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In Humble Recognition of the Lord God Almighty

Words, letters strung together, then strung together into sentences to make statements, ask questions, or tell a story. Poetry, Prose, thoughts and ideas. Written and spoken words are powerful, influencing cultures and communities. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that words have the power of life and death. We want to be sure we are sharing life. 

Colossians 2:8 warns us that there are people who will intentionally mislead us with their fancy words and lofty ideas, and will claim that those words and ideas come from God when they really come from their own pride and even fear. Jesus warns us to be as innocent as doves and as wise as serpents, and in 2 Timothy 2:15 we are told that we should study the Bible for ourselves so that we can tell the difference between the Truth and the Lie. In John 10:10 Jesus says the thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy, but that he came to give life and life abundant.

In Proverbs 19:2 we are warned to not outrun our excitement by claiming things we don't fully understand. We will never know everything about God or His Word as he is far too big for that, but he teaches us what we are willing to learn and what we need to know in his perfect timing and perfect love.

 We do understand the responsibility we have to teach rightly and to not mislead readers, nor to misrepresent God's Word. We pray that what we publish is Spirit breathed and Father approved. And always, pray for understanding and continue to read for yourself.  The life of a person following Chtist is radically different compared to that of those who just move through the routines of life. Those same followers have extreme thoughts that come from that journey. Read on!

Soli Deo Gloria

SATURDAY JULY 27, 2024 - THE MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

I just finished watching the service of a sweet friend and it has me thinking, as these things often do. I have considered before to take more of an author's role on this site, and not just an artist's role. There are so many things that have sparked in me these last few weeks and months, for which a typical journal will not adequately serve.

Ann's service was broadcast online for the benefit of those who could not attend in person, and that meant a great deal. It was, however, extremely long, starting at 12:30 and going until about 2:30pm. My family has been most understanding, but I will have time to consider all these things more fully as the day continues - like it or not 🙂 emojies...

WEDNESDAY May 18, 2023 - LIGHTHOUSES

I recently remembered how I wanted to do a series of lighthouse art about 20 years ago. I had the idea of putting them in many different environments. Symbolically.

The thing about lighthouses is that while their purpose is the same and they all have that iconic light, they don't all look the same. Some are tall and skinny, some short and sturdy, some with strips, some swirls, some solids. Some look like giant spiders out in the water on stilts. Some are all red, or all white, to make it easier for those in the waters to see them during the day when their light is dominated by the sun. Some even have very loud horns because of the fog that can often obscure the light.

And lighthouses are not tucked away safely in a cozy pocket of the land where trees grow up around and make the light indiscernible. Lighthouses are set on the edge, the very brink, of the danger; right on the cliff top or beach head - some even on a solitary rock in the sea itself. Lighthouses are placed where they are needed most. Not for the safety of the people of the land, but for the safety of those in the water.

Lighthouses don't get together for annual lighthouse celebrations, they stay in their place, faithfully doing their one job. They don't do this alone; they need help. Their mirrors get dirty and need to be cleaned, the light bulb goes out and needs to be changed, and the paint fades and needs to be restored. There is a light keeper.

The light keeper stays with the lighthouse, sometimes in a small house at the base of it, and provides everything it needs so it can continue shining and giving protection for those in the seas. The keeper makes sure the light still shines and the horn still blows to warn of the danger.

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus says, " You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Fathers who is in heaven."

He won't leave you alone. He won't forget you. He will be there with you always and forever because  he loves you and he loves the people in the water.

"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Jesus (Matthew 28:20b)

FRIDAY May 12, 2023 - ABOUT MY DAD

I LOVE MY DAD! -  We're celebrating his 80th birthday this weekend!

Through the years I've come to appreciate my dad's leadership and commitment to the Lord and things of His kingdom. He prioritized our family devotion time when we kids were growing up! There were 5 of us, so interruptions were many, but our daily morning habit of a short time of focused attention on the scriptures continued throughout our growing up years.

Even now, we are often treated to a short devotional word or challenge, sometimes from Our Daily Bread, but more often from my dad's time in the Word.

"He tenderly watches his own . . . "

Though my mom is usually the one who "keeps in touch," my dad stays "tuned in" and checks on his now adult children at crucial times when he senses a concern or a struggle or just to congratulate on a new arrival or a celebration. Not one for sentimentality or "fluffy stuff," he always addresses the concern or celebration directly and shares a wise word of advice, recommendation, or congratulation.

When you're weak, when you're strong

When you're right, when you're wrong

In your joy, in your pain

When you lose or when you gain

Tenderly he watches over you . . .

This song by George Beverly Shea speaks volumes . . . Though I must admit often taking my earthly father's attentiveness for granted, it parallels that of the Heavenly Father. His care is shown in a through-the-years consistent, faithful attentiveness. Thank you, Dad!

Friday, Febrary 24, 2023 - I SEE JESUS

I was reading about Hagar this morning in the book of Genesis chapter 16, and how God had promised Abram, (later renamed Abraham),  more decendants than the stars in the sky and all the grains of sand on the earth, and it would begin with a child. Abram had a good chuckle because he was 100 years old and his wife Sarai, (later renamed Sarah) wasn't a spring chicken either. Then a good 10 years pass and Sarai gets antsy waiting for God's timing and makes some bad choices. Abram makes bad choices based on her bad choices, then Hagar, Sarai's Egyptian handmaiden, becomes pregnant. Then she makes a bad choice and gets cheeky toward Sarai. Sarai whines forcefully to Abram about how she's being treated, and Abram washes his hands of the situation and gives authority to Sarai, (the one who started the whole mess by not being patient and not waiting on God's perfect plan and perfect timing), to treat Hagar however she wished.

Now there's a lot we could sift through in that whole situation, as well as the "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" scene that follows it, but I want to stop here and spend some time with the "I see Jesus" portion. Do you see it, too?  I get really excited when the Holy Spirit shows me connections from the Old Testament scripture that forshadow the life of Jesus in the New Testament. In this case we see Abram, the leader of his people, wash his hands of responsibility and give Hagar over to the wishes of a beligerant wife. Cue the first book of the New Testament, and see Pilot literally wash his hands over the fate of Jesus when confronted by a beligerant mob of people in Matthew 27:24.  

Both Abram and Pilot were avoiding the responsibility they had been granted by God.

Is there something you are avoiding? Is there some conflict that you are just too tired, or scared, or confused about that you would just rather walk away from and leave in the past? The Good News is that God is real, he cares, and he wants to help. In fact, He loves you so much that he sent Jesus to help us, to heal us, to save us, and to fight for us. All we have to do is let him. (Matthew 11:28-30, Exodus 14:14)

What would happen if you bundled all of that burdon up, gave it to Jesus, and just rested in his promise?

PRAYER OF PSALM 23 - As we go

O Lord, because of your provision we can go out this week - to a different region, to the doctor, to meetings, and to our daily routines.

You give us time to rest. You give us time to be refreshed. You are with us. You show us your love for us; you restore our souls. You, O LORD, are the author of time, and you know when we need to stop, to rest, and to remember your faithfulness. After the wait, when you lead us to places both familiar and unfamiliar, we go, confident it is where we will honor you best. In trusting you we give you the most honor and glory.

Sometimes you send us to places that are hard, awkward, heartbreaking, scary, or uncomfortable.  These difficult places are where your love and peace are desperately needed - for the broken and hurting people, and sometimes, for us. In these places we see your Spirit, living in us, at work around us. It is you, Lord, who provides the light that turns complete darkness into harmless shadow. You are the light; whenever we go with you, there will be light.

You always provide abundantly for us, in the highlands, bright and peaceful, and in the lowlands, disturbing and dark. Both serve as invitation and condemnation to those who live and hide in the darkness; their hiding place is illuminated by your love and glory. Encouragement and reassurance are given to those who love the Light. The ones who receive the invitation are shown the life you give to those who trust you, and those who reject you turn back deeper into the darkness they love.

You protect us so that we can be refreshed in this place that is different than the field and the stream. Your blessing in the valley is so much more than we expect. After another time to rest and refresh, you again guide us on the journey of faith with you. You sustain us with your love and provision; you lead us ever closer to your Kingdom.

As we pass through every valley, we leave behind us your love and grace manifested as goodness and mercy.

 You give us peace on the mountain top.  We rest in preparation for the valley under your watchful care. We must be obedient and wait for you to show us where the path is, we do get restless and anxious, excited to explore. We need you to take us at the right time and on the right path. You don't leave us alone; you know where each of us have wandered and you bring us together so we are not easily discouraged.

You, O LORD, you alone are able to safely walk us home. We pray for the strength and courage you promise with your presence. Give us companions, drawn from the shadows, freed by the light, to join us in praising you as we walk together. All for your glory. By the authority of the name of Jesus Christ, we ask this of you. Let us not waste our time, but take advantage of every moment you give us in this world.

~Amen