why hope if you have

I’m hearing the word HOPE a lot lately. From some it’s like a cross your fingers and just maybe if we have extreme luck something MIGHT just happen. Others are firm in their hope. Trusting in a level that is infectious.

The many variations of hope isn’t really the issue, but what is that hope focused on…

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25

I really feel its time for our HOPE to GROW!
Time to really know that we are not cast offs but grafted in children of God.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. Romans 8:18-21

I do love Romans 8. A few years ago a group gathered to study it further. We realized that in so many ways we were waiting for these things to be real when Jesus comes again or when our earthly life is done. But the creation is speaking loudly NOW that we as children of God really need to start living on earth as it is in heaven. We weren’t just saved for a blessed death. We were chosen to be disciples here and now.

In the coming weeks, take some time in Romans 8 and seek further what it means to live according to the Spirit – not the flesh.
Ask God what it means for your life that the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you? Romans 8:11

We have been living in only a fraction of our true identity in Christ. The time is coming when we are going to need to know what our relationship and identity is really about and use it in every moment.

I bless you with wisdom and understanding as you seek His ways and truth for your life. That You will see yourself with new eyes – the eyes of the Father reflecting to you just how much you are made in His image. And He says it is good! That isn’t something you have to hope for – its something you already have!

enjoy the clouds

My painting “Through the Clouds” is with an online gallery and was being featured last week. I found a quote to go with the post that left me thinking further on clouds.

It is better to have your head in the clouds, and know where you are… than to breathe the clearer atmosphere below them, and think that you are in paradise.
Henry David Thoreau

Through the Clouds – encaustic oil and hot wax 12×12

What do you see through the clouds?

I felt so much more on clouds and not just with this painting. Clouds of covid, candidates, colors and cares. So much clouding our joy, our vision, our hope. Are we trusting only in what we see, what’s in the news, what our friends or family say? Are we focusing so much on the clouds, yet missing the purpose of them?

We MUST have clouds for rain, for covering from the intensity of the sun. Even the rainbow comes through the clouds.

Many verses on clouds came to mind too. Here are a few to think about.
Exodus 13:21 And the Lord went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel by day or night.

1 Corinthians 10:1 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea.

Genesis 9:13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (and how long does a covenant last? hmmmm)

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Hope and promise are not found only in sunshine but even in the clouds and most certainly in His Word.

Thank you Lord that Your words are anchors we can rely on when the storm tossed waters are beating at our door. Your covenant has not stopped even if we have been wandering or wondering. Help us to discover the blessings and the promises that are always there even when we can’t see clearly through the clouds. Open our eyes to see how you are parting the sea and guiding us day and night for safe passage through it all ….

Surroundings

The past few years have definitely changed my perspective. Full-time work as a buyer from international places is definitely different than being self-employed and serving international ministries. As I work from home again but for an employer, the dynamics of years ago are not quite there. I am still finding working at home a good shift during this season.

I’m actually finding many good things this year! Though distractions come in a variety of ways.

-Amazing youtube worship can fill the air since I don’t share the office with eight others.
-I can pray or sing and not bother co-workers but still be connected via messaging.
-Zoom calls and facetime – so you can see each other unmasked.
-News – I have the choice on what I want to hear. Some days a headline is enough.
-Cats become like glue when you are there daily. (I do miss escaping from cat hair.)
-Sweater or thermostat? A bit more control.
-FRESH AIR!! I love open windows!

It really is our choice for perspective, isn’t it?

Do I want my knowledge to be what darkness is covering the earth or how the light is showing in brighter ways?

Today, I definitely opt for LIGHT!

John 1:4-5 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

What surrounds us does not have to decide for us.
May you feel you have the choice today!

get ready

Atmosphere of Peace – oil and cold wax 16x16x2 panel

This week will be putting together art, words, ideas and preparing for the installation that is coming quickly. Already issues are trying to make things difficult, but flexibility and knowing God’s always there helps to keep the focus on what needs to come. Prayer and time with the Lord helps to keep the mind on what is true, noble, right, pure … what is excellent or praiseworthy! (Philippians 4:8)

I love how His word sustains, encourages and guides.

²³ Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ” John 14:23-27

Thank you Lord that your Word continues to speak. I pray that Your peace would be with each person reading and be felt in a deeper way this week. Help our hearts and minds stay focused on Your truths! All things are possible!

new things

New Song – oil and cold wax medium on 2x18x24 panel

I was repeatedly having the words NEW SONG coming in journals, sketches and stray paintings. I decided it was time to do something bigger with it and explore more what God had to say…

A dear friend would regularly say to many, “God is doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?”

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

God loves to create! He loves to change the things that look barren, desolate and empty. He loves to breath life to bones and yet we often keep Him in a box and say things are impossible. WHY?

If we were reading in His Word – we would see all through old and new, He was taking impossibilities and making something from them! He was using people that were not the norm to become a new norm. He took the simplicity of water and turned it into the most amazing wine. He died in a very unjust way to bring justice and freedom to all.

We have gotten so used to the world’s system instead of the heavenly promises. Did you know there ARE over 7,700 promises from God? And His words do not fall to the ground! Will you dare to believe these are for you and for today! His Word is eternal – it wasn’t just back then – it is for now!

9“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
¹² You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
¹³ Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
    for an everlasting sign,
    that will endure forever.” Isaiah 55:9-13

I pray that today you would find a promise of God’s that would speak richly to your spirit and reveal to you the wonders of His ways. That you would see with new eyes and begin singing your new song!

(Its also a good day to start a negativity fast. If negative thoughts or words start coming your way or out of your mouth, ask God to show you a word of truth or promise that will help you renew your mind! He wants to give us the best – not the worst. Will you receive it?)

from mess to rest

Rough Spots – oil and cold wax medium on 18×24 panel

We all have things going on in our lives that aren’t the best, that try our patience, that test our resolve, even making us doubt our sanity. I can just imagine how Saul (Paul) felt as he went after those who were called Christians to destroy them. Then finding himself blinded, healed and changed. That could certainly be called a rough spot. Yet he learned the place of rest.

Do you think he had some understanding of what we would go through in a world that seems to magnify even more the dysfunction and depravity that he was part of?

His writings are filled with such wisdom for someone who came far in the world without knowing Jesus and then went so much further after his surrender to the Lord. Especially considering he wasn’t one who walked with Jesus for those three years.

His writings share so much that there is hope, there is possibility, there is more to this life on earth – not just after death. We don’t find it in striving to understand through our earthly eyes but only in resting in the truth of His Word, His ways and who He says we are.

I pray today you will remember that there is nothing impossible for God. That even those who seem far away from Him can become the closest. I pray with you that those who don’t know God’s goodness, grace and joy will encounter Him today!

If you need help finding that resting spot, I suggest digging into the writings of Paul in Corinthians, Colossians or Romans or send me a message. He wants to give you His best!!!

time to reveal

Shoreline Treasures – oil/cwm 12×12

In many places in my journals I’ve written about buried treasures, how the tide shifts what seems lost at sea and as I pray into those areas more, I have felt the Lord share the most amazing stories.

Eph 1:3 jumped out boldly to me a few years ago.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Eph 1:3

Yes – He knew us BEFORE we were formed in our mother’s womb. He gave his life for us before we existed on this earth and He wanted us to become intimately acquainted with Him. His word says that he desires ALL to come to the knowledge of Him. Not just some chosen royal priesthood, but ALL. Then they ALL can become that royal priesthood.

Each one of us has been “gifted” with heavenly identities, “gifted” with spiritual blessings, “gifted” with open access to His throne of mercy and grace. We’ve let those “gifts” be buried at sea. Many have given up on ever seeing the fullness they felt would come to their lives.

Those gifts have not gone away, they have not slipped through your hands forever. They are still there waiting. God’s yes – is a constant. Yes and Amen (let it be so). He LOVES the impossible because He sees possibility all around. 

I pray you will ask God to bring those buried treasures back to the surface. That you would seek again the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. He is eager to bless you abundantly!  (John 10:10)

until

Sheltered – oil and cold wax medium – Psalm 91 on silk embedded to the left

It’s been a great season for creating new art as I continue my exploration with oil and cold wax medium. So many stories come as I create. Often words, verses and lyrics are even written in the paintings with my wonderful bamboo skewer.

Winter seems a good time to start bringing some words.

Years ago I was encouraged by another artist with Psalm 91. As I continue to read it, more images come to mind.

Whether you are an artist or not, take some time as you read the Word to ask the Lord to share a picture of what those scriptures mean for your life in this season.

Psalm 91 inspired a painting several years ago and was shared here with favorites and shelter of the shadow but this one seemed to be more corporate instead of the intensity of that private time. I was seeing shadows of groups of people and in the original stages of the painting, they were more dominant (see below). Also at different places and positions. One seemed to be on their knees, one was face to the ground and felt like they were interceding and seeking the heart of the Father. Was my painting part of that intercession too? Often I know they are.

in process

Some of the sweetest parts of a creation are in the beginning processes seldom seen by others. 

Similar to the life of Jesus who had so many years we didn’t know of his life – UNTIL…

Maybe you are feeling that place of unknown in purpose and connection right now. Let His Words bring peace and reassurance that as His beloved child – YOU ARE covered, YOU ARE needed, YOU ARE treasured and considered worthy. He always loves completely! He knows no other way!

I pray you “take refuge” and make the Most High your dwelling as you are being created more and more in His likeness. That you would put your trust in His process and protection – UNTIL His time is fully revealed.

into the new

New Movement

After not blogging for 18 months, where does one start again? My life has shifted tremendously to working full-time outside of my house.

2017 included a lot of gallery time and creating in a group project for ArtPrize. Five artists worked on a piece we did in honor of The Red Cross. You will find plenty of photos and info on the Zeeland Artists facebook page.

It was a very unique season to shift from the ministry of counsel to helping with a couple people with Alzheimer’s. They both recently passed into the freedom with God in heaven. God moved in many amazing ways in both of their journeys.

Writing has been much more of personal journal time and I have been creating a variety of new paintings. Expanding my encaustic (hot wax and oil) and emerging myself in coldwax medium that is mixed with oils. I’ll be sharing a bit from all of those areas.

I look forward to how God will bring new life, new words, new art in this season of NEW THINGS – in my life and in yours!

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Peace to you all – jude

dare to ask

Lines

Here’s a good question to ask God. “What’s on your heart Lord?”

My people are hurting…they need the love of the Father. The perfect love that takes away all fear, that empowers with wonder and overcomes all the odds. It’s a joyous part of the journey that overcomes all obstacles and tears down all boundaries. No walls can keep Me away when you say “Yes Papa”.

Call to me, I will answer! I am here, sense My presence. My heart is for you. It is filled with abundance, receive my child, receive my goodness. I withhold no good thing from those who ask. Ask and it will be given, ask, I am waiting and I am willing. Ask.

Are you asking?
Is it just a motion or are you expecting His answer?
Are you taking time to listen?

Ask Him to share a verse, a word, a picture, a song. Write it down and ask Him again to explain why He shared that. So many of our thoughts are God’s promptings. He knows us so intimately.

This LINK will share with you several verses on how long God really has known you!

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8

Seldom going to give us what we desire until we ASK.

Heavenly Father – thank you that You know us so well. You know just what we need, what we are facing with trails, relationships and questions. You know who we are going to encounter today. Over and over in Your word, you tell us that all we have to do is ask. It’s not about our works but about Your goodness. We ASK Lord to know Your heart better. We ASK Lord to have great wisdom and revelation in our knowledge of You. We ASK Lord that You would prepare us and those we need to share Your love with. We ASK for earthly relationships restored. We ASK for healing and wholeness for those sick and confused. We ASK for peace to surround our world. And we ASK to hear Your voice with a new clarity that increases each day. We give thanks Lord that Your sheep hear Your voice and another they will not follow!