Spring Newsletter: Season of New Birth
Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.
Martin Luther
by Candyce Carden
Oh, how I love this ageless quote by Martin Luther. Could there be a more perfect time to celebrate Easter Sunday than in the spring? God surrounds us with multiple reminders that spring is a season of new birth as well as rebirth. Despite the pollen, I delight in spending time outdoors during this season. From rushing rivers to the still water of lakes, God draws me close whenever I’m in nature. From tree-lined hiking trails to beautifully-designed golf courses, I see God’s handprint all over creation.
I believe God designed spring to plant hope in our heart, joy in our soul, and to show us what Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross means for us. It means spiritual rebirth is available to us. It means we can walk with Him through life on earth and into eternity.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3 NIV)
Holy Week
I hope you’re having a meaningful Holy Week. At church on Sunday, our children processed down the aisle waving palm leaves while the choir sang “Hosanna.” The choir then accompanied The Chuck Nation Band in performing a High Lonesome Mass. It was wonderful.
My church ministers the kids at a local housing project throughout the year, so of course we organized an egg hunt, served a hot dog lunch, and played gameswith the kids. Fun morning!
In a season spilling over with highlights, accompanying my grandson to a music audition at his future college ranks high on the list. During our time there, I gave him the graduation gift he is holding. It’s a devotional handbook for first-year college students written by Dr. Katherine Pasour: Stay the Course: a devotional handbook to survive and thrive in your first year of college. If you need a graduation gift, click the link to take a look at Katherine’s book.
“April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.” ~Marty Rubin
Does the quote ring true for you? It does for me, as long as it’s a flower garden.
As announced, everyone who commented on the “Song of the Wind Chimes” was entered into a drawing for Max Lucado’s He Chose the Cross.
Congratulations to winner Robbie S.!
Easter Resources
The following links lead to Easter-related resources on my webpage: scripture cards to print and share, Easter color sheets, and an Easter devotion, You’re welcome to any of them.
- Easter Scripture cards
- Adult Coloring Sheet
- Kids’ Coloring Sheets
- Easter Devotion: Not My Will, but Yours
Book Signing
The flamingos are here to announce I’ve signed a contract to publish a devotional set at the beach. And yes, the book includes a devotion about flamingos. How fitting that I learned of the birth of this book baby during this season of new birth. The labor has been long. The labor has been hard. But God walked with me every step of the way, encouraging me to the end.
More info coming soon!
Immersed in His Love,
Candyce
Congratulations on your new contract. A beach devotion will be perfect for many who vacation at the beach and for those of us wishing we were there. I’ll help promote when published.
Congratulations on your beach devotion book. I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you so much, Rosemary. I can’t wait either. I’ll keep you informed as to its progress and will appreciate your prayers through the process.
A beach devotional sounds wonderful, Candyce. Congratulations! And thank you for the reminder to enjoy spring and remember God’s plan for me.
Thank you, Annie. Wishing you a blessed season!
Congratulations on the book contract, Candyce. I can’t wait to read it. I love spring also, the time of new growth and rebirth. And, of course, the time of Easter!
Thank you, Barbara. All the seasons bring their special gifts, but spring has always been my favorite. Now I have a deeper understanding of why.
I’m so excited for you, Candyce! A book contract for your devotional–Yay! I’ll be looking forward to reading it and supporting you along the journey to book release. Loved your spring message here on your blog/newsletter and I’m so grateful for your support of Stay the Course. My prayers are with our graduates and I’m so happy for your grandson.
Thank you, Katherine. The prayers for our graduates are very appreciated as is your labor of love. I’m sure I will lean on your support through the next steps to publication. So exciting.
Congratulations Candyce. How exciting. Happy Easter
Thanks, Yvonne.