Thanks so much for the beautiful words, Cheryl. They touched my heart, it's a good rememberence of what Easter is really about, not just about, "What is the Easter Bunny bringing me?" lol. Love Nikki

Hi Nikki, So great of you to come by here Nikki...I got your private email & I totally understand. You have been so busy with all sorts of new things. Your email was very touching and I appreciate all of your thoughts and sharing. I will email you more about that. I'm glad to know you & am happy to be your friend. God bless you & ALL of your family! love, Cheryl

Hello Cheryl!

Thank you for sharing this Easter poem.  It is a nice poem and fits in very good here: Praise The Lord In The Ages Of Ages

FROM PHILOXENIASPECIAL DEDICATION TO ALL CHRISTIANS IN BUT ALSO TO ALL THOSE OF US WHO RESPECT ALL OUR FRIENDS FOR THEIR OWN BELIEFS.

HAPPY EASTER
ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ

2009 APRIL 12 CATHOLICISM

2009 APRIL 19 ORTHODOXY

For the Orthodoxy RESURECTION and EASTER is the greatest moment and happening in our beliefs in difference to other Christians who have CHRISTMAS as Central Happening.

FORUM (Philoxenia Happy Easter with lots of Christian hymns)

Your friend,

Georgios

Hi Georgios,

Here's the updated version.  I never tire of Easter time, for it's a time of celebration as we reflect the extreme lengths God went to to accomplish redemption for mankind.  He came that we might be forgiven of our sins and obtain new life in the act of Jesus laying down his life for us.  Isaiah 53:5...

  But he was pierced for our transgressions,
  he was crushed for our iniquities;
  the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
  and by his wounds we are healed.


























                     THE COMING


Lord...

You've come here to earth, to me, to all

In the form of a blessed child so small,
Yet more powerful than the forces in the universe,

And why not?
You made them...the stars, the planets,
The sources of their very existence.

Yet your form to man,
So meek and mild...a servant,

Teach us to comprehend, to grasp, to understand.
You've shown us yourself through rejection
Revilement, suffering and death,

Renew our enlightenment Lord!
Show us again your hands, your feet,
Your wounded side,

Your love for us...
So pure, complete and whole

In your body...broken.


By: Cheryl Ellen Baxter (c)


















HEAVEN'S PORTAL


Transformed...transferred...
Transported through the door,
The portal of heaven opens
Through suffering...

Of sin's foreboding...
A darkened earth, a crossbeam
And a man...how odd
It must have been

To be suspended there, between
Earth's bondage and heaven's light,
Between demons raging and
Ethereal bliss of "it is finished."

Some say his death was wasted
Though the grief, I never tasted.
Through suffering, pain, and death
Ultimate forgiveness extends itself.


By Cheryl Ellen Baxter (c)























              EASTER'S QUICKENING


Resurrection morning from darkened tomb
Renewed hope replaces gloom,

Heavy laden linen entwined with death,
Spice, and sacrifice...

There is deep mystery working here and
In my heart His breath is near,

Where cold and lonely darkness stood came a
Spark ignited by His blood...

As finite limits expand outer limits
Of all mankind.

Just as at the tomb that day, a heavy
Stone's been rolled away

And in this act of quickening, a Spirit whisper
Fills my being.


By: Cheryl Ellen Baxter (c)