Resurrection

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1 Corinthians 15:14-22 “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (NIV)

Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday. Christianity teaches that the author and creator of the faith are alive today. No other religion in the world makes such an amazing claim. Other religions may claim that the “spirit” of their founder lives in his religious teachings, but Christians declare that Jesus Christ lives today — bodily.

True biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus really died AND really rose from the dead – physically. Jesus rose bodily as well as spiritually from the grave. He then appeared alive to a variety of people at many different times over a period of forty days. Christianity further teaches that after these indisputable “physical” appearances, Jesus Christ “physically” left this earth and promised to return “physically” one day.

John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Acts 1:9-12 describes what the disciples saw on the Mount of Olives: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.” (NIV)

If there was no foundation for the Christian faith, if Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, if He didn’t rise from the dead, then the whole basis of the Christian faith would be — empty.

The Christian faith holds that Jesus was resurrected from the dead bodily, ascended into heaven bodily, lives today in glory in a body, and will someday return to this earth bodily.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen by James; then of all the apostles. And last of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”

Father, thank you for dying on the cross for us so that we may be saved from eternal death. We praise you this Resurrection day for the faith of the Christian church and the hope of your return. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee 2011

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

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Both Matthew and Mark recorded these words cried out by Jesus on the cross. These same words occur interestingly enough in the opening verse of the Twenty Second Psalm. Yet neither Matthew nor Mark referred to them as a fulfilment of prophecy and after six hours of agony in body and soul on the cross, this cry escapes from our Saviours lips.

There were not many words spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross. The words He did say are recorded specifically.

His first words were “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”—-a prayer for pardon.

His second proclamation made was a promise of peace.

“Today you shall be with me in Paradise”

His third decree was one of kindness to and for his mother.

“Woman behold thy son….Son behold thy mother.” 

When the darkness had fallen, three last announcements where uttered. They followed in rapid succession.

“I thirst”

“It is finished”

“Father into thy hands I commend my spirit”–

Then, there was this cry of sorrow.

“My God, my God, why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

There is something of extraordinary power and feeling in these words of Jesus on the Cross. This is obvious from the fact that both Matthew and Mark have diligently given the words in the language our Lord used.

“Eli Eli, lama Sa-bach-thani”

Nowhere else in Scripture do we find recurrence of these words except in the Twenty Second Psalm. When Jesus cried these words, he was expressing suffering that was never at any other time felt in this world and I believe, never will again.

To the historian, to the poet or to the theologian, the description and the language of these words in Psalms 22 might suggest it could have been either history or prophecy.  However, the context of Psalm 22 is not clear either way.

Matthew and Mark may not have recognised the connection.  However, Jesus, a learned scholar of the Scriptures from a very young age, would have known the Psalms well.  He said many times through out His ministry “it is written”.

To the believer, nevertheless, this cry is a revelation of the deep suffering and anguishes our Saviour bore, and a proof of His infinite love for sinners.

It challenges us, with all the saints, to be strong to understand what is:

“..the length and breadth and height and depth of the love of God”…

Ephesians 3 verses 18 & 19 KJV

If the cross is the fundamental Truth of the New Testament, this cry is the heart of this truth and its inmost expression.  This is the Holy of Holys to the reverent reader of the story of the passion.

© Chrissy Siggee

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THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD! – The Poem

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Beaten and humiliated,
they led my Lord away
to the mount of death—
He was nailed and hung
on a wooden cross—
Naked and shamed
like a common thief.

They mocked.
They cursed.
They laughed.

Bleeding head hung low,
nails ripped hands and feet
A body slashed and torn—
Blood flowed down
onto the rugged ground—
Pain and dread
etched on His face.

Shame.
Sorrow.
Shunned.

Blamed and disgraced,
all purity discredited
Guilt and sin He bore—
My beautiful Jesus,
You did this for me—
You bled and died
So I could live.

They seized His clothes.
They pierced His side.
They crucified my Lord!

© Chrissy Siggee

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They Parted His Garments

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And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. Mark 15:24

This stripping of Jesus was so appalling that it was referred to in all four Gospels.

Matthew observed that this occurrence was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18 “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”

Mark also fled naked from the mob in the garden.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots.

John also refers to the Psalm, as Matthew did, but also gives the most detailed and accurate description of the whole agony of the crucifixion.

The Christ lived in purity and dignity of manhood. Almost all pictures of the crucifixion give us the view of a dignified Jesus. But one gospel records the scene — “They stripped Him,” John said. Naked He came from His mother’s womb, and naked He hangs from a tree.

Adam experienced the shame of nakedness in Eden because of his transgression. So too, the Son of God took our sinful flesh and the shame of our nakedness upon Himself.

I believe there were two elements to the crucifixion; one of the physical and the other of the mental suffering. Jesus was despised and rejected, even by His own friends. He was oppressed by sinners, held in contempt by the soldiers, cursed by men, and stripped of His garments.

His garments. His seamless robe. A garment fit for a king. His clothing wouldn’t have been a beggar’s rags.

But when I read Psalm 93:1 “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.” It puts a put a whole new perspective and horror into the story. They parted His garments and cast lots…

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

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THEY CRUCIFIED MY LORD – The Devotion

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Mark 15:25-28: And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him, they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, and he was numbered with the transgressors.

We have read about the cruelty of inhuman treatment of Jesus by the soldiers, servants, and the people, who assembled to witness his beating. Much can be said again about the unwarranted punishment our Lord received prior to His crucifixion. We have also read and heard repeatedly of the death of Christ. Many of us have seen the “Passion of the Christ” movie. Without playing down the significance of the crucifixion itself in any way, let’s move on to the mysteries of His death.

The message of the cross is indeed a mystery. The message can be learned through the Scriptures, movies, and witnessing. Prophecies and teachings were recorded throughout the Old Testament; including the Psalms.

‘I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.’ 1 Corinthians 1:4-10

Yet…it’s not only that we see in the death of Jesus the highest demonstration of God’s love, but also of His infinite sorrow and compassion. “But as far as the east is from the west, so shall he remove our sin”. (paraphrased) Not even an earthly father can pay the penalty of his child’s transgression, nor can any man pay the price of the sin of another.

When Paul speaks of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, he deals with facts so awe-inspiring that he calls them: “the depths of God”. (1 Corinthians 2:10) These mysteries are so deep that they are unfathomable of all human thinking – even more unfathomable as the deepest, unreachable, bottomless ocean. This act of love is beyond measure. But, by His Holy Spirit, God reveals it to even the youngest of children, the simplest-minded, and the uneducated. His love for us is infinite. Although we cannot understand these mysteries, we thank Him with absolute gratefulness and humility.

My hope, my strength, my redeemer, my God, my King, and my all…they crucified my Lord.

© Chrissy Siggee

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A Hill With A View

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A blazing sun reaches its peak with the rising noonday heat—
The din from the emerging crowd ascends the hill like a surging tide.
The sound of mournful weeping mingles with the soldiers mocking feat
Cheers and jeers rise and fall while casting lots for his clothes to divide.

Embedded thorns gripped his brow to expose the bleeding flesh beneath
The blood-smeared stripes elongated the contorted flesh upon his back.
With all the cruelty of the day, his painful bones scream out for relief—
And, his wounded body echoes with memories that won’t distract.

Darkness falls.
The crowd flees.
Fear strikes.
A voice cries out.

‘Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?‘  (Matthew 27:46 NIV)

The earth shakes.
The tremor spreads.
Tombs split open.
Lives come forth.

‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46 NIV)

Head hangs low,
All strength is gone.
The weight of sin
On a cross of shame.

There was no other good enough to go through this place of shame,
He went to the cross, our sins to forgive and evil to defeat.
It was Christ’s blood alone that covered all my guilt and blame—
The scars I left will forever remain imprinted on his hands and feet.

No sight will you find as precious as my Saviour saw today,
for this hill with a view revealed more than a price one man paid.
But the wonder of the sacrifice made; so lost souls can be saved—
Rejoice with me my child because this too, is the day the Lord has made.

‘Father into your hands I commit my spirit‘  (Luke 23:46 NIV)

Guards terrified
at the scene.
Surely He was
the Son of God.

© Chrissy Siggee

Based on the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 27 verses 32 to 54 (NIV)

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Strength

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. – Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. – Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)

One verse, two translations. I like them both and couldn’t decide which to use, so I’ll use both. It’s a powerful way to bring to a close the book of Ephesians. It’s also a letter addressed to a church. If you ever get the chance to read the six chapters, it’s worth the read.

If you remember anything from reading Ephesians this is the ‘above all else’ verse. The Lord, the one above all else, the creator of our world who gently placed every star in place, delights in you. He delights in me. He is strong and mighty but also gentle and faithful. Always.

Don’t think for a moment longer that He doesn’t care about you, because He truly does. Take a moment to take that in… Read more of the Bible and seek out the strength of this truth. Find a Christian author who has written of their experiences in this truth and listen to the words of Christian music that express this truth. In His presence, you will find strength.

Father, thank You for the strength You pour out to us through Your Word, through the inspiration of others, and through Your Truth in music that is so freely available to us. Help us to be strong in Your power and might. Amen

Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International and the King James Versions of the Bible

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Autumn Evening Walk in the Garden

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Yes, it’s Autumn in Australia. It’s been a hot year so far but this evening’s soft sunset and cool breeze lured me out for a walk around the garden.

The sunset changed the colour of the water in the bird bath. Shades of pink painted the trees beyond the fence.

The vegetable plots and fruit trees are looking green and healthy.

It’s going to be a warmer than usual Autumn so I hope to see the Poinciana lose it’s leaves soon to allow sun on the vegetable garden.

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Annoying Cousin Gertrude

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From the Archives:

It was Eric’s third morning of his mountain holiday. He’d just nestled back against the decaying roots of a fallen tree that lay balancing over the edge of a large waterhole. The trickle of a lazy waterfall created tiny ripples across the surface of the water where sunbeams played. The peace was interrupted by the sound of a twig snapping.

‘What the…? How’d you know where I’d be?’

Gertrude giggled and approached Eric. ‘I got up early to follow you. I thought you might be lonely fishing by yourself. Besides, this is one of my favourite places.’

‘Well, I’m not lonely, so you can go home.’

Gertrude paid no attention and began to toss pebbles into the water. ‘I can catch fish too you know.’ She stepped into the water and inched her way toward the waterfall, splashing about as she went. ‘Here, fishy, fishy.’

Eric rolled his eyes. He looped a worm, spearing it onto his hook with the last turn. He was two years older than his pain-in-the-neck cousin and he didn’t particularly want her around. His parents decided the summer holidays with thirteen-year-old Gertrude at her family’s mountain property, would be good for Eric. He doubted it.

‘Get out of the water and keep quiet, you’ll scare the fish.’

‘Only if I can help.’

Eric scanned the parameter of the waterhole and began to work on a plan. ‘Okay, I need more worms. Lots of worms and they have to be long, fat ones. You could try over there.’

He pointed towards a small opening in the rocks behind the trickling waterfall, almost twenty feet away. The waterfall is really only a trickle and the water doesn’t look deep. She’ll be fine. He smiled at the thought.

Eric cast his line, leaned back and closed his eyes. This is nice…

 

plop

Eric opened his eyes towards the sound. His bait tin had blown into the water. It was then that he noticed the dark clouds overhead and the strengthening breeze. He reeled in his line and scrambled down to retrieve his tin. He paused. Uh oh…

‘Gertrude, where are you? We’d better get back.’

He did a quick check of the area. I guess she took the hint.

Light rain fell as he packed up his fishing gear, but by the time he put his backpack on, it had become a heavy downpour. He was about to leave when he thought he heard his name being called. He stopped and listened.

‘Eric! Help me!’

The call repeated and although it was faint, it was definitely Gertrude. He couldn’t tell where it was coming from. It seemed to be coming from under the ground. Eric was baffled.

‘WHERE ARE YOU?’

Her reply was barely audible. ‘I’m in here. Behind the waterfall.’

Eric dropped his backpack and ran straight through the waterhole. He climbed over slippery rocks and slid behind the falls that now flowed steadily down the rock face. The ground inside the narrow cave was muddy and he struggled to stay on his feet.

‘Gertrude, where are you?’

‘This way! Be careful, the wall’s collapsed.’ Her voice echoed faintly but Eric could now hear her clearly.

He gingerly felt his way along a dark tapering, downward tunnel. ‘Gertrude?’

‘Right here.’

Eric almost tripped over his cousin. He crouched and felt the ground around them. Mud had covered her legs.

‘Can you move?’

‘Yes, but I hurt my ankle when I slipped with the mudslide.’

Eric dug the mud away with his bare hands and eased Gertrude to her feet.

‘Lean on me’, he said gallantly.

Once they were moving, they fumbled their way back up through the short tunnel to the opening behind the falls, Eric found himself whispering. ‘What is this place?’

Gertrude grimaced and leaned heavily on Eric’s arm for support. ‘This whole area around the waterfall is a maze of caves and tunnels. I’ll show you around in a few days when the ground dries out. Heavy rain comes unexpectedly up here… I should have known better. The upper streams don’t take long to fill and create enormous changes in the falls and waterhole.’

She paused momentarily. ‘Hopefully, we can swim back to where you were fishing, before the water rises.’

With their back against the wall, they eased their way around to the far end of the waterfall where its flow was less intense. They jumped simultaneously into the water below. Cascades of water plummeted down on them, thrashing them below the surface.

Coughing and breathless, they finally dragged themselves onto the bank and into the shelter of a huge rock.

He watched Gertrude shiver and squeeze the water from her shirt. She’s not really a kid.

‘Gertrude,’ he asked quietly. ‘Why do you have to be so, so…’

‘Annoying? I don’t know. I just wanted to be friends.’

He studied her face. ‘Can we start over?’

After a few moments Gertrude nodded causing drips of water to fall from her hair and spill down her face like huge tears.

‘Okay, but call me Trudy. I hate Gertrude.’

They both laughed.

‘So, Trudy, what do you want to do when the rain stops?’

© Chrissy Siggee

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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Alone

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Isaiah 53:3 says: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”

Have you ever felt alone?

Do you ever feel afraid?

Have you ever been misunderstood or rejected?

Are there rumours rising against you?

Have there been lies told about you?

Has someone broken your trust?

Are you or a loved one in pain?

I think every one of us has experienced one or more of the above in some way or another. I know I have and have been guilty of forgetting to hand everything over to the Father. When I was a much younger Christian, I often thought He just wouldn’t understand, but through His Word and experiencing His grace, I now know He does.

Jesus encountered temptation, fear, and exhaustion. He’s been doubted, questioned, misunderstood, insulted, even betrayed and so much more. He feels what we feel. We can be confident, and find understanding, compassion, and grace when we seek His presence and step into His throne room.

It’s good to know that we can approach the throne of grace, at any time day or night, knowing we can do so with confidence that He will hear us.

Isn’t that awesome?

Father, thank you for being with us in our time of need. Help us to remember that whatever we have been through, you have to. Teach us to read Your Word to find understanding, compassion, and Your Grace. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

First published 2018

Archived in:   🦋 Christian Reads

The Chef the Ant, the Elephant, the Unicorn, the Dog…

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Promoting a book for a friend…

The Chef, the Ant, the Elephant, the Unicorn, the Dog,

and the Quest for the Hospitable Feast

Written by Mara Di Francesco

Biography

Rev. Canon Mara Di Francesco is an Anglican priest who was ordained in 1996. She is a Canon and part of the Chapter of St Peter’s Cathedral in North Adelaide, South Australia. Her impactful ministry has left a legacy that exemplifies the transformative power of faith, community engagement and compassionate leadership while inspiring others to make a difference.

The Chef, the Ant, the Elephant, the Unicorn, the Dog, and the Quest for the Hospitable Feast was inspired by real people in the author’s life.

In that enchanted kitchen, the hospitable feast became a magical memory—a reminder that kindness, acceptance, and shared meals can unite even the most unlikely companions.

And so, dear reader, if you ever chance upon a cozy kitchen with an open door, step inside. Who knows? You might find yourself dining with an ant, an elephant, a unicorn, and a dog—all bound by the quest for a hospitable feast.

This book is written for everyone of all ages, whether you are 10 or 100. It speaks a universal language of extravagant hospitality through the characters and story-line, and offers a window into the human heart.

Available through: https://www.arkhousepress.com/book-sellers/

Nowhere

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From the Archives:

To the cross You went to die for me,
For every sin, You carried them all;
The heaviness and shame You paid the fee—
Father, forgive them, You did call.

– Nowhere will I find a friend so true.

At the cross I laid my burdens down,
For all the wrongs You heard my plea;
The trauma and burden weighed You down—
You shed Your blood for all to see.

 – Nowhere will I find a friend so real.

On the cross You took my faults,
For each and every guilt and pain;
The sadness and despair came with assaults—
This bitterness of sin, full of strain.

– Nowhere will I find a friend who loved.

From the cross you paid for it all,
For my life alone I know You would give;
The man of sorrows, a death cruel and brutal—
Your life you gave so I could live.

– Nowhere will I find a friend like You.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

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Faith

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Hebrews 11:1 tells us: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NIV)

Ephesians 3:16-19 says: “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (NKJV)

Without faith, I’m nothing.  Faith is a part of me, the hope of my salvation, and all that I live for and all that I do. Life is not an easy road and it’s not a perfect one.

Life at times can really be the pits – At times life can be lonely and life can often be full of pain.

No matter what life throws our way, life without faith is no life at all.

2 Corinthians 5:7 clearly says: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” When news spread that Jesus had risen from the grave, Thomas wanted to see Jesus before he would believe it.

Faith believes in something before it’s seen. Not the other way around.

All we need is a little faith.

Matthew 17:20 – So Jesus said to them, “Because of your [a]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (NKJV)

In 2017, my faith was put to the test. I faced the real possibility of living the rest of my life in a wheelchair – possibly not live it at all. With a lot of prayer, the gift of an amazing spine surgeon, two surgeries seven days apart and months of rehabilitation, I returned home without assistance. Faith in the Father, I never doubted.

Over the past six months I have again endured much physical pain. And yes, I will need more medical treatment. I don’t know about anyone else but sometimes when pain is severe, I find it difficult to pray for myself. However, I don’t have to. I have many people praying for me and with me and I hold to my faith that the Great Physician will bring me through yet again. Always.

I would like to share with you some of Bible verses I have always found encouraging and reassuring during my most painful days and sleepless nights.

Psalm 41:3: “The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness”.

Matthew 9:21-22 – For she said within herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mark 5:34: “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'”

1 Peter 2:24: “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed.’”

Living by faith is a way of life – Life is living by faith – Faith is believing

Father, we sometimes feel in times of pain and loneliness that our faith is weak. Teach us, help us, to keep believing even when we don’t see answers. Show us how to walk by faith and not by sight. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee First published in 2012 Revised in 2026

Scripture Verses used are from the New International & the New King James Versions of the Bible

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Why?

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Why?

Why is life like the ebbing tide?

The ebb of tides is never-ending…

Devastation can come in one huge wave

Or glide you gently into the shore.

 

Why is life like the shining sun?

Its radiance never ceases to glow…

Harsh heat often sets the earth ablaze

Or softly warms us on a winter’s day.

 

Why is life like the lilies of the field?

They stand so tall in their Sunday best…

Winter winds causes them to tilt and bend

Or makes them dance in a summers breeze.

 

Why is life like a shooting star?

Sometimes you see it, sometimes not…

Leaving a trail of light across the evening sky

Or gone in an instant, to be no more.

© Chrissy Siggee

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

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Detective Crystal’s Investigation

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From the Archives:

Clutching the wooden spoon tightly and shaking it at my younger sister, I began my investigation. ‘OK, who did it? Who licked the mixing spoon?’

‘Not me.’ Madison answered, not looking up from the table.

‘Did too. Who else would have done it?’

‘Did not.’

‘Did too.’

The back door closed with a thump. Mum came in with her arms loaded with towels.

‘All right you two, break it up.’

‘But Mum…’

Madison crossed her arms tightly. ‘I… did… not… lick… Crystal’s… spoon.’

‘Did too.’

‘Girls, that’s enough!’

I tossed the spoon into the sink. ‘Mum, you promised that if I peeled the potatoes last night, I could lick the spoon when we baked the cookies this morning. It was my turn.’ I glared at my seven-year-old sister.

She poked her tongue out and I stomped out of the kitchen.

When I returned a few minutes later, notebook and pencil in hand, Mum and Madison were busy removing cookies from a baking tray.

‘OK… Mum, what happened when I left the kitchen to use the bathroom?’

With an audible sigh, Mum opened the oven door and placed another tray onto the top shelf. ‘Well, after we finished mixing the cookie dough, I went outside to bring the towels in from the clothesline. If Madison licked the spoon, I didn’t see her.’

Madison added a fairy-shaped cookie to a large plate and then turned toward me. ‘I… did… not… lick… your… spoon.’

I noted her statement. ‘Madison, what were you doing while Mum was outside?’

‘Colouring in my book.’

‘Before that, stupid.’

‘Please Crystal.’ Mum intervened. ‘You can play your detective games but please don’t be rude to your sister.’

Madison pushed a tiny candy bow into the icing on the top of a pink fairy before she continued with her defence.

‘I didn’t touch the spoon. Mum said it was your turn to lick it so I went and got my colouring pencils and book from my bedroom.’

Sandy, Madison’s kitty brushed against my legs. ‘Where was Sandy?’ I crouched down and checked the kitten’s paws and mouth.

‘She followed me outside,’ Mum replied, then handed Madison the container of sprinkles.

‘Well, it couldn’t be Sandy.’ Madison added not looking at anyone.

I added my notes about Sandy then poked the pencil behind my ear and placed the notebook onto the table. ‘Can I help decorate the cookies?’

‘Wash your hands and show Madison how to use the icing gun.’

Obediently but aggravated, I moved to the sink and washed my hands. I still think Madison did it. I kept my eyes on miss goody two-shoes while I turned on the tap. Little sister seems to always avoid punishment.

‘Did you come to any conclusions,’ Mum asked.

My attention remained focused on Madison. I took a small spoon from the drawer to use to fill the icing tube. ‘Well, if it wasn’t Madison or Sandy, who else could it be?’

‘It wasn’t me!’ Madison announced her innocence again. ‘You always blame me.’

Momentarily, I concentrated on filling the tube.

‘Well,’ Mum was saying. ‘If you did Madison, no one would be mad at you for it. It’s the lies that I don’t tolerate.’

Madison’s lips quivered. ‘I didn’t.’

A noise from the living room caused me to turn suddenly. ‘What’s that?’

Mum glanced up at the doorway as Dad entered.

Madison’s frown disappeared. ‘Daddy, you’re home early.’

I placed the icing gun on a clean plate. ‘How long have you been home, Dad?’

I grabbed my notepad and drew the pencil from behind my ear. I tapped my foot. ‘Well?’

‘Well…nice to see you too.’ Dad laughed.

I approached Dad and leaned forward. There on his loosened tie, was a tiny blob of chocolate. ‘Dad… you didn’t. How could you?’

‘Do what?’

Mum pointed her finger. ‘So, you’re the culprit.’

Dad bent down to kiss my forehead.

‘Da…ad, your lips are sticky.’

Dad just stood there and grinned. ‘Yeah, I came in to see my beautiful girls before I put my briefcase away. No one was here so I licked the spoon.’ He grabbed a paper serviette and wiped his mouth. ‘I guess you found me out.’

‘You licked the spoon? It was my turn!’

Mum came over and touched my shoulder. ‘I think you have an apology to make, Detective Crystal.’

© Chrissy Siggee

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner

A New Dawn Rising

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Echoes of early birds twill fill my ears,
Gleams of sun rays kiss my face,
Fragrances from the dew-fresh grass tease my senses.

Opening my eyes, I see a crimson sky—
I can almost taste the sweetness of the early morning;
Sunlight announces a new dawn rising.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix

Reaching Out

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My heart reaches out
with a passion for your love
Your love flows through me
like a river going home.

I stand in awe
at your loveliness
and lift my hands
to praise your name.

My mind reaches out
with a passion for your Word—
Your presence surrounds me
like the vastness of this land.

I stand in awe
at this establishment
and lift my gaze
to see your power.

My hand reaches out
with a passion for your touch—
Your glory lights the way
like a rainbow after the storm.

I stand in awe
of the creator’s design
and lift my head
to worship you.

My soul reaches out
with a passion for your peace—
Your presents overwhelm

like the vastness of the sea.

I stand in awe
at your creation
and lift my eyes—
Lord, I adore you.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Sins of the Fathers

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Today’s Thoughts

All sins, including the generational consequences often referred to as the “sins of the fathers” (Exodus 20:5), were paid for and forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Did you know while the results of generational sins might persist, the spiritual guilt and curse are broken for those who turn to Christ. The cross provided us with His grace so the guilt and the cycle of generational sin is broken.

By accepting the cross, we are forgiven, and the record of sin is removed, leading to a state of “no condemnation”.

While some Christians feel the need to judge those who are already forgiven, I believe that Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith, “not earned by personal works” or by human judgmental intimidation.

Just my thoughts.

– Chrissy

Archived in: Christian Reads

Healing

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Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

Most of us have prayed for healing at some time in our life. Some of us have prayed more often than we can count and still we are not healed.

Does he hear us? Does He care?

Yes, I believe God cares and He does hear us. I also believe that He desires good health for all His children, but if healing does not appear to come, we must understand that God has a much bigger perception of our lives.

Although God does heal, we must never presume that it’s His duty to heal. It’s not mandatory for Him to heal us, and although there were many miracle healings throughout the Bible, there were many times when God did not heal pain and suffering straight away – but He did work with it for good.

Romans 5:3-5 says: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Here God responded to Paul’s prayers for healing not by making him well but rather by working through his suffering to draw him closer to God.

I often desire God’s healing and I honestly believe He can heal me but I also know I need to continue to wait on Him and to trust Him with my life.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 tells us that His grace is sufficient for us, because His power is made perfect in our weakness.

May God give you peace in the knowledge that He will work with your suffering and pain for good.

Father, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering and fill me with confidence that in the power of your grace, that even when I am afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in:  🦋 Christian Reads

Majestic Is Our God

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Your peace flows through me like a river,
soothing and graceful.
Your presence embraces my soul like a hug,
comforting and restful.

I drink in the beauty of your establishment—
how wonderful is your supremacy?

The promises you gave are with me every day,
directing and truthful.
The assurance you provided is one to treasure,
enduring and fruitful.

I feed on the awesomeness of your creation—
how magnificent is your power?

You transformed me to this new way of thinking,
obeying and heedful.
You changed my soul to one of obedience,
willing and dutiful.

I taste the sweetness of your ambiance—
how comforting is your presence?

I found this piece of God’s paradise,
calming and peaceful.
I have met with the Creator and Master,
redeeming and powerful.

I leave with the knowledge of His peace—
How majestic is our God!

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

An Update on my Health

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A brief update:

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have finally ceased. However, fatigue is also a notable symptom of Fibromyalgia which requires re-managing. There are also a few serious symptoms of Fibromyalgia that have arisen since the flare-up in August that needs time to be treated. I’m now focusing on these symptoms and sorting through Arthritis issues aggravated by the CFS.

The Cortisone injection I had before Christmas has brought much relief to the Arthritis in the L4/L5 area. Unfortunately, the Sacroiliac Joint pain returned five days after the injection. This pain is managed most days with Holistic and Topical treatments avoiding further issues with medication reactions. I have an appointment with my spine specialist in early March when the next step in the treatment of the Sacroiliac Joint will be organised.

Living with three chronic illnesses has not been easy, but knowing I have ongoing support makes a huge difference to both of Norm and myself. Be assured there has been a significant improvement in my overall health.

Chrissy

Archived in: Living with Chronic Illness

Bartholomew’s Adventure

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From the Archives….

‘Bartholomew? Is that you?’

pant pant

‘Bartholomew, it’s hard enough to get six babies to have a nap after Sunday School without you coming home late. This floor shook all the way through the singing. The entire ruckus has given me a headache.’

pant pant ‘When I catch my breath…pant…I’ll explain.’

‘Were you chased by the janitor?’

‘Mildred, he’s on to us again.’

‘Well, it’s no wonder. Your snooping around those Sunday School classes is going to get us into trouble one of these days.’

He ignored his wife and continued. ‘I got right up close to the piano. It was awesome. They were singing Jesus loves me; my favourite. I managed to sneak in behind the young ones going into class. Mildred, their new Sunday School teacher, Miss Cooper, is delightful.’

‘I thought you were going to find us some Sunday lunch, not check out the girls.’

‘I did. Anyway, I was captivated by the way she presented the Noah’s Ark story—pictures of the ark, birds, animals, and even Noah. Young Tommy asked if there were any rats on board and everyone laughed. Miss Cooper assured Tommy that if there were rats around now; they would’ve been on the ark. She spoke with enthusiasm about our Maker and His promises. Oh, Mildred, you’d have loved it. It was a perfect morning.’

‘So why were you panting?’

‘I was coming to that. You see, Billy was about to leave the room with his Bible still on his chair.’

‘Again? His parents must have replaced his Bible a dozen times.’

‘I know, and I thought if I could get someone’s attention before they left, they’d see it and return it to him.’

‘So, what did you do, scare poor Miss Cooper half to death on her first morning?’

‘No, I simply marched over to the Bible and stood on it… only I didn’t see the janitor passing the door with his broom. He saw me at about the same time as Billy did. Billy stood between the janitor and me so I could get away.’ He chuckled. ‘You should’ve seen me run. I slipped out the door as quick as a flash with that broom coming mighty close.’

‘OK, so where’s lunch? Maybe we can enjoy some of His gifts before the babies wake up.’

Bartholomew removed the pack from his shoulder and began to unload his findings. ‘I found a couple of potato crisps in the foyer. A gummy bear with his head removed in the cry room and a half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the Sunday School Hall. All while they were busy singing themselves silly.’ He chuckled again.

‘Oh, this is great, Bartholomew. We won’t go to bed hungry tonight.’

‘I’LL FIND YOU, RAT!’ A voice bellowed through the walls.

Mildred began to shiver. ‘Bartholomew…’

‘Mildred, take the babies through the side door to the end of the stage. Take the underground route to Uncle Moses… and don’t stop until you get there.’

‘Bartholomew, don’t leave us. Where are you going?’

‘It’s all right. I’ll distract him and meet you at Uncle Moses’s later. I’ll be fine. GO!’

‘WHERE ARE YOU, RAT?’

Bartholomew scurried back through the hole and across the stage. His feet skidded beneath him on the varnished boards, causing him to slide sideways and crash into a pile of electrical cables. He scanned the stage and the hall just as one of the cables hit the floor below.

‘I HAVE YOU NOW.’

As fast as his little legs could carry him, Bartholomew scampered into Miss Cooper’s classroom, raced past Noah and the ark, and up the drapes on the other side of the room.

There he waited.

It was dark when Bartholomew reached Uncle Moses’ place, tired and hungry. He listened, but there was no sound. He tapped lightly before entering.

‘Bartholomew, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick. The babies wore out poor Uncle Moses. They’re all curled up with him on his bed.’

‘I’m fine. I told you I’d be fine. I know that place blindfolded. We can return in a few weeks once the exterminators have gone and the air is clear again.’

‘In the meantime, Bartholomew, you can help me with the babies. When we return home, I want you to take them to Sunday School, but no more adventures.’

‘All right, Mildred, no more adventures for me.’

© Chrissy Siggee

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner

Promises

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Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is one of those passages of Scripture that lingers in the air and echoes in the mind long after it’s been read. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. That’s one reassuring promise. There’s no one else who can make a promise like that and keep it.

Have you ever had someone make you a promise and not keep it? It hurts; especially when if someone made it you thought you could trust to fulfill that promise. Perhaps time overwhelmed them or situations changed, but it still leaves a sense of being totally rejected.

Have you told someone you would do something and didn’t follow through? We need to be careful what we promise. I remember one time when my children were little that I had to break a promise in relation to a birthday party venue. The venue had changed owners and I was unaware of changed circumstances. I was no longer comfortable taking my children on the premises with its new clientele and their disturbing behavior. I broke a promise and had to explain my reasons, but as children are, I still broke my promise. I eventually found a more suitable place that the children were delighted with but from that time I usually added the words: unless something unforeseen happens and if it’s God’s will.

Promises of love can sometimes lead to devastation. Norm and I have had many friends over the years whose marriages have ended often in ugly divorces. Their ultimate reasons were usually based on broken promises. How sad.

God’s promises to us can never be broken and when I see God’s handiwork in the stars, breathe in the ocean air, take in the endless mountain views or the beauty in the land, I think how awesome his love is for me. Knowing that nothing or no one can stop that love is precious and eternal.

Oh Lord, the God of all creation, I praise your holy name. I am thankful for your overwhelming love for me. Your promises from Scripture fill me with hope and joy. Thank you for Your truth and honour that reigns forever. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee 2019

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in:🦋 Christian Reads

Jesus speaks to open hearts

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Jesus speaks to open hearts
Fills them with His awesome love.
Through Him, we seek a healing touch
and feel his presence near.

Father, move within our hearts
Change our lives and set us free.
At the cross, we bear our all
and find an answer there.

Holy Spirit, seeks my willing heart
to hear and obey his holy word.
Let my heart be open to your voice
and heed the message of your love.

© Chrissy Siggee
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869


From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

This Soul of Mine, It’s not my Own.

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From the Archives:

One day I gave my life to Jesus,
I was only six years old you know—
My soul I knew, was not my own.

To church we went but once a week,
It was like that every Sunday—
My soul went with me, like always.

The church we went to was so big,
All the people and the noise they made,
Within my soul, I was afraid.

I didn’t know the preacher that day,
He talked about lilies and sparrow birds—
My soul was alert, to these words.

My soul is worth far more than these,
Jesus died for me; why that’s absurd!
What is this, my soul has heard?

Then finally some words I understood,
This man was talking right to me—
Yes, into my soul, he could see.

I heard the choir sing “Just as I am,”
They sang those words so bold—
And to my soul, they were like gold.

Wake up my child, this is for you,
A family ticket I cannot give—
For this your soul, it needs to live.’

An altar call the preacher made,
What will you do with Jesus today?
As for my soul and I, we did obey.

I walked on by my mum and dad,
My brothers and my sister too;
I think my soul it knew, just what to do.

I prayed a prayer I won’t forget,
I have remembered it to this day—
My life and soul, to God I gave.

Now one day I will live with Him,
And no matter how long I will be known—
This soul of mine, it’s not my own.

© Chrissy Siggee

Archived in:   🦋 Christian Reads

Fields of Laughter

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From the Archives:

The sun was warm on the sombre faces of ten-year-old twins, Holly and Steve. Their legs swung carelessly over the edge of the old rustic fence. Aunt Mary shuffled past with her black veil held tightly against her chin, barely noticing the children.

Steve’s voice was solemn and quiet. ‘Holly, do you remember last summer when Grandpa fell into the river trying to reel in that big trout?’

Holly laughed unexpectedly. ‘Yes, my sides hurt from laughing while he was explaining to Mother how he got so wet.’

Uncle Peter hurried past with his weeping wife and two protesting young children tagging along behind. He glared at Holly and shook his head in disgust before hurrying up the drive. Steve and Holly tried to stifle their giggles as they watched the small family group approach the house.

Holly laughed again as she remembered. ‘We never did get to eat fish for tea that night.’

‘Hello, Holly. Hello Steve.’

The twins smiled and waved back to their cousin Gerald. His father grumbled and prodded Gerald in the direction of the house.

Quite a few relatives lived nearby and sometimes they walked the short distances between the farms and their community church but visits weren’t common. They were all busy with their own lives, their own farms.

Holly frowned. ‘Do you think Grandpa ever found out I was the one who hid his tobacco?’

Steve grinned at his sister. ‘Probably, he always said he had eyes in the back of his head.’ He threw his head back and snorted, almost losing his balance in the process and sending them both into fits of uncontrollable laughter.

Mr Snyder, the owner of the farm that adjoined theirs, drove his rattling pickup truck in the direction of the open gate and stopped almost directly in front of Steve. ‘You children should have more respect for the dead. For pity’s sake, I can hear you from my front door.’ With that, he accelerated toward the grass area where other vehicles were parked haphazardly under trees.

The twins were silent for a few moments before Steve spoke again. ‘I don’t think Grandpa ever liked Mr Snyder.’

Holly smiled, trying to smother another giggle. ‘Remember when Mr. Snyder let our cows out of the back field and Grandpa chased him with his shotgun?’

‘Yes, that was funny, especially since Grandpa had forgotten to buckle his trouser belt before leaving the outhouse.’

The twins were continuing their banter when they noticed their father strolling up from the barn toward them. Work still needed to be done, even if Grandpa’s funeral had been held earlier that morning.

‘Hey, you two. What’s the joke?’

‘Holly and I were talking about Grandpa. Sorry Dad.’

‘Dad, why is everyone mad at us?’ Holly asked sadly.

‘Because, my sweet child, no one knew Grandpa like you both did…and like I did, for that matter. Even your mother could tell you a story or two.’ He leaned up against the fence between the twins and nodded in the direction of the house. ‘Not one of these guests will miss Grandpa after today.’

‘They didn’t really know him.’ Steve said this more as a statement than a question.

‘No Son, they didn’t.’

‘That’s sad’, Holly concluded.

Their father looked up and scanned the fields.

The children turned their heads to follow his gaze.

‘I remember when I was about your age,’ he began. ‘Your Grandpa worked the farm completely on his own. One day, Mr. Snyder let his cows into our cornfield. Your grandfather decided from that day on, that he would get revenge. It was never anything serious. They both got over it soon enough. Grandpa’s funny antics were really something to witness.’ He finished with a short, choked laugh and wiped his hand across his eyes.

Holly and Steve jumped down from the fence and walked hand-in-hand with their father back through the gate. The trio didn’t enter the house full of mourners. Instead, they headed for the corn field which was now ready for harvest, and then on to the fields beyond. Their laughter echoed across the farm.

© Chrissy Siggee

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner