Farmers Only

Day 131:  It was a very low key day. One big outing to Costco--along with everyone else shopping for Superbowl parties.  It was a madhouse! I think that took alot out of my sweetie who was thinking the outing would do him good...not so sure. He's a bit under the weather, so I spent the rest of the day hanging out with him in the living room while he watched his man-shows.

One thing about these man-shows--the commercials are... umm.. interesting....It seems that a lot of farmers watch man-shows, because I have been inundated by the farmersonly.com commercials. In fact, I find myself humming the "You don't have to be lonely...." jingle. Remember the Dr. Pepper jingles?  Or "Coke is it!"? I could probably sing a hundred commercial jingles, and believe me, its not intentional!   Isn't interesting how attune we are to music?

It shouldn't be surprising. All through the Bible we see song being used to teach, remember, lament, praise, and worship. I think God is trying to teach us something about music and the way it reaches our memory.  Maybe I'll have to start using jingle tunes, and put a verse to that music.

Please, God, bless!

"Now therefore write this song and teach it to the people of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the people of Israel."  Deu 31:19 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.

Fawn

Day 130:  A very long day at work.  My doodle tonight is a quick fawn.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some more time to doodle.  :)

Please, God, bless!

"He made my feet like the feet of a deer
    and set me secure on the heights." Ps 18:33

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.

Be Still

Day 129:  When things get tough, it can be hard to be still and wait on the Lord.  Sometimes, you have no alternative but TO wait.  Waiting patiently.  How difficult it can be!!!

Please, God, bless!

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;  fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" Ps 37:7

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.

Curveball

Day 128:  Today was a weird day.

This morning my kid was frantic about not finding his jacket, and after supposedly looking all over he in desperation asks me to help him find it--right as I'm walking out the door for work.  I relent since it is cold, go up to his room, and there it is on the floor.  He didn't look very hard.  Needless to say I was annoyed.

This morning, after two bad weather days, I figured I should wear the clothes I ironed for the week, so I threw on my dress and heels, and went to work.  After all its warm inside.  About 4pm the fire alarm goes off at work.  It's 31 degrees outside, and we were outside for about 45 minutes.  By the time we got back in, my toes were so cold they hurt, my legs were numb, and tonight I'm still trying to warm up.

I received confirmation earlier in the day that a briefing we put together for leadership had the right content.  I sent the slides over, and right before I left I received an email form leadership that the slides weren't remotely what they requested.  I will be heading in early to redo the whole thing as I have a class starting lunchtime.

I get home and my poor husband, who is usually, abnormally, weirdly healthy, feels lousy.

Some days life seems to throw me a few unexpected curveballs to catch me off balance.  But, it is no surprise to God.  He knows how my day is going to go.  I just have to trust God that He will act...even if that act is to gently reassure me that He's got this!

Please, God, bless!

Commit your way to the Lord;

    trust in him, and he will act. Ps 37:5

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.

Delight

Day 127:  Today when I came home our dog was just so thrilled to see me. She was just happy, wagging her tail, bouncing around....I looked at my boys-husband and son-who seemed unfazed that the ever-loving wife and mom walked in the door.So I said to my dog, "I'm so glad someone is happy to see me! I think the boys need to be like you, just happy that someone is here!"  

Immediately my dear husband starts jumping around, grabs me and jumps around with me, excitedly saying, "I'm so glad your here!  I'm so happy to see you!" How can you not laugh? Goodness, I love that man!

Part of my memory verses this week is in Psalms, "Delight yourself in the Lord..." What does it mean to be delighted, really? I'm sure others have their own ideas, but it seems like the pup has the right concept. Regardless of what's going on, she's just delighted that we're here. Wouldn't it be amazing if we really, truly, delighted in the Lord, each and every day? Wouldn't that change how we live, how we trust, how we minister? Sure, we have times when bad things prevent us from jumping for joy. But still, we can delight in our Lord, in his comfort, his love, and his peace.

So, today, why not take a moment, and be delighted in the God who loves you?

Please, God, bless!

"Delight yourself in the Lord,

    and he will give you the desires of your heart."  Ps 37:4 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.

Foolish Chipmunk

Day 126: Well, we didn't get any snow...a let down for my kid.  I doodled a quick, sad, little chipmunk, because that is kind of what my kid looked like this am.  I kind of felt for him, after all they have had snow days with really no snow to play in.

Actually, this chipmunk is rather foolish.  He should be hibernating thru the winter, out of view of the hungry predators who don't really prepare that well for the colder weather.  His folly could cost him dearly.

People can be pretty foolish, which I'm sure comes as no surprise. This morning I was listening to the first few sessions of a Bible study on Proverbs. Proverbs has always been one of my favorite books, and every time I reread any of it, something always strikes me anew. I always tell my son that he should try to learn from the page, because that is preferable to experiencing the consequences of foolish actions.   My hope and prayer for him, as well as myself, is that we will continually learn from this book of Wisdom, and avoid the fate of the scorner, the fool, and the simple.

Maybe our friend, Mr. Chipmunk, should take a read....

Please, God, bless!

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction,

to understand words of insight,

to receive instruction in wise dealing,

in righteousness, justice, and equity;

to give prudence to the simple,

knowledge and discretion to the youth—

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,

and the one who understands obtain guidance,

to understand a proverb and a saying,

the words of the wise and their griddles.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Prov 1:1-7  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.

Snow Days?

Day 125: Tomorrow my kid may have a real snow day--meaning, a day that actually has snow, maybe enough to play in.  It seems school doesn't get called when it should, and gets called when it shouldn't, so who knows what will happen?

I admit I'm not a fan of many things that come with snow--messy roads, shoveling, ice. But I do love watching it snow while I sip some hot tea, snuggle in a blanket, and a read book....or, maybe doodle instead?

In any case, God sends the snow, so I will do my best to enjoy it, if I'm at work, or at home.

Please, God, bless!

"He gives snow like wool;

    he scatters frost like ashes.

He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;

    who can stand before his cold?"  

                                   Ps 147:16-17 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.

Majestic Lion

Day 124:   It was another cold and dreary day, so we spent a nice relaxing day at home. I sat mostly in our back room by the fire, and was looking through some pics we had taken from the zoo when it was warm outside.  I caught this picture of the lion and thought it was a majestic look for the king of beasts.

Lions are interesting to me. In the Bible they are referenced as opportunistic predators, but also as majestic, royal, and kingly. I suppose its all a matter of perspective. If you are being chased by one, they are deadly, but if you are watching one from afar, they are impressive.

In Revelation, Jesus is called the Lion of Judah.  Fierce to His enemies, Majestic and Regal to His children.  Our Lord, King of Kings,

Please, God, bless!

"And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'" Rev 5:5 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.

Wet Drive

Day 123:  We had to venture out this evening, just in time for the rain, sleet, and snow...even  a little hail!  So glad to be home, dry, and warm!

Please, God, bless!

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth..." Is 55:10a

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.

Super Squirrel

Day 122:  I was so ready for bed, but I needed to do my doodle.  I wasn't sure what to do, so I winged it.  I was about to doodle my little squirrel and needed a reference picture, so I pulled up some images on my phone.  My son pops in and sees a squirrel in a cape and says, "Mom, draw that one."  So, I figured why not!

So, here is my super-quick doodle of my kid trying to befriend super-squirrel.

Please, God, bless!

"For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind" James 3:7 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.

Cold Day

Day 121:  It was cold and snowed most of the day--thank goodness it didn't stick.  I was glad to get home, put on some warm clothes, and get cozy.

Please, God, bless!

"...They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold."  Acts 28:2 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.

Mommy Moment

Day 120:  I woke up about 20 minutes late this am, but I determined long ago that regardless of when I got up, I needed to start my day with prayer and devotion time. As I was wrapping up my reading my son came down the stairs. He came in wrapped in his blanket, plopped down and leaned against me. Immediately I knew I wasn't going anywhere until he decided to get up. He's getting so big that its not often I get time to sit and hug my boy.

I ended up getting into work a little later then normal, but it was so worth it!

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.

BIG Table

Day 119:  Road trip! Today a friend and I dragged our kids out on a short road trip. We went to this cool little restaurant that had a pretty eclectic menu. The theme there is picnic style, so salads and sandwiches were the courses.

We walk in, and there is a GIANT picnic table. I'm not kidding, this thing was HUGE, at least 5.5 ft high! The kids of course gravitated right to it.  It was fun for us adults, too. I felt like a little kid at a grown up table. Definitely a perspective change, and I wondered how on earth did I ever eat at a too big table when I was little?

Sometimes I think we all need a similar perspective check in our lives. In reality, I am small, and God is BIG. He is bigger than me, my problems, my joys, my work, my finances, my family....He is BIGGER. I love the last few chapters of Job where God takes him to task, and questions him. God set the earth in motion. God bounded the seas. God knows when the animals give birth, and hunger. If you haven't read it, you should, especially when you need a reminder of God's HUGENESS.

The best part of all is that I am small, even despised in the world's eyes. But in God's eyes, I am special, and I can't forget that. The perspective of a child--it doesn't mean naivety...it means simple faith; reaching out to the Father for love, comfort, and help; and remembering that I am small, and He is Big.

So next time your feet don't touch the floor, take it as a reminder that God is BIGGER and we are smaller.

Please, God, bless!

"I am small and despised,

Yet I do not forget Your precepts."  Ps 119:141 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.

Superbowl Bound

Luke Wilson celebrates a 2 point conversion

Day 118: What a crazy game! The Packers and Seahawks faced off in the NFC playoffs, and it was just insane! The first half of the game was a comedy of errors, so many interceptions, fumbles, and just plan goofiness. Seattle looked pretty bad.  But then it was halftime.....

Seattle fought their way back, and took the lead. Then the Packers fought to stay in the game and tied it up for overtime. And then..... Seattle scored in overtime, and it was over.

Today in church our Pastor talked about Abraham and his faith, and talked about 5 lessons we can learn from his story. Ironically, I think the Seattle game kind of mimicked his sermon.

• Faith grows gradually--Sometimes we get too comfortable where we are at, and we settle.  Seattle won the home field advantage 
• Faith steps out--Seattle can't sit on its laurels-they head out onto the field, still believing they are guaranteed the win
• Faith faces obstacles--The game was definitely an obstacle, and a battle
• Faith leads to reassurance--Even though the Seahawks were down, they kept the faith and pushed through the obstacles
• Faith proclaims God--OK, so the Seahawks didn't exactly attribute their win to God, but we all know God knows the beginning to the end, and we know all skills are gifted by Him.  And of course, all things happen for God's glory.  So, even though I'm not necessarily a Seahawks fan, I will proclaim His glory!

Please, God, bless!

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."  Heb 11:8 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

Crab Chowder

Day 117:  When I am not coming home tired from work, I enjoy cooking dinner.  Today I tried something new, corn and crab chowder. Making it was easy...except it seems I didn't have the Old Bay seasoning--so I had to make my own. And, I didn't realize we used all the corn.  Fortunately, I had an extra cup of crab meat (thanks to Costco's supersize container), so instead of corn and crab chowder, it was just crab chowder. While I didn't have the exact ingredients, in the end, it came out really good (I think so, anyways), and it was super easy.

It's kind of weird how what is a chore in some circumstances can be joyful in another. Its the same with cleaning. I like to clean and organize when I have the time to do it, but when I don't, its overwhelming. Maybe it is all just a matter of perspective.

When I didn't have the right ingredients, I just shrugged it off, and substituted with what I had on hand. If I substituted a Godly perspective vice a worldly perspective on things, I think that goes a long way in having all I need to do good things.

Please, God, bless!

"Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work." 2 Co 9:8 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

Stereo of Days Gone By

Day 116:  As I was organizing some things in my son's room, I plugged in the radio we had bought him some time ago that he used to use for his CDs.  It was stuffed in the corner and dusty, so I cleaned it off, connected a cable so he could plug in his phone and pump his iHeart into its speakers.

Times have changed.  I thought of my first major purchase as a kid.  I saved up over $100 to buy myself a stereo.  It was silver, with cool, light blue accents.  It had a turntable, dual cassette player, radio and an 8 track, and two boxy speakers.  Times have certainly changed...

I find that things are so very different now than when I was younger.  I'm sure every generation feels that way, but technology has drastically changed our society so much so that information is instant, opinions are unfiltered and rampant, and 5 minutes of fame is cheap.

Some days I find myself longing for days gone by, thinking things were better then, simpler.  Maybe they were, maybe they were my rose-colored glasses.

The Bible tells us that asking why things were so much better before is not wise.  I guess I see the point.  Its fun to reminisce, but yearning for times gone by is a habit of fools. We can't relive the past, and we are progressing-arguably faster-towards the culmination of times.  My focus should be on the here and now, the day that God has given me, the gift of another opportunity to live according to his will and purpose.

Please, God, bless!

    "Never ask “Why does the past seem so much better than now?”
      because this question does not come from wisdom." Ec 7:10 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

Why Grass?

Day 115:  I tend to be a details person. I suppose that's the project manager in me. I don't know about anyone else, but I think its the details that show care and attention, an addition of that something extra.

Because of this it can take me forever to read in my Bible. I'm not kidding! I happen to believe that every...single...detail... in the Bible is in there by design, for a purpose, to add something extra. I'm constantly stopping as I read and saying to myself, "Why is that there?" "Why is this phrased that way?" "What is the point of mentioning this?" You get the idea...

So, this evening I am reading and I stop here...

 "Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was plenty of grass in that area, so they sat down, numbering about 5,000 men." Jn 6:10 ISV

And in my typical fashion, I pause..., Why do we care if there was plenty of grass? What difference does it make if they sat on soil, dust, clay, rocks a road, or grass? Why not just say, "Have the people sit down....There were about 5k people?" It seems like a trivial thing, but this same detail is mentioned by not only John, but Matthew, Mark!

So, I stopped.                      

I pondered.

                                             And I began to study grass.

The Hebrew word used for grass is dese and is first used in Gen 1:11 when God made vegetation on the third day. The word is used about 50 times and is indicative of new grass, after a fresh rain.  God made the grass to feed the animals. Grass is lush; lack of grass is devastation, desert, barrenness.

I suppose John could have just said, "Have them sit down, there were a lot of them."  But by adding that detail of the grass, not only does it conjure up the image we get from Psalm 23-God's care for his sheep, providing a lush, comfortable place to rest.  But notice, there is a LOT of grass, more than enough grass for the many people to plop on.  He provides in abundance.  The grass is tender and fresh, like after a new rain-therefore its soft and pliable, not hard and scratchy. It is comfortable to rest on.  And, have you ever waited for a few rainy days to mow your lawn?  The grass multiplies exponentially and grows like crazy!  After the life-giving waters, there is growth.

Yeah, I think I get why the grass is an important detail.  I hope you do, too!  May we never look at grass the same!

Please, God, bless!

 "Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number." Jn 6:10 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

Work Out, Worn Out

Day 114: I'm on week 3 of 8 for this workout series that my dear hubby bought as a "family" gift for Christmas.  It seems I'm the only "family" member inclined to use it.

I've been good about doing it, but geez....its tough.  I really hate those jumping things.  You know what I mean--the mountain climbers, the jumping from a squat, high into the air and back down to a squat, skip lunges, etc.  Today we had to do a series of a push ups and then jumping up to a surfing position.  This workout alternates between the jumping things, and the floor things, like crazy sit ups, planks, kicks and crunches.

By the time its done, I'm wiped out and I'm lucky if I can get up off of the floor.  It's a good thing it's only 30 minutes--that's why I like it.  Most of the workouts I have are at least an hour and I don't have an hour in the am.  I have 30 min.  So, its working out (haha--pun intended!) and wearing me out!

I saw the verse below and I couldn't resist!

Please, God, bless!

"You know when I sit down and when I rise up..."  Ps 139:2a NASB

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

Smiling Llama

Day 113:  I am usually in a pretty good mood at the office.  Today I had a frustrating discussion with some folks-it was pretty disappointing.  It definitely impacted my mood.  At that point it really is a willful act to change my attitude and get back to a genuine smile. Being grumpy just makes everything harder!

I have learned something over the course of time...for me at least, if I force myself to smile when I don't feel like it, people respond differently, and it isn't too long after that my mood changes back to being pretty darn glad.  At least with the daily annoyances it seems to be helpful.  Try it some time when you are on the phone.  If you smile when you talk, you somehow sound happier.

I saw a pic of this silly little smiling llama and thought, how fun.  It made me smile.  Did it make you smile?  You see, a smile can be contagious, and your smile definitely can impact your mood as well as others!

Please, God, bless!

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 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

Waiting

Day 112:  Waiting.....we all hate it.  Especially if you've been waiting for something a really, really, long time.  It could be anything--waiting for a line at the DMV or supermarket, a meeting to end, surgery to start, a package, a friend to pick you up, a sickness to pass, grief to end.  It could be something pleasant, like gifts on Christmas morning, a wedding day, first day in a new job....you get the idea.

Like everyone else, waiting is not my thing.  But, it is an essential part of life...and our faith.  Often times God will give us a Word or a Promise, and we may not see any movement for years--just look at Abraham as he waited for his promised son to be born!  Sometimes we are in distress and we are just waiting to get to the other side of it--can you imagine how Moses felt wandering in circles for 40yrs?  Maybe it seems like senseless waiting--traffic, lines, automated customer service lines.

In all of our waiting, God is there with us. I may not know what the Lord is trying to accomplish with my waiting, but staying focused on Him is the only way I can get through it sometimes.  Praying while waiting is always a good response.  It helps me keep the right perspective, and reminds me to trust that God has it all under control.

Please, God, bless!

    "How long, LORD, will I wait expectantly?
      I have placed my hope in you." Ps 39:7 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

Praying for the Persecuted

Day 111:  My husband was watching "Pitbulls and Parolees" and there was a horrid story about a dog who had been adopted, and then turned up in a shelter some time later. When the rescue center picked up the dog they had adopted out some time ago, it was clear she had been abused. She hadn't been fed, she was lethargic, and her collar was so tight it had to be cut off. It was so sad, and of course there were lots of tears on the show, as well as anger with the owners.

Today at church we heard an excellent message about a prescription for spiritual passion. In one part of the message Pastor Val talked about some statistics he had seen regarding the persecution of Christians doubling from 2013 to 2014 in the world, North Korea and Nigeria leading the way.

As I was looking over my notes from the service, and pondering these facts, I wondered, why is it that we are so easily moved to anger, sadness, and tears for a dog but yet each day we read about innocent people being abused, tortured and killed for their faith and we turn our heads and easily move on to the next thing?

Please don't get me wrong. I myself and moved to tears when I see dogs abused.  I think its wrong and evil. But for the sake of comparison, an innocent child, mother, sister, brother, son, father, daughter--when these human lives are persecuted and their stories told, I see less tears, few actions, and very little outrage.

My only point in this quick little doodle is to inject a dose of reality-that people are dying every day for their faith. In the comfort of our homes, with far less risk of death for believing in Jesus, it is very easy to become complacent to the persecution of the brethren, and selective about the things we shed our tears for. Sadly, I admit my guilt in this area.

As I enter 2015, I am moved to pray more fervently for these believers, for their strength, protection, comfort, and rest. Make no mistake, evil that cannot be understood or fathomed is in the world. We ourselves may not at this time be at risk of abuse, torture, imprisonment, or death because we believe in Jesus...but there are no guarantees that will always be the case.

And when it is not, I am certain we would hope that the body of Christ are in tears as they pray for us.

Please, God, bless!

"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body". Heb 13:3 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

New Bed

Day 110: Really, really tired.  What is usually a more fun relaxing family day ended up being a "put-a-new-bed-together-and get-the kids-room-put-back-together" kind of day.  We saw this bed at Costco, and thought it would be something our son would really like.  It was kind of funny, because when we were checking out to pay for it, my son seemed almost uncertain.  Come to find out, he felt kind of badly because he saw the cost.  I assured him it was a gift we wanted to give.

Do I care enough to feel badly about the cost to my Lord for the gift he gave me?  Sometimes, its too easy to be complacent.  Moments like this stop me and make me think.

Kudos to the hubs for being an awesome guy and putting it together.  Here's a super fast 3 minute doodle of the bed.  It has a loft bed, a cool desk and lounge seat underneath (and the seat pulls out to a bed!).  Speaking of bed, that's where I'm heading!

Please, God, bless!

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." Leviticus 17:11 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

Food from Many Nations?

Day 109:  A long day at work today for a Friday, and afterwards we ended up at Costco buying the boy a new bed. It took two trips-and a long time in traffic!-to get all the boxes home! Crazy enough, all I kept thinking about was how badly I wanted a burrito! We were talking about Mexican food at work, and my taste buds apparently became fixated on a yummy burrito!

The one good thing about heaven is that we will be there with people from every tribe, tongue and nation. May I daresay, I hope that all of us bring our food as well?

Please God, bless!

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,"  Rev 7:9 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

Bubble Bath

Day 108: One of my dear gal pals gave me a cool, happy little day calendar for my desk.  Today it said, Take a bubble bath when you get home.  Given that its super cold, and I had a long day, that sounds like just what I'm going to do...with a glass of wine, of course!

Please, God, bless!

"He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." Ps 23:2b-3a

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

Resting

Day 107:  In the spirit of the 7th day or rest, this will be a fast doodle and a light reading so I can go and warm up by the fireplace and relax.  The text for the 7th day of Creation is below.

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation". Ge 2:1–3 ESV

Please, God, bless!

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

Like a Penguin...

Day 106:  It was our first snow of the winter, and it was a disaster. It seems the county didn't really want to believe it was supposed to snow. We've had far worse snows in the past, and the main roads were cleared. Not today. An inch of snow and it brought traffic to its knees because there was absolutely NO treatment or plowing of the roads. It took me an hour to go 6 miles into work. It took one gal pal 3.5 hours to get in today! I felt bundled up like a penguin, slipping along the ice and snow--except I was in my car going 5 miles an hour!

On the 6th day, God made the animals (and maybe that day the penguins, since they don't fly like other birds?), the creeping things, and man.  The text is included below.

"Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth each kind of living creature, each kind of livestock and crawling thing, and each kind of earth’s animals!” And that is what happened: God made each kind of the earth’s animals, along with every kind of livestock and crawling thing. And God saw how good it was.   Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, to be like us. Let them be masters over the fish in the ocean, the birds that fly, the livestock, everything that crawls on the earth, and over the earth itself!”

    So God created mankind in his own image;
      in his own image God created them;
    he created them male and female.

God blessed these humans by saying to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it! Be masters over the fish in the ocean, the birds that fly, and every living thing that crawls on the earth!” God also told them, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant that grows throughout the earth, along with every tree that grows seed-bearing fruit. They will produce your food. I have given all green plants as food for every wild animal of the earth, every bird that flies, and to every living thing that crawls on the earth.” And that is what happened. Now God saw all that he had made, and indeed, it was very good! The twilight and the dawn were the sixth day." Gen 1:24–31 ISV

I love this text because it shows me several things. God love variety, obviously-different sizes, shapes, colors, skin, fur, etc. It shows me that God provided sustenance for his creation--everyone was a vegetarian! Kind of cool...someday I will dig deeper into why only green plants...But a key thing, it also shows me that God made us in the triune image. We've heard that man is mind, body, and soul. Doesn't that correlate to the Holy Trinity? God, all knowing; Jesus, came in the bodily form of man; the Holy Spirit, indwells within us.

We were all made with a God shaped hole that only the triune nature of God can fill for us.

May all of us penguins here in the icy weather be blessed with sure footing and safe travels tomorrow!

Please, God, bless!

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

Hidden Treasure

Day 105:  Today was a great day! Why? Because its a day God made. Too often that fact gets lost in our busyness, when really the truth is that when we are blessed with another day it is truly a gift.

It was the first major day back to work, and it was pretty busy. But, I am so blessed to work with super people, even if there is a stress due to politics. And, for once, I am able to get my checklist done, so that's always a bonus.

Sometimes, we have to seek the treasure hidden in our days. It could be as simple as a kind word, a smile, or a hug from a family member or friend. It could be a thank you, a good deed, or focusing on a blessing God so graciously gave you.

On reading the text for Day 5, I was reminded again of hidden treasure. The text here is below:

"Then God said, “Let the oceans swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth throughout the sky!”  So God created every kind of magnificent marine creature, every kind of living marine crawler with which the waters swarmed, and every kind of flying bird. And God saw how good it was. God blessed them by saying, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the oceans. Let the birds multiply throughout the earth!” The twilight and the dawn were the fifth day" Ge 1:20–23 ISV

God made birds and fish. Did you know there are fish in the deepest of seas that only until recently were discovered? There are also birds so rare they are only found in the remotest of places. What is the point of some of these creatures, if they are never seen, or not known? I'm not sure, but being made for God's pleasure is always a good answer. And, when these creatures are seen, to some its like a gift, the hidden treasure that God planned for us to find.

The little birdie in my doodle isn't rare but it is one of my favorites, one we frequently see in our bird feeder outside the window. Even that little bird, can be my hidden treasure some days.  What is yours?

Please, God, bless!

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

Sun, Moon, & Stars

Day 104:  It was another gloomy day, but I was quite productive, thankfully.  I spent the day getting things done and preparing for the week ahead.

Today is day 4 of 2015, so I'm going to briefly talk about day 4 of creation. The text is shown below.

"Then God said, “Let there be lights across the sky to distinguish day from night, to act as signs for seasons, days, and years, 15 to serve as lights in the sky, and to shine on the earth!” And that is what happened: 16 God fashioned two great lights—the larger light to shine during the day and the smaller light to shine during the night—as well as the stars. 17 God placed them in the sky to shine on the earth, 18 to shine both day and night, and to distinguish light from darkness. And God saw how good it was. 19 The twilight and the dawn were the fourth day." Gen 1:14–19 ISV

This is one of my favorite few passages because it tells us that God made the sun, moon, and stars to be signs for us. The Hebrew word used for seasons is "moed", which actually means appointed times. So, in short, God gave us the signs in the stars to let us know when the Godly appointments are. This is evident in the Christmas story of Christ's birth, and the star.  There are many other incredible aspects to this, and I encourage you to check out E.W. Bullinger, The Witness of the Stars. It's truly amazing!

The Bible itself refers to the stars, for example in Ps 147, Isa 40, and Job 38.  The Mazzoroth, or the Zodiac as we probably know it-which today has been misused as a tool of the enemy with astrology and horiscope-was actually very important to the Jews as it told a story.  Can you guess what that story is? The gospel story, of course!

On this fourth day, I thank God for the gift of each day, and I praise Him for putting markers in the heavens so that we can be in awe of how wonderfully he has orchestrated all things.

Please, God, bless!

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 Seedling

Day 103: I had so many things I planned to do today, but the gloomy weather, the rain, and the damp cold beckoned me to relax at home.  A cozy option, I think.

On this third day of the year, I have read and reread several times the account of the creation on the third day.  I have included the text here.

"Then God said, “Let the water beneath the sky come together into one area, and let dry ground appear!” And that is what happened: God called the dry ground “land,” and he called the water that had come together “oceans.” And God saw how good it was. Then God said, “Let vegetation sprout all over the earth, including seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each kind containing its own seed!” And that is what happened: Vegetation sprouted all over the earth, including seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each kind containing its own seed. And God saw that it was good. The twilight and the dawn were the third day." Gen 1:9-13

On this third day, God consolidated the waters to seas, brought forth the land, and created the first form of life-vegetation.  Each plant was coded to reproduce its own kind (via seeds), and some brought forth fruit.  

As I sit here in the back room, I can't help but be in awe.  Not only am I provided focus, clarity, and hope (the LIGHT), but protection (the CANOPY), air and food (LAND AND VEGETATION). Just as parents prepare for the arrival of the child, so too the Lord is preparing for His children.

As the Lord prepares me to be a light to the World, I am to share the good news- that all have sinned and that God has provided a protected connection for us between heaven and earth-Jesus.   I am to provide as God lays on my heart life giving sustenance, be it friendship, prayer, counsel, practical needs, etc.

On this day third day God declared a double blessing.  May you, on this third day of 2015, be doubly blessed!

Please, God, bless!

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

Kimchi Konnection

Day 102:  We went for  New Year's Korean Dinner with some of our besties!  Great way to start the year--with some kimchi pancakes, bulgogi and soju. (I admit I've never done a 5 minute doodle of kimchi before...crazy, huh?!) I love food because it is a universal connector between people.

Day 2 in creation talks about a separation, but a connector as well.  The text is here below.

"Then God said, “Let there be a canopy between bodies of water, separating bodies of water from bodies of water!” So God made a canopy that separated the water beneath the canopy from the water above it. And that is what happened: God called the canopy “sky.” The twilight and the dawn were the second day."Gen 1:6-8 ISV

I know that God created Light so I could see. But then on day 2 there is a separation, in this case between the waters. So, I have Light to see, but there is a divide between the raging seas below and the heavens above. But wait...between the waters is an expanse-but its not just vapor--its solid, like a firmament, a canopy-something tangible between the two. This provides some protection, some shelter, some solid footing in the middle-neither here nor there.  

It is notable that God never declared this scenario "good" or "beautiful", as he declares the creation of the other days. I wonder.. is it because God never wanted this kind of a separation, yet it had to be since he knows the end from the beginning?

It may not be "good", but it is Gracious and Merciful that God provides us this middle ground beneath the rage of the deep and the heavens above until our time comes to join Him, and for that I am thankful...I'm also thankful that some good Korean food is a way to connect and express the family connection between friends.  :)

Please, God, bless!

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

Let there be Light!

Day 101:  The first day of the year! Even though it's just another day, it's the idea that it's new-a new start, a new chance, unblemished. So many people make resolutions, just to see them broken. So many people have high expectations, which never come to fruition. So, how should I focus on this new year?

I got back to my Genesis Bible study, and in re-reading Chapter 1, I think there is something I can learn from the first week of Creation this first week of 2015.

I'll include the text here for Day 1.

"When the earth was as yet unformed and desolate, with the surface of the ocean depths shrouded in darkness, and while the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters, God said, “Let there be light!” So there was light.

God saw that the light was beautiful. He separated the light from the darkness, calling the light “day," and the darkness “night.” The twilight and the dawn were day one."  Gen 1:2-5 ISV

My year lays before me, unformed, void of life as it is yet to be. I could carry on and brave the new year as most do, but I feel I need something to give me focus. What else gives us focus, the ability to see clearly but light-and not just light, THE LIGHT! I know that He is good and beautiful! In His love He separates and clarifies for me the light from the darkness of this world. When times of darkness come-as they always do-I can count on Him to always provide some Light in the blackest hours. I also know that after night there will always be day, so I must continue to press through the shadows until I see the Light.

God created the Light--this alone gives me hope for the days to come.

Please, God, bless!

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