Seasons

This is a time of change:  the trees are coming into color, the days are cooler, the nights crisper, the birds circling and arcing in the sky.    I also see a change coming to our lives.  Grandchildren are growing up and my parents are growing older.   It could be a time of melancholy....but it is part of God's purpose. 

 This new season brings some burdens with it for our family.  My mom has some health issues right now and I would ask you for prayers for her.   Whenever there is a burden to bear I look at two scriptures.  The first is the one above, "And he changeth the times and the seasons:  he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:  he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  He revealeth the deep and secret things:  he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."  (Daniel 2:21-22)

The second scripture I seek is, "For I am the Lord, I change not."  (Malachai 3:6)   God has promised to love us, to strengthen us and bear our burdens.  He will give us wisdom if we ask and the grace to go through.

Whatever difficulty we are passing through,  it is only for a season. Time continues on and circumstances will change but God is unchanging.  When I look at the colors that are beginning to fringe the trees I see another season beginning - another gateway I will pass through holding on to the hand of the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

May our unchanging God bless you today!
Laura

Are You Fruitful?

Are you feeling fruitful in your daily life?

 I was feeling a little less than productive....and I was reminded of John 15:5, "I am the vine ye are the branches;  He that abideth in me, and I let him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without me ye can do nothing."

When you want an apple (fruit) you have to go where the apples are.  The best apples are right off of the tree (vine). An apple from any different source is a little less fresh...

If we are trying to be fruitful on our own - we  cut ourselves off from the vine - the true source of nourishment and substance - which is Jesus.  Our fruit is going to be less juicy and tasty - even bland.  Apart from Him - we can do nothing of importance.  With Him, our purpose becomes fruitful.

Go to the orchard today and bring in a harvest.
Laura
Illustration Note:  This is my 5 yr old granddaughter who proudly showed me how she could climb a tree.   I had to capture it for my scrapbook.

Don't Judge a Turkey

I did something today I've never done before...I petted a turkey.  This is him.  Noooo--I did not paint it-it's a photo.   I took a day off today, but I have a little story to tell.

I had a preplanned lunch with a dear friend....then just when I got back home to work in my office the phone rang.

It was our youngest daughter.  She was out and about with our grandson (19 mo) and wanted to know if I wanted to take a little car ride.  It was a beautiful fall day today....blue skies....trees starting to turn....stuffy house.....I said YES.

We drove out in a direction I've never taken and discovered a small farm, with a farm animal petting zoo and pumpkins.   It was a $1 per person.  I'd spent all my cash at lunch.  So we scrounged the bottom of our purses and came up with $2...$1 short.    The farmer's wife said don't worry about it and even insisted we take a little pumpkin for Lincoln.

So I got to pet a horse, goats, a donkey and cow, ponies and this turkey.  The farmer's wife said he is wild.  He wandered on to their farm 2 years ago and stayed.  She scratched his head and stroked his sides and told us to go ahead and try.   He was amazingly soft and sooo colorful.  This picture doesn't do him justice.  His head is PURPLE and his wattle bright red.  And I was amazed at his demeanor.  I always thought male turkeys were a little mean.  Not this guy.  I had prejudged this poor turkey.

Kind of reminds me of the scripture in James 2:2-10 which talks about a man with a gold ring and a poor man coming into the assembly.  The man with the bright clothes and gold ring is given the best seat.  The poor man is told to sit on the floor.    James says we have despised the poor, simply because of their appearance and that is judging which is a sin.

I judged that turkey based on his rather repulsive appearance.  A wrinkly, warty head, and a long dangly thing from his nose..uh beak... is not exactly beauty contest material.  Yet he was rather a kindly gentleman and quickly became a favorite.

Are there people we have shunned or ignored simply because of their appearance?  They don't fit our definition of 'beauty' so we turn our backs.   Man looks on the outside, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  We need to love our neighbors as ourselves....that fulfills all the law.

I learned today to not judge a turkey by his appearance--glad I didn't miss that autumn opportunity.
Laura

Sowing & Reaping

Sometimes it is difficult to wait for things...to see the results and outcome of a project, be it a garden, a painting, a diet, remodeling, or our time invested for the Lord's work.

Within each piece of personal art I share with you there are many processes:

• Brain time (coming up with the concept).  
• Sketching & planning
• Coloring -  the make-it or break-it part - also the most 'dangerous'...because in watercolor, charcoal, pastels and colored pencil, a lovely drawing can be quite easily ruined.  (in acrylics or oils sometimes a mistake can be corrected)  Now in digital art (computer)  the original can be preserved and easily reworked.  Although I have lost work on the computer too.
• Critiquing & Finishing touches
• The Reveal:  the finished work.

There can be great frustration as well as great satisfaction in the whole process.  But unless time is put into the project....nothing will be accomplished or completed.

It's a simple formula:   0 time + 0 effort = Nothing Sown.   Nothing sown is always nothing reaped, whether personal, business or for God. If we do nothing for the Lord, we will not reap bountifully for him.

Sowing is labor, sometimes painful, but the reward is joy.  Psalm 126:6 states, "He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

Sow today what you desire to reap tomorrow, and may your harvest be bountiful.

Laura

Illustration Notes:  The above is a photograph I took of my flowers.  The purpose of this final product was two-fold.  I wanted to try and learn more of the features in my Photoshop computer software.  And second, I wanted to see if I could make this photo look like an oil painting.   It took about an hour, (adding a canvas texture, some filters, and effects and finally some touchups.)  

Grandma's Boo-boo

Sorry I missed a couple days - just needed a little rest (my brain mostly).  I did this sketch based on a true event...

A week or so ago hubby wasn't feeling up to par and he went to bed early.  When I went to bed later I did not turn on a light so as not to wake hubby.  Big. Mistake.

Earlier that day I'd been folding clothes and putting them away - but failed to close a dresser drawer. You guessed it.  I ran into it in the dark...twice....!  Yeah...it's complicated.   (But I didn't wake up hubby, but I scared the dog.)

Anyway I wound up with a technicolor shin bone and two big scrapes.  Fast forward a couple days to Sunday.  Grandkids were here.  My oldest grandson (22 mo) had a sore finger which he showed me. I promptly kissed it for him.   Then I showed him my shin bone.  He looked at me with his big blue eyes then leaned over and kissed my sore leg.

It touched my heart so deeply.   He recognized a hurt and quickly did what he thought would help.
I started thinking about it.  When we see hurting people, do we quickly respond with what can help?  Or do we have to discuss it in our mind, debate what is the correct course of action to meet the need, and then assume that we aren't equipped, or someone else will handle it, or the person might reject our assistance or take offense?

Fast forward to the grocery store - a cashier (we'll call her Sue) was having an obviously bad day.  While I was waiting for my turn, I had that little conversation in my head...not wanting to become involved for fear of not having the right words, or being told to butt out.   When it was my turn to check out  Sue said robotically, "Hi, how are you?"   I responded, "I'm okay.  But it sounds like you're having a tough day."   She immediately teared up and told me she got a call from her sitter telling her her daughter was very sick.  She had tried to get off - but her manager said no because there was no one else to cover.

Have you ever not responded to someone who was hurting? It is easy to help little children, or family members.  But, what about acquaintances or even strangers. How many times have I just said, "oh- I'm so sorry to hear"  and walked away not doing what I knew would  help?  Why do we not invoke the Name of the One who CAN help in all things?  Fear?  Embarrassment?  Shame?

James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."  If someone were drowning would we debate about throwing a life ring?

I reached over to Sue and laid my hand on top of hers and said, "Lord, be with Sue's little girl and help Sue to be able to get off early. Amen."   It took about 5 seconds.  I squeezed her hand and said "it's going to be okay."  She teared up again and nodded.  I had a large order and she proceeded to check me out without saying anything.   As I was paying my bill the manager came over.  She told Sue, 'I called so-and-so...she said she'd come in.  She'll be here in about 20 minutes if you can wait until then.'  Sue nodded to her manager and then turned to me and said 'thank you.'  I smiled and said, "God is good."

Make a difference today - demonstrate God's compassion.
Laura
On a personal note - there is a friend of mine whose son is going to have a 4th brain surgery for severe epilepsy.  There medical expenses are huge as is their lodging while at the hospital.  Please pray for their needs.  There is also a fund raising site for them, if you could help it would be such a blessing.  More of their story is on my other blog http://grandmamiller.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/grandmas-boo-boo-helping-renn/

CRY!

I did this very rough sketch thinking of my oldest daughter.  I don't know how she does all she does.  I watched 1 grandchild today for 3 hours and I was exhausted.  Guess that's why we have children at a young age so we can keep up.

This week has been particularly rough for our daughter.  She had 3 sick children and just found out she won't have her regular part-time teaching job at the college (no students for her subject).  When she told me about not teaching this semester, she was already  assuring me that the budget would be a little tighter, but they would be just fine.

There are days like this for all of us!  When just One... More... Thing... is going to tip the cart, break the camel's back, or spill the milk.  In those times there is only one thing to do and that is cry out to the Lord.  That phrase is repeated so many times in scripture I don't have room to list them all here.

David says in the Psalms, "from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I"  (Psalm 61:2).    When we put our trust in the Lord our burdens become lighter.  In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  "For my yoke is easy, and my burden light"(v. 30).

Did you get that? It is Jesus' job to bear the load, to take it on his shoulders.  He does not want us to worry or do His job. And when we give it to Him, that's when we get the wings of a dove to fly high and be free of the burden, whether it is job loss, indebtedness, relationships, or just plain frustration.   He'll find us a job, he'll change relationships, he'll free us from debt IF YOU LET HIM.

Cry out to the Lord today, he's waiting to hear from you.
Laura

  P.S.  Kasey has written 6 books, and is working on another, along with helping me finalize mine.  She's writes a regular blog ministering to moms, she does website design and is a virtual assistant.  She and her husband also have a Christian writing ministry together.  You can read more about all of this at her blog.

PRAISE!

Did you realize that PRAISING God is a sacrifice we bring to God?  Hebrews 13:15 states, "...let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."   

Something that is so easy for us to do...simply praise God for who He is and all He has done.  To thank Him for loving us, for giving us all we have.  Yet God considers that a pure and holy sacrifice to Him.

I realize I may spend too little time in bringing that sacrifice...my thanks is too often abbreviated, and hastily placed before my 'gimmes.'   I'm going to try and spend more time in praising the Lord and reverently place those praises before Him.  I love the last verse of Amazing Grace:

When we've been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, 

we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.

Thank God today and praise Him for what He means to you.

Laura

Friends

This is a quick sketch of some little people who were running around in my head today.  They seem to be best friends.  I'm sure they share fun and games and scrapes and squabbles as well.

I have been praying intensely for some friends this week.  One in California whose family was in the path of the wildfires.  Today a friend in Boulder, Colorado, had to evacuate because the flood waters are rising near her home.  Another friend is seeking employment, another friend is in last stages of cancer, one's little boy just had 2 brain surgeries in one week, and the list goes on as I'm sure does yours.

We grieve with friends and we celebrate.  We are refreshed by friends. Friends are so important to our soul.   It is written that David loved Jonathan as his own soul - that their souls were knit as one (1 Samuel 18:1).  I have only had a few close friends, but time, distance and moving has intervened in those friendships.  Yet when we have opportunity to talk it is as tho' we begin where we last were.

A true friend can keep you in check and even kindly point our your error.    "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend " (Proverbs 27:17).

Celebrations are not complete without friends.  The woman who lost a piece of silver called her friends to celebrate when she found it  (Luke 15:8-10). 

Jesus reflected that "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).  Several of my friends and a cousin have children in the military.  One has been to Iraq three times, and one is currently serving in Afghanistan.  You may not know them specifically - but they are my friends in need of prayer.

The greatest friend of all has already laid down His life for us.  And He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).  Jesus desires to be your friend, to give you comfort, encouragement, counsel, to share your joy and your sorrow.  Draw near to Him and celebrate His friendship.  Share your worries, your triumphs, your prayers for your friends and your love.  

Celebrate your friendships today.

Laura

Walk Worthy

If someone followed your path would they know that you are a Christian?

In your home....
In your workplace...
In public....
In private...
In your relationships?

Do your reactions and interactions glorify the One who gave His life for you?

Would someone be drawn to Christ by your disposition?

Are your actions and characteristics those that honor the home the Lord has given you, the family He's entrusted to you, and the people in which He's placed you in contact?  Does your path take you alongside the Lord to grow in knowledge each day?

Please take no offense at any of these questions.  I asked these of myself today after reading Colossians 1:10 during my devotion time.  "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."   

Walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing....there's that little word again....all.      If all of my walk should be worthy 'of the Lord,' then there are areas that definitely need cleaning out and improvement.  (I'm glad you haven't seen my basement lately.) And since I've mentioned it...I'm glad you can't hear every thought in my head which could use some reining in. God has promised to help with that... "and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

Fruitful in every good work...is there time that I fritter away (I'm not speaking of relaxation-we do need that)...For a small example...every time I spend 1/2 an hour looking for something because I know I have that thing - and end up driving to the store to buy another--it's not expensive---but now I've wasted time AND money simply because I wasn't organized.  

God cannot entrust us with much...if we don't take care of a little.  He cannot fill us with spiritual knowledge if we clutter our minds with worldly thoughts and preoccupations. I have some cleaning out to do I know - so that my walk will be more worthy of the Lord and his presence.

A final question....When I walk by do I leave behind a sweet savor of the Lord's presence?
This devotion was for me today...I have  'cleaning' to do within me.  But if you want to help me start on the basement...Friday works for me.  :)

Walk worthy of the Lord today.
Laura

Whazat?

Here's a quick little doodle of my grandson, Lincoln, saying, "Whazat?"  For a few months it was about the only thing he could say.  He would spy the tiniest speck on the ceiling, or hear a sound, or see a picture or food on your plate and then point and demand 'whazat?' His curiosity is boundless and the word convenient....

Sometimes I'd like to do that with God....point at a situation and say, "whazat?"  [Translation:  is this to teach me faith, or patience, trust or obedience, caring or compassion?]   I mean - isn't it sometimes easier to understand the lesson if we know what it's about ahead of time?

Ah - me - it's not to be...usually I have to wait until the house drops on my head to understand...

But I had a wonderful revelation this morning. I've been praying about my future doing this 'art thing,' wondering if it's what God wants me to do, if it can be modestly lucrative, or if I should be seeking some 'real' employment to help meet our financial needs and for retirement which is getting closer. This morning in pray I asked God, "Whazat?" [with a bit of an attitude I'm not proud of].  Actually my question was more like "God, please, will you just assure me if you want me to continue with this ministry."

I finished my prayer time, then in a bit of desperation for scripture to read, I picked up a random daily devotional and turned to today's date.  There were two references for today.
Colossians 3:2, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Deuteronomy 28  (the whole chapter is rich with promise...but here are the verses that stood out to me...)  
1-If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments...
2-... all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee  (did you get that?   God will chase us down with his blessings!)
11 And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,
12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Retirement?   What could be better off than the Lord's good treasure?  Medical bills?  God's blessings will overtake me - why worry?  

My answer was simple.   Hearken to God's voice and observe his commandments and there shall be blessings.  I plan to stay on this path...working for God's purpose and glory...I will not be deterred unless He resets the course.

If you are seeking an answer I encourage you to ask God, 'whazat?' and he will show you.  Search His word and be prepared to hear His voice speak to you.

May you be overtaken with blessings today!
Laura

Plans for the Future

This is short and sweet today....I've been grand-babysitting most of it.
Here's an amazing kid friendly painting project using bubble wrap and rubber stamps.  Details below.

This project re-purposes bubble wrap in a way that you may not think of.   I kind of relate that to our existence.   God has plans and purposes for us of which we would never dream. He says, "Call unto me and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3) He would paint our world in technicolor if we would only let him lead.

Aren't you curious about the picture he wants to paint with you?  How he molds us and shapes will be ongoing until we reach that glorious moment of promise.

Trust him today for your future!
Laura

Art Instructions:  
Supplies:   Bubble wrap              Paint in bright colors(Washable poster paint or liquid acrylic)
                large shape rubber stamps.  My stamps were the inexpensive foam backed type
                Heavy paper or canvas  (I used very cheap paper for the demo  above)

Cut bubble wrap into desired shape.  We did squares.

Puddle the paint on a surface large enough to accommodate the rubber stamp (we used foam paper plates).

Lightly press the bubble wrap squares into the paint.  Then  press it onto paper.
Repeat this process with different colors.  Don't worry if a few bubbles don't make an impression

When the background has dried, you are ready for the rubber stamp.

Lightly press stamp into an opposite color, or contrasting color, then press over the dotted squares.

Once all paint is dry you can draw an outline around the squares if desired.  These looked very nice when mounted on a piece of black construction paper.

Did Creation Take Place In 6 Literal Days?

A missionary facebook friend of mine, Arabah Joy, who is currently overseas in Asia, asked a question on September 3 that resulted in a lengthy online discussion.   Her question was:  "As a Christian do you believe in a literal 6 Day Creation?"  You can go to the link in the paragraph above to view the discussion. (over 70 people responded).

My answer briefly put was, Yes. If we do not take Genesis literally (using the original Hebrew text) then we will fall into a trap questioning what else in the Bible is not literal, Jesus' resurrection for example.  

One person's defense for not accepting a literal interpretation of Genesis was John 6:54, "whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life."  They stated that this was not to be taken literally and they are correct....BUT Jesus made that clear when you go back and read John 6:51, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven."  (Any time something is symbolic in the Bible it is made clear by the speaker and when taken in context.)

My thought for today is this:  Our acceptance of God and of His Word, becomes a matter of pure FAITH.   Take my unicorn for example.  Did it really exist?  The unicorn is mentioned in the Bible 6 times (Numbers 23:22, 24:8, Job 39:9 and 10, Psalm 29:6, 92:10).  Now it may not have looked like my painting, but it did exist.  Also the great leviathan and the same with dinosaurs coexisting with man, because they were both created on Day 6 (Genesis 1:24-31).  You can read more about that in an earlier post of mine.  

Arabah stated something rather profound in her response to the discussion on Sept 5th,
"As missionaries in an atheistic country, this issue [6 literal days of creation] is actually really important. It is hard for local believers here to accept evolution in Creation as they are coming out of atheism/evolution when they accept Christ. This means they read it as a literal 6 day Creation, as do I. 

Sadly, some of the "expert" westerners here are confusing them more with all the academic knowledge and apologetic reasonings they are passing on. While the educated westerners wax eloquent, the local scratch their heads and wonder what is going on. A simple person should be able to read the Bible and know the Truth. I think we muddy the waters trying to make things so intellectual."

We, the educated, are 'muddying the waters,' and I agree with Arabah.  What must we do to correct ourselves?  It is stated so simply in Hebrews 11, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).  Jesus himself speaking to Thomas said, "because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed, Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29).

In what is my daily scripture today, Jesus said (sadly, I think), "except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe" (John 4:48).  I'd rather accept His blessing and believe with the evidence I have not seen.  It's a simple matter of faith.

May you have the substance of things hoped for today.

Laura

Illustration Note:  I realize this original is in bad shape - I did it back in  apx. 1994.  I wanted to use it for today's post and I had to dig through my art closet to find it.  My oldest daughter loved unicorns. She was about 9 when I painted this especially for her.  I remember receiving the biggest hug when I gave it to her.  She's now grown and perhaps a little beyond decorating with unicorns, maybe her daughter would like it.  It is acrylic painted on canvas paper.  

Deep Water

Are there times when you feel a certain decision might be getting you in over your head?

Do you ever turn away from an opportunity because you feel you're not equipped?

Have you missed out on a blessing because you let someone else take over?

I turned away from a passion many years ago because I was afraid I wasn't 'good enough' at art. 

Had my faith been stronger I may have accomplished much more for the Lord by this time.  

In the scripture above Jesus asks Simon Peter to "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught."  Peter responds by saying, "we have toiled all night and have taken nothing [in other words, we're fisherman, we should know where the fish are].   But he then takes a step of faith and continues, "nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net."

 You know the story....the nets broke for the abundance of fish. They called for a second ship and when it came they filled both to the sinking point.  All because a man said 'Yes' to the Lord when he was asked to go into deeper water.  

Sometimes God asks us to do what seems impossible, or silly.  Why would we want to 'launch into the deep,' when it's perfectly nice and safe and comfortable here on the shore?   We have a problem we want God to deal with, but go out into deeper water??  Why?

Because it's all about faith.  Ask in faith, Believing, and ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22)  God will equip us if he calls us.  Deeper water?   He'll bring out the boat.  In over our head?   He'll provide the scuba gear.  We need to trust God and prepare for the draught of fish!

Step into deep water today! (With the Lord of course)

Laura

Illustration Note:   This is a watercolor/collage.  I used some salt on the watercolor to get the textured look.  Then I painted random colors on scraps and cut them out for the boats and sea life and sun.

Improving & Growing

Last night was our last night of VBS.   The final scripture happened to be my life verse.  So I decided I am going to get a little brave and show you a piece of art I'm not happy with. (I tried to place them side by side, but blogger won't allow me.)  The first pic is my almost finished product for a children's book--which I'm still not quite happy with.   The 2nd pic is my first rendering, done some time ago, which I don't like, although I was going to use it for the project anyway.  However, my conscience or Type A personality or Colossians 3:23 wouldn't allow it. 

I have improved some skills since first doing the squirrels and the 2nd pic does not reflect what I have learned.  So I redid the picture.  Still not happy - So should I accept sub-par?  Or should I completely re-do A-GAIN?  (The deadline is mine, so that is not an issue.)This internal debate reminded me of the scripture in 2 Peter 3:18, "Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ..."   The Greek word for 'grace' means that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, loveliness, and charm.  The 2nd definition is of course unmerited favor.  Having received grace from God (which I don't deserve) I feel I have grown and matured in Christ over the years.  Yet sometimes I still find myself acting like a spiritual baby (Hebrews 5:13-14).  My flesh reacts faster than my spirit and I'm either whining, grumbling, or saying things I shouldn't or at the very least still thinking them.If I have learned more and grown as a Christian, than why am I not showing that growth as often as I should?Same reason I was going to use the sub-par pictures....it's easier.  Too often do we just use our old habits and life styles out of convenience?  We've been given a counselor to help us, and an instruction book if you catch my meaning....Daily we need to pray and ask for the strength, direction and will to behave as mature Christians.  Daily.  Then we will be able to show the grace to others that we have received.   Well, I'm off to work on a certain painting....May you grow in grace today,Laura   

Be Careful

This is a sketch of a bad rabbit.

My rabbit.

I am angry with my rabbit.

He was bad.

I am mad.

The bunny ate 1/2 a page from my Bible.

It was not my fault.

It was the bunny's.

I am not speaking to the bunny.


Okay - now that you are done laughing....I am still upset.  My Bible was not on the floor.  It was on my desk next to my art table!!   Tom and I went out to run errands.  While we were gone the bunny, who is a litter trained house rabbit,  apparently got up on my desk chair and jumped on my desk.  He nibbled three other art papers on my art table and then proceeded to eat half a page from Romans  (Guess he likes Italian food.)

Tom's reaction...."He's a rabbit!"
My reaction...."He's rabbit stew!"   Not really - but I'm still steamed. And Tom is right.  The bunny nibbles ALL.  DAY.  LONG.   That's why we have cord protectors on the electrical cords.  And blockade him from certain areas.  I left my desk chair out and bunnies are more curious than cats.  My fault?   Yeah, probably.   The bunny just did what bunnies do.  I was not careful to maintain the safety protocols.

Anyway, I had to get a devotion out of this to save the critter's life...so this is what the Lord gave me.

Titus 3:8 states we have to be careful at all times to maintain our walk with the Lord. We are being observed by the unsaved.  They know better than we do how we are supposed to behave!  If we react unbecomingly, unlovingly, or unkindly it affects our testimony and opportunity to portray God's love.

We need to guard against falling short of our best for the Lord.  Maintaining good Christian habits is important to our Spiritual health and our witness.  When we fail to have daily prayer time, or Bible study it's like leaving the chair out for the devil to take a seat and nibble away.

We need to "walk circumspectly" (perfectly) according to Ephesians 5:15, and yes, it is possible with God's help.  We should eliminate the things that draw us away from the Lord, be they TV, computer, music, entertainment, or even friends that do not have a Christian walk.  Be careful to not speak ill of someone whether at home or work, but "Speaking to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)

Maintain your good works today, and watch out for bad bunnies!
Laura

Summer's End

This painting is titled "Summer's End."   I painted it when we were in Traverse City 2 summers ago the week after Labor Day.   The beaches were mostly empty, not many boats on the bay...it was the winding down of summer...the goodbye to the sweet warmth of sunshine and long days...and the coming of colder nights and shorter days.

The change in seasons is a reminder to me that our seasons of life change as well.  The trials and situations we face will change.   We will change as we grow in wisdom and mature in the Lord, as we survive hardship, raise children, care for ailing loved ones and accept death.

The constant is God.  He is the same yesterday, to day and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  God remains steadfast to move with us  through each day and each season each heartache and each joy.

And as seasons change we can begin anew, feeling a refreshing of possibilities.  Each day is a new beginning with the Lord (Lamentations 3:23).  When we draw close to Him he will lead us into the new season.  He will equip us with His Spirit of encouragement and comfort and love.

May you enter a new season of hope and joy today.
Laura

Remnants

Remnants - left over pieces.  Scraps of fabric, perhaps too small to use.  A friend at church just brought me some remnants of yarn.  She was sure I could use them for craft projects or junior church.

I remember my grandmother's sewing trunk.  It was filled with scraps of cloth.   Some cut from her old house dresses and grandpa's shirts.  Some from old blankets and sheets.  And many of these remnants were pieced together into some beautiful quilts.

Sometimes when I'm feeling a little ragged and used up this verse brings me encouragement.  I know it is not referring to a physical remnant of cloth, but the remnant of Israel - God's chosen.
But as Christian believers we are also God's chosen.

The complete reference in Romans 9: 27-28 reads, " Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth."   God will gather us together making a quick, completed work of righteousness.

When we honor the Lord and seek to do His will, we will never be cast off as a useless remnant.  He will gather us up in His arms, perfecting us in His image.  What a beautiful picture.

Be used for the Lord today!
Laura
Illustration Note:   The background of this piece is a quilt made by my Grandma especially for me.  She named each quilt for the person she made it for and typed it on a 3x5 card.  Mine was named Paths of Peace.

We Are His

I don't think I could paint this scene because it is a picture only my heart could paint.  My love for my family.  It was my mom's 80th birthday today.  She is mostly home bound due to many health issues.  God blessed us and allowed her a good day and opportunity for my daughters and her great grandkids to be with her.  (The daughters' hubbys were working.)  We had an impromptu lunch:  pizzas and visited for a while.  

Mom ooohed and ahhhhed over pictures colored by the little ones especially for her.  She called me later, teary eyed and lump in her throat to say how precious it was to have us all there for her birthday.

Family is a beautiful treasure, despite the flaws we may have.  God did create each of us to be individual and beautiful.  We need to love each other and appreciate God's workmanship.

Treasure your family - hug often, forgive frequently and Love always.
Laura

Two are Better

This is a work in progress of my grandsons (21mo and 17mo).   They were standing in front of the sink cupboard jabbering back and forth and trying to open the child safety lock.  I took a series of photos and came up with the sketch and this preliminary watercolor.

These two boys are usually in cahoots together.  What one doesn't think of the other will.  What one doesn't climb on, under, or over the other one will.   They actually clap and say 'Yay' for each other.

It would be wonderful if we all worked together like that as Christians.  Lifting each other up and over trials, challenging each other to do more for God and cheering for one another's accomplishments.  Barnabas is one of my favorite people in the Bible, his name meant encourager.

The complete scripture of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reads, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."  Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs (Mark 6).  This shows us we do need to depend on other Christians.  We are part of the army of God and no soldier should stand alone.

When someone says,'would you pray for ______."  Do it right then.  Don't wait - if you're like me I may forget.  A short prayer, a hug, or arm around the shoulder, can lift an enormous burden. When someone shares a worry or trial, give encouragement and a scripture if you can.  You don't have to quote it word for word, but let them know God cares. I'm amazed how someone will tell me later that those were the words or scripture they needed right then.   Of course, it wasn't me, it was the Holy Spirit in me that gave those words.

We are never forsaken by God, he is always with us (Hebrews 13:5), so if you don't have immediate words of  encouragement, just listen.  Sometimes listening is all someone needs.  If God wants you to speak - then the words will come.

Be a Barnabas today, encourage someone.
Laura

Believe!

Working with children is a love of mine. I have been an educator for many years, a principal and also Sunday School teacher.  I take the responsibility seriously.

Children, especially small ones love to hear stories.  The sad thing is that too often they think the whole Bible is just a story, a fantasy or make-believe.

Even sadder, is that today many adults do not accept the Bible as fact either.

We need to be passionate about relating the truth that is in God's word.  We need to let people know that we BELIEVE God's word to be true.

My friend here is a work in progress, part of a children's story I'm writing.   But - let me be clear....I believe in dragons. They are mentioned in the Bible, along with unicorns, leviathans (sea-beasts) and dinosaurs  living the same time as man.  If you read the description in Job of the behemoth with a tail as a cedar of Lebanon you have to accept that it was a dinosaur.  (Job 40:15-18)

What about a man over 9 feet tall (1 Samuel 17:4)?  Or the sun moving backwards and also standing still  (2 Kings 20), (Joshua 10)?  Or dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37)?

We so easily chatter about a TV program, silly videos we watch or movies we see.  Why not talk about the A-MAZ-ING, true stories in the Bible?  You would be surprised at the number of people who do not even know the story of Adam and Eve.   And how will they know unless we tell them?

Romans 10:14
 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Tell someone an Amazing, True  Bible Story today!
Laura