and downs just like everybody else. And I also like the other cast of characters because they complete the story. Sweet Diana Barry, the bosom friend of Anne, nosy and gossipping Rachel Lynde, stern Marilla Cuthbert, and soft spoken, loving Matthew Cuthbert. Theyâre truly characters you will root for. And I also like the old timey feel of the book. I definitely think anyone can and should read this amazing book!
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Excluding the fact that the main characterâs name is Jonas, (which is obviously the best part) I think this book is really good because it basically shows how our nation is today. People are being blinded by the government on the evils that are going on behind the scenes. It looks glamorous on the outside, but itâs rotting on the inside. This was the first plutopian novel I read, and I absolutely loved it!
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
This book has a special place in my heart, and it is absolutely amazing! I actually watched the movie before I read the book, and both are really good. It really put bullying into perspective for me. Iâm not saying that I bully anyone, but it really made me stop and think: âAm I striving to be kind to everyone?â Being kind isnât just for people who arenât in your family, but the people who are. Be kind to everyone! If you find yourself staring at someone who looks different than you, walk up and talk to them! Say something kind! Such an amazing job! I also like how it was dual point of view! I donât know why, but I just like books like those. You should definitely read this book!
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This was actually the first book I read in the Little House series. It just felt so warm and fuzzy and nostalgic. It really showed that even though we go through the hardships life brings, we can still have joy in the little things and find comfort in those around us. Amazing book!
Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein
My sister actually cried at the end of this book. Thatâs how good it was. I got this book because the title caught my eye. Iâm glad I did! It was so powerful! Life changing I think. It really put life into perspective for me.
Treasures of the Snow by Patricia M. St. John
I actually heard the radio drama before I read the book, and I really liked it, and when I found out it was a book, I had to get it! I really like Patricia M. St. Johnâs writing style, and I think people around the world should read her books! Theyâre amazing!
100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons
Giving a shoutout to a self published author!!! I absolutely loved this book! Iâm not a romance guy. At all. But I really like this one. It actually didnât even feel like a romance novel. The romance really came at the end. The lesson was really powerful. When life knocks you down, get up.
Plutopia by C. M. Chiang
I gotta give another shout out to another self published author! And I know her personally! Like I said earlier with the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio, I like books with dual POV, (It makes the book more exciting) itâs a plutopian novel, (hence the name) and itâs kinda like The Giver, just in its own way.
The Unadoptables by Hana Tooke
I believe Iâve talked about this book before, but this book is my favorite from Hana Tooke! The title is unique, and so is the book. Itâs an adventure story, and itâs set in the 1800s! The. Perfect. Book. Ever!
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
I heard about this book a lot but had just never read it. I like this book because I feel like it shows what the government is trying to do to us humans, especially through the public school system. Phenomenal book. Trenton Lee Stewart was on to something.
Ok. I think ten books is enough. And trust me, I like way more books than that! But I would probably bore you to pieces if I listed all of them! But tell me some of your favorite books in the comment section! I always love hearing from you!
Mindset Shift
Brace yourself now. Cleaning. I know, cleaning sucks! I hate it! You probably do too! But believe it or not, having a clean space is good for the mind! Itâs very refreshing, and it makes you feel less stressed. Also, when you clean, you feel productive and accomplished, which is a very good feeling to have! So, get to cleaning! Youâll love how you feel afterward, and so will your parents!
Precept of the Day
âTis always morning somewhere in the world.~ Richard Henry Hengist Horne
My interpretation of this precept is this: even though you might be going through a tough time in your life, thereâs always light at the end of the tunnel! Your situation will always get better in the end! Just have courage!
Alrighty then! That is the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! If you did, consider subscribing if you havenât already! Also, like this post and comment, telling me some of your favorite books! I cannot wait to hear from you! Ok friend, Iâll see you next time, but until then, peace, love, and hairspray!
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March Reflections, April GoalsâđđĽł
Hello dear friend! Itâs me, and Iâm here to share my reflections of the past month (March), and my hopes and dreams for this month (April)! I know I havenât been as consistent in posting blog posts, and Iâm really sorry about that. Life has just been life, but that is no excuse, so one of my goals is to be consistent in my blog schedule! And yes, keep me accountable, I need it! Okay, letâs start with the books Iâve read this month!
Sadly, I didnât read much, but I at least got done with two books last month!
You Can Live on the Bright Side: The Kidâs Guide to Optimism by Lucy Bell
City Spies: Mission Manhattan by James Ponti
No friend, Iâm not depressed or anything, but I just saw the kidâs guide to optimism and decided to get it! Itâs actually a really good book! I learned so much! It talked about a variety of things, and I think you should definitely read it! I really feel different after reading it, and I think you will too!
Now, if you know anything about me, youâll know that I love the City Spies series by James Ponti! Iâve been following the series since it came out in 2020, and it just keeps getting better and better! I really liked Mission Manhattan. I mean, who doesnât like a mission set in the amazing state of New York? I actually finished this book in less than two days, which is really impressive. I was really sad because Iâd finished so early! Anyway, I definitely recommend that you start reading this series if you havenât already. Itâs absolutely amazing!
Posts & Things
March 2~ My choir had a workshop and my youth group had a fun day!
March 9~ My sister entered a chili cook-off at a friendâs church and won 2nd place!
March 16~ My choir filmed this amazing music video with country stars Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Kim Nash.
March 19~ I went to this amazing college preparedness class at my library!
March 22-24~ I went on a primitive camping trip with my Trail Life troop. It was a blast!
March 31~ We had some Easter fun at our church and home!
March 7~ Post: The One Jesus Loved by A. B. Swinborne
March 18~ Post: A Fisher of Men by A. B. Swinborne
March 21~ Post: The Crucifixion
March 28~ Post: The Grave
April Goals
Consistency! Itâs a big one! Iâm really just trying to stay consistent in my writings, especially blogging. So, this month, my goal is to stay consistent in my blogging.
My mom told me that some short stories I wrote, I should submit them to a website to get published. I want to finish the last one I started, and I might even make a collection of short stories for Easter. Idk.
Thank you!!!
Thank you! Friend, thank you for sticking with me through this journey called life. Youâre absolutely amazing! I love you so much! I will do my best to bring weekly content to you this month and in the months coming. You really do make my day better when Iâm with you. Keep being amazing, not just for me, but for the whole world!đđđ
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The Grave đŞŚ
Hello friend! I’m back again, and I’m so glad you’re here! Today is going to be another good post, and I can’t wait, so if you can’t wait, let’s jump right in!
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, âFather, into your hands I commit my spirit.â[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last.47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, âSurely this was a righteous man.â 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesusâ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
What Jesus did in the grave is super important for us, and I want to dive deep into it today! Before we do though, I want you to read this amazing article by Caleb Cangelosi on why the grave is so important!
The Significance of the Burial of Jesus by Caleb Cangelosi
This past Sunday I preached from John 19:38-20:18, on the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I want to comment on something I didn’t speak to in my sermon: why is the burial of Jesus important to the Christian faith? Indeed, Paul declared that “He was buried” is one of the matters “of first importance” that he received and delivered to the Corinthian church (I Corinthians 15:3-4).
First, the burial of Jesus ensures that the resurrection of Jesus was just that: a resurrection from the dead. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepared Jesus’ body for burial, and buried Him in a new tomb, in which no other body had yet been laid (John 19:38-42). These men could testify that there was no life in the body they buried. He had not “swooned,” lost consciousness, or fainted. He had truly died. Therefore, if in three days He were alive, the burial proved that He had risen from death to new life.
Second, the burial of Jesus was itself an aspect of His humiliation. The Westminster Larger Catechism #50 reminds us, “Christ’s humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which hath been otherwise expressed in these words, He descended into hell.” Jesus did not die and then immediately come back to life. His suffering and humiliation descended to the point of remaining under the power of death from Friday through Sunday. As the Westminster divines point out, one aspect of the meaning of the statement “He descended into hell” is clearly the separation of His body and soul in death. As Herman Bavinck puts it, “The state of death in which Christ entered when he died was as essentially a part of his humiliation as his spiritual suffering on the cross. In both together he completed his perfect obedience” (Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 3, p. 417). Though Psalm 16:10/Acts 2:24-27, 31 assure us that Jesus did not see corruption, and His soul was not abandoned to Hades/Sheol (the state of death), yet it is great comfort to know that Jesus has experienced the whole measure of human suffering, even tasting the grave for a season – He fully bore the wages of sin.
Third, the burial of Jesus fulfilled Scripture, and the words of Jesus Himself. Isaiah 53:9 declares that the grave of the Suffering Servant would be “with a rich man in his death” – fulfilled in the person of Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus taught that His death, burial and resurrection was foreshadowed by the experience of Jonah in the belly of the great fish: “Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Had Jesus not been buried, He would have been proved wrong, or worse, a liar. But He was indeed in the heart of the earth; Scriptural typology, and Jesus’ prophecy, were fulfilled.To deny or ignore the burial of Jesus is certainly to deny or ignore a truth “of first importance” for Christians. (pearorchard.org)
How powerful! When Jesus went into the grave, He crushed sin and death. He destroyed it. He annihilated shame! He killed guilt! He killed unforgiveness. Anger. Pain. Sadness. Fear. Anything that is not of Him, He destroyed! And guess what? Just like Jesus was buried, all of those things were buried. They died. Our Daily Bread says that the tomb is a demonstration of Christ’s victory over death. While the people were weeping, Jesus was working. He had to go down under in order to come up on top. You see, when it looked like all was lost, Jesus came through and he made a way! When it looked like Satan had won, he had been defeated. Satan celebrated too early. He thought he had the victory. But not so! Jesus was victorious!I believe that the reason the tomb is so powerful is because it really connected Heaven to earth. It was that pivotal moment. The catalyst.
I also believe that sometimes you have to go through to get through. Jesus had to go through death to get to victory. He had to go through the fire and the pain and the death that we would have to go through so we wouldn’t have to.
That’s why the grave is so important. Don’t overlook the grave. The grave is more important than you think.So what does this all mean for us? It means that we don’t have to go through pain and death. Notice how I said we don’t have to, but some people will. Some people will choose to reject what Jesus did and they will choose death for themselves. Can you imagine that? Jesus went through all that for even those who would reject Him. That’s crazy! That’s love I cannot fathom. Can you? And guess what? This isn’t just some fairy tale. This actually happened! So, if you haven’t yet, put your trust – your life – in Him today.âşď¸đ
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The Crucifixion âď¸đđž
Hello dear friend! Iâm so glad that you are here! As you know, Easter is this month, and so Iâve kinda been thinking about Jesusâ death and resurrection lately. Itâs important to realize the true meaning of Easter, and Iâm here to help you realize that! So, are you ready? Then letâs go!
Luke 23:1-43
23 Then the whole group got up and led Jesus off to Pilate. 2 They began to bring charges against Jesus. They said, âWe have found this man misleading our people. He is against paying taxes to Caesar. And he claims to be Messiah, a king.â3 So Pilate asked Jesus, âAre you the king of the Jews?ââYou have said so,â Jesus replied.4 Then Pilate spoke to the chief priests and the crowd. He announced, âI find no basis for a charge against this man.â5 But they kept it up. They said, âHis teaching stirs up the people all over Judea. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.â6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was from Galilee. 7 He learned that Jesus was from Herodâs area of authority. So Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. At that time Herod was also in Jerusalem.8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very pleased. He had been wanting to see Jesus for a long time. He had heard much about him. He hoped to see Jesus perform a sign of some kind. 9 Herod asked him many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there. With loud shouts they brought charges against him. 11 Herod and his soldiers laughed at him and made fun of him. They dressed him in a beautiful robe. Then they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends. Before this time they had been enemies.13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people. 14 He said to them, âYou brought me this man. You said he was turning the people against the authorities. I have questioned him in front of you. I have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Herod hasnât either. So he sent Jesus back to us. As you can see, Jesus has done nothing that is worthy of death. 16-17 So I will just have him whipped and let him go.â18 But the whole crowd shouted, âKill this man! But let Barabbas go!â 19 Barabbas had been thrown into prison. He had taken part in a struggle in the city against the authorities. He had also committed murder.20 Pilate wanted to let Jesus go. So he made an appeal to the crowd again. 21 But they kept shouting, âCrucify him! Crucify him!â22 Pilate spoke to them for the third time. âWhy?â he asked. âWhat wrong has this man done? I have found no reason to have him put to death. So I will just have him whipped and let him go.â23 But with loud shouts they kept calling for Jesus to be crucified. The peopleâs shouts won out. 24 So Pilate decided to give them what they wanted. 25 He set free the man they asked for. The man had been thrown in prison for murder and for fighting against the authorities. Pilate handed Jesus over to them so they could carry out their plans.
Jesus Is Nailed to a Cross
26 As the soldiers led Jesus away, they took hold of Simon. Simon was from Cyrene. He was on his way in from the country. They put a wooden cross on his shoulders. Then they made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed Jesus. Some were women whose hearts were filled with sorrow. They cried loudly because of him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, âDaughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 The time will come when you will say, âBlessed are the women who canât have children! Blessed are those who never gave birth or nursed babies!â 30 It is written,âââThe people will say to the mountains, âFall on us!â Theyâll say to the hills, âCover us!âââ (Hosea 10:8)31 People do these things when trees are green. So what will happen when trees are dry?â32 Two other men were also led out with Jesus to be killed. Both of them had broken the law. 33 The soldiers brought them to the place called the Skull. There they nailed Jesus to the cross. He hung between the two criminals. One was on his right and one was on his left. 34 Jesus said, âFather, forgive them. They donât know what they are doing.â The soldiers divided up his clothes by casting lots.35 The people stood there watching. The rulers even made fun of Jesus. They said, âHe saved others. Let him save himself if he is Godâs Messiah, the Chosen One.â36 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him. They offered him wine vinegar. 37 They said, âIf you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.â38 A written sign had been placed above him. It read,This is the King of the Jews.39 One of the criminals hanging there made fun of Jesus. He said, âArenât you the Messiah? Save yourself! Save us!â40 But the other criminal scolded him. âDonât you have any respect for God?â he said. âRemember, you are under the same sentence of death. 41 We are being punished fairly. We are getting just what our actions call for. But this man hasnât done anything wrong.â42 Then he said, âJesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.â43 Jesus answered him, âWhat Iâm about to tell you is true. Today you will be with me in paradise.â
So, after all we just read, you might be wondering what Jesusâ crucifixion means. Personally I believe that this is the most important event in history. It means that He stepped down from His throne and went lower than our level. He decided to lay down His life so we could live. He took the sins of the world and put them on himself. Isnât that powerful? Me and my siblings were at a youth event, and when we were in small groups, the pastor gave us an illustration.
Two men were having coffee at a coffee shop. One guy was covered in tattoos, and the other was not. The man not covered in tattoos told the man who was not that he could not be friends with him because he had tattoos, but he said that he would take those tattoos off of him and put them on himself so that they could be friends.
Come on!!!! How powerful is that? Thatâs exactly what Jesus did! And so what does this mean for us? It means that we donât have to stress and worry about whether God loves us or not. The Bible says in John 10:11, âI am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.âWe are the sheep, and Jesus is our shepherd. He laid down his life. His life wasnât taken from Him. The Bible says in John 10:18, âNo man taketh it (my life) from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.â He gave it. He decided to lay it down. Thatâs powerful!The Bible also says in John 3:16, âFor God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.â
The Science of the Crucifixion by Cahleen Shrier, Ph.D. | adapted by Tally (French â00) Flint Each year, Cahleen Shrier, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, presents a special lecture on the science of Christâs crucifixion. She details the physiological processes a typical crucified victim underwent and teaches her students to see Christâs death on the cross with new understanding. The exact events in this scenario may not have happened in Jesusâ specific case, but the account is based on historical documentation of crucifixion procedures used during that time period. Please be aware that the following is of a realistic and graphic nature.
Keep Reading: Scriptural Stations of the Cross: A Devotional Reflection on the Science of Jesusâ Crucifixion
It is important to understand from the beginning that Jesus would have been in excellent physical condition. As a carpenter by trade, He participated in physical labor. In addition, He spent much of His ministry traveling on foot across the countryside. His stamina and strength were, most likely, very well developed. With that in mind, it is clear just how much He suffered: If this torture could break a man in such good shape, it must have been a horrific experience.
Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:37-42, Luke 22:39-44
After the Passover celebration, Jesus takes His disciples to Gethsemene to pray. During His anxious prayer about the events to come, Jesus sweats drops of blood. There is a rare medical condition called hematohidrosis, during which the capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands break down. Blood released from the vessels mixes with the sweat; therefore, the body sweats drops of blood. This condition results from mental anguish or high anxiety, a state Jesus expresses by praying âmy soul is deeply grieved to the point of deathâ (Matthew 26:38). Hematohidrosis makes the skin tender, so Jesusâ physical condition worsens slightly.
Matthew 26:67-75, Mark 14:61-72, Luke 22:54-23:25, John 18:16-27 Traveling from Pilate to Herod and back again, Jesus walks approximately two and a half miles. He has not slept, and He has been mocked and beaten (Luke 22:63-65). In addition, His skin remains tender from the hematohidrosis. His physical condition worsens.
Matthew 27:26-32, Mark 15:15-21, Luke 23:25-26, John 19:1-28
Pilate orders Jesus to be flogged as required by Roman law before crucifixion Traditionally, the accused stood naked, and the flogging covered the area from the shoulders down to the upper legs. The whip consisted of several strips of leather. In the middle of the strips were metal balls that hit the skin, causing deep bruising. In addition, sheep bone was attached to the tips of each strip.When the bone makes contact with Jesusâ skin, it digs into His muscles, tearing out chunks of flesh and exposing the bone beneath. The flogging leaves the skin on Jesusâ back in long ribbons. By this point, He has lost a great volume of blood which causes His blood pressure to fall and puts Him into shock. The human body attempts to remedy imbalances such as decreased blood volume, so Jesusâ thirst is His bodyâs natural response to His suffering (John 19:28). If He would have drank water, His blood volume would have increased.Roman soldiers place a crown of thorns on Jesusâ head and a robe on His back (Matthew 27:28-29). The robe helps the blood clot (similar to putting a piece of tissue on a cut from shaving) to prevent Jesus from sustaining more blood loss. As they hit Jesus in the head (Matthew 27:30), the thorns from the crown push into the skin and He begins bleeding profusely. The thorns also cause damage to the nerve that supplies the face, causing intense pain down His face and neck. As they mock Him, the soldiers also belittle Jesus by spitting on Him (Matthew 27:30). They rip the robe off Jesusâ back and the bleeding starts afresh.Jesusâ physical condition becomes critical. Due to severe blood loss without replacement, Jesus is undoubtedly in shock. As such, He is unable to carry the cross and Simon of Cyrene executes this task (Matthew 27:32).
Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:27-49, John 19:17-37
Crucifixion was invented by the Persians between 300-400 B.C. It is quite possibly the most painful death ever invented by humankind. The English language derives the word âexcruciatingâ from crucifixion, acknowledging it as a form of slow, painful suffering.1 Its punishment was reserved for slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, and the vilest of criminals. Victims were nailed to a cross; however, Jesusâ cross was probably not the Latin cross, but rather a Tau cross (T). The vertical piece (the stipes) remains in the ground permanently. The accused carries only the horizontal piece (the patibulum) up the hill. Atop the patibulum lies a sign (the titulus), indicating that a formal trial occurred for a violation of the law. In Jesusâ case, this reads âThis is the King of the Jewsâ (Luke 23:38).The accused needed to be nailed to the patibulum while lying down, so Jesus is thrown to the ground, reopening His wounds, grinding in dirt, and causing bleeding. They nail His âhandsâ to the patibulum. The Greek meaning of âhandsâ includes the wrist. It is more likely that the nails went through Jesusâ wrists. If the nails were driven into the hand, the weight of the arms would cause the nail to rip through the soft flesh.Therefore, the upper body would not be held to the cross. If placed in the wrist, the bones in the lower portion of the hand support the weight of the arms and the body remains nailed to the cross. The huge nail (seven to nine inches long)2 damages or severs the major nerve to the hand (the median nerve) upon impact. This causes continuous agonizing pain up both of Jesusâ arms.Once the victim is secured, the guards lift the patibulum and place it on the stipes already in the ground. As it is lifted, Jesusâ full weight pulls down on His nailed wrists and His shoulders and elbows dislocate (Psalm 22:14).3 In this position, Jesusâ arms stretch to a minimum of six inches longer than their original length.It is highly likely that Jesusâ feet were nailed through the tops as often pictured. In this position (with the knees flexed at approximately 90 degrees),4 the weight of the body pushes down on the nails and the ankles support the weight. The nails would not rip through the soft tissue as would have occurred with the hands. Again, the nail would cause severe nerve damage (it severs the dorsal pedal artery of the foot) and acute pain.Normally, to breathe in, the diaphragm (the large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity) must move down. This enlarges the chest cavity and air automatically moves into the lungs (inhalation). To exhale, the diaphragm rises up, which compresses the air in the lungs and forces the air out (exhalation). As Jesus hangs on the cross, the weight of His body pulls down on the diaphragm and the air moves into His lungs and remains there. Jesus must push up on His nailed feet (causing more pain) to exhale.In order to speak, air must pass over the vocal cords during exhalation. The Gospels note that Jesus spoke seven times from the cross. It is amazing that despite His pain, He pushes up to say âForgive themâ (Luke 23:34).The difficulty surrounding exhalation leads to a slow form of suffocation. Carbon dioxide builds up in the blood, resulting in a high level of carbonic acid in the blood. The body responds instinctively, triggering the desire to breathe. At the same time, the heart beats faster to circulate available oxygen. The decreased oxygen (due to the difficulty in exhaling) causes damage to the tissues and the capillaries begin leaking watery fluid from the blood into the tissues. This results in a build-up of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) and lungs (pleural effusion). The collapsing lungs, failing heart, dehydration, and the inability to get sufficient oxygen to the tissues essentially suffocate the victim.5 The decreased oxygen also damages the heart itself (myocardial infarction) which leads to cardiac arrest. In severe cases of cardiac stress, the heart can even burst, a process known as cardiac rupture.6 Jesus most likely died of a heart attack.After Jesusâ death, the soldiers break the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Him (John 19:32), causing suffocation. Death would then occur quicker. When they came to Jesus, He was already dead so they did not break His legs (John 19:33). Instead, the soldiers pierced His side (John 19:34) to assure that He was dead. In doing this, it is reported that âblood and water came outâ (John 19:34), referring to the watery fluid surrounding the heart and lungs.
While these unpleasant facts depict a brutal murder, the depth of Christâs pain emphasizes the true extent of Godâs love for His creation. Teaching the physiology of Christâs crucifixion is a constant reminder of the magnificent demonstration of Godâs love for humanity that was expressed that day in Calvary. This lesson enables me to participate in communion, the remembrance of His sacrifice, with a grateful heart. I am struck every time with the stunning realization that as a flesh and blood human, Jesus felt every ounce of this execution. What greater love than this can a man have for his friends? (apu.edu)
That was His child, His baby, His pride and joy, and He gave Him away to death so that we could live. Iâm sure that your parents would not give you up for the sins of the world. They wouldnât even care about the world and where it was heading, because they love you so much. Well, thatâs how God felt too, but He still decided to give His son up for the world. His only son, His most prized possession, so that we could live. Thatâs amazing! Now, did Jesus just stop there? Most certainly not! But of course, Iâm getting ahead of myself. Weâll talk about what He did after His death, and what that means for us next time, but just know that you donât have to worry anymore, because your sins were covered when He died on the cross. Now, if you havenât, you just need to put your trust in Him today!
Alright friend, that is the end of this post! I hope you liked it as much as I did! If you did, like this post and comment, telling me something you liked or learned! I can’t wait to hear from you! Well, I guess that’s all then! Iâll see you next time, but until then, always remember that I love you so much, I miss you already, byeeeeeeeeeeee!!!đâşď¸
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A Fisher of Men by A. B. Swinborne
A Fisher of Men
The rooster crowed and my blood ran cold. You will disown me three times before the rooster crows. I had. I clamped my hands over my ears, tears trickling down my cheeks, what had I done? I bolted away, unsure where I was going, only knowing that I was a coward and had shown myself to be ashamed of the Rabbi who had rescued me. Three times I had disowned him. When at last I stopped, I found myself to be sitting in a street that was all but empty. Coward. I tried to shut the word out, but I simply couldnât. It hit too deep and felt too real.
The hours passed in a blur, and to my shock and amazement dark clouds rolled across the sky, and in that moment I felt more alone then I had ever had. Whimpering, I covered my head with my arms and sobbed like a small child. I wished I could find my wife, to hold her and tell her what I had done, but I was too ashamed. We together had pledged our lives to him and alone I had broken that vow.
I forced myself to my feet and walked on unsteady legs through the street. My Rabbi might be released, but I knew he wouldnât be. The Pharisees had waited a long time for this opportunity, they wouldnât let it slide now. Forcing my eyes closed, I wished to forget, to go back to a simpler time, when all I did was fish, and I wasnât a traitor to the Son of God. For a moment I even thought I was as bad as Judas, though in the back of my mind I knew that was nonsense. âBrave, fireball Peter,â I whispered to myself, âalways rushing in. Now his real colors are revealed.â My own rebuke felt good, like a form of justice,
It was the third day since the crucifixion and everything was silent, yet just below it all I could feel the defeat. My Rabbi was dead, and I had denied and rejected him. All my life claiming to love God and await the Messiah, only to disown him when I was scared.
I sat beside John, my stomach forming itself into countless knots. John leaned forward, his elbows on the table, well I slumped against the wall like a beaten dog.
âWhat now?â I whispered. Usually I would be the one to lead, now I could hardly speak. Iâd told him what Iâd done, but the shame hadnât eased. John shook his head. He didnât know anymore than I did. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the door flew open. I jumped to my feet, silently hoping that the Pharisees had decided to not wait for the end of the mourning period and would take me to prison or put me on trial or whatever else now. But my heart fell when instead Mary of Magdala stood in the doorway.
âThey have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we donât know where they have put him!â She was trembling. Mother Mary and Salome ran up beside her. The other disciples, all eleven of us, came over to her. The others had been in sundry rooms, but had heard her outcry. Mary spoke of angels and an empty tomb. My heart beat faster, a crazy, wild hope took root in my heart. The other disciples looked disbelieving, like the women must have gone insane with grief. Even Mary seemed to doubt her own claims. I cast a glance over at John, who was gaping.
He nodded at me and we hurried from the house, sprinting toward the tomb. Mary did eventually follow, though she was a ways behind. John bolted in front of me, and cast a competitive smile over his shoulder. He wanted to compete now? I rolled my eyes, pushing on. John stopped at the entrance, but hope had filled me and I ran in. John knelt down over the linens that were beside the entrance well I looked about and spied the cloth that had covered his head lying in its place separate from the other dressings. I looked back, the stone pushed away and the guards were gone. I didnât know what was happening, but my heart leapt for joy all the same. I looked over at John who had walked up beside me, his jaw hung open and his face was pale. He looked at me and I could see the same hope that filled me in his eyes.
That evening we were all eating and talking, me and John especially about what we saw. Thomas was the only one of us that wasnât there. Just as I plopped a grape in my mouth, hope filling my heart, I looked over at the door, it was locked. We all knew that the Jewish leaders could come any day. The thought sullied my mood. As John spoke a man walked through the door. The grape fell out of my mouth and John choked.
âPeace be with you!â the stranger said, only it wasnât a stranger.
I bounded from my seat, almost certain I was hallucinating. I threw my arms around my Rabbi, tears streaming down my face. My arms didnât go through him, and as I drew back, he showed me his hands, the holes from the nails stabbed all the way through and then the spear wound in his side. The others ran to him, hugging him and crying over him.
âPeace be with you!â Jesus said again, âAs the Father has sent me, I am sending you.â He breathed on us and I felt joy fill me, though guilt still weighed heavy on my heart, âReceive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyoneâs sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.â A short while later Jesus left. In the midst of my joy and confusion, vaguely unsure if I had just seen a ghost, my heart was heavy with grief. He knew. He had foretold my denial, he knew. If everything that had happened wasnât a dream then would he punish me? Why hadnât he already?
We tried to tell Thomas what had happened, but he simply shook his head and proclaimed that unless he put his finger in the nail marks and put his hand in his side, he would not believe. The response was infuriating, but I restrained myself from yelling at him, however when Jesus appeared to us again and told Thomas to do just that, I did have to smirk. When he left again, I wondered again why he hadnât punished me. Later Jesus was sitting beside me and had me accept him three times. My heart broke, but I accepted him each time without hesitation. Even through the pain though, I knew I was forgiven.
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