A division of Flower Girl Greetings, LLC
A Word from Yeshua to the Downtrodden, Abused, Hurting or Weary
from the following Scriptures: (Print the PDF)
The Masterpiece of Messianic Prophecy
Layers of Beauty
Print the 2-page PDF
The image above is a collage of 40 photographs I took in Mark Gingerich’s oil painting class in 2014. Mark painted this woman with 40 strokes. Each image shows the next stroke Mark added until the painting was completed.
The Great Governor
Who Brings Order, Goodness, and Equity
Print the PDF
The Names of God
There are many Names for God in Scripture. They were either declared by God Himself or given to Him by people when He became personal to them. For instance, the Hebrew Name of God, El Roi, was given by Hagar, Sarai’s maid. After Sarai’s harsh treatment of her, Hagar fled and found herself in a desperate, lonely place. An angel of the Lord came to her by a spring in the wilderness with instruction and comfort. She declared, “You are El Roi!” meaning You are God Who sees me !
The Gospel
Focusing on the Root which is His Love
Print the PDF
Gospel means Good News. The more I scrutinize the simple Gospel of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the more I am changed by it. We must grasp the Gospel because through its message, the Lord frames our hearts and thoughts. Our behavior is not a concern, because it simply flows from the core of the Gospel’s message. If we try to align our behavior instead of our hearts, we are devastated when we fail. If we allow Him to align our hearts, even when we fail, we know we are safe in His love.
A Portrait of Paul
Print the PDF
Dear Heavenly Father, the Apostle Paul said, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” (2 Timothy 3:1f) We are there. Our hearts break for our brothers and sisters around the world, but we are one kedoshim, one family in You. Although imprisoned at the end of his life, Paul said, “but the word of God is not imprisoned.” (2 Timothy 2:8) There is a glorious picture of lights shining up from the globe as the Gospel of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah goes forth from the plains, the mountains, the prisons, the suffering, and the pain. The Lord reigns! Adonai wins!
The Trinity
Print the PDF
The Trinity refers to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although the word trinity is not found in Scripture, the concept is. We must have an accurate understanding of Who God is, so we are not deceived and “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men and by craftiness in deceitful scheming…” (Ephesian 4:14-15)
Pray It Through
A Very Short Devotional
Print the one-page PDF
A few years ago, Dusty and I planned a getaway to our usual spot in Michigan. We had just one day to visit my favorite place – an overlook of Lake Michigan from the top of a 450-foot sand dune. When the sun shines on the water, the view is breathtaking! I like to just sit on the dune for hours and allow the grandeur and beauty to refresh my spirit.
The End Times – Yeshua’s Words to Remember
An Organization of Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21
Free Printable PDF
As you may have noticed from my last writing A Distant Grief / An Abiding Joy, I have been asking Father, “How shall I live in light of the unthinkable current events?” If we are in the throws of the end of time or not, we should heed the words of the One Who died, rose, and ascended to heaven on our behalf, even Yeshua1 our Lord. Every word that fell from His lips is crystal clear – truth, purity, and beauty. His words will guide us.
A Distant Grief / An Abiding Joy
How to walk and work in joy in hard times
Free Printable PDF
A Distant Grief
Years ago, I read a book called A Distant Grief by Kefa Sempangi, the founding pastor of the Redeemed Church of Kampala in Uganda. 14,000 members attended in the early 1970s. Kefa’s family and church were targets of Idi Amin’s brutal regime. By God's grace, they escaped from Uganda, but many did not.
A Small Instruction
A Personal Story about my Dad in honor of Father’s Day
A Free Printable PDF
It was 2005. My parents had come for a visit. Sometime that weekend, I was sitting alone with my dad in the lower level of our apartment. He was sitting on a wooden chair he had just fixed for me. I thanked him, and we sat in silence for a few minutes. My father was not one to talk a lot with me. Finally, I asked him, “Daddy, do you have any words of wisdom for me?” I would ask him this question on occasion because
I wanted to get to know him more.
Prepared by Hesed
Hesed is Hebrew for the indescribable, undeserved love of God.
After a drive along the craggy Jordan Valley on an early morning in January 2020, we stopped by the river with our new tour family. Michael Card shared lessons about the wilderness – lessons worthy of contemplation:
A Reclaimed Species
The Kedoshim
Print the PDF
Dearly beloved of God,
At the beginning of July, I sent this message to you, because the Lord used it to change the way I thought and prayed. A few weeks later, I simplified it to share at a large retreat. I think this version is clearer in its simplicity, and so I am re-sending it to you. Why? Because it is important for us to understand and be reminded of who we are. When I know who I am in Yeshua (Jesus), I can better navigate the adversity around me.
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 3rd and ends at sundown April 4th. 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)
Turning Points in Prayer
The Psalms
Print the one-page PDF
In the early days of my new life in Christ, I would often skim through the many verses in the Psalms about the wicked; they seemed wearisome. In fact, when I decided to script an entire Psalm on a large piece of parchment, I chose Psalm 145 because it only contained one line about the wicked!
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.
Prayer - Definitions, Helps, and Forms
Print the 2-page PDF
The King of the universe created us for relationship with Himself! Hearing His voice is our greatest joy! He invites us into prayer that brings light into His kingdom!
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)
The Charges of Paul to Timothy
for All Soldiers
Free PDF Download
Dear beloved of God, you may replace Timothy's name with your own as you continue reading these charges.
Jesus said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) These are just a few of Paul’s encouragements to his beloved son in the faith as Paul faced serious persecution.
Spiritual Warfare – Arise!
Lessons in the Book of Daniel for Today
Written December 2018, Revised January 12, 2021
Free PDF Download (Printable format)
We are all soldiers. We are not all on the physical front lines, but we are all on the front lines in prayer.
A Chronology of Jesus’ Birth
A Family Reading and A Fun Quiz
Free PDF Download (Printable format)
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.
A Baptism to Undergo
Passing through the waters
A Short Scripture Study and Personal Story
Luke 12:49-50
Free PDF Download
Last July 7, 2020, I awoke with Luke 12:50a on my mind – “I have a baptism to undergo…” This morning, November 16, 2020, I awoke with the verse on my mind again. I had not been reading in the Gospel of Luke on either day, so I believe the Lord brought this verse to my mind to consider.
Kedoshim, Talmidim Favor
Ephesians 1
Print the PDF
Ephesians 1 is a favorite chapter in the Bible for many people. My Who I Am Journal Art Card Collection was inspired by it. The Apostle Paul begins this letter by addressing the faithful saints in the city of Ephesus. The Hebrew word for saints is kedoshim and means holy ones or set apart ones. Anyone can be a part of this family! (See John 1:12)
Yom Kippur
The Veil has been torn!
In this year of 2020, Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement begins at sundown on September 27th and lasts through the 28th.
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).
The Highway and Messiah’s Return!
A look at Isaiah 35
Print the 2-page PDF
Prophecies are messages from the Lord given through the prophets by the Spirit of God. They give encouragement, warning, rebuke, or they foretell future events.
Messianic prophecies are messages from the Lord given through the prophets that foretell or reflect the life of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus) hundreds of years before His birth. (For more about Messianic prophecy, please see my writing The Masterpiece of Messianic Prophecy.)
The prophets of the Old Testament gave messages for their current time; however, their messages often went beyond their own understanding with multiple fulfillments in the immediate and far futures. We see hints in their messages that connect to other portions of Scripture.
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 19th and will begin at sunset the evening before. It falls on the new moon of the 7th 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!
Living in God’s Undeserved Love (Hesed)
October 15, 2019, Revisions: September 2020, September 2021, November 2023
Print the free 3-page PDF
In 2019, I wrote The Tabernacle Hesed Moon, Living in God’s Undeserved Love. The following year, I shared this more-ordered version at a conference. This writing would be easy to use for a discussion around your table; you could facilitate it point by point. Simply print the free PDF at the link above. Here are the contents:
His Fullness
Print the PDF
The Hebrew words for the Holy Spirit are Ruach HaKodesh. I quickly drew this image I saw in the early morning hours of February 2019 for a conference where I was to speak. It is a hovering covering of angels and the Ruach over, in and surrounding us!
Spirit of God
Principle 3 of 10 Principles of Responsible Scripture Interpretation from HIS SIGWORK
Print the PDF
We must acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence in and with us and our reliance on Him for understanding. He invites us into an intimate relationship with Himself through His Word.
This writing is part of the entire HIS SIGWORK Group Study. For the overview, see HIS SIGWORK – 10 Key Principles of Responsible Scripture Interpretation. This writing is also in the form of a Short Devotional called His Fullness at Shale Fragments.com.
You Have Arrived!
Forest Flowers
Free PDF Download
“He [Jesus] said to them, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’ Therefore, they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” (John 6:20-21)
Jesus had travelled an arduous four-day journey north from Jerusalem to Tiberias on the western side of the Sea of Galilee where a great crowd had followed Him because of the miracles He performed.
Heaven's Leaven
The River of Life
The Witness in the World
Free PDF Download
Jesus spoke a parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three pecks of meal until it was all leavened.” (Matthew 13:33)
The kingdom of heaven is the rule and reign of God. It is found in every place that is touched by the ways of Adonai, the Master and Lord of the universe. He has allowed His beautiful, perfect creation to be spoiled by the sin of man until that day when “He Who sits on the throne says, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5a)
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:
The Great Transition
The New Covenant Given
2014, revised April 3, 2020 and March 7, 2023
Print the 4-Page PDF
Contents
The Master Marksman
The Sword/Mouth Connection
A Personal or Group Scripture Study with Conclusions and Questions
Print the PDF (a more readable format for study)
(blue letters represent Scripture references)
What is the Word of God?
Psalm 138:2
I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth for You have magnified Your Word above all Your Name.
The Word of God is the expression of His heart that reflects His character.
HIS SIGWORK
10 Key Principles of Responsible Scripture Interpretation
March 6, 2020
Print the PDF
Dear friends,
If I were to choose my greatest passion, I think it would be purity – purity in the food I eat, purity in the soil that grows the herbs in my backyard, purity in my morning coffee, the pure smell of sheets on the laundry line, the purity of simple times with friends, and the purity of God and His Word.
Four Esther Stories for Purim
2018; revised 2024
Print the three-page PDF
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:
Rhema Revelation
The Living Word of God
Principle 9 of 10 Principles of Responsible Scripture Interpretation from HIS SIGWORK
Print a PDF
The written Word of God (logos) becomes the living Word of God (rhema - pronounced ray’-mah) when God highlights His Word in our spirit in a personal way. Is there something that jumps off the page to you and stays with you throughout the days and weeks? God is speaking to you personally in His Word!
How to receive a Rhema Revelation:
Deep Cry, Deep Love
Hope from Psalm 42
Free Downloadable PDF
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.
Beautiful Progressions of Repentance, 3 of 3
The Progression of Abiding in Contentment – Matthew 5
Print the 2-page PDF
Repentance is beautiful. It is the key to a life of increase and joy in the Holy Spirit. We surely need His joy more than ever! In 2019, the Lord unfolded three writings to me on repentance:
Beautiful Progressions of Repentance, 1 of 3
Psalm 51
Print the 2-page PDF
Introduction
Repentance is beautiful. Understanding it is the key to a life of increase and joy in the Holy Spirit. That is what I found in the early months of 2019 as Father unfolded these three progressions in Scripture. They are detailed but simple when read step by step. Toward the end of 2019, on 8/8 and 12/12, I experienced the beauty of repentance tangibly. I’m still trying to write about these revelations, but they were so personal that words currently escape me. My Scripture Study called The Tabernacle Hesed Moon – Living in His Undeserved Love was a start. This paper begins with the first of three progressions.
Scaling the Heights
There will be dips
Print a PDF
Two and a half years after I wrote The Mountain View, I was in a difficult situation. My Lord gave me a visual picture that I was in warfare, scaling up the Song of songs mountain. This time the mountain was vertical, making it very difficult, almost impossible to retain my footing and my grasp.
He is the image of the invisible God!
Celebrate His Birth!
The Brightness of His Glory Art Card is available as a 4-pack. The back of this card includes the following verses:
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom also He made the worlds. And He is the brightness of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:1-2
Together, let’s raise praise!
The Grateful praise Art Card is found in the Thanksgiving Collection and is also available as a 4-Pack.
On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave our nation’s first formal Proclamation of Thanksgiving in Washington D.C. The proclamation was written by Secretary of State William Seward, and was an invitation to thank God collectively for His provision and care!
Shout joyfully!
Celebrate with thanksgiving!
Shout joyfully is a high-quality art card that can be sent with just one regular stamp! It is available in the Thanksgiving Collection at Flower Girl Greetings.com
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name! Make His praise glorious! (Psalm 66:1-2)
Share His salvation!
The Simeon Art Card is available in the Celebrate His birth-Simeon 4-Pack and the Portrait Collection at Flower Girl Greetings.com
The text on the front of this card is, My eyes have seen Your salvation! The inside is blank, so you can share your own personal message or include a letter. The back includes a paraphrase from the passage from Luke 2:21-32 about Simeon...
The Scroll of Esther
God never forgets His covenant with His people
A Devotional Overview of Esther's Story
Print the free 2-page PDF
The Context of the Scroll of Esther
The Bible begins with the stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joshua, and the stories of the judges who ruled the land. Then, the Israelites wanted kings. The first kings were Saul, David, and Solomon. Due to Solomon’s sin, the kingdom was divided into the north and south. Most of the kings of these two kingdoms were grossly sinful. And so, both kingdoms were taken into exile by their enemies – the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians in 714 BC; and the southern kingdom of Judah by the Babylonians in 586 BC.
Spiritual Gifts
A Greek-Word Study
My document entitled Spiritual Gifts – A Greek Word Study is a printed learning tool and may be viewed or purchased here.
For a free, downloadable PDF of the conclusions and devotional included on this Study Tool, please click here..
The Spiritual Gifts study tool measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches when folded; it can be easily kept in your Bible. The inside includes a complete list of spiritual gifts from 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Romans and 1 Peter, along with their Greek words and Greek-word meanings.
The Work of Rest
A Study in the Book of Hebrews
My document entitled The Work of Rest is a printed learning tool and may be viewed or purchased here. This 6-page study tool summarizes the book of Hebrews. It measures 8.5 x 11 inches when closed. It can be used for personal and weekly group study.
The book of Hebrews was written to wean Jewish believers from dependence on the law of Moses and to teach them (and us) to live in the New Covenant in Jesus their Messiah by RESTING, not in their own works for salvation, but in His power to do His work in and through them. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Remain steadfast!
He was looking for the city…
Steadfast is from the Portrait Collection and is also available as a 4-Pack at Flower Girl Greetings.com
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise for He was looking for the city that has foundations whose architect and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Welcome to Shale Fragments, a collection of writings and art for individual and group use!
Teaching God’s truth and the beauty of His Word is my greatest delight! My art card company, Flower Girl Greetings, was launched in 2012 with this purpose. In April 2020, ShaleFragments.com became the gathering place for the writings.
As I have studied the rich meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew languages of the Bible, I continue to see beautiful progressions and connections that compel me to organize and convey their life-changing beauty!
Please click on each category to access a list of contents or scroll through the posts. To receive Shale Fragments updates, please subscribe here.
