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