Marvelously Made!

Day 10:  There is nothing more awe-inspiring than holding a baby.  All babies are wonderfully made.  Such tiny little noses and toeses!

This is my quick doodle of my friend Sheri's twins.  Aren't they sweet? Just holding these precious children, my heart just abounds for love and admiration of the God who made them.  Children are such a gift!  Even as they get older, more opinionated, and much more snarky, they are wonderful, unique creations, knit together in a marvelous way.

Please, God, bless!

" Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day." Ps 139:13–16 MSG

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.  

YES! I Celebrate Halloween!

Day 9:  So, I'm kind of cheating today.  This quickie doodle is new, but the post is my annual soap box on Halloween.  Its long, but, hey, its my soap box speech!  Enjoy!

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Fall is my favorite time of year. As a redhead, I'm supposed to dress like mulch, so the colors of Fall suit me well. I love the crisp air, the smell of apples, football, and of course, Halloween. What, you ask?!?! Halloween? Its an evil demonic holiday, I'm told; its celebrating things of Satan; its dangerous; its pagan; and on, and on, and on...... Oh, but if we all dress as Bible Characters and throw a party at church it makes it okay? PUH-LEASE! Quite frankly, I think Christian's have really missed the boat when it comes to this holiday. Huh? Before anyone gets overly insulted, let me explain.

The origins of Halloween truly are pagan. The Celts believed at this time of year the dead returned to visit their homes. They would light fires and sometimes wear masks or disguises so as to not be recognized by the travelling ghosts. The Roman invasion came and as a result added their own twist, celebrating Feralia, the festival of the dead, and Pomona the goddess of the harvest. As with every other pagan holiday, we Christians supplanted them with a "Christian" event to offset the temptation to succumb to the evil festivities. That is why Christmas is in December (The Roman festival of Saturnalia), and Easter is in the Spring (the fertility festival). These fall celebrations became All Hallows Day, or All Saints Day. The evening before became holy, thus All Hallows Eve. After the reformation, the holy day was not widely celebrated, and even banned among colonists. But when the European immigrants came, they brought their customs and traditions, and Halloween became a favorite holiday, particularly among children. Why? Because of the treats, of course (which, by the way, stems from the British poor going door to door begging for food).

So, why the history lesson? I think it is important to understand that Halloween (and most other major holidays), though pagan in origin, has morphed and changed as time has marched on. I believe that just as it has before, Halloween can be changed into a powerful holiday that Christian's can enjoy and celebrate for God's glory! I'm not talking about holing up in our churches, going to shopping malls, dressing up as Moses or Jonah, or turning up our noses and turning off our lights. If there is one thing that is unique about Halloween, it is the fact that it is the only holiday that your neighbors expect you to knock on their door. To me, this is HUGE!

We are called to GO into the world, not to COME inside and ignore the world. Jesus was always walking into the midst of the world, eating with sinners and tax collectors, going where the "holy" people thought he shouldn't. Why on earth wouldn't we take this opportunity to follow his example? Get our of your house! Meet your neighbors! Form a community and claim it in His Name!

But Chrissy, you say, the commercial focus on Halloween is ghosts, goblins, and witches! So? That doesn't mean I have to focus on that too--well, unless I'm casting them out in the name of Jesus! I choose to focus on the Lord! I decorate my home with the things God gave us--pumpkins, cats, colorful leaves, and things of that nature. It looks festive, yet not icky. I encourage my son to dress up--I love the fact that kids can use their imagination to be whatever they want to be! I don't allow horror costumes because aspiring or imagining you are a witch or zombie, I feel, is not pleasing to God. But I'm certain He delights and smiles at little ones roaring like dragons in awe of a creature God could have made; saving the world as superheros by the power God gave them; pretending to be a doctor or pilot with skills from the Lord; sashaying as the beautiful princesses God made them to be; or being brave knights, showing the courage God gave them in the face of danger.

Oh Brothers and Sisters, wouldn't it be just like God to use a holiday so focused on and abused by the enemy for HIS ULTIMATE GLORY? I LOVE when God does that! Lets not miss the opportunity we have in this holiday! Let's be a light to our neighborhoods! Form relationships so people will get to know you and ask you what makes you so different! Take advantage of the fact that your neighbors are waiting for that knock on the door! Take back this holiday for the King of Kings!

If you are up to this challenge, I have a few ideas outlined below to help you in this quest!

* Focus on the Lord--Pray over this Halloween, your neighborhood, the children; relate your decorating and costumes to the great things of God. Talk to your kids about why you don't like the creepy things. Let them know that God gave us this holiday to use our imaginations and to meet/say hello to our neighbors.

* Take advantage of the fact that your neighbors are expecting you--Take your kids trick-or-treating yourself! Don't stand at the street and watch your kids run to the door. Walk up there with them, greet your neighbors and introduce yourself if you don't know them. Chat for a minute before you leave, and always smile!

* Give out good candy--As a child, I always went to the houses I knew that had the best candy! I wasn't interested in Bible tracts or Jesus pencils, and I'm sure most kids today agree with me. Let your life and kindness send the message...not a pamphlet.

* Have a Halloween party--do a festival of games on your front lawn, like a bean bag toss, or the duck pond for little ones. Have prizes--and of course GOOD CANDY. We have a Hallow-Weenie Roast each year and roast hot dogs, have some beer (for adults), soda, and hot chocolate available.  The neighborhood (and not so neighborhood) kids are regulars and look forward to it every year.  The local teens come back over and over with different friends each time...one group of kids even went and brought back their parents!

* Don't snub--if a parent allowed their little one to dress up as the devil, don't start chastising them or the child. Instead tell them what a beautiful little boy God gave them, and chat with them as you would with anyone else. You can pray over them as you're talking and later on! Remember, YOU MAY BE THE ONLY BIBLE SOME PEOPLE EVER READ! Let them see God's Love in you!

* Plan an event in your neighborhood--Talk to your neighbors. Maybe you can work a block party. Send flyers out encouraging people to trick-or-treat. Have a secret prize at one of the houses. Whatever you do, do it in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! Hmmmm...moon bounces aren't too expensive to rent......

* Have Fun! Halloween was always so much fun as kid. I have great memories of dressing up  (I STILL dress up as an adult!), surprising my neighbors with my costume, and of course, the reward of treats at the end.

So, won't you join me in this quest? Lets pass a tradition of joy and community, praise and glory on this holiday. Let's claim Halloween for God's Glory. He is able--we should be willing!

God bless you this day, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Please, God, bless!

"Therefore, as you GO, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.”  Matt 28:19-20  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.  

Crazy Noodle Soup!

Day 8:  Have you ever had the feeling that nobody is listening?

These days it seems like people ask questions, but don't want the right answers. It's kind of like asking the plumber how to fix the sink, and then telling him he doesn't know what he's talking about--cardboard pipes should work just fine!

I was having this conversation with a pal at work, and I made the comment that we are all just noodles in a soup of crazy! And as my visual thinking would have it, this is kind of what came to mind!

The fact is, sometimes people would rather have the argument than the right answer. Some days I'm not sure how to respond. If I'm at work and a superior says pink when I know its blue, I have a hard time saying, "You're right!"  That's not my nature!  But as pink seems to be the new blue any more, it's almost easier not to say anything than to provide a true response.  I think the tricky part is to do this while being gracious yet not veering from REAL Truth.

I am always amazed at how current the Word can be.  More often then not people just want to hear what they want to hear, regardless of what's right.

Please, God, bless!

"You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant." Ti 4:3 MSG

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.  

Protection from the Venom of Human Opinion

Day 7:  When I'm not sure what to review for my morning reading, my go-to is Proverbs, usually the chapter aligned to the day of the month.

When I read the news, a blog, or even a recipe I sometimes make the mistake of browsing through the comments.  While the Internet provides many advantages, one of the obvious downsides is that quite often one's opinions are spewed like venom without conscience or filter. Maybe its easy to be obnoxious, insulting, and downright nasty in a one way conversation with some level of anonymity.  So much for civil discourse.

Communication of this nature certainly should make one think before posting any thought online. That being said, this fact should not serve as an excuse to shy away from Truth.  Stand strong in Truth.  Just make sure you're using the right plumb line.

Please, God, bless!

"The fear of human opinion disables.  Trusting in God protects you from that."  Prov 29:25 MSG

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.  

Busy Like an Ant!

Day 6:  I had a slow start this am, and because of me we ended up missing church.  But, once I got going, I got GOING!  I think I did all but one thing on my checklist.  I made tortillas for Tuesday's quesadillas, lunches for tomorrow, corn bread for the chili tonight, and got stuff ready for the yard sale.  Throw in a good workout and end the day with doing nails, and a nice cup of tea.  (Sorry, my doodle wasn't allotted much time today.)

What I did NOT do was sit my butt on the couch with my laptop.  I realized that even with good intent, its too easy to get sucked in checking the news, recipes, and of course Pinterest.

Sometimes I think its easy to get sucked into our business.  But it is equally as easy to get sucked into doing nothing really worthwhile.

I like my relax time like the next person, however, I think I will keep a clock on my "clicking-time" to make sure I'm not frittering my time away.

"Go to the ant, you lazy man!Observe its ways and become wise. It...prepares its provisions in the summer and gathers its food in the harvest."  Proverbs 6:6-8 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.  

An Artist at Work

Day 5: Its been a busy day.  But, I do appreciate this challenge to create something each day.  It
makes me stop, take a breath, and focus if only for a few minutes.

I'm not sure what prompted this little doodle, but it was a really quick one.  I don't know why, but I thought it was kind of funny, seeing the "artist" at work.

I think if we look hard enough, we can see God at work each day...and I think that is pretty amazing!

"But as for you, O LORD, you are our Father; and we are clay,and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hands."  Is 64:8  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.  

Trust Fall!

Day 4:  I was talking with a dear gal pal over breakfast this am and the discussion turned to living on less money.  Its a scary prospect-losing control over our ability to provide. If we were called to live on less, could we do it?

Its easy to get comfy with our stuff. Its just as easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need more stuff; like a kind of grown up security blanket.

It comes down to a matter of trust.

So, if God called us to such a situation, where would I entrust my security?  In my stuff or in God to provide what I need?

It's kind of like a trust fall--and I know for certain where my True Security lies.  

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Matt 6:31-32  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.  

Blood on the Flowers

The striped squill is a flower native to Iraq.

DAY 3:  I had no idea what I was going to draw today.  I was thinking through my day trying to pinpoint what needed a healthy dose of perspective as I sat down and pulled out my laptop.

"Islamic State killed human rights lawyer in Iraq, U.N. says"

This story, and ones like it in the news EVERY DAY--the persecution of Christians, beheading of journalists, kidnapping and rape of children--jar me to a reality that is so evil, so revolting, and so depraved.   Atrocities are being recorded and broadcast all over the world.  The world collectively shudders, but then seems to yawn and switch to a more uplifting or interesting story.  Instead of outrage leading to action, the world numbs until something more vile causes a momentary awakening.

My perspective check today leads me to grieve for those suffering at the hands of such blatant wickedness.  Today I pray that I will never cease to be sickened by such actions;  I pray that I will not become complacent;  I pray against such evil and for those suffering at the hands of such monsters;  I pray the Lord comes soon.

Please, God, bless!

“Then they’ll hand you over to suffer and will kill you, and you’ll be hated by all the nations on account of my name."  Matt 24:9 ISV

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

'Tis the Seasons--Happy Rosh Hoshanah!

DAY 2:   Happy Rosh Hoshanah to all who celebrate this blessed holiday!

Jewish tradition has it that the Adam and Eve were created on this day.  The birth of the FIRST man--its intriguing to me!  I have been blessed by the Jewish Holidays as a Christian in many ways.  In regards to this holiday-also known as the Feast of Trumpets-one thing I can't help but think about is how it is always celebrated in the Autumn'ish time-frame.

If you think about it, its yet another glimpse of the gospel.  Most people tend to think of life to death--new birth to dying.  We think of our seasons from Spring-new life, to Summer-the prime of life.  We then go into our Autumn, where we start to degrade, and then our Winter, where we give our last breath.

A Christian should have the perspective that aligns more like the seasons, ordered according to a Jewish Year.  We begin in Autumn--born into sin, and it isn't until Winter--when we die to our prior selves that we begin Spring--our new life in Christ.  As we mature we produce fruit in Summer--the prime of our spiritual lives.

Please, God, Bless!

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."  John 12:24  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.  

Am I Really Here for "...Such a Time as This?"

DAY 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.  While I may not be as diligent to make my daily quota, I figure it can't hurt to give it a go.

So, here is my "Perspective Doodle" for the day.  Did you ever have one of those days when you wonder why on earth you are where you are?

Its one thing to know that God is in complete control, and has you placed right where you need to be--right now--right here.  But living it every day can be EXTREMELY challenging.

Trying to reconcile what I think is value-added--helping resolve problems, being productive, providing expertise--and the frustration in not being able to see any real results is exhausting, and certainly disheartening.

This perspective check is to continually recognize that truly God can change circumstances and does so in perfect timing.  Joseph, a skilled ruler and administrator was relegated at one point to work in prison, and for quite a long time.  Yet in perfect timing he was moved along to a place where he could save nations!

So, as difficult as it is to wake up sometimes, knowing my input may fall on deaf ears, and may not even be welcome, I have to believe that this work which seemingly leads to nowhere has a greater purpose.

Please, God, bless!

"And who knows but that you have come to your ...position for such a time as this?"  Est 4:14

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.