Wishing for a Beach

Day 251:  A warm day, but no beach.  I was there mentally this evening, so I quickly sketched out a shell.  When I'm at the beach, I am constantly amazed by the beauty of the sand, the water.  It's a lovely thing, indeed!

Please, God, bless!

"To him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;" Psalm 136:6 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.

Battle Hymn

Day 250:  I confess I've sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic, but I've never really paid attention to the lyrics.  Astounding!

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:

His truth is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,

They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:

His day is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:

"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal";

Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,

Since God is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat;

Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.

As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,

While God is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

While God is marching on.

Please, God, bless!

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:52 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.

What are the Odds?

Day  249:  What are the odds?  I found this on the net, and thought it was pretty interesting.  Take a look!

• Chance of American man developing cancer in his lifetime: 1 in 2 
• Chance of dying from heart disease: 1 in 3 
• Chance of suffering from asthma or allergy diseases: 1 in 6 
• Chance of getting breast cancer: 1 in 9 
• Chance of getting the flu this year: 1 in 10
• Chance of being audited by the IRS: 1 in 175 
• Chance of having your identity stolen: 1 in 200
• Chance of dying from any kind of injury during the next year: 1 in 1,820
• Chance of dying from a car accident: 1 in 18,585
• Chance of dying in an airplane accident: 1 in 354,319 
• Chance of winning the California lottery: 1 in 13,000,000  
• Chance of dying by a shark attack: 1 in 300,000,000
• Chance of a meteor landing on your house: 1 in 182,138,880,000,000

So often we worry about the wrong things.  Many people think sickness won't happen to them, so they avoid going to the doctor.  But that would be foolish, as it is very likely one will suffer from cancer.  If someone's house was obliterated by a meteor, many would think how unlucky the owner must have been to have been impacted by such a freak accident. Let's look at another statistic:

• Chance of 2000 biblical prophecies being fulfilled to the letter with NO ERRORS:  1 in 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Wow!  The odds that 2000 prophecies many years, in some cases centuries beforehand, were fulfilled with laser-point accuracy is ~1 in 10²⁰⁰⁰....that is staggering!  Yet, the reality is, they WERE--to the letter! Not only that, the Bible has proven historically accurate over, and over, and over again.

The Bible has been, and continues to be,  the most scrutinized book in all of history, and yet time and again it is proven infallible.  I know some would debate me on this (that might be fun if it was a civil discourse, actually), but I would contend that one would need to do the proper homework first.  It's easy to repeat a sound bite--the Bible was written after the fact, or the text is not accurate, etc.  But those arguments have been shredded by exceptional scholarship.  The ability to see past our own presuppositions is key to learning, as Edmund Spencer said,

There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument, and which cannot fail to keep man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is condemnation before investigation.

Going back to the odds, let's look at it this way.  If offered $100M to drink randomly from 1 of 2 cups, knowing one was poisoned and would kill you instantly, would you do it?  How about if you were going to die and 1 of those 2 cups would offer you healing, but the other immediate death, would you then reconsider?

The chances of dying in this lifetime is 1 in 1.  The chance of  being right on the accuracy of the Bible is 1 in 2.  If the Bible is what I say it is, then what it says must be true. And if its content is true, everyone has a simple decision to make--

Do you entrust your life to Jesus or don't you?  

The odds of being wrong may be 1 in 2, but the result of being wrong differs.  If I'm wrong, I've lost nothing.  I will die hopefully a better person than I was the day before, learning how to love and to serve.  But, if I'm right, those who believe otherwise lose everything. Why take the risk?

Please, God, bless!

"And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31 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.

Moment to Love

Day 248:  I keep finding the pups to be a good object lesson.  I can be too busy doing what I'm doing, and the pups will come over and insist on some attention.  Thinking I'm doing them a favor, I'll stop and force myself to give them some love so maybe they will go and lay down and I can finish my task.  What I find is that they actually are doing me the favor by forcing me to stop, take a moment, and share some love.

Please, God, bless!

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."  Phil 1:9-11

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.

Bold

Day 247: I was listening to a podcast, and I heard the statement, "Be bold for Christ".

I thought about that, and I tried to picture what being bold really meant?  The first thing that came into my mind was a picture of someone wearing their Christian gear.  Remember the WWJD phase? I'm not sure that's what was meant.

Than I thought about some Christian figures on the scene being bold, but also obnoxious, condescending, and downright rude.  I figured that wasn't it.

So who, I wondered, typified being bold, yet gracious?

I listened to a segment of a radio clip where Alan Colmes interviewed Anne Graham Lotz.  Two people, completely opposite perspectives, having a conversation about the end of days. Yet, as Anne talked of her faith, her belief in Jesus, I was amazed. He would question her statements, and she would respond very simply. "The Bible says...", or "Jesus said..."  And her responses were not filled with pride, nor were they self-righteous or intending to incite. They were plainly spoken and to the point.  She spoke to Alan like a friend, and I was amazed to see the courtesy he granted her (as opposed to others' I've heard him interview).  

Being real, being honest, and being unashamed about Jesus,  Now THAT is being bold for Christ. 

Please, God, bless!

"And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel," Ephesians 6:19 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.

Shepherd

Day 246:  A quick perusal of the headlines is enough to make me want to run and hibernate for a very long time.  So, I was comforted when I saw Psalm 23 in my daily devotional.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

     He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

     He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

    I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

    your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.

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.

Freedom is NOT Free!

Day 245:  Sharing part of a poem I read today written by Kelly Strong called Freedom Isn't Free.  He wrote this in 1981 in honor of his father.  For the complete poem, please see this link.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,

When everything was still;

I listened to the bugler play,

And felt a sudden chill;

I wondered just how many times

That Taps had meant “Amen”

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend;

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea,

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No. Freedom is not Free!

Please, God, bless!

"He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire." Psalm 46:9 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.

Sweet Daylight

Day 244:  The weather was spectacular and the day full of joy and good company!  Good food, good times, games, playing with the pooches...there is something to be said for long weekends.

Memorial Day is definitely a time to reflect, remember, and honor those who so bravely fought for our freedom.  But it also has become synonymous with barbecues and long weekends.

Some may think that the "memorial" part gets lost in the BBQ translation, but I don't.  I think the freedom to spend time with family and friends, enjoying each other's company has been preserved for us by our nation's heroes.

So, please, do remember and say a prayer of thanks for those who willfully sacrificed to allow us our freedom, and prayers of comfort for those who have lost so much.  And when you have your parties, be sure to relish the time with loved ones, be grateful for what you have, and honor those who have served.  Be thankful that you get to enjoy the daylight a free person.

Please, God, bless!

"How sweet is the daylight, and how pleasant it is for someone's eyes to behold the sunshine!" Ecc 11:7

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.

The Coastlands

Day 243: I was reading in Isaiah tonight, and I was struck by the following verse:

"He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law." Is 42:4

I know I have mentioned a lot recently how helpless I often feel when staring at the face of the world. When I read this, I am reminded that my Lord was not overwhelmed by the evil that would encompass Him as He took on the sins of the world.  He did not wallow, He did not sit idly by.  He went out among the hurting.  He healed.  He comforted.  He helped.

What I love about this verse is the mention of the coastlands.  The coastlands are first mentioned in Genesis in relation to the nations, and then again in Esther when King Ahaseraus taxed the land and coastlands.  In Revelation 21:1, there is no longer a sea--the land, covered by the dark waters for a time, is now restored. Isn't it compelling, then, that the coastlands-the believers from shore to shore, nation to nation--await His coming to see restored what was lost to darkness?

Just as our Lord did not sit idly by until His Victory, but went out with Truth, neither should those who await His coming. There are great needs, the greatest being the God-shaped hole in every person that longs to be filled. Do not be disheartened or crushed when evil abounds.  Do not be idle as we wait.

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.

Bruised Reed

Day 242: There are so many whose lives are a mess, so many who are hurting.  Life can be crazy, overwhelming even.  Just look at the headlines and you see the desperation, the sorrow, the anguish.  So many people are hanging on by a thread....

My faith is in the one who gives hope, who can wipe every tear, who loves unconditionally, who comforts and gives peace, who gives strength when weak--Jesus Christ.

Please, God, bless!

"A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice."  Is 42:3, 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.

Light in a Dark Place

Day 241:  Persecution of Christians is now a daily headline.  Christians all over the Middle East, Africa, and Asia are facing a level of viciousness intended to invoke fear.  The brutality of ISIS-the beheadings, the rape of little girls, the kidnapping of families, the human trafficking--has rocked the comfort level of the Western World.  Even in the US, Christians are seeing more and more persecution.  As we witness our freedoms dwindling away, it is important to remember that Jesus said the world will hate us.    

In his book Killing Christians, Tom Doyle captures the story of a man called Azzam Azziz Mubarak from Somalia.  I'll leave the details of his story for you to read in the book.  Suffice it to say, its pretty horrific.  Yet this man remains in Somalia to be a true light in a dark place.  He writes,

"But trials are also a Holy Place for the believer. They force us to pull away and get on our faces before God.  In a trial, it's just Jesus and you.  Psalm 23:4 says: "I walk through the valley in the shadow of death."  You eventually emerge from a trial, but that time spent with Christ will have marked you, and you will be different, forever.  No matter how bad it gets, you reap the rewards of faithfulness if you stay the course."  

Living through another equally brutal experience, a man named Farid writes,

"Is your life about Jesus and nothing else?  When you may die at any moment, it has to be that way, but we're all called to live only for Him, no matter what...Pray for us in Syria, but please do not feel bad for us. We have never been more free. And even though we're willing to die, our graveyard is still empty."

I don't know what our future holds here in our country, but it is not too difficult to see that the pace of hatred, extremism, perversity, and barbarism has picked up dramatically.  Which makes me ask myself...

Is my life about Jesus and nothing else?  

Because when the violence hits our homeland, 

nothing else will matter. 

Please, God, bless!

"You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the person who endures to the end will be saved."  Matt 10:22 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.

Watermelon!

Day 240:  I can't believe its time to start a new Gallery tab tomorrow!  Only 125 more doodles to go!

Tonight we enjoyed the blessing of a lovely evening....I had my first watermelon of the season and some homemade ice cream.  ;)

May we all appreciate the simple blessings God has graced us with!

Please, God, bless!

"Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them"; and it was so." Gen 1:11

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.

Art Gallery

Day 239:   A quote from Charles Tart:

The whole world is an art gallery when you're mindful.  There are beautiful things everywhere--and they're free!

Even rocks in my candle base are beautiful from the right angle!

Please, God, bless!

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 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.

Talk About a Castle

Day 238: Tonight we had an entertaining conversation about my son's project for school.  He has to build a castle. So, we talked about what the purpose of the castle was, the different parts of a castle, and project specific-what materials to "build" his castle with.

Castles are a lot of fun, and they are in most of the best stories!  But, of course, I see another great object lesson.

Castles were built to be strong and impressive.  Its inhabitants were people of importance and wealth, thus they were usually beautiful and large. But they were just buildings. They didn't ensure protection, didn't ensure warmth, and certainly their beauty did not always reflect an owner with a beautiful heart. Time and again throughout history, castles were overrun, damaged, and sometimes destroyed.

So often we put our security in things that seem large and impressive--a big car, big house, big guns....but they are just a shell, a facade that doesn't necessarily reflect weaknesses or voids.

Thank the Lord that He is our protector, that He is as big, powerful and impressive as He says He is!

Please, God, bless!

"The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved." Nahum 2:6

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.

Desperation

Day 237: How is your prayer life?  I know I often feel like I'm praying on the run, shouting my thoughts up to God as I bustle to and fro.  Usually I get up early in the am to have my quiet time, but some days I can barely drag myself out of bed.  And of course, then I get busy with other things and,.....

wwwaaiiiiitttttt a second......other things?

Ron Parrish in his book From Duty to Delight says this:

"But, I'm too busy to pray" translates as: Of all the demands on my time, prayer is expendable."  The problem is motivation more than busyness.  When we are highly motivated to do something we get it done.  Heart precedes action.  You will make time for that which you value.  It's that simple.

He's right, of course.  He goes on to talk about what motivations we should have to pray.  The first one made me think of a flower in a parched desert.  Desperation.  I know I have absolutely no control. The world has gone crazy, there are terrors and uncertainty on every side.  I realize how desperately I need Him, and that alone is a very good motivation to pray.

Are desperate, too?

Please, God, bless!

"...O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water."  Ps 63:1

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.

Reading is FUN!

Day 236:  I am so happy because I was able to link all of my purchased books to my book-lovers app! Sounds silly, but I love to read, share books, and talk about them with other book lovers. I've read 4 books in the last week or so!

I didn't realize I had so many books I've read.  And I also didn't realize how many books I've started and not finished, and how many books I own that I haven't read!

I hope everyone loves to read. I learn so much by reading, even if its fiction.  There is always a lesson I can pull out of a good book!  I like thoughtful fiction, not drippy fiction. I like non-fiction, I like Bible study books, health books, etc.  I'll be the first one to ditch a book if its not for me-none of this finishing a book because I started it.  I don't like to fill my head with nonsense, or read a book... I don't like and waste my time.  There is never a shortage of good books out there! So, when one is lousy, I just pick up another.

If you are not a reader, you should pick up a book, and give it a whirl! You may be surprised that you like it!

Please, God, bless!

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." Proverbs 1:5 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.

Donkey's Glory?

Day 235:  I was reading today and came across this quote by Corrie ten Boom.

"When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments on the road, and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it ever entered the head of that donkey that any of that was for him?   

 ...If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in His glory, I give Him all the praise and all the honor."

What an awesome picture of humility, of our role in God's Glory!

The world tells us that its all about US--our gain, our reputation, our credibility, our benefit.  But that is counter to what we as Christians are to be concerned about.  We are to focus on God's Glory, not ours.

Like John said of Jesus,

"He must increase, but I must decrease."  John 3:30

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.

Encouraging

Day 234:  There are some days when things get so hectic, and I just feel worn out. I'm sure you know how it is....work is crazy, you didn't sleep well, someone cuts you off in traffic, whatever it is, it just seems to wear on you all in one day. It is on days like this when encouraging words can really lift my spirits, especially when I feel like I'm all out of lift!  So, thanking my gal pal at work for the boost I needed.  I'll be sure to return the blessing!

Please, God, bless!

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."Prov 11:25  

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.

Strung Like a Violin

Day 233:  It seems the theme for this week is trusting God.  Every time I turn around a book I read, conversation I have, or daily reading seems to push me more deeply into what that means.


Life is stressful, no doubt.  No one is free from daily annoyances. Compound that with other stressors, like illness, relationship issues, demanding infants, snarky kids, aloof spouses, house woes, etc, and that's why you have people snapping left and right!


But the ups and downs are necessary...they make us who we are. Randy Alcorn and his wife Nanci write, "String a violin too loosely and it won't make good music.  String it too tightly and the string breaks.  No tension, no music.  Too much tension, no music." Too little stress and there is no motivation.  Too much stress, and you lose your marbles!



Taking things in stride when possible, and always aiming for the right perspective, are critical.  In the Alcorn's "Help for Women Under Stress" they write:

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."Prov 19:21

The fulfilled life largely consists of unclenching our fists, releasing our plans and giving ourselves over to His purpose, whether visible or invisible.

 "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?" Prov 18:14

A right attitude carries us through bad circumstances and poor health.  But no matter how strong the body, how positive the circumstances, a crushed spirit will never experience joy.  Perspective is what makes the spirit soar like an eagle even when the body is ravaged by accident, disease, or age.   

Stress can't stand in the face of a right perspective.

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.

Crossing the Bridge of Faith

Day 232:  I have always tried to describe faith to my son as being like a rope bridge high above the ground.  You can believe that it can carry the weight of a person.  But, do you have the faith to take the first step?

"Of course the storm is real.  In the eyes of children who trust their Father there is no threat. No grievance against the storm. With faith...you can see that nothing threatens you. Then you will fear no storm--you will master it. Only when you trust the Father can you let go of your fear and all grievance. This is why Yeshua told those in the boat, that they had no faith, surely." --Ted Dekker, A.D. 30-A Novel

Please, God, bless!

"And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm"  Matthew 8:26 KJV

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.

Happy Piggy

Day 231:  An interesting day, with its own interesting challenges.  I am reminded of what I tell my son,--The only thing you can control in this life is your attitude.  You can choose to have a good attitude, or a bad one. Both are contagious, and will affect the attitude of those around you.  Always choose a good attitude--you will be happier for it.

James Macdonald writes in his book, Lord, Change My attitude Before It's Too Late, 

"You can't change an attitude until you admit you chose it.  But if you are willing to say, "I choose my attitude," then a different choice becomes your option.  By admitting  you made the choice, you put yourself in a position to make a different choice next time."  

So, remember, the choice is yours.

Please, God, bless!

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

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.

Cool Camels

Day 230:  I am reading a book, and part of the story is the protagonist's escape with her companions from a warring neighboring tribe. To aid their escape they took the dangerous route through the desert with their supplies and camels. As time went on, the supplies ran low, but the camels remained steady.

I was intrigued, after all, the desert is an extremely harsh environment. These camels were the lifeline of the trio. They plodded along steadily, carrying them when they were weak. They provided them milk which sustained them when there was no water. When water was near, they knew before their masters.  

There is a lesson in this, I think. When we are in our deserts--a period of waiting, of trial, of illness, etc--we can count on God to be steady, always there, carrying us when we are weak. He sustains us when we are at our limit, and He leads us to life-giving water.

Please, God, bless!

"I cared for you in the wilderness, In the land of drought." Hosea 13:5 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.

Crazy Birdhouse

Day 229:  As some friends and I were sitting on our front porch talking, I noticed a little bird that kept flitting in and out of the pole of the basketball hoop in front of our house.  It seems he has made for himself a cozy little home in that pole.  What's kind of funny to me is that the pole is hardly a calm home.  Its been knocked over in some bad storms, and when the kids all play basketball, I can't imagine its a peaceful dwelling.  Yet there she is..this little birdy....snug in her pole, regardless of the mayhem around her.

I suppose that is what we as Christian's are to be like--secure in our God, trusting him always, regardless of the chaos that surrounds us.

Please, God, bless!

"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." Psalm 16:8 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.

Praying on the Run

Day 228:  Prayer...There is so much more to prayer than just trying to do one's due diligence. It is a time of peace. A time of baring our souls. A time to pour out our hearts, share our deepest desires. It's a time to really love those who do not love us. It's a time to remember those you often forget. It's a time to ask for help, seek guidance, accept conviction, It's a time to weep, a time of joy.

I'm often overwhelmed--there is so much to pray for!  I pray so often on the run because I seem to have so little time. I know God hears those prayers, but its not the same.  All of the benefits of prayer get lost in the race from place to place if I don't take a moment to stop....just stop....and spend time with the One who always makes time for me.  Only then will I be able to be free of all I carry as I rush through life.

Please, God, bless!

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22 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.

Swing

Day 227:  There are some days I feel like I just spun my wheels and got absolutely no where. I don't think my time was wasted, per se, but I just didn't accomplish what I intended to do for various reasons.

Whenever I am at a park, I love to go on the swings. I suppose it is because its easy to personalize to your mood--I can swing a lot or a little. I can swing next to a friend, or all alone and enjoy it just the same.  The interesting thing about the swing is that I don't really get anywhere--I just go back and forth--yet I feel like you've been up, out, and about.

When its time to pack up and go home, I realize that I haven't gotten anywhere; I didn't really make any progress.  Yet, I enjoyed it...it was worth it.

Likewise, when I feel like I haven't made much progress in my day's toil, I have hope that my time was well spent, that it was worth it.

Please, God, bless!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13 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.

Another Anne Graham Lotz Devotional

Day 226: Another quick sketch inspired by Anne Graham Lotz's "Joy of My Heart" devotional for yesterday.

Nothing’s Too Small for God

"The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all his works."  Psalm 145:17, NKJV

God created snowflakes, no two of which are alike. He created a sponge-like pad between the head of a woodpecker and its bill to absorb the shock when the bird strikes a tree. He created nerve cells that connect the human body to the brain like tiny telephone wires, with messages traveling along them up to three hundred miles per hour! 

God is active in small ways in the universe, on our planet, in our bodies, and in our lives!

What do you think is so small that it’s too small for God to notice?

A small tear?

A small hurt feeling?

A small insult?

A small sin?

A small worry?

Nothing is too small for the Creator’s attention and activity!

Copyright © 2015 AnGeL Ministries, All rights reserved.


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.

Gift of Sleep

Day 225:  Did you ever have a day when all you want to do is just crawl into bed? After a busy day, there is nothing more inviting then my comfy bed.  Sure, there are things I just can't get done...not enough hours in the day.  Yet, sleep is a gift, it restores you physically and mentally.  

Praying a good night sleep tonight for everyone!

Please, God, bless!

"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2 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.

Mom's Appreciation WEEK!

Day 224:  As we are in the throes of Teacher Appreciation week, I got to thinking.  Mother's Day is coming up.  If teacher's get an appreciation week, why are us Mom's only getting one day?  I feel cheated.  Nothing against my teacher friends--I love teachers, and I do appreciate them. But I think I deserve a week, too!

So, for this Mother's Day, I would like a week, please.  Here are some suggestions if anyone would like to pass them along to my kid....

• Day 1:  A letter telling me you love me is nice, but its even nicer with breakfast in bed and a hot cup of tea!

• Day 2:  Chatting in the mornings before school would be so much nicer if the dishes were put away, the papers off the counter, and the toys, pencils, and books put away, etc.

• Day 3:  I love your art, but would love to see the creative things you can do with the "stuff" all over your bedroom floor and on your desk, like maybe put it ALL away...

• Day 4:  I love when you cook for me, but I love it even more when I don't have to clean up the mess afterwards.

• Day 5:  There is no more loving, fantastic, stupendous gift than my house being clean!

• Day 6:  Flowers are lovely, but chocolate is divine.

• Day 7:  Being a good mom, I want to let you have your time with your video games while I sleep in, with my bedroom door shut, and the noise level down...Maybe later we can all have  a nice meal and snap an obligatory "I LOVE YOU MOM" selfie!

Please, God, bless!

"Honor your father and MOTHER. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you." Exodus 20:12 

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.