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!

dream a little

Still In Process – Oil and cold wax medium
18x24x2 (that means it’s not finished)

I think I’m supposed to stay on this topic a bit and ask a few questions. Hopefully you will take some time to ponder. Most people understand the Bucket List idea and things they want to do before they leave this earth. Often those are things for personal gratification (not saying that’s bad – I have a spa day on my list!), but there’s also a lot of people young and older that are wondering….

What is my life purpose?
What will I do with kids grown?
How can I change my career?
Can I make a difference?

I strongly feel God designed each of us with great purpose. Things that would touch our hearts and also bless others. I’ve read many great books on the topic but here I’m sharing the dreaming with God process. God had me write and lead a couple classes on this years ago so it’s interesting He’s having me revisit it here.

At the beginning of my journey with Christ – I did not understand about hearing Gods voice. But now that I do, I definitely see things much differently. One of the very potent words He shared with me:

“Your heart has a passion that has been neglected.
Let it come again. Let it be breathed with life again.”

One of my passions while I was young was to create art. The responsible and better paying way of life was business college and doing accounting things. Later in life that led to a bachelors in business management and ministry leadership. Neither of those were in my young dreams but God brought NEW dreams to life along the way. REMEMBER: IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!

The dreams of art were buried in a deep closet. Forgotten in the logical fog of numbers and spreadsheets. UNTIL – I had finished college and missed taking classes. Several things led me to an art class. You might say and the rest is history but it was only the beginning!

Today I pray that you will take some time to dig in your closet for that passion that never had a chance before. That you would see what step you could take to let it be breathed back to life. That God would give you the courage and the opportunity to dust it off and try it on again. Pro sports might not be good at age 60 but I’m sure He can show you more! Have a beautiful day!

holy holy holy

Out of the Darkness – oil and cold wax medium 12×12 panel

You may have grown up in church and felt very comfortable with the word HOLY. I did not. I felt like the most unworthy, dirtiest girl who was beyond even speaking those words.

I had been in churches, prayed that sinners prayer, sprinkle baptized and more but still did not “feel” clean, worthy or free. It wasn’t for lack of effort. Years later with journal and bible study everyday and still this sense of guilt, shame, and more.

I learned a valuable lesson – there is an enemy that wants me to stay in the mud as a friend would put it years later. BUT…. I made a decision that I wanted to find the closeness with Jesus that David talked about in the Psalms. I wanted to understand how Saul/Paul could have such a turn around in his life to write such inspiring words in the New Testament. Deep was calling out to deep in me.

You might be surprised at how it happens…. ASK, SEEK, KNOCK. Matthew 7

Philippians came to mind – Chapter 3 TPT
¹² I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover. ¹³ I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. ¹⁴ I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus. ¹⁵ So let all who are fully mature have this same passion, and if anyone is not yet gripped by these desires, God will reveal it to them. ¹⁶ And let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion.

I pray you ask God to show you how much He really cares. That you will seek to understand His heart for you and keep knocking. Knocking down the walls that you feel have you separated, keep knocking off the lies that say you are unworthy and keep knocking on the doors of heaven to see from that seat that is right there with Jesus at God’s right hand. He has so much more to share with us now!

God wants you to know that you have been made Holy!
Not just that He is holy but that you are holy!

another viewpoint

Through the Fog, oil and cold wax on 12×12 panel SOLD

Do you ever get a glimpse of something and you’re not sure what it is?

Maybe my newer abstracts are that “something” to you. 🙂
It has been very interesting to hear what others are seeing. A friend was over and was at first turning her head sideways to look at a painting. I gave it to her and she began turning in different directions and sharing some new stories. It was beautiful the way it spoke to her. Reminding me of days as a child looking into the clouds with friends and waiting expectantly for new things to be revealed.

It’s often how it is in the spiritual world too. We can read a passage over and over and then sharing with another, they see something we did not. A reason I love having conversations about God’s Word.

In three different places, I am in the book of Ephesians. A devotional, recent church messages and a study group. It’s sharing even more life! We’ve been digging out the promises of God. Seeing how He views His creation and encourages His children. Recognizing God’s heart in the prayers that are still very alive.

I think that’s why I’m also enjoy the The Passion Translation and The Message as I study. It removes some of the lenses I have used and reveals hidden things before not seen.

The Passion Translation (TPT) Ephesians 4 – Our Divine Calling
As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling. ² With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. ³ Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, ⁴ being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny.

⁵ For the Lord God is one, and so are we, for we share in one faith, one baptism, and one Father. ⁶ And He is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all!

I pray this week you will take some time with a familiar passage and ask the Holy Spirit to share some new insight. Maybe discuss with another over coffee or tea.

Thank you Lord we are not left to our own devices, that you have richly blessed us and continue to guide us in all truth. Let us not get so focused on our own understanding that we neglect to seek and ask for Your wisdom.

childlike exploration

Back to the Beginning

As I created this piece I had started using more gold leaf and oil pastels. As I drew those crayon like circles around the three purple shapes it felt like I was being transported. Not to my childhood, but to a childlike place with the Lord. A place I could dare to test and try without criticism. A safe place that found His approval.

I scratched in the words, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Other words were written but are no longer seen. It seemed He was showing me the simplicity of the Father, Son and Spirit. How they are each distinct yet connected, intertwined, vibrating and still not fully definable.

One might just look at this and enjoy the colors, the movement, the simple lines of the circles but beneath is a bigger story yet to be discovered.

This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it – the Lord is his name:  ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’  Jeremiah 33:2-3

My creative process may have started with sharing the beauty of a landscape or capturing some realism of a photo, but it has expanded into exploring the unsearchable, seeing what’s possible and stretching beyond what seems reasonable.

I pray today that you will find a way to explore, see and stretch as God guides you. That you would embrace His picture of simplicity as a child and know His approval and grace! Blessings to you all.

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.

new ground

holy and blameless

What’s on your heart Lord?

My people are primed and ready. I see their hearts are willing and I’m entrusting them with secrets of kingdom strategy. There will seem a delay but it’s not. My plans cannot be delayed. I am breaking new ground. It’s not the same way in all places. Learning from others is good, but be prepared for new to be shown.

More? Justice will be served. Restoration comes.

1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
² Praise the Lord with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
³ Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.
⁴ For the word of the Lord is right and true;
    he is faithful in all he does.
⁵ The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of his unfailing love.
⁶ By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
    he puts the deep into storehouses.
⁸ Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the people of the world revere him.
⁹ For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.
¹⁰ The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
¹¹ But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:1-11

Lord – we come today to praise You and honor You. We thank you that Your Word is truth and it’s not about our purposes but about Yours. We want to hear Your heart, to know Your purposes and we thank You that Your words are truth, Your ways are faithful, trusting in You is the best thing we can do! 

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! 

knowing the heart

Matter of the Heart

I woke to the words “there is a way that seems right but it leads to death” I was familiar with the verse but not where… Prov 14 verse 12

Why this message Lord?

The world is looking to things of man not what is the heavenly realm. I bring eternity to those who will seek me. I’m planting seeds of discontent with what the world is showing people. They will rise up and receive great grace when they seek me with all of their heart.

So many are giving lip service but not heart surrender. I long to have that heart communion with them. It’s not a matter of the mind but of the heart.

God isn’t looking for people successful in the worldly ways but in kingdom ways. He doesn’t need more Pharisee’s and teachers of the law, but a Bride who knows Him – like the humble followers of Jesus.

God wants us to know Him!

Think of the many earthly relationships you have… what are your conversations about? We seldom ask about the passions, the desires of the heart. We can read a book about a person but that is only a segment of who they are. There are many chapters unwritten and it is the same with our Lord.

The sacrifice and redemption of Christ isn’t just for our eternal desination but to tear down ALL the separation that was brought in the garden and beyond. Christ did not die just clothe us and cover our shame but to remove it as far as the east is from the west so that we can once again walk openly in the garden with Him.

You might say I’m just one of the unique ones that hears from God…not really. You are hearing Him too.

Chose today not to put His voice aside. Ask Him what is on His heart. His greatest desire is for ALL to know Him. 

Forgive me Lord for the ways I push Your voice aside. I want to know You more. I want to have more conversations with You and know Your heart in a fuller way. Thank you that Christ in us is the hope of glory and You never leave us or forsake us. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening….

depth of riches

Feeling like it’s a time to share some more of the words God has given in my journal time. I hope you will feel His pleasure, direction and challenge as you read…

….Feels like a day to lean into Your heart Lord. You’ve shared so much in this past year and yet I feel the coming year will be the most exciting and even humbling year. Not in a way of tearing people down but in a way of knowing You so intimately. Such a depth to the riches and knowledge of knowing when we are one with you Lord. (Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!)

I do long to share my heart with my bride. I have so much to give and so much to shower over you. Many are so focused on the things of this world they don’t understand that the kingdom is at hand and that they are needed to carry on the work, not of just believing or sitting in a building but of redeeming, restoring and rebuilding. How can we help You Lord? Rise up, get out, speak boldly and love thoroughly. It’s not about all being street evangelists but where you are – love, where you are – share hope and joy, where you are – speak My Truth. Where you are!

Colossians 1:8 ….we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

I pray that in your week, everywhere you step will be a place of encountering His goodness and sharing it with others. That you would go out boldly and please Him in every way! Let your love shine on!