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 ….

restart

When you haven’t blogged in so long, where do you restart?

ANY where!

My journals are overloaded. My home has gotten more attention in 2020 than when I first purchased it and so many things collected and stored over the years have vacated the premises! I’m not done yet – weaving loom and kayak went this month and definitely more to go.

Restoring Waters – oil on canvas Psalm 23

It’s been quite a season of purging, pruning and preparing. I’m not sure which is harder.

As I went through multiple file cabinets, bookshelves and closets – memories were flooding. Some days were difficult. The house often seemed more of a mess as I was “cleaning” out. Doing my office work from home was helpful and gave more time to the tasks but some days it also made it harder not having much of an escape from the feelings that would flood.

Files, manuals, books and more were shredded and recycled while the weather was still in coolness. Years of ministry, history and dreams that seemed to have unnatural deaths were released. Walls, windows, ceilings, doors were painted as sunshine started to warm things this spring. I had one winter project of wallpaper and paint in the kitchen, I never expected to do so much more. Spring/Summer project was to paint the outside of my house. Windows were done last fall and some testing of new color on the aluminum siding of the garage. I felt comfortable to BEGIN on the house. With a few weeks of reduced hours and time saved from traveling to the office, I have most of the exterior painted. A dream for years that finally will come to be!

Yes – pandemic and distancing is impacting but it doesn’t have to stop us from life and accomplishing dreams. I am really feeling the NEW God has in store has a place to come to life! I’ve done my part for the new wine skin and He has definitely been doing His part in preparing me too!

Dare to dream again – so many of our limitations are in our own thoughts and the words we speak of limitations.

Dare to believe in His immeasurably more! All things are possible – will you believe?

His call is our call

Romans 8
¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
    for the Lord has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
    and to proclaim that captives will be released
    and prisoners will be freed.
² He has sent me to tell those who mourn
    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
    and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
³ To all who mourn in Israel,^[c
    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
    festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
    that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
    repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
    though they have been deserted for many generations.
⁵ Foreigners will be your servants.
    They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
    and tend your vineyards.
⁶ You will be called priests of the Lord,
    ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
    and boast in their riches.
⁷ Instead of shame and dishonor,
    you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
    and everlasting joy will be yours.

⁸ “For I, the Lord, love justice.
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
    and make an everlasting covenant with them.
⁹ Their descendants will be recognized
    and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
    the Lord has blessed.”

¹⁰ I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
    For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
    and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
    or a bride with her jewels.
¹¹ The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
    Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
    with plants springing up everywhere.

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!

crossing the line

The Disciple – oil/cwm 16×20

In the midst of a busy season also brings what will be my biggest exhibition so far. Others may not realize it, but it’s intimidating and exhilarating at the same time.

Usually at the gallery I have 8-15 paintings. This will be close to 25 and include writings. I was also asked to speak which doesn’t seem as threatening as showing these more personal creations.

As I was asking the Lord what I might need to share in writing, a very strong message came.

“We all have a chicken line to cross.”

I laughed! God definitely has a sense of humor! I thought of this painting right away. The GOLD is waiting if we dare to take a step!

Ask the Lord today what line you need to cross.
It might be to see yourself as one who is already equipped and prepared.
It might be to know that God really does have good plans for your life.
Maybe it’s something that seems difficult like a phone call to an organization or company.
I pray that the kingdom courage you already have will rise up to meet you as you dare to step forward!

It’s not always a matter of success or great revelations, but often a matter of obedience to go where you are sensing God needs you to be. Momentum only comes from allowing movement. He can’t move with us unless we’re stepping out!

Some of my chicken lines this year.
Becoming a chaplain and not knowing where He wants that used.
Stepping down from leading our gallery management team.
Reseeding my lawn and hoisting 40 lb bags of dirt.
(At my age – wood chips are easier.)

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?)

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.

denial to disciple

Several new paintings are waiting for final touches.  As this rooster sat on the wall staring at me, so many thoughts of Simon/Peter’s story came to mind. After finishing touches as I was doing more of the engraving, the words “chicken scratch” came very strong.

The original painting was a realistic rooster that never felt finished. I was going to totally cover it up then thought to leave some realism in with the abstract.

As I thought of Simon/Peter, the first engravings in one layer of paint were, “denial – one – two – three”.

Jesus wasn’t surprised by that denial. He even told Simon/Peter it would happen.

I looked up the name Simon – in Greek it means flat or snub nosed. I think we can say he “snubbed” Jesus and as said – before the rooster crowed.

I also found great hope in this painting and the Simon (Peter) story. You could say Simon didn’t know how the denial would turn out but Jesus told him quite clearly when he spoke the name he would be known by…

Matthew 16:15-19 NIV
¹⁵ …Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades  will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

There was a depth to their relationship. Jesus was calling out the GOLD in Simon – that he would be Cephas (Peter), the rock!

Denial was in his history. The chicken scratch of past – not the ROCK of his future!

Your life has a message from Jesus too! We need to be like Peter and willing to hear it from the Lord as He calls us to our future. The world needs what we are carrying! We were made for such a time as this!

I pray that this week, you will hear the call of God to be ALL that He created you to be. That you would have courage to step forward to ALL that He has in store for you! Thank you Jesus for this gift of life on earth – as it is in heaven!

 

 

you are treasured

Shoreline Treasures

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. ² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³ All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3

I remember thinking I was so unworthy of God’s love, goodness or grace. Guilt and lies had hung a cord of shame around my neck that continued to chock off hope.

BUT THEN….

God loves to do MIGHTY things in our lives when we decide to surrender.

I’ve learned that I have to keep on surrendering! It’s like a great dam that has been built is being dismantled bit by bit and releasing treasures as the new water churns up those jewels that were buried further and further by my choices, life influences and the lies of the world.

Thank you Lord that everyone of us has reason to HOPE when we have You! That You truly never leave or forsake and always want to lavish Your love on us. Let us learn to surrender more AND receive the wonders that are uncovered from the depths!