Strength

<sup>Samson lived a roller coaster of a life.  In the end he called on the Lord to allow him to use his strength one last time, knowing that his fate would be the same as those who were torturing and abusing him.  He literally brought the house down.  We can learn much from Samson's story, probably the point that sticks out the most is that worldly desires can distract us from our purpose, and zap our ability to use the strengths and gifts that God has provided us.   I pray that I would keep my eyes on the prize and quickly recognize and avoid the temptations that seek to pull me away from God.

 Judges 16:28-30

28</sup> Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” ²⁹ And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. ³⁰ And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it.

Overflow

I spent a little time drawing on a piece of slate that I have on our back deck.  We are in between seasons in Bend.  One day is sunny and 60 and the next brings cold and snow.  I enjoy this time of year, often a light snow is falling in the morning which quickly melts, giving way to the warming rays of the afternoon sun.  The weather reminded me of Isaiah 55: 10-12, which illustrates God's provision of rain and snow to water the earth and bring forth new life.  Similarly his word waters our heart, mind and soul, causing new growth, fruit, and eventually overflow.  It is through that overflow that we are able to love others.   My prayer today is that I would plant God's word deep into my being, and that I would use the overflow of the fruit produced to serve others.

Isaiah 55: 10-12

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

    and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

 

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

    it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

“For you shall go out in joy

    and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you

    shall break forth into singing,

    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

A welcome distraction

I have found that most of my painting and drawing time has recently been otherwise occupied with a fluffy addition to our family.  Adding a puppy to the mix has reminded me a little of what it was like when our kids were toddlers.  They need lots of attention, constant supervision, and function best when we stick to a schedule.  I have had a-lot of time to reflect on our 4:30 AM walks along the Deschutes river.  Knox has even sparked creativity in me by inspiring me to make dog leashes from retired rock climbing rope.
Most of all adding a new puppy has reminded me that we all start from zero.  We don't understand the world around us, we do not know right from wrong, and we do not know how hard we can chew on our care taker.  We initially have to learn everything through trial and error.  As I reflected on this I found myself being very thankful for a God that has allowed me to learn from my mistakes, who gently corrects me when I forget, and who takes delight in me just being me.

Proverbs 3:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,

    as a father the son in whom he delights.

Psalm 37:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

    when he delights in his way;

Psalm 149:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

    he adorns the humble with salvation.