write this down

holy and blameless

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 ESV

I recently met someone who was practicing her hearing from God and shared with me. She felt to ask me if would write things in a journal. I said YES. A lot!!! She was relieved because it meant she was also on track in her hearing. She expanded to say I needed to review my journals. I had to tell her that I do that regularly too! She smiled bigger and shared a bit more. It was a very good God confirmation and some direction of all that has been written outside of this blog.

Many places in God’s word talk about us writing things, sharing with others, and the word of our testimony.

Our lives matter.
What God is doing in them matters.
We ARE the mouthpiece for the Lord.
What are your words and writings saying…

And then God answered: “Write this.
    Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
    so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
    pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
    And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
    It’s on its way. It will come right on time.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 MSG

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

 

discovering goodness

I find both positive and negative parts to a Michigan winter. Though I am not a fan of the cold – I wanted to share some thoughts today. I’ll let you decide if they are good or bad.

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. Proverbs 25:13

Snow is beautiful as it blankets the roads and lawns in a clean fresh coat of white. It make even the moonlight reflect to lighten the sky. The peace in the silence and stillness can take your breath away. The extra fluffs resting on branches seem like cotton fields in their fullness. A beautiful excuse to hibernate with tea and reading or be intentional to go visit another. To see the signs of extra visitors as the prints reveal their true paths.

I know many get more excited with skies, mobiles or shoes, but for now, I’ll settle for the gentleness of the season, warm my tea and ponder some powerful words…

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:10-12

unthinkable

Yesterday was a little thought stretching on what we might consider obstacles.

Today, imagine yourself in the journey with Mary and Joseph when they hear what God has in mind for them…

“You will be with child”- but I’m a virgin!
A quiet divorce – “Keep her as yours!”

How would you advise them?

Mary was told she was “highly favored” yet she could be stoned because of this pregnancy. She still said, “Let it be unto me according to Your word.” Joseph was ready for separation but heard the Lord in a dream – STAY.

Mary and Joseph listened, trusted and moved in faith. The simplicity from John 10,

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

 

I pray you will seek His voice and find a new measure of comfort and knowledge of His great love for you. That He also desires for you to birth something more amazing that you could ever dream (not necessarily a child.) It’s not about the obstacles seen on this earth but about His heavenly plans laid out before you were even born. Trust that He knows you more intimately than you know yourself and that you are filled with all the fullness of God. 

Using both the Luke 1 and Matthew 1 stories of Joseph and Mary. You might even see how you might advise Elizabeth and Zechariah with the obstacles in their part of the story. 

a new thing

One of my friend’s favorite sayings is,
“God is doing a new thing!” 

After hearing this many times and knowing it was part of a verse, I looked it up and committed more if it to my memory bank.

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

And then you start to notice same and very similar words are used in many more places. God has always been making something out of nothing, bringing life where there was death and flowing water even from rocks. Nothing is too hard for Him. He loves the impossible, the improbable and taking the foolish things to confound the wise. And many days – I’m confounded in ways that bring me even more AWE and WONDER at His great creativity!!

The Message version is fabulous here – verses 16-21
This is what God says,
    the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
    who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
    they lie down and then can’t get up;
    they’re snuffed out like so many candles:
“Forget about what’s happened;
    don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
    It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
    rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’
    —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
    rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
    the people I made especially for myself,
    a people custom-made to praise me.

I pray even this week, you will see God making a way where there seems no way and will recognize His hand at work in your life and relationships. He is so very generous and loves to give good gifts to His children! 

 

 

framed and named

Fill ‘er Up

Solo Flight

In the midst of other things in life, I finished these local scenes for an upcoming exhibit. Hope you like the sneak peek. Portraits are not my forte but I do love to capture people and movement. The local Splash Pad is filled with both on a warm summer day! It was a treasure to watch, snap some photos and imagine how I could bring different things to life.

So often painters are asked, “How long does it take you?”

I often say, “Until it’s finished.”

Just like God’s work in our lives, it really depends. Some journeys are smoother than others.

The more detailed boy – went quickly. I had several photos of the water spray and none include the little girl in that position. I pieced three photos which all had her profile. Her face and head shape seemed wrong with each paint edit. A few days later, the head movement idea came and though difficult to get a pink ear to show in blond hair – it worked.

I think they will bring some great smiles to those viewing our “Art Around Town” showing at Zeeland’s Second Reformed Church. A great gallery space our Zeeland Artists group is thrilled to work with on this plein air project.

I pray you find some extra joy and exploration in your week!

never the same

a different view

Each year I eagerly await the transformation of one tree in my yard. I never catch the colors the same, especially waiting for a sunny day to take photos. Last week the glorious reds were gaining on the greens, now an abundance of golden hues.

All of creation changes so differently. Plants, creatures, people and weather! Definitely something we can be grateful for and other times, steadiness would be good Lord!

I think that is why I find great comfort that God is never changing. The only thing that can always be sure for us. The Creator of all.

I beautiful day of sunshine and simplicity.
Magnifying the Great I AM!

A lyric from years ago comes to mind….
“Just one touch from The King – changes everything!”
Godfrey Birtill (I was used to Old Man Worship Band singing :D)

in the quiet

Glowing Trio

One of those last warm nights to sit on the screened porch with the cats, listening to the gentle breeze, hearing the crickets, and feeling the peace of His presence. A beautiful way to end the day and celebrate all He has planned for His children, His Bride.

Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.

The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!
1 Thessalonians 5:15-24 MSG

shine on

Shining Through

We all cast a glow or a shadow or both. Depending on where the sun is shining, right?

Brings me to ask how is the Son of God shining through me?

I feel there is a belief many have (including me often) that humility is being a shadow, staying in the darkness, and definitely avoiding a spot light.

How are we going to show His goodness and share His glory from there?

I am one who prefers to work “behind the scenes” but…
I think it is time for ALL OF US to SHINE!

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

in process

bicycle in process

I connected with a newly formed group of artists in the area. We painted live for a pop-up art event and were invited to create during music at the park. It can be a bit difficult to do a scene with people who move so this week I was glad to have a bicycle posing just for me!

Do you ever look for one thing and discover something better?

God frequently works that way. Foolish things to confound the wise and all. He wants us to ask to see new things. He wants us to know His thoughts and His heart. He has so much more to show us…

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