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 ….

what other name

A song brought me to this passage. The NIV titled this section as “Imitating Christ’s Humility.”

 

Philippians 2
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!
⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

How are we doing as the Church – the Bride in this?
Are we seeking the benefit of the body?
Is unity of the Spirit a priority?
Does our normal mindset say – I need to be fed, taught, entertained, and encouraged? Or is it seeking what is best for others?

I know many places in my journey with Christ I have focused on what I want to get out of church, relationships, ministries or encounters. And I’ve also been one giving and serving where I am completely drained and discouraged. I don’t feel either of those are the right place.

How can we become more “like-minded” with Christ?
Not just like-minded with a denomination, church leadership or other people…but with Christ?

Thank you Lord that it’s not about us conforming to the ways of the world but to Your ways that are higher, Your ways that bring peace, Your ways that speak life to all. Your ways often seem too lofty to obtain but You desire us to be one in Spirit and in mind with You. Guide us with wisdom and understanding as we seek Your heart and Your ways. Guide us with words as we share with others the love and joy that are found only in Christ – our Redeemer. Open our hearts further to the fullness You desire us to know of You. 

processing

Some days just call for paint…
Starting somewhere – some known and unknown ideas – always more to come.

I am taking more photos documenting the ways my paintings evolve. I’m noticing I don’t always take the same approach and I frequently find His wisdom along the way.

We are always in process.
God knows where refining is needed.
Blending can bring out the best color.
Sometimes drying between layers gives the best effect.
Complete is an individuals viewpoint. 
Doing something you like brings peace.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 NIV

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 NLT

Thank you Jesus for the blessings of friendship, encouraging words, companionship and painting. Thank you for being always present and never lacking. Sharing Your imagination in and through us. Let us be fountains of grace and love through this week – for Your glory and Your story, because it’s not really about us!

 

spring will come

As the snow starts to blanket things again, I thought of my aunt’s painting. In her memory care home one of the activities has been painting. She’s been very proud of her creations and I am too! She even remembered that is was “the one her niece really liked” and wouldn’t let them take it. (They used another instead.)

I do wonder what might have been if she had tried some of this earlier in her life. She always leaned more toward TV watching than doing things with her hands, but she certainly is making up for lost time.

It is more beautiful to see the blossom of people than the signs of spring.

The snow drops my sister saw last week are now covered in white. Often as people begin to bloom, things come to cover up what has just started. It doesn’t mean it’s over and done, just a time to regroup, strengthen and come forth again. David’s life showed that in many seasons. He kept his focus on God and knew what God said, would surely come to be.

The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the Lord looks down
    and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches
    all who live on earth—
he who forms the hearts of all,
    who considers everything they do.
Psalm 33:10-15

sensing peace

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Are you like I was, thinking with God – all things would turn up roses?
He does say that with Him – all things are possible but there isn’t a promise of a rose garden. Much in our journey will make us more aware of thorns than the sweet scent of the rose.

Is your peace found in what you understand?
Is it found in what you can control?
Does it come from other people?

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is that man that takes refuge (trusts) in him. Psalm 34:8

If we know it all, understand it all, have it all figured out…
Why would we need God?
Why would we trust Him?
Why would we need peace?

This is speaking to me of our senses today – seeing, smelling, tasting, touching, hearing. We are often relying on our brains or knowledge more than our senses.

God created humans with amazing gifts. I challenge you to turn off technology and get in touch with those senses…listen to the songs of nature, open your eyes to the details of design, taste the freshness before you, feel the textures around you and explore the fragrances life.

As MLK Jr says – it’s not just about the destination – it’s about the journey. Unwrap the peace that longs to be experienced by you each day.

I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT

 

knowing his voice

The sun was shining.
The snow was melting.
The beach was calling.
…I listened…

The beauty of the day is not always in your surroundings but in the peace found in your innermost being. It comes in many different ways to each of us. Taking notice of God’s work in our lives and all around us should be a place of great comfort. Hearing and knowing His voice should be our biggest goal for the day.

 

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand – when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 139:17-18

Even to those who don’t know God – He is still speaking…

⁷ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
⁸ A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. ⁹ So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
¹⁰ The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
¹¹ And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 1 Samuel 3:7-11

Lord, help us to hear Your voice with clarity and seek Your voice each day. That we would recognize the variety of ways You talk to Your children and respond, “your servant is listening.”

right or left

These thoughts on obstacles came when someone requested prayer for their obstacles be removed. I didn’t ask and don’t know what those are but the Holy Spirit sure is giving me some wisdom through it!
Thank you Lord.

If a road is under construction – should the ROAD CLOSED sign be removed?

Sometimes that obstacle is saving us from going in a direction we should not be. Isaiah 30 shares a great picture of this. Worldly wisdom is definitely not the same as heavenly ways.

Maybe our obstacles are from thinking its all about us when it’s really all about Him.

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

Thank you Lord that we are a work in process – we’re taking shape, being pruned, growing strong, branching out and can come to You with any obstacle we are facing. Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding us into all truth and giving wisdom freely on if we are supposed to remove an obstacle OR learn something as we wait to proceed. Guide us so our own beliefs are aligned with Your truth and Your ways. Thank you for peace in the process as we remain open to Your leading. There is so much more that You have for us as we seek Your Kingdom – on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

no quitting

Sometime reading scriptures, it’s more self-condemnation than heavenly revelation.

You have not because you ask not. (James 4:2) Or maybe I did ask with wrong motives…search me God – You know my heart, see if there is any more ICK in it. (Psalm 139:23)

My prayers are not answered as “I assumed” so something must be wrong with me because nothing is wrong with God.

Have you ever felt any of those things? Or repeating your prayers gets old and it’s not working so you might as well stop and since there are no roses to smell, you might as well pick up a shovel and dig a hole…

It’s time to LOOK UP!!! 

In a severe drought…Elijah starts talking rain… es muy loco mi amigo. Yet he prays and prays and keeps looking for what he knows is coming. He keeps looking and trusting and praying. And KNOWING GOD’S CHARACTER and FAITHFULNESS, Elijah doesn’t give up.

You might say, “I’m not Elijah. Well God is still God and He does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

So keep yours eyes toward the heavens…He is still there and you really are seated with Christ in heavenly places. (Eph 2:6) Ask Him to show you things from His perspective. He knows what is coming across the horizon.

….I see a cloud, small as a man’s hand…its rising… (1 Kings 18:44)

grounded

I have many things in this world I prefer to avoid and the past few weeks of politics was a good reason to disconnect more and pray. I love how being in the Word can bring internal peace that news, tweets and posts will never reach.

Refreshing, inspiring, convicting and sharpening. It’s definitely alive and active!

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Psalm 24:1-2

We can’t cover our heads in the sand but we can make sure our mind’s foundation is rooted and grounded in His love.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

not all changes

Seasons are changing and bringing me to a place of comparison/contemplation of what was and what will be. I do understand the timing and reasons to focus on political political things but we won’t find the best answers through the media….

Seasons change, people change, cultures change, stories change…

If we are looking for stability, truth, peace and direction – we won’t find it in things or people of this world.

There is only ONE we can rely on as a constant in our lives. God does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17), He is faithful, just, true.

God is not human, that he should lie,
    not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
    Does he promise and not fulfill?
I have received a command to bless;
    he has blessed, and I cannot change it.
Numbers 23:19-20