I had fun in my studio this week finishing a painting I had
been working on for 2 month – I’m not completely happy with it, but I decided I
was done messing with it. I’ll just have
to keep working on this particular technique: how to get the sun coming through
the trees to look real (as well as working on creating more realistic trees –
those tree tops just don’t look right either).
Anyway, finishing that painting and putting it in my store window
brought more new people in. I also
experimented this week: I noticed some
designs in a floor tile in the bathroom (I do this often: find designs in tile,
carpet, walls, whatever) and instantly came up with a cool project idea. So I took some Japanese rice paper, frisket,
watercolors and came up with “Moses parting the sea” …
We are each called to service - each to a different area,
need, focus – in our lives. We were
created not to serve self; but rather, to serve others and Jesus is our
example. I was listening to praise
music this morning and Chris Tomlin’s song “Our God is Greater” came on. And as it says:
And if our God is for us, then who
can ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what can stand against …
If we are seeking after God’s will, open to what He will
have us do and say, amazing things happen!
I am always blown away by what He does through us. It surely isn’t me doing anything, it’s all
God through me, I am just his vessel.
Awesome stuff. Anyway, this past
week was fascinating …
As usual, I was in my studio working on paintings, shooting
more video to create another online class, spending way too much time on
Facebook, etc and etc … anyway, as usual a variety of people came in, some to
do art work, some to check us out, talk, whatever and a couple of homeless guys
came in, unrelated and on different days.
Also as usual, I offer food – I check to see if they are hungry and
since I usually keep a supply of soup and crackers on hand as well as a
hotplate and pot. Anyway, one asked for
money (for which I emptied my donation can) for gas to get to the mission in
Colorado Springs, but I sensed something not quite right about the story, but
tried to help as best as I could.
William and Justin came in (since I was just closing and it was after
work) and chatted with the guy a bit and he went on his way. He came in again on subsequent days which verified
my feeling that the story wasn’t on the up and up. The other guy who had come in was obviously
weary, had been hauling two large bags with him. We ended up taking him home for the night
and had the most wonderful God-appointed time with him. The next day, he had a wonderful time
painting (and did quite well for never having done so before) for several hours
while awaiting a ride to the town he was traveling to. We were largely blessed for having helped
both, but in different ways. We need to
be wise in helping, not necessarily holding back help, but to be led as to how
to help.
I find that God has placed me in a very special spot, in a
strategic spot (more than I even know fully) to meet with all kinds of people
and to be available no matter what happens. This leads me to my morning time with God
(NEVER neglect this, it is the most precious).
God led me to Luke 2:36-38. Like
many who have just a mention in the Bible, they were use monumentally in God’s
service. God called her to a specific
purpose in her life, that of fasting and praying for years in the temple, to be
there at a pivotal point in all of history – to see Jesus, our Redeemer – on His
first visit to the temple as an infant.
Same with Simeon (vs25-32). Who
knows what else they ever accomplished in life, but they were available to
be used by God.
Now, I am not saying all of this to pat myself on the back;
on the contrary, I am saying this to encourage others – be available, filled up
by the Holy Spirit, on a daily basis – spend TIME everyday asking God to use
you as HE wills, and you will experience more blessings in your life than you
can know (and I’m not talking financial, but spiritual). People see me and ask often why I have such a
‘light’ in my eyes and ask how I can be so joyful no matter what circumstances
happen around me and I always say that it is Jesus. I may see someone for 5 minutes or for days
or weeks on end; either way, I want to point everyone to Jesus, for he is the
reason I am here and available.
Our God is greater, our God is
stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is healer, awesome in power, our God, OUR GOD!
I also found a cool site this morning: http://tifwe.org/freedom-to-flourish/
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