Scribble Doodles

Day 169:  I was in a pretty large meeting today.  As folks were having an open discussion on one of the topics, I sat in the back doodling on my little notepad.  It's kind of wild, because I'm actually listening intently to what they were talking about. For whatever reason doodling helps me to be more judicious about which conversations I want to jump into, as I have something to keep me contentedly occupied. Otherwise, I just want to be a part of the conversation.  I am a talker, after all.

I have no idea really what my doodle is, actually, just some scribbles I kept building on with my pen. But that's ok...In the end I was able to offer my inputs at an appropriate time, and that's what is important.

Please, God, bless!

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." Proverbs 10:19 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.

Wishing for a Fairy Godmother?

Day 168:  Disney is releasing an updated, non-animated version of Cinderella.  I have to admit I love Cinderella.  I love the fairy godmother turning a pumpkin into a coach, turning rags into a dress full of bling, and need I mention the shoes???  It's a fairy tale to be sure, the unfortunate lass finding her inner (and outer) beauty, love, and happiness.

I think most people at one time or another wished they had a fairy godmother, or if you were like me you wished you WERE a fairy godmother!  Someone to  grant wishes, fix the mess, and make the impossible possible.

The funny thing is, I DO have a protector who can do all of the above-God.  God has the power to do ALL things.  However, God is NO fairy godmother.  The difference is, God is all knowing, just, merciful and gracious; God always has a plan.  So, while He has the power to grant my innermost desires, to cleanup my self-inflicted disasters, and make all things possible, He doesn't always do so.

Why?

Lots of reasons, I'm sure. My desires may not be healthy or justified.   His intervention may not be in my best interest.  It could be that my suffering serves a valued purpose-to refine me, prepare me, or build my character.  It might be that there is a much grander plan that is much greater than my self-centered view of the world.  The truth is, I may not know at the time--or ever in my mortal life-- since my perspective is limited by what I know or have experienced.  In any case,  God has the power to work wonders beyond my comprehension--and he knows the end of the story before it even begins.

So, while I still enjoy a good fairy tale, I know that for a true tale of wonder I'll leave it to God to direct my story.

Please, God, bless!

"You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 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 Happy Birthday

Day 167:  Well, another birthday has come and will soon be gone.  I credit my besties for redeeming my birthday from a day in one of the most gloomy months of the year into a day I look forward to.  I get to see my closest pals, eat amazing food, enjoy some wine and laugh a lot.  What's not to love?

I enjoyed my birthday, and am praying for another year to live the life God has blessed me with.  After all, He is the one who gave me life.

Please, God, bless!

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb."  Ps 139:13

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.

Birthday Anniversary

Day 166:  As I sit on the eve of another birthday, I've given up trying to come up with pithy little ways to account for my age. I think I'll just stick to the fact that its an anniversary. Its a sad fact that we don't really know enough to live wisely until we are too old to have a complete redo. Sure, you can live every day until the fullest. But lets face facts, certain things you just can't go back and redo as they are the privileges of the young.

As I am daily barraged by the hormones and self-centered drama of my son's upcoming teen years, I am all the more aware of how quickly time goes--and how important it is to learn from the page vice experience in some of life's hard lessons.  So, I thought I would put down a few things that maybe-just maybe-he could learn from his aging mom.

• Your confidence should not come from what other people think of you;  Its based on knowing who you are in God's eyes. 
• Words can build up or destroy.  Be careful what you say, because you can never take your words back.
• Your tone and facial expression will betray you; don't play it off as a joke and further insult people.  Be honest and straightforward.
• You rarely will get a do over; take care to be thoughtful, diligent, cautious, and prayed-up before you do anything.
• Every decision you make has an impact.  Never believe you can do something without somehow affecting someone else.  Always seek God for direction.
• Life is short.  Live each day, don't get through it.  
• You will have regrets.  Don't dwell on them.
• Hobbies and entertainment are fine, but don't let them crowd out time with those who love you most.  
• Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to.  Put on a smile, generate your own cheer, and you will be much happier in life.
• Experience things.  You can read about something, or you can do it.  You can see it on YouTube, or you can LIVE it.  
• A good story always has trials to be overcome.  So will you, so don't be afraid of them--Trust God, and know there is a happy ending.  
• Truth is NOT relative.  
• Don't mistake discipline or correction for punishment or criticism.  
• Know that you are loved more than you can imagine.  There is a plan and purpose for your life, even if you don't understand what that is.  

Please, God, bless!

"So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom." Ps 90:12

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.

Too Cool

Day 165: My son is at the age when he is too cool for school.  He likes to wear his sunglasses all the time when we go out.  I'm not sure if its too look cool, to cover his eyes so I can't see him rolling them, or notice him paying attention when he's trying to look bored.

Its funny how when we reach a certain point in our lives, the opinions of others take such a place of importance in our lives.  Then it seems the older we get, the less we care about people's opinions of us.  I suppose that's because we realize we've lived a good part of our life limited by such opinions and we long to be free.

Isn't it interesting, then, that we really are free all along?  As we strive to please God vice men, we are freed from these subjective constraints, free to be who God intended us to be.

Please, God, bless!

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 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.

Whiter than Snow

Day 164:  My mom looked out the window and commented on how beautiful the snow makes everything look.  I agree.  I love fresh, fallen snow, how it frames the trees, and covers everything with a crisp, glistening white.  It is so clean, so pure...it makes me sigh in awe.

And then someone walks in it.  A driveway gets shoveled.  A plow comes through.  Cars drive in the slush, and what had been made lovely is now dirty, filthy, messy, and ugly.  The longer the snow is there, the more unbearable it becomes.  Only when I see a new snow, does it look pure and lovely again.

I love the object lesson.  The Lord will cleanse my sin, but it is only a short time before I am immediately blackened again with my offenses against God. Only until I repent will I be cleansed again, whiter than snow.

"...Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Ps 51:7b

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.

Spring Snow

Day 163:  Woohoo!

17 days until Spring!  

      See ya later scarf!

          Later, hat!

               Buh-bye, coat!

I am so jazzed!  Flowers, birds, and...wait...what?  What did you say?  Are you kidding me?!?!?!  MORE SNOW?!?!?!

                    ...........

                         .......hello, coat?

"For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, 

his mighty downpour." Job 37:6 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.

Chasing My Tail

Day 162:  Did you ever have one of those days where you feel like you are a dog chasing your tail--an effort in futility?  I seem to have that experience a lot, especially at work.  I often wonder, what is the point?  How is me running in circles, never accomplishing anything, doing anything but crushing the grass?  How is all that fruitless effort doing anything for God's greater glory?

I like the way this translation words this verse.  Maybe I just need to chase my tail the best I can.  It sounds ridiculous, but I have no doubt God appreciates my efforts.

Please, God, bless!

"So, then, brothers and sisters, don't let anyone move you off the foundation [of your faith]. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless." 1 Cor 15:58 GW

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.

Respond Cheerfully

Day 161:  Today my son got his report card.  He did great!  All A's and B's. But what I am most proud of is his effort to respond to instruction cheerfully.  His teacher even commended him on his improvement.

One of the hardest things to do is to do what your told willfully, without complaint.  Yeah, great grades are important, but I think a great heart is even more important!  

Please, God, bless!

"Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it[a] for the Lord and not merely for people." Col 3:23

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.

Purim 2015

Day 160:  There is an uproar by the President and his like-minded Congressmen over the visit by Netanyahu.

Imagine...our only ally in the middle east, a friend to the US that does NOT harbor and support the terrorists that seek to destroy us...is coming to visit.  And the leader of our country is upset about it.

I find the continuing hate and disregard for Israel by this Administration offensive and dangerous.  If the US does not support Israel, be assured we have no more true allies in that part of the world.

It's fascinating the "coincidental timing" of the visit, being Purim is this Thursday.  As noted on worldjewishdaily.com:

"Thursday is Purim, the day Jews worldwide celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people from the cruel hand of a Persian tyrant more than two thousand years ago. 

Parallels to today are striking. Like then, Israel, where the plurality of the world's Jews lives, faces a dire threat from Persia. Like then, when Haman, descendant of Amalek sought to kill every Jewish man, woman and child, the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, seeks the same.

 So it was striking that Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, gave President Obama a Megillat Esther as a gift at their meeting last week. 

What was Netanyahu's message? Perhaps that the Jewish people have faced foes like the modern state of Iran before -- and in the end prevailed over their enemies. As well, like then, the Jews did not need outside help. With God's silent guiding hand, Haman's plots were foiled and in fact reversed. What he wished upon the Jewish people was what he received.

The Purim story teaches us to recognize that we have been in this situation before. As we say during the Passover Seder, in every generation a leader rises us to destroy us, but the Jewish people will prevail. So it was in days of old, so it will be today." 

 I will be praying the US will rise to the occasion and support this leader which in the last 5+ yrs has treated him so badly.  May God protect Israel, and bring her peace.

Please, God, bless!

And I will bless those who bless you,

            And the one who curses you I will curse.

            And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Gen 12:3

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.