From Passover to Pentecost
A Celebration of His Presence
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All over the world in this year of 2024, Pentecost (Shavuot) is being celebrated in the traditional church on Sunday, May 19, 2024 and in the Jewish community beginning at sundown on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (These days differ because of the use of different calendars.) So, what does this holy day represent?

The chart below shows the Passover-Pentecost connections and how they foreshadow Messiah’s life. For more understanding, please keep reading below the chart.

Hanukkah, Blossoms, and Yeshua 
Let us hear His voice
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The menorah (or lampstand) that was in the Tabernacle of the Lord is described in Exodus 25. It was created of solid, poured gold with gold almond blossoms for the cups of the candlesticks. For our Hannukah art card, I painted the almond blossoms to be alive – white with pink hues.

Almond trees bloom in the late winter in Israel and are the first blooms of the year. They signal the celebration of Passover which occurs on the first full moon of spring. The Hebrew word for almond means eager anticipation, wakeful hastening, and readiness – all descriptions the Israelites needed at the first Passover when the Lord delivered them from their enemy.

The I AMs of Jesus Collection 
A Story
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After the Hebrew Names of God Collection was printed in 2014, The I AMs Collection was created and printed in 2015. It is shown on Page 2 of our new catalog. It contains 12 “I AMs” spoken by Jesus (Yeshua) from the books of John and Revelation. The back of each card includes Scripture and devotional thoughts. I have loved these breathtaking declarations and painted them many times. Jesus declared Himself to be:

The Hebrew Names of God Collection 
A Story

The Hebrew Names of God Collection is shown on Page 1 of our new catalog. It contains 12 art cards, each with a different Name of God. The back of each card includes Scripture references, devotional thoughts, and connections to both Testaments.

Beautiful Word
An oil painting of three passions

The original artwork for this greeting card was created in an oil painting workshop taught by nationally-known impressionist painter and friend, Mark Gingerich. I arranged the still life that included items representing my passions – my Bible, flowers and study books, symbolizing the beauty and depth of God’s Word. 

The trees clap 
You will go out with joy!
Isaiah 55:12

The original artwork for this art card was created with vibrant Ukrainian ink dyes and pointed pen calligraphy. The dyes were sprinkled and sprayed across the paper. The delicate lettering on the spray is Isaiah 55:12, “The trees clap their hands!” and was penned with white gouache (opaque watercolor) with an oblique pointed pen (designed after the old quill pens).

High mercy 
Psalm 103:11

All of God’s works are covered by the huge umbrella of His love. Everything He does emanates from the higher purpose of His love!

Spacious place 
He rescued me!
Psalm 18:19

The calligraphed words on this card were a result of my Hebrew word study for this verse.
He brought me forth into a spacious place of freedom;
He rescued me because He delights in me!

Nani 
A Brief Beauty

The text on the back of the card is:
This rare hibiscus, a gift from a friend, took my breath away one morning. The span of her bloom measured eight inches and lasted one day. Another friend named her Nani, the Hawaiian word for beautiful or splendor. Her photograph was superimposed onto a green watercolor wash to show off her exquisite salmon color.

Our Father 
The Lord's Prayer

In the 1990s in my small art room, I would press pansies in phone books and let them dry for a few months. Then, I would arrange them in sprays on different papers using glue sticks. Then, I would calligraphy with the script pen around the floral designs. I loved how the flourishing of the Zanerian Script alphabet harmonized with the shapes of the flowers!

Spirit of power 
Do not be afraid
2 Timothy 1:7

The original art for this card was commissioned by a counselor for his office wall. It was quite large and matted and framed. The art is called an illumination because the text has been decorated. It incorporates four calligraphy styles:

Springs in the midst 
Refreshment in the valleys

He brings forth springs in the midst of the valleys;
They flow between the mountains.  Psalm 104:10

In the valleys, God’s presence brings springs of refreshing until that time when we are through the valley and walking up the mountain again.

Quiet confidence 
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Dear friends,

At the end of this writing, I share the steps I took to paint this landscape. If you follow the simple instructions, I think it would be fun for you to try. This method would also be fun to share with children. But first, here is a bit about the text on the card:

The words on the front of the Quiet confidence Art Card are:
In returning and rest you will be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

Beckoning Almond Blossoms 
A Symbol of Eager Anticipation
A Hanukkah Message
A Dream and a Devotional
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The celebration of Hanukkah began last night this year, November 28^th, at sunset and ends at nightfall on December 6^th. I would like to share with you how I will recognize Hanukkah this year in a new way!

Winter past!
Arise, my beloved!

The voice of my Beloved!
Behold, He comes
Leaping upon the mountains,
Skipping upon the hills.

The Feast of First Fruits 
Celebrate the Resurrection of Messiah
April 3-4, 2021

In this year of 2021, The Feast of First Fruits begins at sundown on April 3^rd and ends at sundown April 4^th. It is celebrated on the Sunday after Passover and during The Feast of Unleavened Bread. God appointed this day of observance for the Jewish people over 3,500 years ago as a day of praise to Him for the early spring harvest and the resurrection of the earth. (See Leviticus 23:9-14)

Hesed
The Indescribable Love of God

In the autumn of 2004, I heard about the Hebrew word hesed (or chesed) for the first time. My new husband and I had left our jobs to go to a 22-month Bible school in a new city. I remember walking out into the dark night after a class in a trance of joy. The deep, vast meaning of hesed captivated me.

Great love
Lavished upon us!

Behold, how great a love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called the children of God! (1 John 3:1)

Beloved
I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. (Song of Songs 6:3)

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can a flood drown it. (Song of Songs 8:7)

A Chronology of Jesus’ Birth 
A Family Reading and A Fun Quiz
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The following passages are taken from the three Gospels accounts in the Bible that contain portions of the story of Jesus’ birth. As best as I could, I wove them together in the order that the events took place, gave subtitles, and color-coded the portions. I hope you enjoy reading the complete story with your family and friends.
Matthew 1-2 – Verses are in red.
Luke 1-2 – Verses are in black.
John 1 – Verses are in green.

The Feast of Tabernacles
He is with you! 

The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot falls on the full moon of the 7th Hebrew month Tishrei in the fall. This year, this Feast begins at sundown on October 2 and lasts through October 10. It is a week of celebration and thanksgiving!

During this week of The Feast of Tabernacles,

Yom Kippur
The Veil has been torn!

In this year of 2020, Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement begins at sundown on September 27^th and lasts through the 28^th. 

The Feast of Trumpets, celebrated last weekend, is followed by The Days of Awe – ten days of repentance and preparation. These days end with a day of fasting called Yom Kippur, the most sacred Jewish holiday of the year. On this day, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies in the temple to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. A large veil of blue, purple, and crimson linen blocked access to this holy place where God dwelled. (2 Chronicles 3:14).

Yom Kippur
The Culmination of Adonai's Hesed

Jesus (Yeshua) fulfilled The Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur that comes about in the fall after the Feast of Trumpets that was just celebrated this past weekend (see last week’s post here). This year, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on September 27 and ends at nightfall on September 28.

Yom Kippur recognizes Father’s greatest act of hesed toward us. The Lord made His hesed (indescribable love) so tangible to me last August 8 in 2019. I am still not able to put the impact of the experience into words, but it affected everything including my prayers.

In honor of this special lavish learning from my Father, I created this long banner with green satin letters on white linen to be the centerpiece of our home – Hesed Adonai Khadash kol Boker or The lovingkindness of the Lord is new every morning!

The Feast of Trumpets
On the Feast of Trumpets and Every Day, We Celebrate His Return!

The Feast of Trumpets will be celebrated this year on September 19^th and will begin at sunset the evening before. It falls on the new moon of the 7^th Hebrew month Tishrei.

God appointed seven yearly feasts for the Israelites to observe (found in Leviticus 23) to foretell and foreshadow Jesus’ life, sacrifice, death, burial, resurrection and return!

Saved by the Blood
On the night that Jesus was betrayed, He celebrated the Passover with His disciples. He Himself became our Passover Lamb. The Passover card celebrates God’s deliverance for us through Yeshua’s blood. The card includes the artist’s notes and a celebration greeting on the inside. Here is some of the text included on the back of the card:

 Though the earth should change…

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the midst of the sea;

How are your sins like scarlet?

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18

Four Esther Stories for Purim
2018; revised 2024
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The first Feast of Purim was recorded in the Megillah, the Scroll of Esther. To read a devotional overview of Esther’s story called The Scroll of Esther, please click here.

These four stories are included in this post:

• The Story of Esther found on the back of The Feasts of Lots Art Card
• The Story of the Art Process
• The Story of Another Esther
• The Story of Us

December – I am Redeemed
Redeemed is the Hebrew nîgāl.

­­­“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7

November – I am Holy

­­And they will call them, “The holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12a

The heavens shall praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. Psalm 89:5

October – I am Beautiful
Beautiful is the Hebrew yāpeh

The King’s daughter is all glorious within; Her clothing is interwoven with gold. Psalm 45:13

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14a

You are altogether beautiful, my darling. Song of Songs 4:7a

September – I am a Reflector
Reflector is the Hebrew lashaqaph and means reflect, mirror, make visible.

For God Who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

August – I am Chosen
Chosen is the Hebrew bāhîr.

Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit and that your fruit would remain…” John 15:16a

Zephaniah's Song
He Quiets Me

Dear friends,
 
Sometimes I have days. Days with disturbance in my emotions or mind. Days when I look up to my Father and ask for mercy and clarity. Last Monday was one of those days. Words that would describe my emotions were “limited, constricted, disquieted.” A friend listened to my heart and prayed for me. I went to my Father’s Word. Ahhh!

July – I am Sealed
Sealed is the Hebrew ’hātam and means kept secure.

After listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and also having believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise who is given as a pledge guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own possession to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

June – I am Strengthened
Strengthened is the Hebrew chazaq and means strong, courageous, sure, steadfast, prevailing.

Here are the memory verses on the front of the I am Strengthened Art Card:

"Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not be weary; and they will walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

May – I am Hidden
Hidden is the Hebrew tsāphan and means hidden, treasured, protected. 

Our First Fruits
April 11, 2019

The Feast of First Fruits is celebrated on the Sunday that falls after Passover during The Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is a day of praise to the Lord for the early spring harvest and His reviving of the earth after the winter’s repose.

Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah died and was buried in the earth on Passover. He rose from the dead on The Feast of First Fruits. We celebrate this Feast on April 21^st this year on Resurrection Sunday!

April – I am Forgiven
Forgiven is the Hebrew nāśā and means lifted, taken away.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7 ­

The Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many as He will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11b

John saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

His Grand Compassion

The Grand Compassion Art Card is from the Thy Faithfulness Collection and is also available as a 4-Pack at Flower Girl Greetings.com

In April 2001, I traveled with a friend out west. I took this photograph in Arizona at the Grand Canyon as the sun set. The Canyon was bigger than anything I had seen; I just couldn’t grasp its magnitude in my humanness. And yet…

His song will be with me in the night
Gazing on grace

The Song in the night Art Card is available as a 4-Pack at Flower Girl Greetings.com

The Book of Psalms is a collection of songs for God’s people. They are filled with beautiful poetry that expresses the depths of the human heart. From raging pain and questioning to bursting praise and thanksgiving, the Psalms affirm that it is good to pour out our hearts before our loving God for in Him is our help, security and comfort.

March – I am Blessed
Blessed is the Hebrew ashrei and means I am rich in lavished grace and inheritance.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

In Him we have also obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will. Ephesians 1:11

O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8

I will never leave

The I will never leave Art Card is from the Presence Collection at Flower Girl Greetings.com

Your Bridegroom, Jesus, is closer to you than you can comprehend. Yeshua is His Hebrew Name. After you received Him (John 1:12-13), you became His child. He surrounds you, but then came in you. Look for Him. Peer through your tangible surroundings to see Him there. Look all around for Him. Your loving Savior wants you to develop an increased awareness of His presence and His voice calling out in love every single moment.

Lloyal
Lloyal was Not Forsaken—A Tribute

Dear friends,

Within the Portrait Art Card Collection, Flower Girl Greetings spans the ages. The original artwork for the Lloyal Art Card was given to my friend, Brenda, for her birthday.

The card was painted with watercolor from a photograph of her father whose name was Lloyal. Mr. Lloyal Burkey inspired me with his loyalty to the Lord Jesus Messiah over many years and his passion for his Lord’s love letter, the Bible. He read the Bible completely through every year of his life. This card was a tribute to his life. I penned Psalm 119:105 over the pages of his Bible, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Sparrow

The original artwork for Sparrow was created with pointed-pen calligraphy and cut and torn paper that I painted with various metallic paints and inks.

The encouragement to create this card was found in a hymn called His Eye is on the Sparrow. The entire hymn is found on the back of the card:

The Love of Christ

The love of Christ Art Card is available in a 4-Pack at Flower Girl Greetings and also in The Florals Assortment Collection.

To read the text on The Love of Christ card, please continue reading:

February – I am Beloved
Beloved is the Hebrew yādîd and means I am greatly loved by the Lord and I am the one the Lord loves.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God!  1 John 3:1a­

The beloved of the Lord rests securely in Him for He shields him all the day, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.  Deuteronomy 33:12

Daddy Loves you!
Avinu Abba - Engulfed in His Gaze

The Avinu Abba card is from The Hebrew Names of God Collection at Flower Girl Greetings.com

Dear friends,

Today I remember 7 years ago when my father passed away. I think about him a lot when I “engineer” or analyze a drawing, a document, a task or a plan. I think about him when I do things that reflect what he did, like putting little labels on drawers and paint jars, and appreciating handmade wooden furniture and puzzles, and finding satisfaction in a job well-completed. I’m grateful for the little and big traces of good things that came to my life because of him. 

January – I am New
New is the Hebrew chādāsh and means new, fresh, born again.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26v

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Avinu, Abba
Father, Daddy - Engulfed in His Gaze

­­­The Hebrew word Avinu means Father. The Hebrew word Abba means Daddy.
“But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter, and we all are the work of Thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8