silence captures a moment in time—
an owl sounds the close of day,
a hush falls over the darkening sky
and the world closes its eyes to sleep.
© Chrissy Siggee
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory
Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
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Isaiah 41:10 says: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Are you afraid of anything or someone? I’m afraid of answering machines. You know, when you are all ready to speak to someone over the phone and suddenly you’re listening to a recorded voice that says something like: Please leave a short message and we’ll get back to you.
Your fear may be going to the dentist, speaking in front of an audience, or even the fear of spiders. Mmm…I have to admit I don’t like spiders. Whatever your fear is, we all have experienced times in our lives when we are afraid.
Today’s Bible verse gives us some hope when it comes to fear. It tells us to “not be afraid”. We don’t have to be afraid because we have a hope that others do not have. We know that God will strengthen us and help us in each situation that we face.
Our Father knows the future and the past and has boundless amounts of wisdom to help us in even the most difficult of times. God is on our side and He is always walking with us and through any situation that we might face we can see why He tells us to not be afraid. God won’t let us down, so we have no reason to be afraid.
Simple? No not at all but when you come face to face with your fear, remember that our Father is always with us.
Father, we thank you that you are with us even in times we have to face our fears. Help us to remember the words of promise that You are our God and that You will strengthen us and help us. Amen
© Chrissy Siggee
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
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There isn’t time to change her mind
They told my mother lies,
Restricted by these clamps that bind
I hear her inward cries.
There isn’t room to shift and squirm
Please take that thing away,
I was made to grow full-term
My hope you did betray.
Before I formed you in the womb,
I knew you…
There isn’t time to understand
No time to move aside,
Save me from this glove-swathed hand
I need a place to hide.
There’s no time to shun the tomb
This fear has taken hold,
My heart beats strong within her womb
I’ve never felt so cold.
I will never leave nor forsake you,
Don’t be afraid…
There isn’t time to know my name
My face she will not see,
All I feel is my mother’s shame
My life will never be.
There isn’t even time to cry
All I can do is pray,
No! I do not want to die
Please just go away.
When you walk through the valley,
Fear no evil…
There isn’t time to hug you, Mum
Or look upon your face,
Listen to you sing or hum
And know your true embrace.
I’ll never walk upon the earth
It’s time to say goodbye,
This wasn’t meant to be my birth
Mother…it’s time for me to die.
I have called you by name,
Take my hand…
© Chrissy Siggee
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Christian Reads
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Matthew 18:4 – Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)
Humility speaks to me of meekness and being humble. I often think I’m not as humble as I ought, yet humility is a requirement of our faith.
I have seen the way the Lord works in the lives of those who show humility in what they do and say and, quite often, how they demonstrate their kindness to those around them. I see the rewards of their actions and the gentleness they demonstrate in their everyday lives. In whatever they do, their actions speak the humility they possess.
I’ve also witnessed the fall of the arrogant and proud. Too many successful leaders fall because of pride. They allow success to be their ambition rather than Christ their goal. They begin to believe in their own ability rather than Christ’s through them.
So how do we keep a balance?
Without Christ we are nothing and because we have Christ in our lives, we have worth and purpose. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about what Christ has done for us but we need to realize he doesn’t make us great.
Be willing to live the success that God has given us through humble acknowledgment of the source.
Father, show us how humility can speak through us by our actions. Help us to live humbly and to your purpose and keep from being proud and haughty, but demonstrate the true source of our abilities. Amen.
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
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I was curious at the scratchy noises that were coming from the back garden. At first I thought Norm was cleaning up after the birds that visit but this is what I found him doing. He told me he didn’t want to waste the broken paver (of which he received a refund because it was broken during delivery) nor did he want the left over bag of pebbles to go to waste. My fault…I have never been one to waste anything especially in the garden. I think my habit has rubbed off.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
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With Autumn well and truly here on the east coast of Australia, I have begun to focus on our front garden where the sun shines all day when clouds and rain stay away. Recently, neighbours across our little avenue sold their home to move to the west coast to be closer to family. I purchased a blue pot on a pedestal from them which I have always admired in their front garden. Being a good time to plant pansies, and so I don’t have to bend or kneel, the pot is perfect for annual flowers. It motivated me to upturn a small pot and place it under another blue pot Norm found at the recycle bin earlier in the year. In this one, I planted more pansies among tulip bulbs I planted a few weeks ago.
The orange, pink, red and yellow Hibiscus are flowering simultaneously. The yellow Frangipani is still blooming even though the leaves are falling. The top left and the below photo shows another Frangipani without leaves which is still in a pot ready for planting once I have established the right position to plant it. The colour of this one should be fruit salad.
For those who follow my garden photos, you will notice that I have painted the park bench. It wasn’t the colour I chose. The paint chart showed it to be a greyer colour.. “Horizon Grey” or some such thing. It looked grey with a tinge of blue. Anyway, the colour stays. In the 3 blue watering cans in the foreground, I have planted Lavender, Paper Daisies and Baby Blue Eyes seeds. The watering cans are currently also protecting a white Lavender our son propagated. Once the Lavender is established, I’ll relocated the watering cans to other sunny positions.
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The teacher talked on and on about the Livonian War that lasted twenty five years back in the mid to late fifties of the seventeenth century. History could be boring. Mr Tirone was boring.
Finally, the bell rang and Todd snapped out of his trance.
‘Thank goodness that’s over.’ Trish groaned aloud when she caught up with him at the door.
Todd agreed. ‘Yeah, I didn’t think it would ever end. I thought history was going to be an easy class.’
‘How’s it going with the assignment?’
‘Don’t ask. I mean, where do I start?’
‘We could work on it together at my house tonight. My parents are both working the late shift and my kid sister is staying over at a friend’s house.’
Todd grinned. ‘OK. I’ll come over right after I do my Math homework. Now Math I can handle but I can’t afford to get behind on it.’
She gave him her best see-you-later smile as she entered her next class. Todd continued to the gym where the last forty minutes of the day would be a little more active.
It was just after seven when Trish open the front door to him. She was wearing a pretty pink top with a low cut neckline.
‘My parents will be home about nine so we only have a few hours.’
Todd force himself to look above her shoulders where he met her smile. ‘OK. My curfew is nine thirty so let’s get started.’
He followed Trish into the kitchen where her text books laid open on the dining table. His back pack slipped off his shoulder and he let it rest on an empty chair.
‘Drink?’
‘Thanks. Do you have juice? I’m not into soda stuff.’
‘Sure. Orange or apple?’
‘Apple please.’
After a few minutes of casual chitchat over the breakfast bar Trish leaned forward. ‘So, where do you want to do this?’
Her breath smelled of mint and her floral perfume tickled his nose. He cleared his throat and turned toward the table.
‘The table is fine.’ He picked up his back pack and opened the zip. ‘I just brought the main textbook and a note book. It’s great that you have offered to help. Maybe I just need to get started.’
Trish came close but didn’t sit so Todd did. Big mistake. He turned his head and placed his juice on the table to his right. He cleared his throat again. Trish walked around to the other side of the table and pulled out a chair.
‘Are you OK Todd? You seem nervous. I can assure you that no one else is here.’
Todd nodded and took another sip before he spoke again. ‘Let’s get on with this.’ He opened his text book to the Livonian War. ‘I really don’t see why we need to study stuff that happened in the seventeenth Century.’
‘I find it intriguing. I could listen to Tirone all day.’
Todd grimaced. ‘I take it that History is a favourite subject.’
‘No. I prefer Human Dynamics.’
Todd was confused. ‘What? Which one is that?’
Trish knee bumped his sending chills up his spine but she didn’t seem to notice.
‘Silly. I was joking. Now let’s open to page two-six-five.’
It was exactly nine when Todd looked at his watch. ‘I’d better go.’
Just then the back door opened and a man entered. ‘Hello there.’ He must have been six foot three at least.
‘Hello Daddy. This is Todd. We’re working on our History assignment.’
He looked from his daughter to Todd and back again. ‘Yeah right.’
Todd wished the floor would open up and swallow him.
‘Oh Daddy, don’t be so dramatic.’
Todd rose and stuffed his textbook and notes into his bag. ‘I was just leaving. Nice to meet you Sir. Thanks Trish. I really appreciate your help.’
Trish stayed where she was. It was then he noticed why. She held her text book close to her chest.
Todd left the kitchen with a nod and headed to the front door.
The following day while Todd was sitting in the History classroom early to jot down yesterday’s notes from the blackboard, Trish came in and stood behind him.
‘Thanks for a great night.’
He stopped writing and looked up. All he could think of was the moment she opened her front door.
A few sniggers followed by other students who had also entered the room.
Todd sucked in air. ‘We should do it again sometime.’
More sniggers.
Trish winked and moved to her usual seat.
What’s going on here?
Mr Tirone entered. ‘Open your textbooks to page two-six-five. Todd Hughes, what did you learn from yesterday’s “boring” class?’
Heat rose to Todd’s face. Good thing Trish helped me out last night. He turned to the requested page and answered the question.
‘I’m impressed’, Tirone stated. ‘And I thought you went to sleep.’
Laughter rose across the classroom and Todd felt Trish’s eyes on him. He dared a look and returned her smile.
I can handle this. She’s cute enough and knows her history.
Over the lunch break Todd sort out Trish to thank her for getting him out of an embarrassing situation.
‘Hello Todd.’ The voice was soft and warm.
‘Hello to you too.’ He smiled at Trish. She’s beautiful, even in her school uniform. ‘Thanks for last night. It came in handy today.
The girls who were sitting with Trish stood and left. He felt awkward. ‘We can talk later.’
‘That’s OK. They get it.’
Todd looked around. ‘Get what?’
‘You know. You me. Us.’
‘Us?’
‘Don’t you like me?’
‘Yes, but I thought we were just friends.’
‘Friends are cool I guess.’
Todd bit his lip. ‘You mean…all that last night?’ It felt like his stomach flipped and he found it hard to breathe. ‘What about your Dad?’
‘He’ll get over it. We’ll just have to be more careful.’
Todd didn’t answer.
‘We didn’t do anything wrong.’
‘No, we didn’t. We were just studying together.’ He thought about what he would say next. Yes, he liked Trish but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for a relationship. He had thought it would be nice to have a relationship with someone when he went on to university. He may have been ready for that. Now he wasn’t so sure. ‘Trish, where do you want this to go?’
She shrugged. ‘As far as you want.’
They were so close that he could look into her eyes. They were a pretty blue and her blonde curls kinked at her perfectly shaped eyebrows. He breathed in her scent and his nerve endings quivered.
‘I don’t know.’ He drew in another long breath.
‘What’s wrong with me?’ Her voice broke.
‘Nothing. Nothing at all. You’re perfectly beautiful. I just don’t think either of us are ready for this.’
‘Oh Todd. We could just study together after school. Maybe at your house if you’re not sure about mine.’
He sighed. ‘I don’t think we can study together now.’
‘We could make out.’
Todd smiled. ‘Why don’t we wait a while. We can be friends at school.’ He paused. ‘You helped me more than I would have thought last night. I think I may even grow to like history.’
They both gave a short laugh.
‘I’m not sure if I could handle being in the same class now.
Todd took her hand. ‘We’ll get through it. I promise.’ With that he kissed her hand and left.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: Teen Reading
Archived in: Christian Reads
Psalm 27:14 says: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Philippians 4:12: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
Are there times in your life when you have felt overwhelmed by pain, tiredness or just with the busyness of life itself?
There have been times in my life when I felt overwhelmed. My health issues often cause physical pain and tiredness. I also feel the pain family and dear friends go through. It’s something that’s part of me and I can’t change it.
Father, I am weak but you are strong. Through the struggles of day-to-day busyness, pain, and weariness, I look to you for the courage to go on. Help me to do what I need to do in your strength. Amen
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Breathe in.
Breathe in His presence.
The Holy Spirit is here.
Seek now.
Seek now and listen.
Holy blessings are given.
Be still.
Be still in the now.
Receive all that He gives you.
Submit.
Submit fully.
His grace will sustain – always.
Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
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After a few nudges to update Chrissy’s Story I have included a new introduction before My Story and a brief update at the very end of my previous ending.
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Last week while visiting the grandchildren, we drove to the river where Riverside Peace was created. The first two photos were taken last Wednesday opposite my favourite spot to walk, write, pray and create.
It’s looking somewhat different after all these years and three floods that ripped away the banks on both sides of the river. The local council has done an amazing job to redirect pathways, rebuild river banks and add the wooden jetty on which we stood.
The new bridge was opened in 2020 and the old bridge removed. The new bridge was supposed to be built high enough to avoid road closure during flooding. However, before the bridge was even opened the flood waters swamped it. It’s been closed at least once when the water levels reached the road. A few other occasions, water rose about a metre below the bridge. You can imagine how high the flood levels reach on both sides.
Sadly the old bridge, was declared unsafe and irreparable and eventually was removed because of the erosion and damage made by decades of constant flooding.
Stone walls, like the one seen opposite the jetty, have been built at various intervals on both sides of the river to prevent further erosion.
The river scenes have changed since 2013 but it maintains it’s peacefulness and it’s enjoyed by those who appreciate it’s natural beauty.
Archived in: Travel + Retirement
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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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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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
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
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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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
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
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
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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
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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.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
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
Archived in: Teen Reading
From the archives:
Fourteen-year-old Electra sat perched on the edge of her chair facing the small group that sat cross-legged on her bed.
‘It happened a long time ago’, she began, ‘but it seems like yesterday—probably because I’ve told the story so often. The only reason why I tell the story is because it’s why my family is the way it is. You see, we are a family with roots. Oh, you think your family has roots too? Okay, let me explain what REAL ancestry means.’
Electra put the empty popcorn bowl on the floor before continuing.
‘In 1801, my great, great, great, great grandfather, built this house. He had been a pirate ever since he ran away to sea and became a captain’s cabin boy. The ship was called the Black Raven… its captain’s name was..’
‘Electra! Will you please stop telling that tale?’
‘Aw…Dad. Why not? It sure beats the real story.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with our family’s history, or your family home. And, don’t forget the reason why you were named Electra.’
Sandy, one of the girls at the pyjama party, bounced off the bed. ‘Tell us, Mr Chapman. We really want to know about your house and your family.’
The other girls joined in the pleading.
Electra stood and took the freshly made popcorn from her father, pointed the bowl toward her chair where she had just been sitting, and motioned him to take over the narration.
‘Electra was right about the year. That’s when the house was built, but that’s where the truth of her story finishes.’ He waited for Sandy and his daughter to join the other girls on the bed. Electra passed the popcorn round before he continued.
‘Basically, my father wanted to save this house from being bulldozed. The locals wanted it demolished for safety reasons. He pleaded his case and renovated it. It’s been our family home since I was a boy. There are a few rooms that have never been restored but it’s stable.’
Sandy stared at nothing in particular. ‘You mean those rooms could be haunted?’
Electra burst out laughing. ‘You must be kidding.’
‘Please continue’, one of the girls requested, her eyes focusing on Electra’s father and ignoring his daughter’s outburst.
‘No, the house is not haunted—not that I know of. The rooms have just never been needed. There’s no great mystery, only the history gets a bit confusing. A few generations back the family lost most of their fortune and the house was left empty for years.’
Sandy looked puzzled. ‘Is that it? Electra, I think it’s a great story. Tell us Mr Chapman how did Electra get her name.’
‘It’s not all that interesting,’ Electra commented casually, wriggled back against the bed board, and stuffed popcorn into her mouth.
Her father paused and took a moment to continue. ‘Electra’s mother was beautiful. She had red hair…’
‘That explains your hair,’ Sandy teased.
Electra pushed Sandy playfully off the bed, causing Sandy to squeal and the others to laugh.
‘She died in childbirth’, he continued unperturbed. A hush filled the room before he continued. ‘I didn’t know what I would do or how I would bring up our little girl on my own. I brought her back here to my family home where my parents helped until they passed away. Not only was Electra born with red hair but she looked like she had a shock that caused her hair to frizz. Her grandmother named her. Over time her hair lost its frizz… but the name stuck. Her hair still reminds me of her mother.’
He stood and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
The girls remained speechless. Electra climbed off the bed and placed the popcorn on her desk before anyone spoke.
Sandy followed Electra and stood behind her, hesitating before speaking. ‘You’ve never told me the real story. Why wouldn’t anyone like the true story about your family and this house?’
Electra turned; her eyes glistened with tears. ‘I wish I knew my mother but I do know a lot about her. Dad and my grandparents made sure I knew everything about her. Every birthday I tell my pirate story so I don’t get sad. I guess I didn’t realize, until today, just how sad my dad gets.’
The girls gathered around their friends for a group hug. ‘Your family sounds wonderful,’ Sandy exclaimed. ‘Your family home is beautiful. Why don’t we ask your dad to show us around?’
Electra smiled and wiped her eyes. ‘That sounds like a great idea. Maybe we’ll find some pirate ghosts or some lost treasure’, she added with a giggle. She took Sandy by the hand and led the girls from her room in search of an adventure.
© 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: Teen Reading
AND THE WINNER IS:
My Granddaughters Fairy Train
My Granddaughters Fairy Train – Update | Riverside Peace
WOW! Thanks everyone. It seems a long time ago when I created the Fairy train and related posts.
Published Jul 13, 2019
Likes: 55
Views: 6.8K
Comments: 33 (includes my own}
Archived in: Children’s Corner
Archived in: 🦋 Just HAIKU
Riverside Peace 