Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

Happy 4th of July!  Wow, it's hard to believe it's already this time of year!  As I sit here and reflect back, I think of all that is going on in the world today.  So much sorrow, so much grief, so much heartache.  Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, wildfires, floods, innocent men, women, and children being killed just because they don't believe in certain people or principles set forth by their governments, global warming, drugs and violence rampant on the streets, the situation with fuel prices (even though there isn't a shortage), and so much more.  It can be mind boggling!  And yet, as I turned on the news a couple of days ago, they were actually reporting something good--something wonderful--something miraculous!  Yes, 3 of our nation's men were being rescued from a South American prison of sorts where they had been held for more than 5 years.  Hallelujah!  It was through the efforts of many, and a bit of trickery involved I think, but the drug kings lost out and now these young men are now home here in America--safe, healthy, and with their families once again.  It's amazing that they survived their ordeal, and yet, we serve a mighty God, and I know He kept His hand upon them during these many years of their imprisonment.  Glory to His Name!

We take so much for granted here in America.  We have so much freedom, and yet, we tend to forget those who fought and died for us to have this freedom.  We can choose to go to any church we want to, we can send our children to public or private school or choose to homeschool them, we can wear what we want to wear, we can shop for what we need and want from any store, we have the freedom to speak our own minds--yes, we have many freedoms that much of this world has never known. 

We should each be falling to our knees every day and thanking God for the freedoms that we have.  Don't allow yourself to become caught up in the negativity that runs rampant quite often--who's running for President, who made the latest spoken blunder, what John Doe down the street said to Mr. Brown--all of that will take your focus off what is really happening. 

I truly believe that much of our country has turned their back on God.  Ouch!  I heard some statistics on the television the other day, and while many Americans said they pray and go to church (if that's so, why are there so many empty pews in so many churches?), they don't believe that there's only one way to heaven.  Oh, my goodness gracious--that's just wrong.  The Bible says that there is only one way to the Father and that's through the Son--to get to God, you must accept Jesus as your personal Saviour!

So as we begin another year of celebrating the freedom we have, let us all remember where our freedom came from.  Let us remember the good men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and our children, the good men and women continuing to lay their lives on the line every day--those in the war zones, and those on the streets of our homeland fighting terrorists and criminals to keep us safe.  Let us remember that no freedom comes freely--there's always a cost.  Let us ask God to protect our nation and bless our nation with His hedge of protection, and that He will have mercy on us and forgive us for the many times we've turned our backs on Him.  Let us correct that horrible mistake and once again turn to Him as a nation and seek His Will in all things--both corporately and individually.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful, blessed, and safe Independence Day today.  I will be home with my family and we will spend a simple day of celebration.  I'll go over the Gettysburg Address and some of the Constitution (in a simple way the children can understand), and we'll pray together as a family for our country and leaders.  We'll have a cookout (which may turn into a *cook-in* due to rains forecasted for the day), and hopefully be able to go to the Riverfront for the fireworks display tonight (if the rain doesn't cause a cancellation).  A day of simplicity--yes, what a wonderful way to celebrate our freedom!

Cynthia Robin

Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

I received a comment this evening to a post from a year ago, and the commenter was asking where to find food (click here for the post & comment).  Rather than just answering that comment there, I thought I would do a whole post on it for everyone.

Times are tough everywhere right now, for many reasons.  Unemployment is at the highest its been in many years, the fuel prices have driven up the prices not only for fuel, but for items purchased in grocery stores, and elsewhere.  The price of corn for the consumer is going up, as much of the corn being planted is going for processing as an alternative fuel.  This, in turn, will drive up meat prices, as the corn used for feeding livestock isn't being planted as much (the farmers get more $$ for it when selling it for alternative fuel sources), which means the feed will have a marked price increase, and the ranchers will need to recoup their losses in that area.  The list goes on and on....

So what is a family to do when they have hungry bellies and not enough money to buy food?  I can give some tips to stretch what food you can purchase:

• Use less meat.  Alternative sources of protein include legumes/beans, cheese, eggs, and the soy burgers you can buy.  Americans, in particular, consume way too much meat!  An adult serving is the size of a deck of cards, roughly, and many Americans consume much more than that in an average meal. 
• Use less expensive cuts of meat.  Cook them in a slow cooker, and they will be as tasty and tender as the more expensive cuts.
• Cook more stir fry dishes.  Little meat is used, but more veggies, and much better for not only your health, but your pocketbook.  Stir fry is simple to make, and doesn't have to have the fancy sauces that are found on it in the restaurants.  Served with plain rice, its a well-rounded meal and very healthy!
• Try to grow as many veggies as you can.  Even tomatoes and lettuce can be grown in pots in an apartment (yes, I do know this from experience).  The same with the newer varieties of green beans, peppers, squash, and many others. 
• Visit your local farmer's markets and roadside produce stands.  Not only is the produce fresher than the grocer's, but it is grown locally.
• Use up what you have at home first.  Make a list of everything in your pantry and freezer.  Then sit down and come up with some meal plans from there.  You'd be surprised what you really have!  Meals don't always have to include meat, potatoes, bread, dessert, etc.  A simple meal of eggs and toast can suffice in a pinch.
• Go fishing!  Yes, you can catch a fish, clean it, and cook it to serve your family.  You'll most likely need a fishing license, but compared to the cost of buying meat for a week, its well worth the price.  If you don't have a rod/reel, or don't know how to fish, find a friend who does.  If that fails, call your local County Extension Office and they may be able to help in some way.

Now, if it reaches the point where you have absolutely no food, and no way to feed your family, here are some ideas:

• If you have family, call them and let them know of the situation.  Many times someone will help, even if its a package of lunchmeat, a dozen eggs, or a loaf of bread. 
• Check your local Dept. of Human Services (it may have a different name in your state, but will be similar).  They can help you get signed up for food stamps (which will be a blessing temporarily-you can quit using them when you're back on your feet again).  Also, they can give you the names/addresses/phone numbers of those in your area who may have a Food Pantry.
• Call your church.  Many times they will either have a Food Pantry to help those in need, or may be able to connect you with someone in the congregation who may be able to help you with some groceries.
• Call other churches.  The same thing applies as stated above.
• Call the nearest Mission.  Yes, they are generally geared for the homeless, but can often allow the needy to come in for a hot, nourishing meal.
• Sign up with your local Employment Office.  Not only can they help you find employment (even if its flipping burgers temporarily), they can connect you with social workers who can help you find emergency food.

The important thing to remember is that you may have to swallow your pride.  Sometimes we reach the point where we have to ask others for help.  Trust me, I know this isn't an easy thing to do!  I've had to do it a few times in my own life, and it taught me humility in a big way. 

One way that I like to stretch my food budget is by purchasing from Angel Food Ministries.  For $30 you receive a week's worth of food to feed a family of 4.  This is the best deal around, folks!  When you click on their name, it will take you to their site.  There you can find the nearest church to you that participates, and also what the "menu" for the current month is.  Also, they accept USDA Food Stamps, which will help many more families, too.  You can purchase as many boxes as you want, and also after you purchase your first box of food for the month, you can purchase some of the "extras" they offer, which are also bargains.  It's a win-win situation!

I do hope these tips have helped someone in some way.  I know its hard to feed a family during these rough times, but our Lord does make the way for us to do so.  Before doing anything, seek Him, and pour out your situation to Him from your heart.  Allow Him to lead you and guide you to those who can help.

Much love,

Cynthia Robin

Posted in Daily Blessings

Once again I find myself with time slipping by very, very quickly.  It seems as though it was just yesterday that I was posting here, and I look, and its been more than 2 weeks.  Yikes! 

Life has been busy.  That's about all I can say.  Between school, taking care of my grandchildren, and helping a friend take care of her grandmother, its hard just finding the time to tend to the work in my homemaking.  However, our Lord is generous with His guiding hand, and He is leading me where I need to be with His priorities in mind.

I have closed my online fellowshipping group for the time being.  Again, time is a big factor with that.  I may reopen it at some point in the future with the Lord's leading, but for now it will remain closed for a while.  This was a hard and painful decision for me to make, but since doing so, I'm feeling a tremendous sense of freedom.  Perhaps its that the burden of the decision-making is past me now, or perhaps its just knowing that I've freed up a bit more time every day that is so desperately needed.  Many of the sisters are keeping in touch with me via private email, and are quite understanding when it takes me a few days to answer them.  I am going through the post archives (slowly), and gathering all of the recipes for a group cookbook.  I will put it in a nice format, and that will be a treasure for each of them to have and enjoy for many years.

The Nuggets of Wisdom newsletter is way behind schedule, but it, too, will go out soon.  The next couple of weeks are filled with Finals and my Graduation, but I am working on it as I can.  It will be a double issue, seeing as how I missed putting out the April edition (oops).  So the April/May edition should be in your inbox sometime by the middle of June (okay, maybe it will be a triple edition!).  I'd rather have it be late and of excellent quality, than on time and mediocre.  I'm of the opinion that anything worth doing is worth doing well.  My dear Mama taught me that many, many years ago and it still holds true for me to this day.

I've been having some transportation issues lately.  My beloved T-Bird is heading to the scrap yard, unfortunately.  It seems that the parts needed for it are impossible to find as the car is now considered "obsolete"!!!  I nearly cried when the Ford dealership told me that, as I dearly loved my little sports car.  However, it was beyond me to keep it considering the cost of the repairs that needed to be done--even if the parts could be found at a junkyard somewhere in the world.  So I will be on the lookout for a new car (hopefully small and fuel-efficient), and will be commuting by bus in the meantime.  Considering the cost of gasoline here lately, the bus is much more economical (especially when you consider my little T-Bird was a V-8!!!). 

All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose!

Hugs,

Cynthia Robin

Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

Mother's Day--one of the sweetest, most loving days of the year!  I remember when I was young, how much fun it was to pick out something special to give to my precious Mama.  Most often it was flowers I'd pick myself (sometimes from her own flower beds, sometimes from a field of wildflowers near our home), but I remember one year in particular that I got her something else. 

My big sister took me shopping.  I don't remember the name of the store now, although she might, but just the fact that she took me was one of the reasons it was so special to me.  We searched and searched and finally found what I wanted to get our Mama--a big, beautiful cookie jar!  It was brown, and looked like wood (although it was ceramic and very heavy), and had flowers on it interwoven in through the "wood" slats.  Mama was very happy with her new cookie jar, and I was so thrilled with that because I was the one who picked it out! 

I was blessed in many ways, and still am.  I was fortunate to have 2 Mothers--my birth mother and my adopted mother.  My adopted mother (who was biologically my maternal grandmother, which made her even more special to me) raised me up, taught me the Word, instilled in me the values and principles that I continue to live my life by today, and showered me with her loving kindness.  I never for a moment doubted that I was one of the most loved and cherished little girls ever made by the hand of God!  My birth mother and I became much closer after I was an adult, and she continued to teach me in the same ways my Mama did.  Long talks over tea, wisdom pouring out of her on many subjects, and over it all, the assurance that I was very loved and cherished. 

Both of my Mothers have left this earth now, however, they are both very much alive today in my heart.  Their combined wisdom has been poured into me, just as anointing oil is poured out into another vessel to be used.  Their love is still growing in my heart, and reminds me that I am indeed very special and very cherished. 

They taught me well, these Mothers of mine.  And their teaching is now being taught once again, this time to my grandchildren.  As I look at them, I remember special times with my own Mothers, and continue to carry on special family traditions that are positive and loving.  As I sit and brush my granddaughter's hair, I'm reminded of my Mama sitting and brushing my hair, and then rolling it on brown rubber perm rods on Saturday night so it would be lovely for Sunday morning church services.  As I teach my grandson to cook, I'm reminded of my Mother teaching me how to make her "special" spaghetti sauce, enjoyed by so many in our family.  Yes, the traditions, the teachings, the wisdom, and the love are continuing on to another generation, such as it should be.

The brown cookie jar?  It now sits proudly in my kitchen, and is occasionally filled with the wonderful cookies that come out of my oven.  It, too, continues on for another generation.

May all of the Mothers (biological, adopted, and foster), Grandmothers, Aunts, and Sisters enjoy a most wonderful Mother's Day today!  

Hugs,

Cynthia Robin 

Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

I have begun reading The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.  Although I'm not married, this book has really been touching me in a special way.  I read the following, and thought I'd share it here with you:

Creating A Home

I don't care how liberated you are, when you are married there will always be two areas that will ultimately be your responsibility: home and children.  Even if you are the only one working and your husband stays home to keep the house and tend the kids, you will still be expected to see that the heart of your home is a peaceful sanctuary--a source of contentment, acceptance, rejuvenation, nurturing, rest, and love for your family.  On top of this, you will also be expected to be sexually appealing, a good cook, a great mother, and physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit.  It's overwhelming to most women, but the good news is that you don't have to do it all on your own.  You can seek God's help.

Ask the Lord to show you how to make your home a safe haven that builds up your family--a place where creativity flows and communication is ongoing.  Ask God to help you keep the house clean, the laundry done, the kitchen in order, the pantry and the refrigerator full, and the beds made.  These are basic things a man may not compliment his wife on every day (or ever), but he will notice if they are not done.

Dearest sisters, it is ever so important for us to keep our homes in order and train up our children in the ways and the knowledge of the Lord!  When we awake in the morning, we need to spend time with our Lord before we do anything else.  This will enable us to have our mind set on Him, and He will then guide us through our day.  You've heard me say this many times before--set your alarm 1/2 hour earlier than everyone else gets up in order that you may have the uninterrupted time you need with the Lord!  I know it's hard, especially if you've been up and down all night, nursing a baby or a sick child.  But it's even more vital then! 

As we see the chaos in the world around us growing worse every day, we don't have a lot of control over it all.  We can't stop the wars, we can't control the wildfires, we can't prevent the droughts, or control the weather.  We can do our minute part, yes, but we have no ultimate control over any of it.

However, we can control what is going on within us--we can control ourselves.  As we learn self-control, the peace that will fill our hearts and minds from the Lord will radiate from us to those living in and visiting our home.  We will learn to pur Him first and foremost, and not to be afraid of what is happening in the world.  The spirit of fear will have no place in our lives, as our faith will grow ever stronger and dispel all fear in and around us.

May you put this into place in your own life and have a most blessed and glorious week serving our Lord!

Hugs,

Cynthia Robin

Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

magazines that I would recommend to anyone with children is The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  Even if you are not an *official* homeschooler, this magazine has wonderful tips and ideas for every parent, grandparent, and anyone and everyone who works with children.  Lessons, encouragement, practical advice--it's all there.  Wonderful resouce listings?  Yep, they're there, too! 

As most folks know, I don't officially homeschool my grandchildren--they attend a public school.  However, they do get quite a bit of teaching from this Nanna in an *unofficial* capacity, and their public school teachers have told me many times how they can tell this in the classroom setting.  I follow up with what the teachers are doing, and then usually go a step further, and this has really enhanced their education.  How do I do this?  Where did I get the *idea* to do this?  Why, from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!

Try it out for yourself, and you will find that not only are the children in your life being better equipped in the many learning experiences they have, but you'll learn quite a lot yourself! You'll find links to the magazine in the post below this one, and also by clicking on the magazine cover in my sidebar to your right.

Enjoy!

Cynthia Robin

Posted in Featured Site of the Month

Posted in Daily Blessings

I've had a most lovely week here in my home.  The birds have been singing, the air has began to warm each day, and the spring rains are doing their best to clear the air of the pollen that has triggered allergies in many folks.  Yes, Spring has most definitely arrived, and I am ever so thankful for it!

I've been on Spring Break from school this week, and won't be returning until the middle of next week.  What have I been doing to keep myself busy?  Not much!  A bit of homekeeping, a bit of ironing, helping a friend with some of her work, and a lot of reading!  Nothing strenuous, nothing mind-boggling, but a lot of opportunity to spend time with the Lord and delve into His Word more. 

I am hoping to do a bit of sewing later today and tomorrow.  My precious granddaughter has somehow managed to outgrow most of her clothes!  Ah, never fear, this Nanna has plenty of fabric for her, lots of patterns that she has already chosen from, and the skill to get a couple of outfits made in no time at all.  That's what grandmothers are for, isn't it?

My precocious grandson is still able to wear many of his clothes, thankfully.  He's grown, too, but more upward than outward.  As the weather continues to warm, I'll cut off his jeans that grow too short, hem them, and he'll have some nice shorts for Summertime.  Boys are so much easier when it comes to their clothes, don't you think?  It isn't hard to find clothing for them that's modest and reasonably priced.  Finding store-bought clothes for little girls, on the other hand, can quickly turn into a nightmare of the worst kind.  It seems everything available is immodest, overly priced, and totally unsuitable for the age groups they're made for.  Unfortunately this says a lot about today's society--why should the manufacturers of clothing think a 5-year old should not only look *sexy*, but wear clothes that actually have the word (and others in its class) printed on them?  Much prayer is needed for the world and its ideas today, for sure!  I'm ever so thankful my granddaughter prefers to wear clothes that cover her--she likes her skirts and dresses at least to her knees, as well as her shorts (although she prefers capris to shorts).  She prefers tops with sleeves in them, and is fastidious about how she looks.  Thank You, Lord!

I'm planning to do a bit of cooking ahead tomorrow, in preparation for when I go back to school.  Next quarter I'll have classes all 5 days of the week, which will cut down on the time I have available at home to cook and bake.  My freezer meals will surely come in handy then!  I'll fix up an extra large batch of bread, or divide it into 2 batches, and freeze a few loaves for those days when I just don't have the time to make any.  I'm sure some cupcakes will find their way into the freezer as well--quick treats for little ones wanting a snack!

I must say, this Spring Break has been a refreshing change of pace for me.  I've spent little time on my computer--not even turning it on some days.  That's almost a first for me, looking back over the last few years.  It seems I've been spending more and more time on this contraption, what with school work, writing, email, etc.  Sometimes, though, one must take a break from it and get back in touch with life itself.  I dearly love my online friends and acquaintances, and miss them when I don't hear from them, but its been nice to step back for a little while.  They all understand, and that shows me that they do care very much.

Well, once again, its time to turn this machine off and get back to relaxing.  I do hope you've been having a lovely week, too, and that the Spring air is bringing you much joy and refreshing!

Hugs,

Cynthia Robin

Posted in Scripture of the Week

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.

And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.  And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.

~Matthew 28

Posted in Scripture of the Week

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: and when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.  And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 

And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. 

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews?  And Jesus said unto him, thou sayest.  And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?  And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.  And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.  Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, whom will ye that I release unto you?  Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?  For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.  The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?  They said, Barabbas. 

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?  They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done?  But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 

And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. 

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 

And sitting down they watched him there; and set up over his head his accusation, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.  And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself.  If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.  Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.  If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.  The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.  And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.  The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. 

And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. 

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: he went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.  Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 

Now the next day, that follwed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 

So they went, and made the supulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

~Matthew 27