Psalm 63:7
“For you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.” NASB
Lord, we dwell in the Shelter of the Most High and because of that we can rest in the shadow of the Almighty!
Pause and reflect on that truth from Psalm 91:1!
Ask HIM if there is any place that you are not dwelling in HIS shelter and then wait for HIM to reveal any place where your foot may not be stepping in HIS “nest”! If HE brings something to your mind be quick to confess it and ask for forgiveness.
Lord, you have been my help!
Thank HIM for specific ways in which HE has helped you in the past! It can be things from this week or from years gone by! Remember we are still thanking HIM for allowing the Israelites to pass through dry ground when HE parted the seas! It’s is an awesome thing to continually thank HIM for past “markers” in your life!
Since we are moving about under the shadow of YOUR mighty wings…
What does that look like in your life? Can you see yourself moving about with a huge shadow over your head! That shadow protected the Israelites from the intense heat through the desert! HIS shadow, HIS wings, protects us as we move into unchartered territories! This is our rightful position as HIS children!
Since we are moving about under the shadow of YOUR MIGHTY wings, we can sing for joy!
Joy, in the orginal Hebrew is Ranan (pronounced Raw-nan’). It means to cry out, to shout for joy, to give a ringing cry, to cry out in praise!
Now, imagine yourself walking about under the protective wing covering of The Almighty shouting out in praise! Singing out a song of victory BEFORE you get to your destination AS you are walking to your destination!!!
Lord, it is in this unified spirit that we march into land that you have led us to walk upon! YOU have been our help in the past, you protect us, and in response we sing for joy! Amen and Amen!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Bowing Before Taking on the Mountain
I have to confess, my eyes fell off of Jesus this week…AGAIN!!!! My eyes fell off of HIM and onto my worries and concerns! I think I walked this way for several days before I realized what had happened. The only way I realized that my eyes had gotten off of HIM and onto ME was that my attitude began to stink. It began to stink so much that I could smell myself! I have two teenage football players and they never know they stink after practice until it’s really, really bad! Typically they only notice it when their belongings have remained zipped up in their bags for several days! That’s how badly I think I stunk!!!!
Looking back, I realize that I was irritable, I laughed a whole lot less, I was quick to speak, slow to listen and quickly got angry, (doesn’t James say to do that the other way around? “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry!” James 1:19) My eyes were off of The Savior of my soul and consequently my soul began to sour!
When I finally realized what had happened, I had to confess and repent of my bad attitude and actions, however, I found myself following up my confession with the word, “BUT”! “…But, God, you know I am worried about this thing….” “But, Lord, I am tired of waiting…” “But, Father, I can’t…” What I found rising up within me was not peace, BUT anger! I was angry that things weren’t the way that I wanted them to be! I was angry that my situation had not budged even though I was doing all the right things, saying all the right prayers, and walking all the right paths! Frustration finally spewed out of me and onto Jesus as I shouted out in prayer, “BUT, GOD, SOMETHING SHOULD CHANGE!!!! MY SITUATION SHOULD CHANGE!!!!”
You know what I heard? …Nothing! Silence! No response what-so-ever from the King of Kings! AND I didn’t hang around long enough to wait out the stillness to see if there would be a reply! I was fed up!
What fascinates me is that something began to melt in my heart as I poured honesty upon Jesus’ feet! Although it wasn’t sweet smelling, allowing my true emotions to spill out of me and onto Him seemed to awaken hope deep inside of me! As I walked away from the scene, I looked back over my shoulder and finally Jesus came back into view!!!! I ran back to Him and realized that the “BUTS” were all about “ME”! My eyes were on ME! They had fallen off of HIM!!!! True repentance began to take shape in my heart where hardness had reigned just moments before!
As I think of Santa Fe, I realize that there is a possibility that after all of the prayer things may not change; the situation may remain as it is. I also know that there are others who would say, “We just need to speak to this mountain and it will move!” I think back to 8 years ago when I was told that my one year old baby had cancer. Before the surgery, I couldn’t speak to the mountain! I could only surrender my baby into the arms of the One that I trusted! I realize today that THAT moment, was an intense time of worship! I told The Lord, “Whatever you choose…if you choose to keep my baby on earth with me, or if you choose to take him to be with you in heaven or anything else in between, it’s all ok with me, because I trust You!” I was telling the King of Kings that no matter what happened, I would continue to worship HIM! I laid MY concerns aside, so I could lift HIM up!
Standing before this Santa Fe mountain, I am choosing to do the same thing! I want God to know that I will worship HIM no matter how things turn out. If God chooses to breathe new life into this area of ministry, or if He chooses to close it down, I will worship Him!!!!
So, ladies, I have to turn around and ask each of you: Will you worship Him with me no matter how it turns out? Will you lay your own concerns aside so that you can lift Him up? Will you walk your heart through the process of resetting your eyes on Him? Will you join me in worshipping Him now on this side of the mountain not knowing how things will turn out on the other side? Will you surrender your baby into The Everlasting Arms? If so, let us worship Him together, not for what He does but for who He is! May we bow as one before “I AM”!
Oh, and as we put our faces to the ground, I just want you to know that my son is nine now and healthy as ever! Praise be to God!
Looking back, I realize that I was irritable, I laughed a whole lot less, I was quick to speak, slow to listen and quickly got angry, (doesn’t James say to do that the other way around? “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry!” James 1:19) My eyes were off of The Savior of my soul and consequently my soul began to sour!
When I finally realized what had happened, I had to confess and repent of my bad attitude and actions, however, I found myself following up my confession with the word, “BUT”! “…But, God, you know I am worried about this thing….” “But, Lord, I am tired of waiting…” “But, Father, I can’t…” What I found rising up within me was not peace, BUT anger! I was angry that things weren’t the way that I wanted them to be! I was angry that my situation had not budged even though I was doing all the right things, saying all the right prayers, and walking all the right paths! Frustration finally spewed out of me and onto Jesus as I shouted out in prayer, “BUT, GOD, SOMETHING SHOULD CHANGE!!!! MY SITUATION SHOULD CHANGE!!!!”
You know what I heard? …Nothing! Silence! No response what-so-ever from the King of Kings! AND I didn’t hang around long enough to wait out the stillness to see if there would be a reply! I was fed up!
What fascinates me is that something began to melt in my heart as I poured honesty upon Jesus’ feet! Although it wasn’t sweet smelling, allowing my true emotions to spill out of me and onto Him seemed to awaken hope deep inside of me! As I walked away from the scene, I looked back over my shoulder and finally Jesus came back into view!!!! I ran back to Him and realized that the “BUTS” were all about “ME”! My eyes were on ME! They had fallen off of HIM!!!! True repentance began to take shape in my heart where hardness had reigned just moments before!
As I think of Santa Fe, I realize that there is a possibility that after all of the prayer things may not change; the situation may remain as it is. I also know that there are others who would say, “We just need to speak to this mountain and it will move!” I think back to 8 years ago when I was told that my one year old baby had cancer. Before the surgery, I couldn’t speak to the mountain! I could only surrender my baby into the arms of the One that I trusted! I realize today that THAT moment, was an intense time of worship! I told The Lord, “Whatever you choose…if you choose to keep my baby on earth with me, or if you choose to take him to be with you in heaven or anything else in between, it’s all ok with me, because I trust You!” I was telling the King of Kings that no matter what happened, I would continue to worship HIM! I laid MY concerns aside, so I could lift HIM up!
Standing before this Santa Fe mountain, I am choosing to do the same thing! I want God to know that I will worship HIM no matter how things turn out. If God chooses to breathe new life into this area of ministry, or if He chooses to close it down, I will worship Him!!!!
So, ladies, I have to turn around and ask each of you: Will you worship Him with me no matter how it turns out? Will you lay your own concerns aside so that you can lift Him up? Will you walk your heart through the process of resetting your eyes on Him? Will you join me in worshipping Him now on this side of the mountain not knowing how things will turn out on the other side? Will you surrender your baby into The Everlasting Arms? If so, let us worship Him together, not for what He does but for who He is! May we bow as one before “I AM”!
Oh, and as we put our faces to the ground, I just want you to know that my son is nine now and healthy as ever! Praise be to God!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thanksgiving leads to Peace!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:4-7
This verse has an amazing Thanksgiving to Christmas transition! It says, “…with THANKSGIVING, (present your request to God.) And the PEACE of God (will guard your hearts and minds…)” I am asking that the Lord will guard your hearts and minds with HIS peace as you do your part in thanking HIM for all HE has and has not given!
Several years back I found myself in yet another difficult life challenge! During that time I committed to writing down one thing I was thankful for every day for 30 days! At first, I struggled to find things for which to be thankful. Some days I could only thank God for the 5 minutes of quiet in my day. Other days, with an ungrateful heart I thanked God for the weather. However, slowly, my attitude began to change; it began to infiltrate my heart! Suddenly the peace of God took over and my mind and heart were guarded against the stench which had been residing within.
In whatever situation you find yourself as you read this, I challenge you to thank God! Thank Him for the fact that you got out of bed today! Thank Him for the computer that is before you! Thank Him for whatever little ole thing you can muster up! Then do it again…and again…and again!!!!! Soon, you too will experience peace of heart and mind! I don’t understand how it happens; I just know that it does! God’s Word declares it! Go on, Sweet Sister; go find an ant to thank God for! Soon you’ll be thanking Him for the mountains- even if they are what stand in your way!!!! To HIM be the glory!!!
This verse has an amazing Thanksgiving to Christmas transition! It says, “…with THANKSGIVING, (present your request to God.) And the PEACE of God (will guard your hearts and minds…)” I am asking that the Lord will guard your hearts and minds with HIS peace as you do your part in thanking HIM for all HE has and has not given!
Several years back I found myself in yet another difficult life challenge! During that time I committed to writing down one thing I was thankful for every day for 30 days! At first, I struggled to find things for which to be thankful. Some days I could only thank God for the 5 minutes of quiet in my day. Other days, with an ungrateful heart I thanked God for the weather. However, slowly, my attitude began to change; it began to infiltrate my heart! Suddenly the peace of God took over and my mind and heart were guarded against the stench which had been residing within.
In whatever situation you find yourself as you read this, I challenge you to thank God! Thank Him for the fact that you got out of bed today! Thank Him for the computer that is before you! Thank Him for whatever little ole thing you can muster up! Then do it again…and again…and again!!!!! Soon, you too will experience peace of heart and mind! I don’t understand how it happens; I just know that it does! God’s Word declares it! Go on, Sweet Sister; go find an ant to thank God for! Soon you’ll be thanking Him for the mountains- even if they are what stand in your way!!!! To HIM be the glory!!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Fragrance
On my walk this morning, I rounded a corner when all of a sudden a beautiful fragrance captured my full attention. Curious, I slowed down and looked around to see what could possibly smell so wonderful. At the very back of a garden wall I spied a group of Petunias snuggled together! They were few in number but their aroma was powerful and alluring. My mind immediately went to the Scipture that says, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” 2 Cor 2:15-16a
Those who have Christ in their lives ARE a fragrance! The fragrance doesn’t dissipate as we move among those who don’t know Christ. We carry the smell of Christ wherever we go! However, those who are lost are either captivated by the fragrance or repulsed by the odor!
This week, I want you to know that you smell! Though few in numbers, your fragrance is noticed, even as you huddle together at the back of the garden! BUT there’s another part to the Scripture I want us to focus on! The section in 2 Corinthians begins with, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Cor 2:14
Soon it will be time to leave the back of the garden and start walking again. I thank God that HE will lead you each in a trimphal procession! I see you throwing Petunias from your basket wherever you go. Some will follow those petals to you and will gain “a knowledge of HIM”. Others will side step those petals! Your job is to throw them with abandon as you step into that triumphal procession! The scene reminds me of the time that King David danced with all of his heart as he led the procession of the Ark back into Jerusalem. His wife looked down on him with contempt, but others joined in the celebration! He was an aroma that others could smell!
Let’s remember that we smell! Let’s begin to dance! Let’s trust God to lead us in triumphal processions! We are the fragrance of LIFE!!! I’m breathing deeply! I’m captivated by your fragrance!
Those who have Christ in their lives ARE a fragrance! The fragrance doesn’t dissipate as we move among those who don’t know Christ. We carry the smell of Christ wherever we go! However, those who are lost are either captivated by the fragrance or repulsed by the odor!
This week, I want you to know that you smell! Though few in numbers, your fragrance is noticed, even as you huddle together at the back of the garden! BUT there’s another part to the Scripture I want us to focus on! The section in 2 Corinthians begins with, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Cor 2:14
Soon it will be time to leave the back of the garden and start walking again. I thank God that HE will lead you each in a trimphal procession! I see you throwing Petunias from your basket wherever you go. Some will follow those petals to you and will gain “a knowledge of HIM”. Others will side step those petals! Your job is to throw them with abandon as you step into that triumphal procession! The scene reminds me of the time that King David danced with all of his heart as he led the procession of the Ark back into Jerusalem. His wife looked down on him with contempt, but others joined in the celebration! He was an aroma that others could smell!
Let’s remember that we smell! Let’s begin to dance! Let’s trust God to lead us in triumphal processions! We are the fragrance of LIFE!!! I’m breathing deeply! I’m captivated by your fragrance!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Santa Fe Devotional
Maria walked into the kitchen with her arms full of wrapped packages. As she struggled to lay down her load on the table all the packages tumbled to the floor. Tears sprang to her eyes as she looked at the mess lying at her feet. For the first time she noticed that the wrapping on the packages were tattered and worn. Upon further inspection she saw that the bows were missing and the paper had worn through exposing the underlying box. Curious, she sat down and slowly began to rip off the old paper. On the top of one of the boxes “DREAMS” had been written in bold black letters. She quickly uncovered another box! This one had the word, “PLANS” written in distinctive letters across the top! She tore off the 3rd wrapping and found the same bold writing with the word, “HOPE”!
She had forgotten what was under the layer of paper, but now with it fully exposed she thought back to the day when she had confidently put the lid on each box. She remembered being filled with dreams, plans and hope for the future. She had an assignment by God to do His work. She had been so filled with joy and anticipation for whatever lay ahead. She carried those boxes everywhere she went and shared them with whoever the Lord laid on her heart! Ministry had never been so much fun then when she shared the vision of what God had given her! The excitement bubbled over to others. Soon women could be seen carrying their own beautifully wrapped packages. Maria marveled at what God was doing in His people.
Looking at the paper that was in shreds all around her, she realized that she had carried those packages through many seasons. She took the top off of the first box and found another word scrawled across the inside! Her hand flew to her mouth as she read, DISCOURAGEMENT! Trembling she opened the second box and look inside. Glaring back at her was the word FRUSTRATION! Hesitantly she reached for the 3rd. Inside she found ANGER! A soft scream escaped her mouth while hot tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “Lord, Help!” was all that she was able to say. Through the silence that followed was a quiet voice that beckoned to her, “Maria, will you surrender your dreams, plans and hopes to me?” “Lord!” she replied, “Those are the things YOU gave me! I’ve been faithful to carry them with me all these years!” “Yes, child, I did give them to you and you have been a good and faithful servant of mine! Will you give me your dreams, your plans and your hopes?” Maria looked at all that surrounded her! Memories flooded her mind and emotions surged in her heart. She realized that what had started out as something beautiful had somehow, somewhere, lost its luster. The tools inside the boxes had dissolved and turned into things she no longer wanted in her hands! Quickly she put the tops back on the boxes, picked them up and put them on the table. “Lord, I give them to you! All of them! All of my dreams for this ministry, all of my plans for this ministry and all of my hopes for this ministry! You can have them all!!!!! I surrender!!!”
After several minutes she heard a knock at the front door. Moving from her spot she dried her eyes and ran a hand over her hair. She took a deep breath and pulled the door open. She could barely believe her eyes as she looked down at her feet and saw three newly wrapped packages with bright shiny bows! They were beautiful!!!! She gathered them up in her arms and brought them inside. No one needed to tell her what was written across the top of each box! She already knew!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
She had forgotten what was under the layer of paper, but now with it fully exposed she thought back to the day when she had confidently put the lid on each box. She remembered being filled with dreams, plans and hope for the future. She had an assignment by God to do His work. She had been so filled with joy and anticipation for whatever lay ahead. She carried those boxes everywhere she went and shared them with whoever the Lord laid on her heart! Ministry had never been so much fun then when she shared the vision of what God had given her! The excitement bubbled over to others. Soon women could be seen carrying their own beautifully wrapped packages. Maria marveled at what God was doing in His people.
Looking at the paper that was in shreds all around her, she realized that she had carried those packages through many seasons. She took the top off of the first box and found another word scrawled across the inside! Her hand flew to her mouth as she read, DISCOURAGEMENT! Trembling she opened the second box and look inside. Glaring back at her was the word FRUSTRATION! Hesitantly she reached for the 3rd. Inside she found ANGER! A soft scream escaped her mouth while hot tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “Lord, Help!” was all that she was able to say. Through the silence that followed was a quiet voice that beckoned to her, “Maria, will you surrender your dreams, plans and hopes to me?” “Lord!” she replied, “Those are the things YOU gave me! I’ve been faithful to carry them with me all these years!” “Yes, child, I did give them to you and you have been a good and faithful servant of mine! Will you give me your dreams, your plans and your hopes?” Maria looked at all that surrounded her! Memories flooded her mind and emotions surged in her heart. She realized that what had started out as something beautiful had somehow, somewhere, lost its luster. The tools inside the boxes had dissolved and turned into things she no longer wanted in her hands! Quickly she put the tops back on the boxes, picked them up and put them on the table. “Lord, I give them to you! All of them! All of my dreams for this ministry, all of my plans for this ministry and all of my hopes for this ministry! You can have them all!!!!! I surrender!!!”
After several minutes she heard a knock at the front door. Moving from her spot she dried her eyes and ran a hand over her hair. She took a deep breath and pulled the door open. She could barely believe her eyes as she looked down at her feet and saw three newly wrapped packages with bright shiny bows! They were beautiful!!!! She gathered them up in her arms and brought them inside. No one needed to tell her what was written across the top of each box! She already knew!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tips for Reflecting Jesus
I was recently asked to write a note of encouragement for my niece for her 13th birthday. As I sat down to type, I felt led to give her 13 "tips" for Reflecting Jesus. Each tip is based on Scripture.
How many can you find in Scripture without looking?
Here are the 13 tips on how to live your life so that you will always reflect Jesus!!!
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength!
2. Love your neighbor as yourself!
3. Trust in the Lord in all your ways!
4. Sing praise to the Lord....always!
5. Pray without ceasing!
6. Honor Mom and Dad!
7. Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry!
8. Throw off everything that hinders so you can run the race set before you!
9. Be thankful!
10. Fear not for HE is with you!
11. Be strong and courageous!
12. Live a life worthy of your calling!
13. Know that HE has a plan to prosper you and has an amazing future for you!
How many can you find in Scripture without looking?
Here are the 13 tips on how to live your life so that you will always reflect Jesus!!!
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength!
2. Love your neighbor as yourself!
3. Trust in the Lord in all your ways!
4. Sing praise to the Lord....always!
5. Pray without ceasing!
6. Honor Mom and Dad!
7. Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry!
8. Throw off everything that hinders so you can run the race set before you!
9. Be thankful!
10. Fear not for HE is with you!
11. Be strong and courageous!
12. Live a life worthy of your calling!
13. Know that HE has a plan to prosper you and has an amazing future for you!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Land
Imagine a parcel of land before you! Allow yourself to really experience that land. You may need to shut your eyes for a few minutes! Take some time to look around you. What colors do you see? What type of land is it? What season is it? Are there trees or flowers or barns on your land? What other objects do you see on your land?
Now imagine that the land before you is YOU! It's your life!!! Your past, your present and your future! It's all there laid out before you! What does your land look like now? Has it changed? How has it changed? Spend some time looking it over!
If you have ever lived a life outside of Gods will for your life then I would guess that there may be some dark and scary places on that land that you would rather not look at or imagine! BUT those are the exact places I want you to walk over to. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then take HIM by the hand and head on over to the first knarly area. If you have never asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior you can do so now and then take His hand and head over to your first stopping place.
As you walk with Jesus, listen to Him tell you about the land! IF you belong to HIM then the land is HIS! HE has authority over that land! HE has victory over that land! Allow Him to take you to the past where it is dark and unhappy memories live. Point out what happened there and confess your sin to Him. Or tell him your story! It's a very safe place to talk! No one else is on your land! Remember, He already knows what went on there! Once you confess or share about one dark spot, move to another one and confess/share that one as well. Continue on your journey with Jesus until all the yicky places have been identified and confessed or shared! (I know this may not be easy or quick! Take your time!)
Now imagine Him covering over each dark spot with a bright red cloth! It was washed in His blood that He shed for your specific sin or incident so that YOU can walk in freedom!!!
Take time to imagine Him covering each place that you visited together!
Now go back to where you started at the beginning of this excercise! Jesus is still with you! Look out at the terrain! There's NO darkness left! There's no shame! It's all been covered by the blood of Jesus and becomes part of your testimony! You can take others to your land and show them what Jesus covered OR you can keep it between the two of you. No one else will see it unless you point it out anyway!
YOU were purchased with a price! ONE BLOOD SACRIFICE! That's all it took to purchase your land!!! Nothing else can add to it! Nothing can take it away!! YOUr land is paid in full! YOU are free!!! The boundary markers are from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet! They are as wide as your memory and as far as your future! YOU have been completely covered!!!!
Right about now you may want to sit on your newly restored land and worship! OR you may want to dance! It's YOUR land! Jesus is right there with you!
Now imagine that the land before you is YOU! It's your life!!! Your past, your present and your future! It's all there laid out before you! What does your land look like now? Has it changed? How has it changed? Spend some time looking it over!
If you have ever lived a life outside of Gods will for your life then I would guess that there may be some dark and scary places on that land that you would rather not look at or imagine! BUT those are the exact places I want you to walk over to. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then take HIM by the hand and head on over to the first knarly area. If you have never asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior you can do so now and then take His hand and head over to your first stopping place.
As you walk with Jesus, listen to Him tell you about the land! IF you belong to HIM then the land is HIS! HE has authority over that land! HE has victory over that land! Allow Him to take you to the past where it is dark and unhappy memories live. Point out what happened there and confess your sin to Him. Or tell him your story! It's a very safe place to talk! No one else is on your land! Remember, He already knows what went on there! Once you confess or share about one dark spot, move to another one and confess/share that one as well. Continue on your journey with Jesus until all the yicky places have been identified and confessed or shared! (I know this may not be easy or quick! Take your time!)
Now imagine Him covering over each dark spot with a bright red cloth! It was washed in His blood that He shed for your specific sin or incident so that YOU can walk in freedom!!!
Take time to imagine Him covering each place that you visited together!
Now go back to where you started at the beginning of this excercise! Jesus is still with you! Look out at the terrain! There's NO darkness left! There's no shame! It's all been covered by the blood of Jesus and becomes part of your testimony! You can take others to your land and show them what Jesus covered OR you can keep it between the two of you. No one else will see it unless you point it out anyway!
YOU were purchased with a price! ONE BLOOD SACRIFICE! That's all it took to purchase your land!!! Nothing else can add to it! Nothing can take it away!! YOUr land is paid in full! YOU are free!!! The boundary markers are from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet! They are as wide as your memory and as far as your future! YOU have been completely covered!!!!
Right about now you may want to sit on your newly restored land and worship! OR you may want to dance! It's YOUR land! Jesus is right there with you!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Water and Fire
Imagine 2 things before you. On your right side is water and on your left is fire! Step into the water. All of a sudden the water begins to rise. It keeps rising! It doesn't stop! The water soon becomes a rushing river with a powerful current. You are filled with fear. You tremble and cry out! You try to find solid footing under the strong pull of the water. Just as you are about to get carried away, you feel someone grab hold of your arm. Peace floods your spirit! You experience calm in the midst of raging waters. You hear in your ear, *"Do not fear,for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." Immediately you are pulled from the water and placed in front of the fire! You hear the same voice say, *"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." There is no way out except to walk through the wall of flames. You are now face to face with a major crisis! You can choose to either believe the voice you heard and remember that it was that voice that pulled you out of the water just minutes before, OR you can choose to reject the voice and panic because the furnace is getting hotter every minute.
What are you going to choose?
Before you can speak, you hear one more thing whispered in your ear, *"For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!"
What happens next is completely up to you!
*Passsages taken from Isaiah 43:1-3
What are you going to choose?
Before you can speak, you hear one more thing whispered in your ear, *"For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!"
What happens next is completely up to you!
*Passsages taken from Isaiah 43:1-3
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Shucking Corn
Last night I shucked corn at my kitchen sink. That was unusual because I usually shuck corn out on the back porch or I have my kids shuck it out there. As I stood at the sink with the garbage can at my feet I had the revelation that "As an adult I CAN shuck corn in the house!" I am neat about it. I will clean up my mess. I will not rush or be sloppy with the shucking. As a child, my grandmother would shoo me outside to shuck the corn. I was messy with shucking-the silk would fly everywhere! I didn't fully clean up my mess after shucking- and there was always a mess! I would rush through the process and be sloppy with it cuz I wanted to get outside and play! I was a child-I SHOULD be outside shucking corn! I realized that in many areas of my life I am still thinking that I am that same child!!! I have somehow not thrown on the garments of being a new creation. Walking in new ways!!! God wants to entrust me with more...HE can trust me with more! I long to start shucking more corn inside the house! It's time!
Two Scriptures come to mind:
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Two Scriptures come to mind:
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Did you know that infants can silence God's enemies? I was amazed when I read that they could in Psalm 8 verse 2. It says, "You (God) have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge." I started asking God, "How in the world can a baby who can't even talk silence your enemies?" His reply was found in the same verse - through PRAISE! My jump in logic makes me think "If they can silence your enemies through praise then WE (adults) can silence your enemies through praise!"
Let's give it a try!!!
Where is an enemy of God assaulting you today? Start praising God and see if those arrows are re-routed!
Let me know how it turns out! Then we can praise HIM together!
Let's give it a try!!!
Where is an enemy of God assaulting you today? Start praising God and see if those arrows are re-routed!
Let me know how it turns out! Then we can praise HIM together!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Loaves and Fish
She sat down and threw her hands up in the air. With tears streaming down her face she looked up to heaven and yelled, "God, it's never enough!!!!! I keep walking this path you have laid out before me and nothing ever comes of it!" Oh, she knows there are little victories here and little open windows there, but nothing seems to come together to show her that the path she is walking is exactly where God would have her. So she tries many paths to find out which one will become her career. She longs to do the thing she was created to do on this earth. People all around her are walking in what they were created to do. She yearns for the same! She is looking for that external confirmation of an internal conviction!
Just a few months ago a workers truck pulled up next to her on the road with a metal sign afixed to the door that read, "Bob, The Plumber." It brought tears to her eyes because she longed for a sign on her door that would explain to the world what she does. Her door is still empty. Every day she hopes that God will burst open the heavens with the answer but only a trickle comes. Amazingly, those droplets have been enough to keep her walking.
However, today is different. As she looked heavenward and yelled out to God she all of a sudden thought of Jesus looking heavenward and asking His Father to bless the 5 loaves of bread and 2 loaves of fish that a little boy had offered to feed 5000 people. God, The Father had honored Jesus request and created enough food to satisfy everyone present PLUS have 12 full baskets left over. She rose from her bed with a new perspective. She looked at Jesus and said, "All I have... I give to you." She has no idea what HE will do with what she has placed in His hands, but she is confident that she put them where they needed to be.
Just a few months ago a workers truck pulled up next to her on the road with a metal sign afixed to the door that read, "Bob, The Plumber." It brought tears to her eyes because she longed for a sign on her door that would explain to the world what she does. Her door is still empty. Every day she hopes that God will burst open the heavens with the answer but only a trickle comes. Amazingly, those droplets have been enough to keep her walking.
However, today is different. As she looked heavenward and yelled out to God she all of a sudden thought of Jesus looking heavenward and asking His Father to bless the 5 loaves of bread and 2 loaves of fish that a little boy had offered to feed 5000 people. God, The Father had honored Jesus request and created enough food to satisfy everyone present PLUS have 12 full baskets left over. She rose from her bed with a new perspective. She looked at Jesus and said, "All I have... I give to you." She has no idea what HE will do with what she has placed in His hands, but she is confident that she put them where they needed to be.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Running for Cover
Do you have a need today? I've got a safe place we can go; it's a fortress actually! Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe."
I'll run with you there.
It's kind of like getting caught outside in a downpour. You look around for the closest cover to get you out of the rain.
What's "raining" down on you today?
There's a place we can go; it's a fortress!
As we run, I think we should start praising God! You see, Psalm 149:6 says, "Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands." So as we run, we should praise because that creates a sharp sword in our hands. We may need that sword to defeat our enemy! Despair is a great enemy...but praise defeats him. I've fought him before! I would be so happy to cover your back and help you fight him today!
"Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.
O Israel, rejoice in your Maker.
O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King.
Praise his name with dancing,
accompanied by tamborine and harp.
For the Lord delights in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in his honor.
Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds."
Psalm 149:1-5
I'll run with you there.
It's kind of like getting caught outside in a downpour. You look around for the closest cover to get you out of the rain.
What's "raining" down on you today?
There's a place we can go; it's a fortress!
As we run, I think we should start praising God! You see, Psalm 149:6 says, "Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands." So as we run, we should praise because that creates a sharp sword in our hands. We may need that sword to defeat our enemy! Despair is a great enemy...but praise defeats him. I've fought him before! I would be so happy to cover your back and help you fight him today!
"Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.
O Israel, rejoice in your Maker.
O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King.
Praise his name with dancing,
accompanied by tamborine and harp.
For the Lord delights in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in his honor.
Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds."
Psalm 149:1-5
Friday, June 01, 2007
Living for HIM
"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21
God is teaching me this. He has been working on me for years to learn to long for HIS life instead of mine. Over the last several months HE has been showing me that I long for my ways over His ways. Specifically with me wanting one thing and then not getting what I want. It may be that I want to hang out with a certain group of women, make plans for that to happen and then HE intervenes and I am not where I want to be and not with who I want to be with. OR, I may want something to happen in my ministry and start walking in that direction and then HE intervenes and I don't get what I longed for.
After more than several incidents like this I finally caught on to what God was saying, "Anne, giving up your wants and desires is the key in acquiring my wants and desires for you!"
I must admit it has been a painful journey of dying to self and I have not arrived! However, this morning, after reading several chapters of "90 Minutes in Heaven" I realized that my heart is more willing to want what HE wants for me! I found myself asking HIM this morning, "God, what will bless YOU? What can I do with my life that will bless YOU?!" What's profound is that emotions on each side of the pendulum pravail: grief for giving up what I have been longing for and joy at the prospect of what God desires to do through me! Hope binds them together because I know that somewhere in the midst of all of this I believe my will is going to line up with HIS will and then the desires of my heart will be satisfied!!!!!
Do you want to join me in asking The King of Kings, "What can I do with my life that will bless you?"
Let's begin living for Christ!
God is teaching me this. He has been working on me for years to learn to long for HIS life instead of mine. Over the last several months HE has been showing me that I long for my ways over His ways. Specifically with me wanting one thing and then not getting what I want. It may be that I want to hang out with a certain group of women, make plans for that to happen and then HE intervenes and I am not where I want to be and not with who I want to be with. OR, I may want something to happen in my ministry and start walking in that direction and then HE intervenes and I don't get what I longed for.
After more than several incidents like this I finally caught on to what God was saying, "Anne, giving up your wants and desires is the key in acquiring my wants and desires for you!"
I must admit it has been a painful journey of dying to self and I have not arrived! However, this morning, after reading several chapters of "90 Minutes in Heaven" I realized that my heart is more willing to want what HE wants for me! I found myself asking HIM this morning, "God, what will bless YOU? What can I do with my life that will bless YOU?!" What's profound is that emotions on each side of the pendulum pravail: grief for giving up what I have been longing for and joy at the prospect of what God desires to do through me! Hope binds them together because I know that somewhere in the midst of all of this I believe my will is going to line up with HIS will and then the desires of my heart will be satisfied!!!!!
Do you want to join me in asking The King of Kings, "What can I do with my life that will bless you?"
Let's begin living for Christ!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Will You Go Without Knowing?
This blog entry is actually an elongated true "Painting story" that I wrote and illustrated. Sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the journey!
To view the paintings you must go to my website: naharministries.com
Canvas 1
“In the Beginning”
This canvas represents the dream that God had for you before you knew what it was. Colors found at the bottom of the canvas are the same colors used in the other 2 canvases; mainly red, green, blue and yellow (however the yellow is mostly covered up on this canvas). Those colors represent the “city” mentioned in Revelation 21, but also represent the colors in the rainbow, especially since the colors are displayed in an arch, and as God told Noah- the rainbow was a covenant of a promise. God is faithful! HE will bring your dreams to pass.
The bottom section is also very blurred which represents how the dream that God gave you at first was out of focus. You couldn’t quite seem to see it although you knew that “something” was on your hearts.
The middle section was at first completely yellow. As the painting emerged and the other canvases were painted, the yellow came to serve as a “backdrop” to the rest of the paint. It makes me think of how “backdrop” is so important in stories and acting. The viewer may not know anything of the “backdrop” but the writer or actor knows all about it and it “colors” their direction greatly!
The top section is rich in red, gold and black but was a distraction (when the yellow mentioned above was present). Now it blends perfectly for the entire piece. I use those colors a lot to represent God’s strength, power and work in a person’s life.
The final thing that needs to be mentioned is the “shadow” of the cross which is barely visible. As you move around the room and watch it in different light, the cross changes in visibility. This represents that The Lord is over the dream, is the creator of the dream and is the protector of the dream. It also serves as a “book end” as it mirrors the cross in the 3rd canvas. It also represents that you are not only living out the dream HE placed in your heart, but you are living out HIS plan for HIS kingdom, which isn’t easily seen to the worldly eye. Not all will see the cross on this canvas!
Canvas 2
“Will You Go?”
“The great street of the city was of pure gold.” Revelation 21:21b
The gold found on the lower part of the canvas represents the “streets” you have already walked on, are on already, and will walk on in the future. Some of the gold was preserved in its original painted state – no other colors were added on top of it. The gold is the strong foundation- God’s foundation. The blue, green and red are layers on the street which represent the gems mentioned in the painting colors and canvas 3’s description. They are angled, as it is an uphill walk. They lead to the vertical stripes in the 3rd canvas which create the “city” for canvas 3.
The lower left of the canvas is a continuation of the 1st canvas except the colors are easier to see—they are more in focus. The revelation of the dream or the understanding of the dream is unfolded in this canvas—the lower left really represents this well.
There is a definite change in direction of paint on the lower left side. It’s where the “arch” (a continuation of the rainbow from canvas 1) meets the upward climb. This is a climatic moment in the painting. Something happened here—which is represented in the shimmering yellow “V” above the red paint. Perhaps the “V” stands for victory—victory experienced once you chose to step out boldly and start going without knowing. This turning point is shown through the clarity of colors that begin to take hold. No longer are the red, green and blue fuzzy or soft—they are vibrant! The same holds true for the gold!
One of the main focus’ of the painting is the orange glow found on the “road” to the “city”. If you look closely you will find 5 crosses. 2 adult crosses symbolizing you and Roger, and 3 smaller crosses representing Jackson, Katie Grace and Nicholas. Before they were placed on the canvas I was at a “stuck place” as an artist. My fear held me back. I was content to live with the yellow expanse between “road” and sky, but God kept calling me forward to push past my fear. After several days of trepidation, I felt led to pick up an unlit candle. I chose a purple one. And with the bottom of the stick I used the wax to make the crosses. While “drawing” the crosses the song “Candle in the Wind” came to mind more than once, (that seems corny…but it’s what I “heard” resonating in my head!).
The orange glow also represents how God led the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. It was how God led and protected HIS people. It was also how HE showed them he was with them continually. Great is HIS faithfulness!!!! Please notice that the “covering” is over all 5 of you. This dream is a family dream!
Surrounding the “glow” is lots of opposition. It comes in many forms. It is almost as if there is “wind resistance” however, the glow is safe from any fiery darts, resistance, or impediments. By faith you will arrive at your destination.
Finally, the sky is black but speckled with many stars. God took Abraham outside and said, “’Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6 You and your family are Abraham’s offspring! His promises remain true. Written in the sky is the question God asked you and Roger, “Will you go?” I know the rest of the question was “without knowing”, but only 3 words were allowed on the canvas…”Will You Go?” You answered the call. You went!
The stars also represent the passage we sent you from Texas with, “…shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2:15-16 Holding out the “Word of life” can also be represented in the hiddeness of the crosses on all 3 canvases. The Word is hidden to some and unveiled to others. Your job is to hold out the Word-God does the unveiling.
The cross is only revealed to those who have eyes to see. May they have eyes to see the cross in each of you!
Canvas 3
The City
The main part of this canvas is represented as a city scape. A cross is in the center of the city and is in front of the city. The city has a double meaning. It represents LA as can be seen by the dark smoggy cloud covering at the top, but it is also The New Jerusalem mentioned above in Revelation 21 which is where the color scheme came from.
Again, the cross is hidden, yet not as hidden as in the first canvas. To the unbelieving eye the cross can be viewed as part of the city.
Miscellaneous Information
Thought you might like to know just a few additional details
• As I stood in the store asking the Lord which canvas to use I was led to a square canvas. I did not realize the significance of this until I brought the canvas’ home from the store and began work on them. “The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide.” Revelation 21:16
• The 3 canvas’ need to be hung with about 4 – 6 inches between them. The negative space is important. It represents the unknown in “the going without knowing journey.”
• The paintings change in light and sheen depending upon the time of day, lighting conditions (indoor and outdoor), and where you position yourself to view the work. Isn’t that a beautiful description of our journeys? Our view of our journey change depending on our outward circumstances.
• There is a definite progression in crosses. They become more bold and visible in each canvas – and yet, they each possess a “hidden” quality to them.
• Many times while painting this I would get to a stopping point where I did not know what else to put on the canvas. That was when I would hear, “Will you go without knowing?” It inspired me to keep going. I figured if you could do it so could I. Along the way I experienced fear, discouragement, discontentment, wrestling with God, and great victories! I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! I am so thankful that I went without knowing! You have been a great model for me to follow!
May the paintings and their message bless you on your journey!
Scripture References
Hebrews 11:8-10
The Message
“By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God.”
The Amplified Bible
“[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.
[Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.”
New Living Translation
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.”
The Basis for “The City” part of the painting
Revelation 21- NIV
The New Jerusalem
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
6He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
9One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using. 18The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Painting colors
The basis for your color scheme
Jasper – a clear crystal – sometimes translated diamond
Chalcedony – a multi colored jewel – possibly greenish-blue
Sardonyx - a white stone – like a cameo
Carnelian – or sardius is a “blood red” stone
Chrysolite – yellow
Beryl – green
Chrysoprase – a turquoise color
Jacinth – reddish-brown
Crystal – clear
Gold
Sapphire – blue
Emerald – green
Topaz – yellow-green
Amethyst – purple
Street – gold
To view the paintings you must go to my website: naharministries.com
Canvas 1
“In the Beginning”
This canvas represents the dream that God had for you before you knew what it was. Colors found at the bottom of the canvas are the same colors used in the other 2 canvases; mainly red, green, blue and yellow (however the yellow is mostly covered up on this canvas). Those colors represent the “city” mentioned in Revelation 21, but also represent the colors in the rainbow, especially since the colors are displayed in an arch, and as God told Noah- the rainbow was a covenant of a promise. God is faithful! HE will bring your dreams to pass.
The bottom section is also very blurred which represents how the dream that God gave you at first was out of focus. You couldn’t quite seem to see it although you knew that “something” was on your hearts.
The middle section was at first completely yellow. As the painting emerged and the other canvases were painted, the yellow came to serve as a “backdrop” to the rest of the paint. It makes me think of how “backdrop” is so important in stories and acting. The viewer may not know anything of the “backdrop” but the writer or actor knows all about it and it “colors” their direction greatly!
The top section is rich in red, gold and black but was a distraction (when the yellow mentioned above was present). Now it blends perfectly for the entire piece. I use those colors a lot to represent God’s strength, power and work in a person’s life.
The final thing that needs to be mentioned is the “shadow” of the cross which is barely visible. As you move around the room and watch it in different light, the cross changes in visibility. This represents that The Lord is over the dream, is the creator of the dream and is the protector of the dream. It also serves as a “book end” as it mirrors the cross in the 3rd canvas. It also represents that you are not only living out the dream HE placed in your heart, but you are living out HIS plan for HIS kingdom, which isn’t easily seen to the worldly eye. Not all will see the cross on this canvas!
Canvas 2
“Will You Go?”
“The great street of the city was of pure gold.” Revelation 21:21b
The gold found on the lower part of the canvas represents the “streets” you have already walked on, are on already, and will walk on in the future. Some of the gold was preserved in its original painted state – no other colors were added on top of it. The gold is the strong foundation- God’s foundation. The blue, green and red are layers on the street which represent the gems mentioned in the painting colors and canvas 3’s description. They are angled, as it is an uphill walk. They lead to the vertical stripes in the 3rd canvas which create the “city” for canvas 3.
The lower left of the canvas is a continuation of the 1st canvas except the colors are easier to see—they are more in focus. The revelation of the dream or the understanding of the dream is unfolded in this canvas—the lower left really represents this well.
There is a definite change in direction of paint on the lower left side. It’s where the “arch” (a continuation of the rainbow from canvas 1) meets the upward climb. This is a climatic moment in the painting. Something happened here—which is represented in the shimmering yellow “V” above the red paint. Perhaps the “V” stands for victory—victory experienced once you chose to step out boldly and start going without knowing. This turning point is shown through the clarity of colors that begin to take hold. No longer are the red, green and blue fuzzy or soft—they are vibrant! The same holds true for the gold!
One of the main focus’ of the painting is the orange glow found on the “road” to the “city”. If you look closely you will find 5 crosses. 2 adult crosses symbolizing you and Roger, and 3 smaller crosses representing Jackson, Katie Grace and Nicholas. Before they were placed on the canvas I was at a “stuck place” as an artist. My fear held me back. I was content to live with the yellow expanse between “road” and sky, but God kept calling me forward to push past my fear. After several days of trepidation, I felt led to pick up an unlit candle. I chose a purple one. And with the bottom of the stick I used the wax to make the crosses. While “drawing” the crosses the song “Candle in the Wind” came to mind more than once, (that seems corny…but it’s what I “heard” resonating in my head!).
The orange glow also represents how God led the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. It was how God led and protected HIS people. It was also how HE showed them he was with them continually. Great is HIS faithfulness!!!! Please notice that the “covering” is over all 5 of you. This dream is a family dream!
Surrounding the “glow” is lots of opposition. It comes in many forms. It is almost as if there is “wind resistance” however, the glow is safe from any fiery darts, resistance, or impediments. By faith you will arrive at your destination.
Finally, the sky is black but speckled with many stars. God took Abraham outside and said, “’Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6 You and your family are Abraham’s offspring! His promises remain true. Written in the sky is the question God asked you and Roger, “Will you go?” I know the rest of the question was “without knowing”, but only 3 words were allowed on the canvas…”Will You Go?” You answered the call. You went!
The stars also represent the passage we sent you from Texas with, “…shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2:15-16 Holding out the “Word of life” can also be represented in the hiddeness of the crosses on all 3 canvases. The Word is hidden to some and unveiled to others. Your job is to hold out the Word-God does the unveiling.
The cross is only revealed to those who have eyes to see. May they have eyes to see the cross in each of you!
Canvas 3
The City
The main part of this canvas is represented as a city scape. A cross is in the center of the city and is in front of the city. The city has a double meaning. It represents LA as can be seen by the dark smoggy cloud covering at the top, but it is also The New Jerusalem mentioned above in Revelation 21 which is where the color scheme came from.
Again, the cross is hidden, yet not as hidden as in the first canvas. To the unbelieving eye the cross can be viewed as part of the city.
Miscellaneous Information
Thought you might like to know just a few additional details
• As I stood in the store asking the Lord which canvas to use I was led to a square canvas. I did not realize the significance of this until I brought the canvas’ home from the store and began work on them. “The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide.” Revelation 21:16
• The 3 canvas’ need to be hung with about 4 – 6 inches between them. The negative space is important. It represents the unknown in “the going without knowing journey.”
• The paintings change in light and sheen depending upon the time of day, lighting conditions (indoor and outdoor), and where you position yourself to view the work. Isn’t that a beautiful description of our journeys? Our view of our journey change depending on our outward circumstances.
• There is a definite progression in crosses. They become more bold and visible in each canvas – and yet, they each possess a “hidden” quality to them.
• Many times while painting this I would get to a stopping point where I did not know what else to put on the canvas. That was when I would hear, “Will you go without knowing?” It inspired me to keep going. I figured if you could do it so could I. Along the way I experienced fear, discouragement, discontentment, wrestling with God, and great victories! I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! I am so thankful that I went without knowing! You have been a great model for me to follow!
May the paintings and their message bless you on your journey!
Scripture References
Hebrews 11:8-10
The Message
“By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God.”
The Amplified Bible
“[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.
[Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.”
New Living Translation
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.”
The Basis for “The City” part of the painting
Revelation 21- NIV
The New Jerusalem
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
6He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
9One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using. 18The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Painting colors
The basis for your color scheme
Jasper – a clear crystal – sometimes translated diamond
Chalcedony – a multi colored jewel – possibly greenish-blue
Sardonyx - a white stone – like a cameo
Carnelian – or sardius is a “blood red” stone
Chrysolite – yellow
Beryl – green
Chrysoprase – a turquoise color
Jacinth – reddish-brown
Crystal – clear
Gold
Sapphire – blue
Emerald – green
Topaz – yellow-green
Amethyst – purple
Street – gold
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Will You Serve Me?
I was recently driving from one ministry event to another. I had spent the last 2 days doing prayer ministry for pastors and leaders from all over the country who had attended my church's pastors conference and was headed to do more prayer ministry and Scripture reading at a women's retreat. I was drained, weary and not sure how I would be able to be at my best for the next 2 days. As I drove I asked the Lord, "Lord, will you please bless me?" Immediately, I was given ears to hear what it was that I was truly asking the Lord, "Lord, will you serve me?" I was horrified to see the depths of sin that were lurking in my heart.
Tears sprang to my eyes as I agreed with the underlying meaning in my prayer. I quickly confessed the sinful attitude that I was carrying around. I turned from that attitude and asked the Lord to show me how to serve HIM. Amazingly, I was comforted as quickly as I was corrected. The Lord showed me that as I pray for people, I AM serving HIM! HE uses me as a messenger to pray words that His people need to hear. All I do is listen to HIM and then speak what I sense HE is saying to me. For the first time, serving HIM seemed so easy! HE corrected me in seeking for myself to be served but he comforted me in helping me to see that I was serving HIM in the way that HE desired.
That should have been the end of the story, BUT...God is so full of grace and mercy! As I checked into the hotel, the lady who checked me in said as I was walking away, "Oh, the people who arranged the room for you really like you as you will see in a minute." I took the elevator up to my floor and as I stepped out and walked down the long hallway, tears flowed from my eyes because I knew there must have been a welcome basket placed in my room ahead of time. I could hardly believe the grace and mercy that God was pouring out on me after revealing the sinfulness of my heart just moments before. I had asked God for a blessing and even though my heart was in the wrong place when I asked it, God still chose to answer my request and bless me!
Tears sprang to my eyes as I agreed with the underlying meaning in my prayer. I quickly confessed the sinful attitude that I was carrying around. I turned from that attitude and asked the Lord to show me how to serve HIM. Amazingly, I was comforted as quickly as I was corrected. The Lord showed me that as I pray for people, I AM serving HIM! HE uses me as a messenger to pray words that His people need to hear. All I do is listen to HIM and then speak what I sense HE is saying to me. For the first time, serving HIM seemed so easy! HE corrected me in seeking for myself to be served but he comforted me in helping me to see that I was serving HIM in the way that HE desired.
That should have been the end of the story, BUT...God is so full of grace and mercy! As I checked into the hotel, the lady who checked me in said as I was walking away, "Oh, the people who arranged the room for you really like you as you will see in a minute." I took the elevator up to my floor and as I stepped out and walked down the long hallway, tears flowed from my eyes because I knew there must have been a welcome basket placed in my room ahead of time. I could hardly believe the grace and mercy that God was pouring out on me after revealing the sinfulness of my heart just moments before. I had asked God for a blessing and even though my heart was in the wrong place when I asked it, God still chose to answer my request and bless me!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Reflecting on Fasting
"That evening the disciples came to him and said, 'This is a desolate place, and it is getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.'" Matthew 14:13-15
"......this is a desolate place, and it is getting late. Send the crowds away....."
WOW! Imagine! The crowds were in need of being SENT away. They must have been hungry, otherwise the disciples wouldn't have mentioned the need for food.
As we approach the last week of the fast are you feeling that you have been in a desolate place longing for the comfort of familiar food? Have you noticed that it's getting "late" so why not cheat a little now? Personally, I have never looked with longing on a pretzel before, but today I sure did....several times! However, as I contemplated what the crunch of the twisted pretzel would be like, I learned something from "The Crowd" that surrounded Jesus! They weren't going anywhere even if they were hungry! They were so hungry and thirsty for what Jesus had to offer that it was more than enough to keep them grounded in one place. They were so resolute with their stance of staying before Jesus that the disciples told him to "Send them away!"
If anyone in the crowd had walked to town to pick up a "burger" they would have missed one of Jesus' most talked about miracles--the feeding of the 5000!!!!! BUT...they didn't WANT to leave! They remained where they were!!!
Let's stand together as a crowd and press in to Jesus these last few days and perhaps we will receive our own little miracle! Even if we don't, I've realized that I would rather have HIM than a twisted pretzel!!!!
Praising HIM, Pressing IN, and Pondering His words!
"......this is a desolate place, and it is getting late. Send the crowds away....."
WOW! Imagine! The crowds were in need of being SENT away. They must have been hungry, otherwise the disciples wouldn't have mentioned the need for food.
As we approach the last week of the fast are you feeling that you have been in a desolate place longing for the comfort of familiar food? Have you noticed that it's getting "late" so why not cheat a little now? Personally, I have never looked with longing on a pretzel before, but today I sure did....several times! However, as I contemplated what the crunch of the twisted pretzel would be like, I learned something from "The Crowd" that surrounded Jesus! They weren't going anywhere even if they were hungry! They were so hungry and thirsty for what Jesus had to offer that it was more than enough to keep them grounded in one place. They were so resolute with their stance of staying before Jesus that the disciples told him to "Send them away!"
If anyone in the crowd had walked to town to pick up a "burger" they would have missed one of Jesus' most talked about miracles--the feeding of the 5000!!!!! BUT...they didn't WANT to leave! They remained where they were!!!
Let's stand together as a crowd and press in to Jesus these last few days and perhaps we will receive our own little miracle! Even if we don't, I've realized that I would rather have HIM than a twisted pretzel!!!!
Praising HIM, Pressing IN, and Pondering His words!
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