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

Be Kind...Even to Yourself

Be Kind

Do you have a problem being kind to yourself?  I do.  It's easier for me to encourage others than it is to lift myself up.

If you've read some of my past blogs, you know that at the age of 58 I made a prayerful decision (along with my husband) to actively pursue a life-long desire. . . illustrating and writing children's picture books. Then and now I believe God has called me to do this. I've been at it almost a year now, taking some classes, researching, building a portfolio, honing my skills, being part of a group of writers/illustrators.  You would think I would have moved up the ladder.  However....

Two weeks ago I was in a large book store in the children's section looking for a birthday gift for one of my granddaughters.  When I stood surveying the wall of children's books and seeing some wonderful treasures of beautiful illustrations, stories and indescribable talent I was suddenly overwhelmed.  Tears stung my eyes and I thought, "why does the children's book world need the likes of my drawings or stories?  The self-doubts flooded my thoughts and I slid down the ladder.

On the ride home my husband said, 'you're awfully quiet...watcha' thinking?'  I told him what happened and the question I asked, "why does the children's book world need the likes of  me?  He said, "and what was your answer to the question?"  Big help.   I expected a little more encouragement, a little more bolstering of my ego.  But his question also irritated me because I had no response.  *sigh*

For two weeks the  question has plagued me.  Well, truth be told - it's the answer to the question that is haunting me.   If I can't answer with something like, "because I have a supremely unique gift of talent, imagination and delightful insight" then maybe I don't have what it takes.  Just because I like to draw and tell stories may not be enough if I don't believe people will like what I do.

I've never been a self promoter.  I'll show my art or stories to my family, but beyond I'm pretty timid. When my daughter said, 'Mom, you need to start a blog to promote yourself,' I asked why?  and if you look at the number of posts here, you know I'm still not convinced people would really want to hear my thoughts.  I have friends and family who are all wonderfully encouraging, yet I think, 'well, they just say nice things so they won't hurt my feelings.'

Then today when I was emailing a completed drawing to my art class for an online critique something clicked.  The title of the drawing, "Be Kind" is from Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another..."  If another aspiring artist would have voiced the same doubts to me  I would have been all over them with  encouragement and affirmations.  Yet I wasn't doing that for myself.   I'm usually a glass half-full type of person, yet here I was draining my own glass with discouragement and doubt.

I was also doubting God. Oh-oh.   That's never a good thing. I was doubting that this is his purpose for me.   Proverbs 3:26 states  For the Lord shall be [my] confidence, and shall keep [my] foot from being taken...e.g. slipping down on the ladder.

So - I've decided, I will be kind to myself.  I will give myself affirmation, encouragement and believe that God has called me to pursue this for his glory. ...and if once in a while you want to send me a little kind note, or a thumbs up, I'll accept it as genuine.  I am going to firmly plant my feet on the ladder rungs and move up with the Lord as my confidence.  

And my answer to the question? 1 Peter 4:11   ". . . if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."     .

And now I have to quickly post this because I'm beginning to think it's not very interesting or something you would want to read......grrr......Okay - I need to quickly memorize Prov. 3:26.

Who is St. Patrick and What is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach about the Trinity

    I am Irish (among other nationalities), and I am a Christian.   My great-grandfather lived near Belfast, Ireland and immigrated to the U.S. in the 1890's.  I also have my grandmother's curly Irish hair, as does my oldest daughter (thank's Grandma). I have to admit that until recently I only had a vague notion of who St. Patrick was.  Now that I know,  I have to say,  I am embarrassed by the way St. Patrick's day is recognized by the majority of our citizens.
     I taught for 11 years in our church's Christian School , the last 5 years I was also principal. When, out of my own curiosity, I researched St. Patrick,  I decided to share the information with our students during our chapel time.  I first asked the children, ranging in age from 3rd grade to 12th, what is the meaning of St. Patrick's day?  One 4th grader said, "it's when you go out and party and drink green beer ."  A wiser 5th grader said, "well, you only drink green beer if you're Irish."  The high school students determined it was just a day to party if you were Irish.
     When I asked 'who is St. Patrick?' the same 4th grader said he was a leprechaun.  The high school students disagreed, saying he was somebody important, and one said he got rid of snakes in Ireland.  Unfortunately if you ask most adults, this is also what they will say.  The documented history of Patrick,  from the 5th century is sketchy, but what written history there is documents a life of dedication, a devout faith, and a life of service for the Lord.
    You can easily do a search on St. Patrick, but here are the simple facts agreed upon by most historians:    Patrick was born in circa 387 a.d. in Roman Britain (Scotland). When Patrick was about 14 he was kidnapped from his home by Irish raiders.  He was taken to Ireland, a land of pagans and Druids and put into a life of slavery working as a shepherd.  It was here that he lived by his faith and trusted in God. It was a time of deprivation, suffering in the elements and being separated from family.   About six years later he had a vision from the Lord leading him to escape to the coast and sail back to Britain.   There he was reunited with family and later followed his faith and became a priest and eventually a bishop.
     Patrick returned to the land that held him slave: (This part of his life puts me in reverent awe.)  After another vision he returned to Ireland to bring the Gospel of Salvation to the 'heathens.'  He was the man that brought Christianity to Ireland.  Attempts were made on his life, but he had a fervor for the Lord that could not be quenched.  He was humble, gentle and totally devoted to God, pious and denying himself luxuries of fine living that were offered him.   He ministered in Ireland for nearly 40 years, thousands were converted including kings, queens and their families. He refused gifts and payment for services such as baptisms and ordinations, but lived in poverty and endured much suffering.   He is credited with many miracles of healing (snakes? there were never really any in Ireland).  It is also told he used a shamrock to help explain the Holy Trinity.  He died on March 17, 461, in Saul, where he planted the first Christian church in Ireland.
   St. Patrick should be a shining, godly example to each of us.  He loved God and showed God's love to others.  It is a sad thing that the life of a devout, Christian man is now associated with a day of parties and drinking.     Each year since I've been enlightened I try to retell his story, the real story to others who don't know.  And this year I wrote a blog.   Now that you know, perhaps you can also tell his story, and plant a seed for the Lord and a remembrance of a holy life.

New Year's Resolution & the Fear Factor

There is something enchanting about January 1st, a new year laying before us - without blemish or fracture.  A path waiting to explore, pursue and even dream. A time for New Year's resolutions, commitments and planning.  The New Year is like a piece of fresh white paper that can become a Mona Lisa, a Monet, or a paper airplane - depending on the hand that touches it.  I, like you, have my plans, purpose and dreams for this year.  But the other day as I was trying to establish my home work schedule.  I was frustrated by interruptions, some were welcomed, but the biggest frustration was the FEAR FACTOR.  The fear of FAILURE in my new endeavors.  Finally, I realized I was failing.  I was failing to include something in my planning.  I had not gone to the architect, the builder, the creator of all that is good for His encouragement. I was once again trying to do everything under ME-power.  You'd think at my age and years as a Christian I wouldn't need to be reminded about. . .
      Placing God first - even for encouragement!  Making him the foundation of any project is like buying one of those ubiquitous appliance warranties.   If something goes wrong - God is there to repair, to replace, to renew.  And he did send me encouragement through my oldest daughter.  She is a great cheerleader, strong Christian, and a motivator.  (You can meet her at  http://www.lessonsfromivy.com/).
      Okay - so now God has the master blueprint, our new year is blank and clean. . .waiting for his hand to touch it. . . to create. . . to shape. . . to be meaningful. . . to direct our lives. . .  then why does  fear keep gripping our heart and hand and mind and stalling us from doing and achieving our best?       
       Because, if we ourselves are not a clean slate - then how can we expect a marvelous working within the New Year?  If our hearts are not clean and focused on God we cannot see the blueprint, much less follow it. This scripture from Psalm 51:10 reminds us  to be renewed for the New Year, and for each day.  We can start by letting God clean our hearts and renew the 'right' spirit.  And if we have the right spirit - nothing is impossible for God.  And according to Psalm 37:4 when we  ' Delight thyself also in the LORD. . . he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.'
      What do you want to commit to God this year?  Is it your FEAR factor?  Leave a comment to share.

We CAN Be Perfect-Part 2

Note:  If you have not yet read Part 1 of this blog - you can do so by clicking here. 

PART 2- As promised, let's look at one of the definitions of perfect as found in the New Testament.  The first occurrence is in Matthew 5:48, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.   Oh, my!   If we can be perfect - what about our flaws and shortcomings?  Here again we are confused by our contemporary definition of perfect.  In this instance 'perfect' (Greek: teleios) again means 'finished' or 'brought to its end, complete'.    The same definition is used when Jesus said to Paul when he complained of the thorn, "'. . . My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Paul's response was to say, 'Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

       WOW!  Did you get that?  I've missed it so many times.  When we accept and rejoice  in our weakness (infirmity)-that's when the POWER of Christ can come upon us to make us more like God!  Accepting our limitations and letting God work in spite of them can make us complete through God's power!  So - don't let your feelings of inadequacy limit what He wants to do.  It doesn't matter if it is a physical , character or spiritual infirmity.  In fact, our 'infirmities' make us depend on God. If we are really striving to draw into a closer relationship with Him, to be perfect [complete], to do His will, then we must allow God to use us, infirmities and all.  He desires to work through each one of us...it is only our self that will limit Him.
     In Matthew 19:21, when Jesus talks to the rich young man who desires to follow Jesus,  he says, "If thou wilt be perfect [complete], go and sell that thou hast."  Unfortunately, this young man could not let loose of his infirmity.  He depended on his riches rather than God.  I ask myself, have I let my feeling of inadequacy stop me from following God's directing and limited my opportunity to be perfect as God is perfect?    Are there lessons you have learned when you rejected God's direction?  Are there blessings you received when you bound yourself to Him and he worked through your infirmity?  Share your story and comment below.   Part 3 to follow.