Live Painting

I had the opportunity to paint live for the Women of Vision Kittitas County Event a few weeks ago. I had only painted live one other time and did not feel totally at ease with the thought of painting in front of a crowd. It has been my prayer this year to say yes when I feel God prompting me, so I accepted knowing that God would use this opportunity to stretch my comfort zone.. I showed up with a blank canvas and had roughly 2 hours to come up with a semi finished piece. I spent some time prying before the event and a verse that a friend of mine had shared several weeks prior came to mind.

Psalm 126:5
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

When I look at this piece I think about the Holy Spirit prompting us to step out and sow seeds over uncharted/unknown territory. I think about the promise of adventure when we choose to follow Christ, and I think about the unknown in saying yes. The experience was good, and God certainly stretched my comfort zone. What is he asking you to say Yes to this week?

Walking through the fire

Isaiah 43:1-2

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

Fall like rain

Words penned by Moses just before he died. The message has not changed, but the difference now is that the price has been paid once and for all.... Oh how thankful I am for Jesus...


Deuteronomy 32:1-4

1 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;
hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
2 Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.

3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.

paddle wheel

I spotted this paddle wheel boat along the western shore of Lake Chautauqua in Mayville NY.  The boat is pulled up on shore and the wheel is sitting high and dry.  On land the vessel is incapable of fulfilling the purpose for which it was designed .  If engaged the wheel would only churn air creating nothing but a breeze.  Like the paddle wheel we are created by God for a unique purpose. It is my prayer today that God would grant me the faith, fortitude, and strength to hoist myself back into his presence when I find myself beached.  I pray that I would be ready and willing each time he chooses to use me as his vessel.

1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

Leap

I really like that we serve such a creative God. He typically uses unlikely vessels to carry out his best plans. Moses for instance hated public speaking, Paul had dedicated his life to persecuting Christians, Abraham was way past his prime, Peter was a fisherman, Rehab was a prostitute, and David was but a small boy. I find solace in the fact that God uses ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary plans. My prayer today is that I will be ready to leap when I hear his whispered voice.


Isaiah 35:6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.