A division of Flower Girl Greetings, LLC
By a Roman Soldier
An Imaginative Interpretation
Written in the 1980s by my friend De Gaskins
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It was another execution day. Three men charged with felonies were to be crucified. The execution squad is selected on a rotating basis from among the Roman soldiers stationed under Pontius Pilate. It was my turn, along with three of my companions, to perform the execution.
In His Dust – 6. The Role of Women in the First-Century Church
Restoring her calling and gifts
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In His Dust is a series based on my notes from Dwight Pryor’s teaching. For details, please see In His Dust – A Quick Recap.
Outline
In His Dust - 9. The Breathtaking Beauty of True Submission
Loving Each Other
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In His Dust is a series based on my notes from Dwight Pryor’s teaching. For details, please see In His Dust – A Quick Recap.
This writing was extracted from a previous writing called In His Dust - 6. The Role of Women in the First-Century Church. I added more detail and emphasis on the definitions of the words head and submit because they are so beautiful.
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.
The Two G’s
Gossip and Grudges
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There were two Hebrew idioms that were popular at the time of Yeshua (Jesus). I learned them from Brandon of Brandon Robbins Ministry. I will share the simple definitions of these idioms along with my thoughts about them… and then, I will get personal, so I hope you will keep reading!
Do you see Him?
Peter’s Letter, Part 1
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The Apostle Peter’s first letter was written to “those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen…”[1] Every word of his letter served the purpose of encouraging them to stand strong in the face of the horrific persecution surrounding them.
As I sat at my table after reading Peter’s letter, the encouragement that surfaced was to see Him.
In His Dust
Abolishing and Fulfilling
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The word Scripture is mentioned over 50 times in the New Testament. It refers to the Tenakh which had been the Bible of the Jewish people in Yeshua’s day for over 200 years. Their Tenakh was (and is) composed of three portions – The Torah (first five books of Moses), the Prophets, and the Writings. (See Luke 24:44 as an example.)
In His Dust
The history and culture surrounding Yeshua’s life and teaching, A Brief Overview
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My Greatest Gift
A message given on the day with the shortest period of daylight when the earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. Today and always, Jesus is the Light of the world!
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The Greatest Gift anyone ever gave me was my new birth. It was given to me by my Father. I know I had to receive it, but I don’t remember receiving it. I just remember Him reaching out His hand into my darkness and touching me with a light so bright, I felt like I was swimming in a huge ocean of love, joy, and wholeness. I was completely new. It was like the words in a song – It was a “holy collision.” It was like the words that fell from Mary’s lips...
In His Dust
The Nativity Festival
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These facts and suggestions were gleaned and condensed from Dwight Pryor’s message called The Christmas Controversy. I have included a few of my own conclusions, as well. I share it because it is fun to explore the events of Yeshua’s life starting with His birth!
Facts about The Nativity Festival
In His Dust – An Overview
His Word, Our Defense
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Recently, I heard an online roundtable discussion among leaders who are exposing corruption and bringing truth to light so we can act accordingly. Each leader was asked, “What can we do?” One man said something I didn’t expect given the topics of discussion – he said, “We must learn all we can about Yeshua (Jesus). We must know Him, spend time with Him, and follow Him. Then, we will be ready.”
In His Dust – A Quick Recap of the Purpose
In His Dust is a series based on my notes from Dwight Pryor’s teaching. (For details about him, please see In His Dust – An Overview at ShaleFragments.com.) Yeshua and His disciples were thoroughly Jewish and immersed in the study of the Tenakh (the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings). They spoke and studied in Hebrew. Since the New Testament was originally recorded in Hebrew before being translated into Greek, it is most valuable to learn the Hebraic context, meanings, and idioms that are not always apparent in the Greek. My ongoing study for this series pursues this goal.
Shalom,
Beth Ann
Are You Thirsty?
Yeshua’s Supreme Invitation
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Are you thirsty?
Are you hungry?
Are you hungry for good to overcome evil?
Are you hungry for unconditional love?
Are you hungry to overcome habits that threaten your well-being?
Are you hungry for someone to listen… someone who would really hear?
Permeating Rest
His Desire and Design
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In my writing from October 11, Coming Home for the Holy Days, I shared ways our faith in Yeshua (Jesus) is true, high, and distinct from all other worldviews or so-called “religions.” Here are three of many ways:
The Highest Form of Worship
Learning from the Master
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In his book New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus, Insights from His Jewish Context, David Bivin writes about the first century schools in which Jewish children began their study of Torah (the first five books of our Old Testament) at five years of age. He writes,
“One might assume that the synagogue as the place of worship would be considered more important or more sacred than the schools, but this was not the case. To this day the bet midrash [the secondary school in which children and adults studied Torah and the oral traditions] is given more prominence than the synagogues – not because education is valued more highly than worship, but because Judaism does not make a distinction between the two. Indeed, Judaism has always held that the study of Torah is one of the highest forms of worship.”
In His Dust
Staying Close
A very short devotional and prayer
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As I continue to learn more about Yeshua (Jesus) by understanding the culture in which He lived, I fall more and more in love with Him! The autumn tasks seem to multiply, but I want to keep lots of room for this pursuit!
Coming Home for the Holy Days
Coming Home to Him
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He is our Home
Most days my heart can barely take the news. How thankful I am that Yahweh, the Eternally-Existent, Majestic Creator, and Sovereign One is our only Home. Although He has allowed the waywardness of humankind to run its course, He is full of hesed (His indescribable, undeserved, vast love) to those who seek Him. Our faith in Him is true and high and distinct from every other so-called “religion” because:
Stress Relief
Finding calm, clarity, and cleansing
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Dorcas came to my home a few weeks ago. Although I had never met her, I knew her like a sister. We had conversed many times, mostly through email. She is one of those called forth[1] gems in the body of Messiah. We had been praying for years to blanket certain communities in northeast Ohio with Flower Girl Greetings Art Cards. Finally, the day came. We filled her van and prayed for the ways the cards would be distributed and hearts would be softened and transformed by His Word of life.
His Very Words, Part 5
Unsnatchable and Unhindered – An Understanding of the Jewish Context
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This study will show the importance of interpreting the New Testament from the Jewish perspective in which it was written. You may want to read the first four parts of His Very Words before you begin - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4!
His Very Words, Part 4
Interferences to Hunger – Delight Deficiency, Dessert, Difficult Passages, and Distractions
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Before reading this Part 4 of His Very Words, it might be helpful to read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 first!
A good friend met me over lunch this week. I don’t see her often because her children, grandchildren and other responsibilities keep her life full! She is overwhelmed most days. But she said, “I cannot miss my time with God in the morning. It is the best part of my day.” She delights in God’s presence and the rest falls into place with few interferences to her hunger for His Word.
His Very Words, Part 3
Infallible, Inexhaustible Word – How I know the Bible is His Very Words
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The image for this post is a photograph I took at the location in Israel where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.
His Very Words, Part 2
Invaluable, Irreplaceable Word – And a Fun, Do-able Reading Plan
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Amos, a sheepherder from Tekoa (about 10 miles south of Jerusalem), prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel in about 750 BC with a call for justice. He cried out against the unspeakable transgressions of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and even worse, against Judah and Israel to whom He had given His covenant and precious statutes.
After a lengthy dirge, Amos called out to the house of Israel:
His Very Words, Part 1
A Fresh Look at New Testament Terms
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I’ll start with a quick overview of the Bible’s origin before sharing a fresh list of New Testament terms that will lead us into awe of His beautiful words and encourage us on our journey.
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.
Eternal, Life-Giving Word
Our Certainty in Difficult Times
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Greetings to you on this hot July weekend! This morning, the garden has been watered, the laundry started, the kitchen cleaned up, and here I am with a message on my heart!
He Rested
A Missing Piece Found
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I created the booklet The Feast of the Lamb – A Passover/Resurrection Devotional Haggadah in 2022 to make it easy to gather with friends each spring to celebrate Passover (traditionally called The Last Supper) and to remember Yeshua (Jesus) until He returns. With this booklet, the participants walk thoughtfully through the Israelite’s Exodus and then through a timeline of Yeshua’s life with a focus on His last week on earth. It is a special time to celebrate our deliverance through Him. (You can find the booklet here.)
Regarding timelines in the gospel accounts, it is difficult to find them because the accounts were compiled of collections of gathered writings rather than stories written in order. In their authenticity, much detail was not included. However, with the study of Hebrew culture and idioms, understanding of these timelines becomes clearer.
Making Forgiveness a Reality
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As the darkness deepens around us, we need spiritual sight more than ever to discern truth and hear God’s voice. He calls us to start by humbling ourselves (2 Chronicles 7:14). Last week, I shared three papers called Beautiful Progressions of Repentance to help us.
Part of humbling ourselves is walking tangibly in forgiveness. I like to ask Father simple questions, and so in my need to be sure my heart was clear toward the one who sinned against me, I asked, “What is forgiveness? When does the idea of forgiveness become a reality?”
His Promise of Freedom
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The image with this devotional is my untouched photograph from Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan. Yes, these pinks, lavenders, blues, and greens were in my view from the room where we stayed. The scene reminds me of Psalm 18:19, “He brought me forth into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.”
Loving Him First
Over 20 years ago when I was single, my pastor encouraged me to attend The Great Commandment Principal Seminar given by David Ferguson. In a moment during the seminar, I sat stunned, awed. Mr. Ferguson read the words of Yeshua (Jesus) from John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.” Then, he asked us – “What if this statement is not a warning, but a promise?”
A Passover Meditation
We have passed through the waters of forgiveness into freedom!
To use for your celebration, Print the PDF
The Israelites’ deliverance from judgment at Passover by the blood of spotless lambs foreshadows our deliverance from judgment through the blood of the Passover Lamb, Yeshua the Messiah.
The Israelites’ subsequent deliverance out of the enemy’s control through the Red Sea foreshadows our deliverance out of the enemy’s control through our new birth in the Holy Spirit.
We have passed through the waters of forgiveness into freedom!
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:
The Mountain View
Transfixed by His Glory
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When I was a teenager, my family vacationed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I vividly remember sitting on top of a huge sand dune at dusk to see the view of the shoreline. I remember the deep loneliness I felt, wanting to share the experience with a forever-partner who would love me always no matter what.
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.
Chosen for the Surge
His Purpose vs. My Dream
Written August 2020, revised February 2022, revised December 2023 for the New Year 2024
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As Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples walked from their last Passover feast together through the gates of Jerusalem toward the garden of Gethsemane, He said to them,
“I Am the Vine; you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) and He said,
Purifying Fire
A New Beginning
My Journey through January 2022
January 29, 2022; revisited January 28, 2024
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“In this you greatly rejoice even though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proof of your faith which is more precious than gold which perishes though refined by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Made for Another World
Windows into Joy
written December 18, 2021
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On Saturday morning, December 18, 2021, I awoke after a long night’s sleep to waves of thoughts, all connecting into a powerful revelation that produced joy in me. I grabbed my journal to capture the thoughts. After writing them down, I realized what I so often realize when writing… that the thoughts were not particularly profound in themselves; but rather they were powerful because they were personal. The Lord simply wanted to give me joy.
Readiness for Yeshua’s Return
He is eager to come for you!
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Every message these days seems to flow from the Song of Songs. He is coming back for us, His Bride! We are the delight of His heart, created in His image, the apple of His eye, the crown of His creation!
His love is our driving force for readiness. Let’s love Him back with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength by the power of the Holy Spirit!
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)
The Birth of Messiah
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
New Perspectives
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(See also A Chronology of Jesus Birth. This writing merges the Biblical accounts of His birth and is great for family reading. Print the PDF here.)
“I glorified You on the earth having accomplished the work You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17:4-5)
Yeshua Messiah existed before all time. His physical birth into the world allowed our finite frames to see and receive His glory. He visited us and accomplished our redemption! (Luke 1:68) So, when was He born?
Messiah Now
November 30, 2021; revised February 14, 2024
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We most often picture Yeshua (Jesus) as He walked on the earth in human form as recorded in the historical narratives of the Gospels of the New Testament, because His glory was revealed to us in this way (John 1:14). He became one of us! But how does He appear now as He intercedes for us? Although His splendor is beyond description and human comprehension, the Scripture gives us a glimpse into His eternal majesty with visions given in glorious, apocalyptic language that symbolizes His greatness, beauty, and sacrifice.
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 28th, at sunset and ends at nightfall on December 6th. I would like to share with you how I will recognize Hanukkah this year in a new way!
This is the Message
An Encapsulation of our Faith
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you that God is Light! (1 John 1:5)
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This past year, I have listened to many incredible speakers who are combatting the darkness with their expertise; they are doctors, lawyers, pastors, senators, journalists, nurses, and others willing to stand strong against the lies coming from every sector of our society. I appreciate their willingness to share their faith in Jesus as they put their lives on the line to address the relevant issues of the day.
The Wooing God
A Brief Summary of the Bible
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God created the heavens and the earth and all they contain. He created man and woman for relationship with Himself. He expressed His love to them with His presence and an earth full of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and pleasures to enjoy with Him and with each other.
A Word from Yeshua to Those Who Have Failed
His Covenant is Always in His Mind
Psalm 106:44-48
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Dear friends and beloved of the Lord,
I am quite sure that those who subscribe to receive my emails are those who love the Lord. You are not trying to make excuses for wrong behavior. You love Adonai with all your heart. You’ve been born again by the Ruach, the Holy Spirit. You seek to walk triumphantly, and you enjoy His presence daily. You likely take sin seriously; however, you may have failed.
Called to be Friends
Nurturing Strong Sisterhood – 12 Principles
And take Beth Ann’s Fun Challenge at the end!
3/5/2020, completed 10/7/2021; revised 3/22/2024
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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.
