Saturday, April 4, 2026

The Legend of the Sand Dollar Song

The Legend of the Sand Dollar Song

There's a lovely little legend
That I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus
Found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
You'll see that you'll find here
Four nail holes and a fifth one
Made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
Its center is the star
That appeared unto the shepherds
And led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia,
Etched on the other side
Reminds us of His birthday,
Our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
And here you will release
The five white doves awaiting
To spread Good will and peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me
To help us spread His Gospel
Through all eternity.

Author Unknown

Chorus: Sand Dollar Choir Theme Song

Sand Dollar, Sand Dollar Help Me Tell The Story, Sand Dollar Sand Dollar Help Me Tell The Story...How He Lived, How He Loved, How He Died, and Rose Again.

Over Twentyfive Years Ago....I wrote a chorus to this poem. I posted it to my blog. It is no longer there. Somehow it is not on my blog any longer. I'm trying not to say someone removed it. I came up with the name Sand Dollars for our children's choir. Our Church had a sea theme. They still do as far as I know. The last I heard the choir is still called the Sand Dollars, though we are no longer there. It's a good easter song to sing.

I chose to use this song because this poem was no longer used or read for some reason and had no owner.

I can still sing this song with no trouble at all.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

✝️ THE ENTIRE STORY OF EASTER

✝️ THE ENTIRE STORY FORM OF EASTER

THE STORY BEGINS IN THE QUIET OF A GARDEN

The night was still.

The moon hung softly over the olive trees of Gethsemane, where Jesus knelt alone.

His disciples, tired from the long day, had fallen asleep nearby.

Jesus knew what was coming.

He knew the pain, the cross, the betrayal — and yet His heart was steady.

He whispered a prayer that would echo through all eternity:

“Not my will, but thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42 (KJV)

In that moment, Jesus chose you.

He chose love.

He chose the cross.

🔥 THE ARREST — WHEN DARKNESS TRIED TO WIN

Suddenly, the quiet garden filled with the clatter of swords and the glow of torches.

A crowd of soldiers pushed through the trees.

Jesus did not hide.

He stepped forward.

“Whom seek ye?” He asked.

They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

And with calm authority, He said:

“I am he.” — John 18:5 (KJV)

The soldiers fell backward at His words — because even in chains, Jesus was still the King.

He allowed Himself to be taken, not because He was weak,

but because He came to save the lost.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (KJV)

✝️ THE TRIAL — LOVE ON TRIAL BEFORE MEN

Jesus was taken from place to place — questioned, mocked, beaten.

People lied about Him.

Crowds shouted for His death.

Yet He never argued.

Never fought back.

Never stopped loving.

Like a lamb before its shearers, He was silent.

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7 (KJV)

🌑 THE CROSS — WHERE LOVE PAID THE HIGHEST PRICE

At last, Jesus was led to Calvary.

The sky grew dark.

The earth trembled.

The Savior suffered.

Nails pierced His hands.

A crown of thorns pressed into His brow.

But it wasn’t the nails that held Him there.

Love did.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (KJV)

As Jesus hung on the cross, He looked at the world with compassion —

even forgiving the very people who hurt Him.

Finally, He cried:

“It is finished.” — John 19:30 (KJV)

The price for sin was paid in full.

🌘 THE SILENT TOMB — A WAITING WORLD

Jesus’ body was placed in a borrowed tomb.

A heavy stone sealed the entrance.

Roman soldiers stood guard.

To His followers, it felt like hope had died.

The world seemed quiet, cold, and broken.

But heaven knew something the world did not.

The story was not over.

🌅 THE RESURRECTION — THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED

Early Sunday morning, before the sun rose, the earth shook.

A bright angel rolled the stone away.

The tomb was empty.

Jesus was alive.

“He is not here: for He is risen.” — Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

Death had lost.

Sin had been defeated.

Hope had returned.

The greatest victory in history happened in a quiet garden at dawn.

👣 THE RISEN SAVIOR WALKS AGAIN

Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, calling her by name.

He walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

He entered a locked room and said, “Peace be unto you.”

He ate with them.

He taught them.

He comforted them.

More than 500 people saw Him alive.

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.” — Revelation 1:18 (KJV)

The risen Savior proved that nothing — not even death — could stop His love.

🌍 THE GREAT COMMISSION — THE STORY CONTINUES WITH US

Before returning to heaven, Jesus gave His followers a mission:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel.” — Mark 16:15 (KJV)

The Easter story didn’t end at the empty tomb.

It continues every time someone shares the good news that Jesus lives.

🌸 WHAT MAKES EASTER SPECIAL

Easter is special because:

Jesus kept His promise.
Love conquered death.
Hope became unbreakable.
We can be forgiven.
We can live forever with Him.
The Savior who died… now lives forevermore.

Easter is the day the world changed —

and the day our hearts can change too.

💡 A TRUTH TO REMEMBER

“Easter isn’t about what’s in the basket.

It’s about what’s not in the tomb.”

🙏 CLOSING PRAYER

“Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so deeply that You died for our sins and rose again. Help us to remember the true meaning of Easter and to share Your love with others. Amen.”

Here’s a more in‑depth, heartfelt closing prayer and invitation that beautifully expands your original thought, George — written in your warm, ministry style and suitable for any age group.

🙏 Closing Prayer and Invitation — “He Is Risen!”

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving us so deeply that You came to earth, lived among us, and gave Your life upon the cross. Thank You for bearing our sins so that we could be forgiven and free. Thank You for rising again, proving that death has no power over You — and that Your love is stronger than anything in this world.

Lord, help us to remember that Easter is not just a day, but a promise — a promise that You are alive, that You walk beside us, and that Your grace is enough for every heart that believes.

Fill our minds with Your truth, our hearts with Your peace, and our lives with Your joy.

If anyone listening has never truly received You as Savior, may they hear Your gentle call today.

You are still saying, “Come unto Me.”

You are still opening the door of mercy and hope.

You are still offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who will believe.

Jesus, we come to You now — thankful, humbled, and amazed by Your love.

Teach us to live in the light of Your resurrection, to share Your love with others, and to walk each day in the victory You have given.

In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

MBANNABENPBKBPMNMRMGEOPA #1001oa

🐑 Little Lambs Learn to Pray - Prayer

🐑 Little Lambs Learn to Pray

A Devotional “Every Day”

🌅 Every Day Begins With God

Little Lamb woke up early, just as the sun began to rise.
He stretched his tiny legs, blinked his sleepy eyes, and whispered,
“Thank You, Lord, for a brand‑new day.”

Little Lamb didn’t know what the day would bring — sunshine or clouds, playtime or chores — but he knew one thing for sure: every day is better when he talks to Jesus first.

Just like the song says:

“Ev‑er‑ry day, when the sun arises,
Fill us with praise,
For Your love shines always.”

Little Lamb learned that prayer isn’t something big or fancy.
It’s simply talking to God — in the morning, at sunset, and all the moments in between.

🌇 When the Day Winds Down

As the sky turned orange and purple, Little Lamb watched the sunset paint the hills.
He felt peaceful inside, because he remembered to pray again.

“Thank You, Lord, for being with me today.
Help me love You more tomorrow.”

And the gentle words of the song echoed in his heart:

“Ev‑er‑ry day, when sunset is painting,
Fill us each day
With Your loving ways.”

Little Lamb learned that prayer keeps his heart close to Jesus — morning, noon, and night.

📖 Bible Verse for Little Hearts

Psalm 55:17 (KJV)
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”

Little Lamb smiled when he heard this verse.
“Jesus hears me every time I pray,” he said.
“And that means I can talk to Him every day!”

🌼 A Simple Little Lamb Prayer

“Dear Jesus,
Help me talk to You every day.
Fill my heart with Your love in the morning,
Guide my steps through the day,
And give me peace at night.
Thank You for hearing me.
Amen.”

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

MBANNABENPBKBPMNMRMGEOPA #1001na

🐑 I WANDERED AWAY

🐑 I WANDERED AWAY

Verse 1

I wandered away, I strayed from the fold,
The path felt wide, but my heart felt cold.
I thought I’d be fine, I thought I could roam,
But I missed Your voice… and I missed my home.

Chorus

Little Lamb says, “Jesus, please —
Come and find this lamb like me.”
I wandered far, but now I pray:
Lead me back — I’ll walk Your way.

Verse 2

I wandered away, the sky turned gray,
The joy I had just slipped away.
I called Your name, I cried alone,
But You heard my voice — and brought me home.

Chorus

Little Lamb says, “Jesus, please —
Come and find this lamb like me.”
I wandered far, but now I pray:
Lead me back — I’ll walk Your way.

Bridge

You leave the ninety‑nine behind,
To find one, for your love is kind.
You carry me with gentle grace,
And hold me in Your warm embrace.

Final Chorus

Little Lamb says, “Jesus, please —
Thank You for Your love for me.”
I wandered far, but now I stay:
Safe with you, I trust and pray

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©

MBANNABENPBKBPMRMNMGEOPASTOR #1001 m

• Psalm 119:10 — “With my whole heart have

I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Friday, April 3, 2026

My Ministry Signature Icon, My Explanation, Lambs Certificate

✨ “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”

— Lamentations 3:41 (KJV)

“Lord, here is my heart.

You see everything about me.

Your mercies are new every morning.

I lift my heart to You —

for Your help, Your guidance,

Your protection, and Your blessing.”

The Heart is a Symbol of Everything I Am and Everything I'm Not.

“Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”
When I lift my heart up to God, I’m really saying, “Lord, here is my heart. You already see everything about me.”
Father God has every right to know all that I am, and I have trusted Him with my life. In my heart, I lift my hands to Him. I’ve learned that when I hold my heart up before Him, I’m admitting that I am undeserving — as we all are — yet His mercies are new every morning.

As I go through the motion of lifting my heart to my Daddy God, I’m asking for His mercy and protection, His guidance and His blessing, His help and His kindness, His presence and His power.
That simple motion — holding my heart up to God — reminds me that He knows everything about me. Nothing is hidden. And so I say, “Here I am, Lord. Please help me.”

Thursday, April 2, 2026

🐣 GET UP AND GET READY "New Song"

🐣 GET UP AND GET READY — IT’S EASTER MORN!

A Fun, Truth‑Filled

Verse 1

Get up and get ready — it’s Easter morn!

The sun is rising bright — a brand‑new day is born!

The kidos stretch and wiggle, then shout with happy cheer:

“Jesus is alive — the Savior’s risen here!”

Chorus

Get up! Get ready! It’s Easter morn today!

The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty — Jesus lives always!

Get up! Get ready! Lift your voice and sing —

Jesus is alive, our risen Lord and King!

Verse 2

Get up and get ready — the angels said, “Don’t fear!”

“The Lord is not here — He’s risen!” loud and clear.

The Kido's hop with joy, they clap and sing around,

Because the greatest news has shaken all the ground!

Chorus

Get up! Get ready! It’s Easter morn today!

The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty — Jesus lives always!

Get up! Get ready! Lift your voice and sing —

Jesus is alive, our risen Lord and King!

Bridge ( Echo)

Leader Puppet: He is risen!

Kids/Puppets: He is risen!

Leader Puppet: He is living!

Kids/Puppets: He is living!

Leader Puppet: He is with us!

Kids/Puppets: He is with us!

Together: Forevermore! Forevermore.

Final Chorus

Get up! Get ready! It’s Easter morn today!

The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty — Jesus lives always!

Morning, noon, and night — we shout with joyful praise,

Jesus lives forever — now and all our days!

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026©MBANNABENPMRMNMPBKBGEOPASTOR #1001

🐑 LITTLE LAMB SINGS “EVERY DAY”

“EVERY DAY”

Verse 1

Ev‑er‑ry day, when the sun arises,
Fill us with praise,
For Your love shines always.
Ev‑er‑ry day, when morning is waking,
Guide us in joy,
With the path You’re making.

Chorus

Little Lamb sings, “Thank You, Lord,
For blessings new and bright.”
Little Lamb sings, “Lead us, Lord,
In Your gentle light.”

Verse 2

Ev‑er‑ry day, when sunset is painting,
Fill us again
With Your loving ways.
Ev‑er‑ry day, when shadows are falling,
Keep us in peace
As we end our day.

Chorus

Little Lamb sings, “Thank You, Lord,
For blessings new and bright.”
Little Lamb sings, “Lead us, Lord,
In Your gentle light.”

Tag

Ev‑er‑ry day,
Ev‑er‑ry way,
Jesus loves His lambs —
And holds them safe always.

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© MBAnnaBenPMRMNMPBKBGeoPastor # 1001k

“Raise your heart up, O God, with Your hands —

lift me where Your peace and mercy stand.”

Lamentations 3:41

“Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” This verse encourages believers to express their hearts and hands in worship, acknowledging their dependence on God and seeking His guidance and mercy. The act of lifting the heart signifies a deep emotional and spiritual connection with God, reflecting a desire for divine intervention and support.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Count Your Jellybeans & Blessings

This Picture Is Only To be used With This Song:

🎶 “I’m Counting My Jelly Beans With My Blessings”

(Original Children’s Easter Song — by Susan Nikitenko )

Verse 1

I’ve got a little basket and it’s full of jelly beans,
Pink ones, blue ones, yellow ones, the brightest that I’ve seen.
But as I start to count them, something happens in my heart—
I think about my blessings, and that’s my favorite part!

🎵 Chorus

I’m counting my jelly beans with my blessings,
One by one they’re adding up sweet!
Jesus gives me joy that’s overflowing,
Makes my Easter extra bright and sweet!
I’m counting my jelly beans with my blessings—
Thank You, Lord, for everything You do…
And if I drop a jelly bean,
I’ll count that blessing too!

Verse 2

I’ve got a green one for the grass that grows,
A purple one for sunsets’ glow,
A red one for the love God shows,
A white one for the tomb—
Where Jesus rose!

🎵 Chorus

Bridge (Cute & Silly)

Hooty says, “Don’t eat them fast!”
Hoot says, “But they’re yummy!”
Then Hooty drops a jelly bean—
It bounces off his tummy!
They laugh and hoot and praise the Lord,
For blessings big and small—
And jelly beans that roll away
But still get counted all!

🎵 Final Chorus

I’m counting my jelly beans with my blessings,
Every color reminds me of love!
Jesus is alive—He’s risen!
Greatest gift from God above!
I’m counting my jelly beans with my blessings—
Thank You, Lord, for everything You do…
And if I drop a jelly bean,
I’ll count that blessing too!

🎶 “Count Your Jellybeans and Blessings”

Verse 1

I opened up my basket and the colors made me grin,
A rainbow full of jellybeans just waiting to begin.
But as I started counting them, I felt a happy glow—
’Cause blessings come in colors too, much more than I can know!

🎵 Chorus

Count your jellybeans and blessings,
Let your little heart feel light!
Every color tells a story
Of God’s love so warm and bright.
Count your jellybeans and blessings—
One by one, they shine right through…
And if a jellybean rolls off,
That’s one more blessing too!

Verse 2

A yellow bean for sunshine days,
A pink one for a friend,
A purple one for answered prayers,
A green one God will send.
A white one for the empty tomb—
Where Jesus rose again!
A red one for His precious love
That never, ever ends.

🎵 Chorus

Bridge (Warm & Playful)

Some blessings bounce like jellybeans,
Some blessings softly stay…
Some blessings hide like Easter eggs
Until we find them—yay!
But every one delicious,
Fruitful and nutritious…?
But a gift from God who loves us
More than we ever knew.

🎵 Final Chorus

Count your jellybeans and blessings,
Let your Easter heart rejoice!
Jesus lives forever—
Lift your happy hooting voice! Whooooo
Count your jellybeans and blessings—
Every day His love feels new…
And if a jellybean rolls off,
That's one for who knows who?

More Easter Funnies with Hooty and Hoot

This Picture Is For This Skit Only

More Easter Funnies with Hooty and Hoot

🦉 A Full Skit

“WHAT’S GOING ON?! — Easter in Brightfeather Woods”

(Hoot & Hooty Easter Slapstick Skit)

CAST

Hooty – the dramatic, wise‑ish uncle owl
Hoot – the curious, energetic little owl
Squirrel – optional cameo for extra chaos
Chick – optional tiny puppet for the surprise moment

SCENE 1 — THE EGG HUNT DISASTER

(Lights up. Hooty is arranging Easter eggs on a branch.)

Hooty: Now Hoot, remember — gentle hands. These eggs are delicate.

Hoot: Got it! Gentle like a cloud!

(Hoot picks up an egg… and immediately drops it. It rolls down the branch, bounces off a stump, and lands in Hooty’s feathers.)

Hooty: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hoot: The egg likes you, Uncle Hooty.

(Hooty shakes the egg out of his feathers. It rolls away again.)

Hooty: That egg is too energetic.

SCENE 2 — THE BUNNY MIX‑UP

(A bunny puppet hops by.)

Hoot: Uncle Hooty! The Easter Bunny is here!

Hooty: No, no… that’s just Mr. Flufferton.

(Bunny sneezes, flips backward into a basket.)

Hooty: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hoot: Mr. Flufferton needs tissues.

SCENE 3 — THE JELLYBEAN AVALANCHE

Hoot: Look! I found a giant bag of jellybeans!

Hooty: Don’t open it on the—

(Hoot opens it. Jellybeans explode everywhere. Both owls slide across the stage.)

Hooty: —hill.
Hoot: Wheeee!
Hooty: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hoot: We invented jelly‑sledding!

SCENE 4 — THE EGG THAT WOULDN’T STOP

(Hoot chases a rolling egg.)

Hoot: Uncle Hooty! This egg is running away!

Hooty: Eggs don’t run—

(Egg zooms past him. Hooty slips, spins in a circle.)

Hooty: WHOOOAAAA!
Hoot: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hooty: I think the egg is winning.

SCENE 5 — THE SURPRISE CHICK

(An egg cracks open. A tiny chick pops out and chirps loudly.)

Hoot: Uncle Hooty! Something’s happening!
Chick: CHEEP!
Hooty: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hoot: It’s saying hello!
Hooty: That’s a VERY loud hello.

SCENE 6 — THE SUNRISE SERVICE

(Owls settle down to watch the sunrise.)

Hooty: Finally… peace.
(A squirrel falls out of a tree and lands between them.)
Squirrel: I’m okay!
Hooty: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hoot: Gravity likes you today.

SCENE 7 — THE REAL EASTER MOMENT

Hoot: Uncle Hooty… Easter is wild!
Hooty: Yes… but the best part isn’t the eggs or the candy.
Hoot: It’s not?
Hooty: No. The best part is that Jesus is alive.
Hoot: Forever‑forever?
Hooty: Forever‑forever.

(They hoot joyfully.)

Hoot: Happy Easter, Uncle Hooty!
Hooty: Happy Easter, little Hoot.

(Squirrel faints from the loud hoot.)

Hooty: WHAT’S GOING ON?!
Hoot: Easter joy… it’s powerful.

🌤️ On a Day Like This -

This Picture Is For this Song Only

🌤️ On a Day Like This

A brand‑new children’s song

Verse 1

On a day like this, with the sunshine bright,

Jesus fills our hearts with His love and light.

On a day like this, when the skies turn gray,

Jesus walks beside us every single day.

Chorus

On a day like this — we praise His name!

On a day like this — His love’s the same!

Whether clouds or sun, we lift our voice,

Jesus makes our hearts rejoice!

Verse 2

On a day like this, when the winds blow strong,

Jesus gives us courage as we march along.

On a day like this, when we feel afraid,

Jesus is our helper — we are not dismayed.

Chorus

On a day like this — we praise His name!

On a day like this — His love’s the same!

Whether clouds or sun, we lift our voice,

Jesus makes our hearts rejoice!

Bridge (Echo Style)

Leader: Jesus loves me!

Kids: Jesus loves me!

Leader: Jesus leads me!

Kids: Jesus leads me!

Leader: Jesus keeps me!

Kids: Jesus keeps me!

Together: Every single day!

Final Chorus

On a day like this — we praise His name!

On a day like this — His love’s the same!

Morning, noon, or night, we shout with joy —

Jesus loves each girl and boy!

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Saturday, April 4, 2026

Friday, April 3, 2026

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

🎶 “I’m Counting My Jelly Beans With My Blessings”

Verse 1

🎵 Chorus

Verse 2

🎵 Chorus

Bridge (Cute & Silly)

🎵 Final Chorus

🎶 “Count Your Jellybeans and Blessings”

Verse 1

🎵 Chorus

Verse 2

🎵 Chorus

Bridge (Warm & Playful)

🎵 Final Chorus

🦉 A Full Skit

“WHAT’S GOING ON?! — Easter in Brightfeather Woods”

CAST

SCENE 1 — THE EGG HUNT DISASTER

SCENE 2 — THE BUNNY MIX‑UP

SCENE 3 — THE JELLYBEAN AVALANCHE

SCENE 4 — THE EGG THAT WOULDN’T STOP

SCENE 5 — THE SURPRISE CHICK

SCENE 6 — THE SUNRISE SERVICE

SCENE 7 — THE REAL EASTER MOMENT

🌤️ On a Day Like This

A brand‑new children’s song

Verse 1

Chorus

Verse 2

Chorus

Bridge (Echo Style)

Final Chorus

ATTENTION!

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