Hero

Day 50:  Have you thanked a Veteran today? Veteran's are the reason we are a free nation. A volunteer military force sworn to protect our nation, sacrificing their time, well-being, families, and sometimes their lives.

Thank a veteran, and pray for them, now more than ever. The times are challenging, the military restricted, and our enemies know no boundaries. Pray for protection, courage, and comfort.

Please, God, bless!

"I’ve commanded you, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be fearful or discouraged, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Josh 1:9 ISV 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

A New Path

Day 49:  I was talking to a friend at work today, and she is frustrated with her job and ready to move on and do something completely different. I can relate--I've had those kind of days.

There are many things in life where I am just not sure what to do when in a tough circumstance. When I don't know what to do, I may seek out options, but even then I find it best to wait until God gives me an indication of what path I am to take. After all, He knows my tough circumstances and He can change them at any time. If he doesn't, I know that there is a reason in the grander scheme of things.  In the meantime, I will get my hiking boots ready to trod a new direction...

"Who is the man who fears the LORD? God will teach him the path he should choose." Ps 25:12

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

The Turkey and the Tree

Day 48:  I am amazed at how quickly the stores can transition from one holiday to the next. Even
though I started seeing Christmas decorations in September this year, it seems this week the holiday fever is in full swing. Normally I prefer to enjoy one holiday before I begin festivities for another, but today at a trip to Trader Joe's it was the best of both worlds. Tons of Thanksgiving yummies-stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie--but also tons of peppermint bark, cookies, pretzels, gingerbread. It was kind of weird, in a way, but the smell of the cinnamon brooms seemed to make it all feel-or smell-like it made sense. I guess it sounds silly, but I can't seem to describe it any better. I left feeling ready for turkey AND the tree.

I know God didn't designate Thanksgiving and Christmas as appointed times.  But I am truly grateful that these two holidays help me focus on His wonderful gifts-His Son, my family and friends.

Please, God, bless!

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."  Col 3:15 ESV


Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Twinkle, Twinkle...

Day 46:  We are in the season where things are going to start to get very busy. I just sent out invitations for our annual Cookie Party, registered for a conference, and next thing I know it will be Thanksgiving then Christmas.  Even with the frenzied pace, there is something magical about this time of year!

Every year I look forward to Christmas lights.  We pile in the car and drive around looking at the decorated homes. I often think that the heaven's are like the lights, but lit up all year long, like God's own display!

Please, God, bless!

"He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names."  Ps 147:4

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Stay Busy

Day 45:  I've been moved around again at work. Its bitter sweet in a way. I really like the people in my group. But I also really like the people in the group I'm going to--we're all old pals. In the end, as long as I stay busy it all works out. I don't like sitting all day.

The truth is, I like to be busy. I suppose I'm wired that way.  Then again, maybe we are all wired to be productive.

Please, God, bless!

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Gen 2:15 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Pachyderm, Take Pause!

Day 44:  I am posting along with my doodle, an open letter to the Republicans.

Dear Republicans, 

Congratulations! You have had a landslide win. Lest you get too comfy, now is NOT the time to celebrate and rest on your laurels, but to get down to business.  

I'll put this bluntly: you were not elected because you were the ideal candidates we all hope for. With the monopoly aiding the two party system, its more like choosing a filling over a root canal-they both cause pain, one maybe more so than the other. Knowing this, I hope, will give your egos pause. Now is not the time to gloat or grandstand, but to show that you mean what you championed all through the election season--that you will make decisions, stop the bickering, take on the tough fights and move this country along.

We certainly have our share of looming issues that need to be addressed. We have a huge deficit. We have troops overseas who are neutered in their ability to actually fight the war they are assigned to and defeat the enemies who wish to kill us. We have healthcare mayhem. We have scandals across government agencies. We have a war on our constitution and our freedom. We have religious persecution against Christians. We have reckless abuse of power at all levels of government. And the list goes on...

As our elected officials, we constituents say NO MORE. For the last several years we have listened to each party blaming the other for nothing getting done. We are tired of the blame game. There are no more excuses. Pick the hard battles--if we collapse financially or neglect our military, it won't matter if we save the critters, let people marry their brothers, or let folks smoke dope until they have swiss cheese for a brain-there won't be an America left to debate it.   

A few other words of advice:

Don't give Politifact fodder-check your facts, have some integrity. 

Take the high road and skip the sleaze and bashing. 

Be straight forward in your critique of policy and aggressive in your defense of our rights. 

Don't give us the spin-make a decision and defend it; flip-flops are for the beach. 

Don't SAY you're for the troops--LEGISLATE for the troops. 

Quit giving each other pay raises for a job poorly done. 

Show lobbyists the door-or better yet, just don't open it.  

Do something good and ditch the photo op. 

Do the job you were hired for; prep for your next political aspiration on your own time and dime.  

What's good for your us is good for you--don't legislate for us and exempt yourselves to a better option.

Admit we can't keep printing money and fix the budget.

Most important, remember you work for US, NOT the other way around.  

You asked to serve.  Don't blow it, else the pachyderm will be sent packing.  

Please, God, bless!

"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." Proverbs 29:2 ISV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Never Stop Praying!

Day 43:  Here is today's 10 minute doodle, as I am really tired today.

Today was election day. I voted. I got my sticker. Yes, I consider it my patriotic duty and right as a citizen to vote, and I am very, very grateful we have the privilege to do so.

Even so, as I have been perusing my options with voting, it is almost like picking a filling over a root canal. Both are painful, one is more so. Neither is a preferred option. As I lack confidence in the sincerity, suitability, ability, and honesty of our elected officials (regardless of who wins), I do not lack confidence in my God who hears my prayers.

Yes, I voted. But I also prayed.

I prayed for all of the elected officials 

to make God-fearing decisions.

I prayed for my community 

to rise up and help those in need.

I prayed for my neighborhood 

for safety and peace.

I prayed for the soldiers who put themselves in harms way 

to defend our right to be a free people.

I prayed for my family,

for protection of mind, body, and spirit.

I prayed for my husband, 

for wisdom as the head of our home.

I prayed for my son, 

for his divine calling, purpose, 

and discernment.

I prayed for Bryan's protection 

during his deployment to Afghanistan.

I prayed for peace and comfort 

for his wife and children,

I prayed for Grace, 

for healing and a correct diagnosis.

I prayed for Charlie, Christy, and Thomas 

to trust and not be anxious.

I prayed for Jake, 

recovering from surgery.

I prayed for Jack, 

who at 5 has been diagnosed with cancer.

I prayed for his parents for strong faith.

I prayed thanks to the One 

who is in complete control 

over all things in heaven and on earth.

I prayed.......

Please, God, bless!

"Never stop praying."  1 Thes 5:17 NLT

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Dying to One's Will to Die

Day 42:  As I was reading Anne Graham Lotz's daily e-devotion, I thought of the young woman who chose to end her life this weekend due to her diagnosis of and expected future suffering resulting from incurable brain cancer.

I suppose we can all for a moment understand-no one chooses to undergo such suffering. Its seems almost wise to make such a decision, to prevent oneself from such devastation and pain. But is that selfish?  Is it really a noble choice?

Inspired by Matthew 16:24 Anne writes:

"The power in your life and mine that results in blessing is in 

direct proportion to the extent that you are willing to die to . . .

your own will,

your own goals,

your own dreams,

your own rights."

If one is to truly surrender, wouldn't that also include dying to one's own will to die, precluding allotted suffering?  

I think of my Lord Jesus. He was also prescribed pain and suffering to an extent unparalleled or repeated as he took on not just the physical pain, but the blackness, the burden, the desperation of all the sins of the world. He could have chosen, I suppose, to end it early. But that wasn't the Father's will. His pain and suffering were allotted to Him. He died at his appointed time. As a result, God's glory abounds with His resurrection.

I mean no disrespect to this young woman or her family.  I can't fathom what I would be thinking in a similar circumstance.  But I do know this-Our time is assigned by the Creator. Life is precious, and I have to believe regardless of suffering-no matter how heinous, tragic, hurtful, or appalling, it is known by God and has some purpose.  This should resonate in a society consumed by the heroes journey. A hero is born by through his suffering, not by avoiding it.  I think trying to preempt our time denies the flower its full bloom.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Matthew 16:24 NIV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Gone With The Wind

Day 41:  What a cooooollllld day today! The wind has been crazy, blowing like mad.  The leaves were blowing in whirlwinds down the street.

I love the fall. The colors are gorgeous, the weather is crisp, begging for a warm cup of tea.  There is something very profound about the fall. As the leaves begin to wither and blow away, its reminiscent of sins being forgiven and forgotten, carried away by the wind. The wind can also be very destructive, cold, and powerful--lest we forget that the Lord of all things is in complete control, and takes sin extremely seriously.

Please, God, bless!

"He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens And by His power He directed the south wind."  Ps 78:26 ISV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

The Birds are Gone

Day 40:  One of my favorite places at home is on our front porch. We added it a few years ago, and after some cushioned chairs and side tables, its a great place to site and enjoy a beverage of choice. It was cold, threatening to rain all day, so a hot cup of tea was more fitting.

Looking from one end of the street to the other, the trees are mature and enormous, painted with fall colors.  In one of our trees we have a birdhouse. Each year the birds make their nest and I sit on the porch with my beverage listening to the baby cheepers as the momma flied back and forth with food for her young. Today the birdhouse was empty, the wind whistling through the carefully woven twigs inside.

I love days like this.  I find the gloom and chill somewhat comforting.  With the weather restless, the birds are gone and the people stay inside. Though it is just me on the porch, I know I am not alone.  I feel kind of like Elijah, with the largeness of nature fretting about he hears the small still voice of the Lord.  With so much to pray about, its comforting to sense His nearness.

If you would please pray for Bryan.  His wife and two small children are seeing him off tomorrow for a deployment to Afghanistan.

Please, God, bless!

"And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."  1 Kings 19:11-12 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.
 

Bison Sliders

Day 37: I had another first for me today.  I had bison sliders for dinner.  Tasted like hamburger, only leaner.  It was good, and the company wasn't bad either!  In any case, here is my 15 minute sketch of my slider- pre-grill, of course!

Please, God, bless!

"Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything."  Gen 9:3  ISV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Shy Guy

Day 34:  This is Shy Guy.  Apparently he is a troublemaker in the Mario video games.  He always wears a mask--for a villain-type, he's kind of cute. 

My kid wants to be Shy Guy for Halloween, so I spent some time this afternoon making the mask. 

I learn so much from my son.  I thought Shy Guy, was-well-a shy guy?!? ;)

Please, God, bless!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." Ps 127:3 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

A Toast to a Retired Colonel

Day 32:  It was a very busy day today.  I was honored to be able to attend the retirement of a good friend today from the Air Force after 35 yrs of service.  He is now officially a retired Colonel.

I was not surprised to see the room packed--more full than I have seen in any of the other retirement ceremonies I have attended. What struck me the most is that a good number of the people he invited had been mentors to him at one point or another in his career. Some may look at this distinguished visitor list and be in awe of the brass. What I saw was a host of people who put their time into a man, helping him to become a great leader, role model, and friend.

A quick doodle-toast to my friend Dave!  May your next chapter be a blessing!

Please, God, bless!

"And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home." Luk 1:23 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Fountain of Life

Day 31: I can't believe I made it to one month of a doodle a day.  It's been challenging to me, but I have to admit I am enjoying it.  I went from not having spent time drawing anything in the last year or so, to spending anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour every day. I also really enjoy forcing myself to focus my perspective.

Today's doodle was REALLY fast...I'm pretty pooped, and after spending time with the family and taking care of stuff, I'm ready for bed.  This doodle is inspired by a verse in a prayer sent to my dear friend.  Her son is deploying, and this verse serves as a constant reminder of the true source of our lives.

Please, God, bless!

"For with you is a fountain of life,

    and in your light we will see light.

 Send forth your gracious love to those who know you,

    and your righteousness to those who are upright in heart." Prov 36:9-10

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Natural Curls?

Day 30:  Since I am tired and plan on going to bed early, a 10 minute sheep seemed like a good doodle.  Sometimes things aren't what they seem.  Maybe the sheep has curly hair because she uses curlers?

I had a conversation with a coworker about a gentleman who was new to the organization, and immediately the folks that worked for him clamored to be his sage counsel.  Unfortunately, he is now realizing things are not what they seemed, and the so-called experts he was relying on are really opportunists without the skills they claimed to have.

No, things are not always what they seem to be.

Please, God, bless!

"An open rebuke is better

    than unspoken love.

Wounds from someone who loves are trustworthy,

    but kisses from an enemy speak volumes." Prov 27:5-6

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Holy Superhero, Batman!

Day 29:  "I'm Batman!"   Okay, okay, really I'm not. 

I was watching Teen Titans with my kid today, and they had a crazy episode where Robin had to "cave-sit" for Batman while he was away.  The rest of the superhero team is in AWE of Batman and proceeds to get into all of his cool Bat-gear.  When the bad guys show up, they take them out with the super-cool Bat-weaponry.  Afraid of what Batman would say about the mess when he got back, Robin promptly spray-painted the signature of the Joker.  It was pretty funny. 

It got me to thinking....I have days where I would LOVE some Bat-gear....like some Bat-tape and Bat-rope.  Especially sitting in some of these routine, boring discussions at work, I can almost hear the soundtrack and see my Bat-self leap from the chair, plop my Bat-tape across the debating mouths, string up the briefer with my Bat-rope and feel good about being a Superhero, saving the masses from another bad meeting.  POW!

It's fun to daydream about having Super Powers. But the reality is I don't need them.  I have a Superhero who is always there to defend me, strengthen me, and save me.

Please, God, bless!

"Among the lamp stands there was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, in fact, as white as snow. His eyes were like flames of fire, his feet were like glowing bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of raging waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. His face was like the sun when it shines with full force." Rev 1:13:16

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Lost

Day 28:  Today turned out to be an unusual day. This afternoon while I was still at work, the doorbell rang.  My husband went to answer it, and there stood a young man who was obviously drunk, high or something.  He was wobbling, slurring his words, and asked Danny if he could get a ride home....he just wanted to go home.  When he said no, the young man proceeded to stumble around, prance on our porch and our front yard, lay down in the grass, and eventually hopped into my mother's car!  By this time the police were there to assist this young man in his confusion.  For some reason, he was adamant that he was at a friend's house, and that my mother's car was his car.  He clearly was very, very lost.

I often note as I observe other people, be it on the news, in person, or from afar-how many are adamant that they know where they stand in this life?  Truth is not relative.  Our perspectives may be different, our perceptions may seem true for us, but in the end Truth is immutable.  No matter how hard we wish it, say it, or believe against it--it still is what it is.

So, how do we know who has the market on Truth?  Good question. In this age of soundbites we have every excuse to be completely led astray, and every opportunity to know better.  Seeking truth takes time, diligence, and research.  It takes an open mind, an honest assessment, the integrity to admit you were wrong, and a pure desire to understand.  Sometimes you may stumble upon it early on, but to be sure you must research it, study it, and confirm it.  Experiences and feelings are never good gauges, as they are so easily brought about.  Rationalizing things away to fit a model, desire, or ideal will certainly breed falsehoods.

I have always been one to have an insatiable curiosity and constant questions.  I certainly don't claim to have the market on the Truth.  It is because of this fact that I have taken on years of rigorous study, seeking, and learning, and continue to do so to confirm (or contradict if that is the case) what I have learned.  For a serious skeptic like myself, I had to have assurance in what my life's plumb line would be.

Today I have the greatest confidence that God-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-lives; I am more certain of this fact than I am of my own name because the evidence is there. I am sure many would debate me on this statement. I welcome a courteous, amicable conversation to discuss these things. I enjoy a civil discourse, and I appreciate the challenging questions-they make me dig deeper, question myself, and find more evidence for Truth, which in the end I hope makes me a better person. However, haters need not apply!  I have no desire to debate anyone, as I have found that counterproductive.  Truth is not a competition-it is a journey, a prize to be sought.  It won't be found based on who screams the loudest, has the most biting insults, exudes charisma, or has the best sales pitch.

The Truth is, proof of my God is statistically, scientifically, historically, prophetically, logically, mystically, and overwhelmingly reasonable and sound.  Most who believe otherwise likely have not done their homework or owned up to the obvious truths right in front of them. Many believe the sound bites. Others have built up animosity and hatred from years of hard life experience. Some of the greatest minds on earth have looked for every angle, or sought another road because it doesn't fit the model of their ideal.

In any case, Truth changes for no one.  Many are lost, and don't know it.

Please, God, bless!

"In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe to keep them from seeing the light of the glorious gospel of the Messiah, who is the image of God."  2 Co 4:4

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Rollerblading with Dari

Day 27:  Another absolutely fabulous day, weather-wise.  I love sweatshirts, and I was just giggly that I got to wear one all day.  Later in the day  hubby and I went roller-blading with our dog, Dari.  She loves it!  She starts out pulling him, and later she's beside him.  Towards the end she's a tad behind.  On the last lap up the street our son decided to run alongside us.  When Dari saw Jace running ahead of her to the house she picked up her pace and high-tailed it to home.

The Apostle Paul talked about running to win the prize.  What is the prize?  Our HOME in heaven. When we focus on our HOME, we will get that extra push we need to get us through that last lap and to the prize where we have the ultimate sense of security and joy. 

Please, God, bless!

"You know that in a race all the runners run but only one wins the prize, don’t you? You must run in such a way that you may be victorious. 25 Everyone who enters an athletic contest practices self-control in everything. They do it to win a wreath that withers away, but we run to win a prize that never fades."  1 Co 9:24-25 ISV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Charitable Golf

Day 25:  It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL fall day!  I was blessed to help my friend Trish with a charity golf tournament for the Wounded Warrior Project.  The mountains were a lovely backdrop to the colorful fall trees and pristine grounds.  Truly it was a breathtaking sight!

I have only golfed twice in my life--once in sweltering heat in CA where I near passed out from dehydration, and the last time in VA when I borrowed a friend's clubs and broke one in half on my first swing!  Needless to say I did NOT golf today.  But, I was able to help with registration and then drove around for 4 hours in a golf cart, stopping to take lots of pictures.

I'm a regular supporter of Wounded Warriors, and it was so awesome to see so many people donate extra funds for such a worthy cause-helping provide for those who have put their life on the line for our country, our people, and our freedom.  It's tragic that there are so many in this country that really don't seem to appreciate the sacrifice!

There are many who do not appreciate God's sacrifice-He gave His Son to die to save you and I.  There is no greater gift, and yet so many reject it.

Telling people "Thank you!"  is certainly a wonderful thing.  However, our verbal appreciation is not likely to provide help or healing for tangible needs.  Truly, our actions witness our gratitude to the one/One who gave so much.  And, maybe those who have been less than grateful recipients will come to understand the importance of such a sacrifice. 

Please, God, bless!

"What good does it do, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions? This kind of faith cannot save him, can it? 15 Suppose a brother or sister does not have any clothes or daily food 16 and one of you tells them, “Go in peace! Stay warm and eat heartily.” If you do not provide for their bodily needs, what good does it do? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead."  Jas 2:14-17 ISV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Time for a Haircut

Day 24:  It happens to me every time.  One week I think my hair is just how I want it, only to realize the following week its driving me crazy and NEEDS to be cut.  Fortunately for me, my "hair magician", Danielle, had an opening tonight.  Nothing like good cut to make you feel like a new person...even if no one else notices the difference!

I can't imagine what it would be like to never cut your hair.  Imagine the split ends!    That was something that always intrigued me about Samson.  Think about it-up until Delilah, the boy never had a haircut!  There was good reason of course, and we can dissect the symbolic nature of the story another time.  Suffice it to say that his God-given strength was possible only when physically evidenced by the outward dedication to God-his long locks.  Once his hair was cut, his strength was gone.

As a child of the 80's, I know big hair.  Yet, big hair, long hair, curly hair, straight hair-I don't ever recall my hair making me inwardly or outwardly stronger-except maybe in my neck muscles to tote the giant helmet of hair.  Thankfully, I know where my strength comes from; it has nothing to do with hair, and everything to do with God.

Please, God, bless!

    "The LORD is my strength and song,

      and he has become my salvation.

    This is my God and I’ll praise him,

      the God of my father and I’ll exalt him."  Ex 15:2

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.