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

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

Community!

Interesting that one of God's tiniest creations is referenced in scripture for us to study. The complete scripture of Proverbs 6: 6-8 reads:  "Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise, which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest."

Solomon urged the lazy man to consider the ways of the ant.   I feel there is also a lesson for us as a modern Christian (lazy or not), to learn from the ant.  That is, the importance of community.

An ant by itself would probably not survive because they depend on their community.  They work together, sharing  food resources to benefit the colony. Did you know ants 'milk' bugs like aphids, caterpillars and mealy worms for honey dew? Some experiments even suggest that ants have a 'collective mind,' sensing when a part of their community is threatened.

Sadly, the Christian community is decreasing.  I read some statistics today that made me shiver and my spirit cry out.  Attendance in America's churches is dropping, based on a 2010 report.  For the first time  Church-goers in America are now in the minority (48%).  More saddening is that only 25% attend church more than twice a month.

What has happened to our churches in America?  Have we lost faith, or is it because we do not reach out sharing His love within our communities?

The believers in Acts 2:44 had all things in common.  They sold their possessions and gave to one another as a need arose.  They were in one accord, daily at church, they shared communion and meals from house to house, with joy and 'singleness of heart (collective mind). "Praising God, and having favour with all the people."   (Acts 2:44-47)

These were the believers in Christ who were sharing and caring...but what kind of an impact did it make on the unbelieving community?   To see and hear of so much love and giving must have profoundly affected the Church's outreach.  What was God's response toward this body of believers?  "And the Lord added to the church daily..."  (Acts 2:47) 

Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."  If we desire that collective mind, we need to have a collective spirit...that is the Holy Spirit, uniting our hearts and urging us to work together.  Differences between the faiths or individuals should not deter us from being like-minded in loving the unsaved, and bringing them to Christ.

Paul said it best in Philippians 2:

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. . ."

If ants are attracted to a species not their own, because of a sweet nectar, then perhaps with the mind of Christ and His love we can attract the unsaved and add to our churches once again.  What are your thoughts?

Lord, help us to be of one mind today.
Laura
    P.S.  Just an afterthought....I noticed in my research of ants that in all the pictures of them carrying food they never used their legs to carry the food.  They use their jaws...I wonder if that's so they can't talk about each other while they work?

Sing!

I've been enjoying the abundance of black eyed susan's this year.  They seem to be every where I look.  And I'm very glad because mine got weed-whacked down.  Twice.   After the first time they started growing back.  I explained very. carefully. to my husband where they were and to STAY AWAY.  They were coming up again, and then a neighbor, thinking they were being neighborly came through and "off with their heads!" again.

Did I rejoice?  Honestly, no. I said nothing to the neighbor - but I muttered a great deal.

Then when I think of the people who are losing their homes to wild fires and floods and tornadoes, I'm ashamed of my earlier reaction.    I heard some of these folks who have lost so much saying, "we're alive, so we'll be okay."  They are rejoicing, because they see the blessing that remains.

David was like that - he ran for about 10 years from King Saul.  Hiding out in caves fearing for his life.  Some of the most beautiful psalms were written by him during these times. Psalm 35 which is a prayer for rescue from his enemies is an example, verse 18 says, "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation;  I will praise thee among much people," and in verses 27-28, "Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.  And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

Rejoicing is important because it lifts us up to God, and brings us closer to Him.  When we are close to Him we know His heart, feel His love and know that He deeply loves us.  My niece said it beautifully, we learn how 'extravagantly God loves us.'

So I'm having to enjoy one of my favorite flowers from a distance this year - and each time I do I lift up a prayer for those suffering a real loss and I pray that they will have the joy of beautiful flowers in their future.

May you rejoice today!!
Laura

Enjoy All Things

Summer is beginning to fade and my first grandchild will be 5 soon.  This is her with our chocolate lab.  Best friends since she was a toddler.  

One thing for which I thank the Lord is that he has made me well aware of the preciousness of time.  It does march on without bias, but I so enjoy the moments, especially with my family.

God gave us all of his creation to enjoy.  All of it.   What we do to enjoy it is up to us.
The presence of a loved one can light up a cloudy day.   A child and a dog splashing in a wading pool can bring laughter.   Corn roasting on a grill and sharing it with family in a new home makes for sweet memories.  Even a cat curling up in your lap can lower your blood pressure.  The sounds of a rainy night and lightning flashes are summer at its best.  I hope you've had a wonderful summer.

Enjoy all things.  I heard or read a quote, "if you're happy with what you have you'll always be a happy person."  If you're happy with all the things God has given you, you'll always be a happy person.

Squeeze out a few more summer memories today.
Laura

Walk in the Light

I was looking for something in a box in the basement.  There are 3 lights across the length of the basement, the light above my box burned out.  As I dug through the box searching for what I needed, I muttered and grumbled because I couldn't see clearly.  If I could only see better - if I only had some more light!

Duh!!    The box maybe weighed 10 pounds - I was able to easily move it to beneath the working light and quickly find what I wanted.  That was so much easier!

How often do we struggle with a problem, or issue, or person - not knowing what to do or how to respond or how to heal a relationship?   Yet if we immediately took our problem to the Lord we would be 'enlightened.'

Walking as children of light doesn't just mean spreading the Gospel - I believe it also means to always seek the source of light.  If we do that then walking is so much easier - we won't trip and stumble as much.  His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (Psalm 119:105)

May you seek His light today!
Laura                                

Illustration Note:  This is a work in progress - a recreation of the one I lost yesterday when the computer ate it. It is all digital.  I'm trying a new technique with the software.  Turns out I like this 2nd version better than the first which is somewhere in cyberheaven.

The Lighthouse

This is Rawley Point Lighthouse Station in Two Rivers, Wisconsin (north of Manitowac).    Our family used to live here in the 60's.  It housed 3 quarters for families.  We lived first on the right side and then got to move into the left side of the quarters where we had a round living room and my folks had a round bedroom in the original light tower (1859).   The steel structure was erected in 1894.  The out building is the Signal building where the fog horn and radio equipment was located.

The painting is another miniature I did for my dad in 1989.   When you think of miniature lights you might think of stars in the sky, or tiny book lights...but isn't it amazing how much light they do give as tiny as they are?  

When Jesus asked us to be the light of the world I don't think he intended for one person to do it alone.   But the combined effort of all of us speaking of his glorious love would shine through darkness.

And sometimes when we face a dark time in our lives, even the smallest of lights can be a great comfort.   So if someone is facing troubled times and you may not have the words to give, just be a light of love and you can make a difference.

Let your light shine today.
Laura

I Shall Not Be Moved

I remember from my 5th grade teacher that a tree's roots extend as far down as the tree goes up.  Without that deep root system it could not find the nourishing water it needs and the tree would topple easily in a storm.

When you look at Psalm 1:3, the description is referring to a godly man, who establishes deep roots and "brings forth his fruit in his season."  To me that means there is also a time of waiting and preparation to bring forth the fruit.   Without the proper time and nourishment, the fruit is small, or shriveled, and unappealing.

When we desire to do a work for the Lord it must also be in His time.  We are to planted in His word (2 Timothy 2:15), digging deep into His abundant wisdom (James 1:5), being watered by His spirit (John 3:5), and in due season He will mature our fruit.

I love that old hymn, "I shall, I shall, I shall not be moved...just like a tree that's planted by the wa-a-ter, I shall not be moved."   Ahh....how water is refreshing to the dry tongue.   And how the water of His word refreshes our spirit.

May you feel a refreshing in your spirit today!
Laura
Illustration Note:   Found this in an old sketch book.  It was done with a travel watercolor set while on a picnic celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.  It's at a lovely little picnic spot on the riverbank in Frankenmuth, MI.

Grandma's Heritage

I'm celebrating Grandparent's Day a little early.....

This is a miniature acrylic painting I did for my grandmother back in the late 80's.  It is painted on a 4 inch wooden heart.  The quilt on the right is after an actual quilt  she made. When she passed away the painting was returned to me and I gave it to my mom.  

I took a picture of it today while at my mom's.  We had a lovely visit and talked a great deal about our great-great relatives.  Where they came from (Scotland, Ireland, England) and what they did:(constable, justice of the peace, commercial fisherman, stage coach driver, lumberjack, mechanic).

Interesting that the jobs mentioned were all done by the men.  I guess because it was rarer for women to be employed.  But my grandmother, who this painting represents, always worked.  She worked  at the state mental hospital and took in laundry at home.  She hauled water to do the laundry and dishes and chopped wood to do the cooking. She was a farmer's wife, did bookkeeping for my grandpa's small garage and of course took care of her family.  She had wanted to be a school teacher, but that dream never happened.  
     But the work my grandma put into raising her family, caring for others, accepting adversity with a cheerful spirit and loving everyone despite their flaws is still influential today.  The work of her hands is still alive in the quilts and afghans she made for all her children and grandchildren.  She taught me how to quilt and crochet as well.
     Thoughts of Grandma always evoke memories of farm animals, the smell of hay, a wood stove clanking as she prepared supper, fresh bread and cinnamon rolls. But the strongest memory is that of a woman who loved and laboured honorably, whose  strength and honor were her clothing and in her tongue was the law of kindness  (Proverbs 31:25-26).
     Whatever we do leaves a heritage for which we will be remembered.  I always thought the Proverbs 31 woman is hard to live up to.  But I see nearly every quality evident in my grandma's life.   I think the key is in verse 30, "a woman that fears the Lord shall be praised."    
     Will we leave behind a memory of loving the Lord and laboring for Him?   My life verse is Colossians 3:23,  "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,"  and I pray my children, grandchildren and their children and those whose lives I affect will remember me for that.

May you be the person the Lord desires you to be.
Laura

The Eyes of the Lord

There are so many injustices and inequities in our world.  Frightening things, aggravating circumstances and  unfair results.  Evil seems to triumph.  Sometimes it seems that there is little we can do or change.  But there is something in which we can take comfort.

God sees it all.   And he will triumph and avenge.  (Hebrews 10:30)

He knows our plight, our dismay and even our sorrow.  We suffer in this world because of man's sin nature.  God gave us perfection - man's corrupt desire took it away.  

But there is a hope and peace that can come even in the midst of this world.  If we bind ourselves to God, trust in him and seek his guidance, wisdom and counsel there is a solace of mind.  When we hold back nothing - and bring everything to him in prayer we receive a 'peace that passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:6-9).

God sees the evil and the good.  He sees the righteous and knows our hearts.  Be encouraged in this world for we are His children.   He goes before us to protect us and he will not fail nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).  "Our help cometh from the Lord." (Psalm 121:2)

Lift up your eyes to the hills
Laura

Water With Love

Tea parties are very important at our house.  It's a tradition I started when my first granddaughter was old enough to hold a little pink plastic teapot.  We have berries, cookies, jam, and lots of pretend tea - everywhere.   To catch all the 'tea,' I cover the table with big beach towels - or the floor if we're have a tea picnic.  And now the little grand boys  participate.  (They got tall enough to see cookies on the table.)

It's also a bonding time.  We talk in silly voices about silly things. Mostly,  I hope I'm leaving a heritage of love.  I pray that this may bring us closer for times ahead when they may seek advice or counsel.  Even as little as they are we talk about God and I hope that always continues.

Painting this illustration made me think about the need to build our relationships with new Christians too.  They need nurturing and guidance as much as a small child.  Why not a tea party - or coffee and dessert?    And then we must also water the ground wherever we go, making opportunity to spread God's love.

According to His word - as we water, we shall be watered (blessed) by God in return.  How beautiful is that?  Give refreshing to someone who may be dry and thirsty.  Time is so precious and our life a vapor that quickly passes (James 4:14) , make time to share His love.

May you bless and be blessed today.
Laura

Carrots of Affection

This rabbit doodle I did in May made me recall a 'carrot' God used to teach me a lesson.  It was about 24 years ago when we lived in a subdivision in Burton, Michigan.

Across the street lived Jenny.  She was a scrawny little girl, usually wearing grimy clothes.  She had stringy hair, dirty fingernails and was all elbows, bony knees and big brown eyes.  She was the youngest in a large family.  Her parents were in their very late 40s.

Many times I observed Jenny walking bare foot on a chilly day or riding her big wheeled bike out into the street. No parent ever came to call her in or tell her to stay on the sidewalk. So with my baby in tow I would go out and tell her to get back on the sidewalk or go in and get shoes.

One summer day when our daughter was about four, Jenny (5), came over to our yard and asked to play. I never let our daughter play at Jenny's because  I was afraid there would be no supervision.  So that day the girls played on our front porch.   I went back in the house to begin supper keeping an eye on the girls.  I peeled some carrots and started slicing them.   I took some carrot sticks outside and handed my daughter some.  Then I reached over and gave some to Jenny.

Jenny looked at me with her mouth open.  I thought she was going to tell me she didn't like carrots.  She started to walk away and then turned back.  She wrapped her arms around my legs and hips, knocking me back a bit.  Just as quickly she was gone.  She never said thank you, but the message was clear.   My breath caught in my throat.   Carrots.   I hadn't given her ice cream, or chocolate, just plain carrots.   Yet those carrots somehow touched her.  Was she that starved for affection?

I made it a point to let Jenny come over more often.  She was a bit domineering and not shy to use bribery and coercion to get what she wanted from our daughter.  But I tried to treat her as one of mine.  If she needed hugging I hugged.  If she needed scolding I did it gently.  Sadly we moved away in August of that year.  I've often wondered what became of her.

This morning when remembering the carrot story - I realized I had been withholding love from this little child because she wasn't from 'my kind' of household.  I was always reserved about mingling with Jenny.  God had to use a carrot to hit me over the head and remind me that this child was His.  That she needed love and affection the same as my children.

Do we sometimes withhold ourselves from others because they are different?  Do we hold back from making new friendships?  Do we fail to call someone to say we're thinking about them, or miss them?  Do we keep from praying with someone, or telling someone that God can help?Someone may not be physically hungry, but they may be starving for a bit of attention, a crumb of affection.

 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.   (Matthew 25:42-45)

May you find time today for the least of these,
Laura.