(hand written) April 1984
NEW BEGINNINGS
And very early on the first day of the week, Mary
Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus and Salome, went to the tomb of Jesus
when the sun had risen, and looking up they saw that the stone was rolled back.
And entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed
in a white robe, and they were amazed. And he said unto them, "Do not be
amazed: you seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is not here, for He is
risen. See the place where He was laid."
This is the eternal story and reminder of the Easter
season. He that you thought to be dead has risen! Thus we celebrate Easter as a
time of new beginnings. The fabled Phoenix bird, filled with fresh youth and
vigor, springs anew from the ashes of its dead past. The seed which has lain
dormant and seemingly dead in its frozen pod through the dark, icy months of
winter, now bursts forth from the prison of its confining shell and, filled
with new life, begins its journey upward through the dark soil, toward the
light and warmth that comes from above. This is the lesson of Easter which all
of us should take to our own hearts and consciousness, on this, and every
Easter season.
Let us put behind us the ashes of disappointment and
failure that cling to our feet and slow our stride. Let us burst the shell of
fear and apprehension that keeps us imprisoned in the dark and cold of apathy
and indecision. Let us dedicate ourselves anew to that upward journey that
leads to the wonderful light and warmth that comes from above.
Jesus said, "Through Me are all things made new. No
man can take my life, but I give it that I may take it again." The great
lesson of Easter is that no man is ever beyond God's reach. The opportunity for
rebirth, for new life and vigor are always there no matter how far we
may think we have strayed from Him, a single cry to Him can reestablish
communication, and a single sincere prayer can miraculously bring new life and
hope. The fact, however, that we can be born again, that we can renew our lives
and reestablish contact with God at any time, is no excuse for losing contact
in the first place. The God within us is constantly available for consultation
and advice whenever we may choose to seek it. To some persons, God is a remote
and unattainable being in some far away Heaven, beyond the reach of mortals.
Only the direst of distress and extremity will cause such persons to seek God's
aid, and then with but little faith that it will be forthcoming. God should be our
constant companion and partner as we go through life. A consultant for every
problem, a reliable guide for every step of the way.
While the Easter season is valuable in reminding us of the
cycle of rebirth and regeneration, while the new Easter bonnets and gowns that
appear among us, and the Easter lillies which grace our homes and our churches
are all symbols of that regeneration, they do not mean that we must wait until
Easter of each year to make use of the principle. It is available to us all, at
all times and in every place and condition in which we may find ourselves.
(signed) Daniel W. Fry
You've just read Dr. Fry's Easter feelings -------- here
are mine.
As all holidays pass quickly, and new years bound into the
future, the season of spring is awakening life and beauty around us. Dark
crusty soil turns to rich life giving earth as it breaks apart making room for
tiny blades of grass and fields of richly colored flowers.
The outward manifestation of life grows and develops new
things. Creatures of the earth regenerate making a precious abundance of
newness. Mother Nature makes way for her babies and fresh scents of greens and
yellows. And air blows into fields, homes and hearts.
We celebrate a day we call Easter. The meaning of Easter
as it is known to us is the association of the resurrection of Christ in the
season of spring. Returning to His divine Father on that day, Christ gave
mankind a staircase to heaven.
Eternal life for all creatures begins after the
cold dead of winter. From the reaches of heaven and beyond our presence of mind
the elements of nature begin - in the season of spring!
For us, Easter takes the time to teach us the meaning of
our lives, and the depth with which we should view our fellow man. Life is more
precious to us than any other single possession.
Happiness surrounded with love and kindness, are Easter
additives. With the rich meaning of this special time, joy in funny little
things like tiny bunnies and brightly colored Easter eggs delight the eye. The
unit of the family seems closer together and a new year becomes stronger as it
grows older, both in wisdom and maturity.
Let this Easter take the time to touch the hearts of one
another and see the kindness in each of us, rather than what one possesses in
the material aspect, and celebrate the simplicity of being together.
May you be blessed with all that makes you happiest.
(signed) Cleona Q. Fry
Treasurer
Our 30th year of service.
