Sold

14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 7:14-25
I love this verse. At first it rolls off everyone's tongue like a tongue twister and a bit of a puzzle but after really looking and hearing, just about everyone sees that it's just a picture of our human condition. We all sin and most of us hate sin. I would venture to say that even those that enjoy sin actually deep down don't really want to sin.

I think until we actually are faced with spiritual law we don't see how really sinful we are. It's like my paintings. I think they are GREAT until I go see some in a museum or even put them beside some of the work of my friends. Then I see. :)

Praying today for safe travel for my friend Ruth. She will be coming to spend a few days with me. I haven't seen her in about 5 years and it will be good to connect again and have time to enjoy her company.
This is one of her paintings and it belongs to ME! :) BIG GRIN It's my Tuesday Treasure. :)




See more of Ruth's paintings here.

Faith

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Somewhere between being a child and trusting God's abilities and becomming a Mature Christian like I think of my grandmother being, we fall into the chasm of doubt. Well, that statement might be a bit strong, but I know I've felt the seeds of doubt trying to take root in my head... but thankfully my heart stops them.

In this age of information one has to realize that everything that is in print or on the TV is not the gospel truth. More and more I hear and see folks trying to tear down our faith and belief in God, Jesus, and the Holdy Spirit.

I tell my self... hold on... God has promised you wisdom. Walking with Him will get me and you there.

Tuesday's Treasure: Yes, I have one for today. Well, I don't actually have one in my house, but my mother does and I've always loved them.

It's all in the translation

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 New American Standard
Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Amplified Bible
Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.

My plans for a picnic with my Mother on Mother's day were changed by an F2 tornado that whipped across the counties surrounding where we live. The strange thing is that my mother and I only knew that the wind was blowing really hard and the rain would come and go in bursts like running through a car wash and then getting the blower to push the remaining water drops off. I did get up several times Saturday night to check and make sure it was just high winds, but for the most part I was comfy in my bed with Cocoa Puff by my side.

Before church I called to make sure my Mother was okay and told her we would just go somewhere for dinner and do some shopping at the mall. She said that was fine with her. I should have turned on the news, but I didn't. As far as I could see, all was well. I did have a messy yard, but nothing but downed leaves so I wasn't concerned. At SS and church I heard nothing about any bad weather, so it was a surprise to both my Mother and me when we learned that Macon had sustained an F2 tornado.

We had driven to Macon to eat at my Mother's favorite 5 star restaurant "Cracker Barrel". :) It was closed. We had noticed choppers in the air, but thought they were over a car wreck or something. We had noticed a few trees down, but thought it was probably because of last year’s drought. We had noticed that there were lots of police cars on the road but as soon as we got off the interstate we realized something huge had happened and we were going to be eyewitnesses to the aftermath.

Not only was Cracker Barrel closed, all the other places including both malls were completely closed. Some of stores and eating places we could tell had lots of damage to the outside of the buildings and there were no traffic lights working. Police men and volunteers were out trying to direct traffic as emergency crews worked to clear the roads of downed electrical lines, trees and building debris. It was surreal, like being in a war zone. There was mass confusion all over and many of the roads were still blocked. We had to turn our car around the same as so many other that I know were trying to get across town probably to check on loved ones or maybe even get to emergency care. It did frighten me as we tried to weave our way back out and make some sense of what we had gotten ourselves into.

We ended up getting back on the interstate and driving up closer to Atlanta. The interstate looked clear and traffic was moving nicely. About 30 miles up the road we stopped and at a Shoney's. That was around 3:00 pm and both of us were getting hungry. We did have to wait a bit to be seated and while we waited we talked with others in the line. It so happened that the people before and after us were both from Macon and had come to find something to eat because they had no electricity. They both stated how lucky they were to be alive and told us their stories about the F2 tornado. Mother and I listened with complete interest shaking our heads back and forth as they poured out their words as fast as I know the F2 had struck. We could tell they were still shook up and this was HOURS after the event. They needed to talk. We needed to listen. All those around us shared how good God had been to protect them through it all and we agreed bobbing our heads like little toy bobble heads, just listening, agreeing and letting them get it all out.

Needless to say, Mother and I made the loop back home safely and watched the Macon news channel that night to see horrible damage done to the very section of Macon we had tried to get to.

This morning I read different translations of 2 Thessalonians 3:16 and am reminded again what huge job translators have. Just like me trying to describe the F2, there is so much more feeling that just can't be put down in words. Some say that much is lost in translation and I know that's true just with my feeble attempts to describe the F2. You almost have to be there. That's why I know it's so important to let God's word speak to you and tell you what He wants you to hear each day.

Tuesday's Treasure



This vase is just about three inches tall and has held many tiny flowers given to me by tiny hands eager to share a bloom found or sometimes just me finding little blooms or weeds to enjoy. This spring it held flowering quince picked by Carley Ann. I'm so glad the vase is still around and the tradition continues. It makes a great centerpiece for stuffed bear tea parties. :)

The very best

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I forget who uses the term "keep your eyes on the prize" but to my estimation that's a bit selfish. Surely there has to be more than just getting to heaven and enjoying ourselves. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what heaven will be like. In Revelation 21:18 we read

"And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."

So, heaven will be pure gold? At first glance this seems a bit of a contradiction because gold is an earthly treasure and we are taught that we shouldn't put our faith in earthly treasures. Songs have been written about walking the streets paved with gold. Still, we have to remember that heaven will not be like anything we can actually describe with our limited knowledge. I've experienced the task of trying to describe something fantastic to a friend and finding out that my words just couldn't do it. Being there is the only way to truly understand. The gold in heaven that John described was clear, see- through glass. I don't know any gold that you can see through, so even John was having a hard time describing heaven.

Still, I like this analogy of running a race for the prize set before us. Whatever heaven is like, I'm sure it's the very best because that is all God wants for us... the very best.

Tuesday's Treasure



Now don't get confused... the treasure is not me. :) Look behind me and you will see a little warrior statue. I move it around from room to room like I do many of my decorative things but this little statue means more to me than what most people think of.

China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huagn, in search of immortality over 2,200 years ago ordered the construction of a vast army of 8,000 life-sized Terra Cotta warriors. I think at some point in all our human lives we begin to think of how short our time on Earth really is. My little decorative statue reminds me that no matter how much we as human being try to extend our lives or make them more than what God has intended them to be, we will fail. Living eternally is only offered to us by God and it's good to be reminded of that every day.

History: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army

A psalm of praise

A psalm of praise. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.

11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,

12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.

14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Today's image is a gift from a dear friend several years ago. I looked and looked for the picture of it full of red Gerber Daisies, but couldn't find it. That's how it arrived at my house and came at a time I really needed a smile for my heart. Thank you Elaine.

I'm a bit frazzeled today, but I'll get over it. :) Cocoa Puff and I are on adventure away from home. It's time for every creature to have the opportunity to praise God don't you think?

Blessed vs Blessed

Luke 6: 20-23

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Yesterday my mind stayed on the verses in Matthew called the Beatitudes. As I’ve mentioned before, most of the time I like to read my King James version of the Bible mainly because that is what I began with and memorized verses in GA’s (Girls Auxiliary). I also like my NIV study Bible and my Life Application Bible. When I read the Beatitudes, I always say Bless-ed be… I’m not sure why other than what I have heard all my life.

Last year in Sunday School we began studies in Matthew and ran into the question as to if the word blessed in Matthew 5 was pronounced blessed or bless-ed. I suppose it doesn’t really doesn’t matter much except when you dig deeper and begin to think how the word gets translated and how it’s used in our English language today and then how it relates to us personally. I remembered that I made notes and went to find them in my journal. It seems the word “bless-ed” means something like a congratulation or approval by God. Translations from Greek word makarios found in both the Matthew 5 and Luke 6 writings of the Beatitudes do not carry the secular sense of happy or fortunate. At the same time, if you find yourself bless-ed you surely would be blessed, wouldn’t you?

When a person says “I am blessed” that usually means that God did something for them, that they are happy or fortunate. When a person says “I am bless-ed” that usually relates to the nature, constitution or condition of that person. It’s the difference between using the word as an adjective, noun or past tense verb. This confusion, which I fully admit I still have, is all the more proof that translators have a HUGE job.

As I thought more about being bless-ed or being blessed, I decided I wanted both. I want God to approve of me and I want to reap the rewards of being approved. I want to be bless-ed and I want to be blessed. I’ll think on this some more, I’m sure.



Today's photo is of a favorite tea cup of mine. I got it a couple of years ago as a present to myself while shopping in the gift shop of Kanapaha Gardens in Florida. When I want to feel really prissy with my tea making I pull out this cup. As you can see, it has it's own strainer and a lid to keep the tea warm until it's brewed just the way you want it. I've looked for others like it but haven't seen any. I'd like to have at least another one so I could share my little secret ritual with a friend. In the meantime, I guess Cocoa Puff won't feel too left out. I don't think she likes tea that much.

Happy earth day. :)

His Divine Power

2 Peter 1:3-11

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;

6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Yes! We have everything we need in Jesus Christ. I remember a class I was in asked us to start listing down the promises that God has given to all of us. It seemed to me every time I opened my Bible a promise popped up waving it's words with delight. That was a good exercise and one that I think I might do again. Oh, I know you can buy books with the promises already listed, but it's not the same as finding them yourself.

I'm praising God this morning for His word and His promises. I'm thankful that I hear His voice in that sweet inner place in my heart and soul.



I'm also thankful today that I can again show you something from my house that I treasure as part of my heritage. This is my Blue Bubble Depression glass passed down from various members of my family and added to as I find them. I'm looking forward to doing a luncheon soon with these... now on to the recipes. :)

Harmony

1 Peter 3: 8-22

8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

10 For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.

11 He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison

20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

My heart is heavy this morning with lots of earthly concerns. God, through his Word, speaks to me and tells me he has all of us in his hands. My prayer for today is directly from this passage. At prayer breakfast this morning I jokingly asked that everyone pray for my car. Still, I know that God cares even about needs like what to do about sick cars when the caretaker of that car knows nothing about them and has just in the past few years learn how to pump gas!

My routine is off today and I feel a bit frazzled. Still, deep in my heart I know everything is well for I am proud to be called one of his sheep and am glad to find comfort and everything I need with my Shepard.



Today I wanted to show you what greets me each time I walk into my side door entry to my house. It's a welcome plaque that has moved with me from house to house since I first began housekeeping. The roses in the blue and white pitcher remind me of those that my grandmother grew outside her house. I love reminders like this and do treasure each memory that comes from keeping them close.

Prayer offered in faith

James 5: 13-20

13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

What wonderful verses to read this morning. God wants to hear from us no matter what. Being able to tell God what is on our hearts when we are troubled or sing praises when we are happy makes for the kind of relationship God wants.



Several times during my childhood my mother, brother and I would come to live next door to my grandmother while my father continued his career with the army. During those times I learned how to be a southern lady and do all the things southern ladies do. Oh do I ever have stories to tell about those days, but today I want to show you my grandmother's wooden flour bowl. I'm so honored to have it and do keep it as one of my special treasures filling it with different things as the days go by. I've even used it to hold my flour while I made biscuits but not three times a day like my grandmother did. :)

Hope you have an awesome praise God day today!

Deeds

James 2: 14-25

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.

24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

I only have one brother and no sisters. I'm four years older than my brother and by the time he came along I was already going to kindercare in Germany and to be honest, pictures and examples that my mother has told me about tell me that I quickly established myself as little mother and set myself up to be the boss of Billy. He is a most kind and humble man and while flawed as we all are, I admire him in so many ways. However, I tell him all the time I made him what he is today since I played little mother to him for many years. My brother and I are so different, yet we have so many of the same traits, values, hopes and desires. We share a common bond built on our heritage, culture and love for each other as siblings.

When I think about Jesus and his brothers and sisters, I wonder about what their relationship might have been. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote the book of James and I am sure that he too shared a common bond built on their heritage, culture and love for each other as siblings. At the same time, James gives us direct, strong and no beating around the bush instructions on how to live as a Christians, unlike Jesus who teaches us with parables and tender words of comfort, hope and joy so many times. Of course, these words are just my thoughts on how I think these two men might have been different personality wise. I'm also aware that different religions believe different things about Jesus and his earthly family. I tend to think of our differences on terms like the man who had one natural son and one adopted. In an interview he said, "Of my two sons, I can't remember which one is adopted and which one is natural born." Thank God that when we accept Jesus Christ as our savior, we become children of God and are adopted into His family, warts and all.

In these verses this morning I'm reminded that it is not enough to have faith, but we must diligently also show our faith by the deeds we do. Matthew Henry says it this way, "The works James requires are not done apart from faith but done in faith, not done instead of faith but done because of faith. Faith is the underlying stance of Christian life; deeds are the way of life; becoming mature and complete is the goal of Christian life."

The book of James wasn't written for those that had not yet accepted Jesus as their personal savior. The book of James was written for those of us that have accepted Jesus as our personal savior to charge us to act on our faith and understand it's importance. By acting on our faith, others will see Jesus in us and also want to follow Him...which is the commandment we have been given to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded as it says in Matthew 28: 19.

Today's verses also cut to my very core. James has a way of doing that, pushing me act more on my faith so my prayer today will be that I will find ways to use my resources, time and talents to show my faith by the deeds I do.

In the spirit of doing a good deed, come let me pour you some tea from a tea set given to me by my Aunt Julia. She gave me the teapot and I've searched antique shops to find cups and saucers that match. The teapot is about the size of a small apple and the cup holds about two tablespoons of liquid. I love them and always think about her when I hold them in my hands. Enjoy the tea and enjoy your day!

Want not

James 1: 1-4
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

I'm taking a few days off writing my personal notes on my blog but I do want to share with you what I'm reading each morning and will copy and paste Matthew Henry's concise commentary available in the public domain. While I think letting God's Word speak to all of us individually is best, Henry's work has certainly helped me understand and see many things I would have skimmed over.

The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.

Matthew Henry

Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the

removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that asketh, it shall be given. A mind that has single and

prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may

rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments. (Jam 1:12-18)

Chosen

John 15: 16 KJV
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

The last couple of days has found me hitting the warm salt water trying to get rid of this insane tickle I have in my throat. It's so annoying especially early in the mornings.

I wanted to show you one of my treasures today so it being another salt shaker is very appropriate. This pair belonged to my mother and she passed it on to me. Yes, you are right, it's tupperware from the Jetson era. :) I love them and use them everyday.

Today's word from God has special meaning to me as I think on what fruit He is talking about. We know that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. It makes good sense to me that God has chosen us to produce these fruits and by doing so others will see Him in us and want to follow Him as well. Others have said that the fruit He talks about is salvation, or bringing people to salvation, but I believe that salvation is God's job and we are just His instruments. Anyway, this verse gives all of us a lot to think about today and is a treasure too.

Perspective

Philippians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Walkways or pathways are a recurring theme in many of my paintings. Many landscape artists play with this kind of composition because it's a good way to show perspective. In the art world, perspective is everything. This morning, thinking about perspective and pathways I'm thinking about beginnings, midpoints and ends and realizing that in life too, perspective is everything.

Today for my Tuesday Treasure I wanted to show you one of my earlier pastel paintings. The perspective is off. At the time I painted this I was concerned about my perspective, but still I made mistakes. Probably, even today, if I had the opportunity to go back to paint this scene again, I'd make mistakes. Life is like this too. We will always make mistakes. The thing is not to dwell on the mistakes so much we overlook the successful parts or the learning along the way... and of course keep our focus on the ultimate end.

My mind is rambling over so much this morning. It's a good thing that we have fellow Christians to inspire us to keep our Christian perspective correct. I love this song. I bet you do too.

'Trust and Obey'
(John H. Sammis & Daniel B. Towner)

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Or we’ll walk by His side in the way. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.

Knowledge

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

My Treasure image today is a set of Mother's day and Father's day plates for the years 1973 and 1974, the years Brent was conceived and born.
.:.
In the art world there is a phenomenon going on where painters across the world are joining in to paint one painting a day. Some painters are doing this to hone their skills and others are doing it so they can mass a body of work they can sell on ebay at a price that collectors can buy reasonably since the paintings are often no larger than 5x7. The largest painting a day group make up the artists that are wanting to practice so they either understand a particular medium better or they understand the art principles that make a good painting better. They are a dedicated bunch and I admire their energy and mission.

Thinking about this yesterday I realized that God told us about the value of studying to increase our knowledge. The Bible is our schoolbook not just about spiritual matters but life itself. It’s full of answers to so many questions on so many subjects it completely astounds me, as I said yesterday, “Imagine that.” I know that by getting up each morning and starting my day with a scripture makes my day so much better. I’m stronger in ways that I’m just learning about.

There are times I get frustrated because someone will say or I will read that to be healthy or to live longer, or to feel better, to be successful or whatever, I need to devote an hour to this or to that. The problem is, how many hours do we have we can divide? Today I pray for time to do all I want and need to do.

Ecclesiastes 3 1:14 (NIV)
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil?

10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men.

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.

14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

Mindset

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, preserving, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Yesterday I did more mess making than I did cleaning up. Today I'll be busy trying to get cleaned up. It does appear to me that the older I get the less focused I become. I find myself starting a project and then going off on some tangent and getting stuck there never getting back to what my original job was. So, how can I stay focused so I can get things accomplished?

It's all about mindset. I can choose to set myself up for failure right this very minute or I can choose to make a plan and get on with it. That will be my prayer for today so I can greet each day with the right attitude, a thankful heart, and with the knowledge that God will be there to guide me as long as I listen.



P.S. As this is Tuesday I wanted to show you something that is dear to my heart. The image above is a house I pass frequently when I travel to Callaway Gardens to paint. For many years I watched this house and the garden outside flourish and always said I wanted to stop and talk with the lady that tended the garden. I did several times and she was a delight to talk with. I don't remember her name today but I am sure I have it in my journals of that time. I've taken pictures of her house and garden many times but last year I noticed the garden didn't look as kept as usual but still the flowers were showing their glory. There was a walker placed beside the steps going down from the porch and then at a later time I noticed that she only sat on the porch. Mother and I stopped one day and sat with her for a bit and that was the last time we saw her. She and her family have been in my heart for sometime now. I know that she probably has gone on to Glory but her garden still grows. I still look when I pass by. There are lessons in there for me for sure.

Mercy

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1-26

In 2000 my cat of 16 years had to be put down because he was in so much pain from tumors in his body. It broke my heart and I vowed I would never have another pet. It was almost a year before I woke one morning and just had to have a kitten. I can't really describe the feeling other than to tell you it was almost like being possessed. I HAD to have a kitten that day. As soon as it was time for the animal shelter to open I called to talk to the personnel there. Hours had passed since I first woke with this burning need for a kitten that day and my voice quivered as I tried to explain that I needed a kitten because I missed Chichi so much. I couldn't wait for another day or time, I needed a kitten that very moment.

The lady on the other end of the phone let me rattle on and when I caught my breath she spoke softly and said she did have some kittens but she could tell that I didn't need just any kind of cat. I needed a special cat and she had just the one for me. This was not a kitten but as cat about a year old that someone could no longer keep and had brought to the shelter. The cat was frightened and needed someone to hold her and give her love. The animal shelter person asked me to please consider this cat rather than a kitten as this was her last day at the shelter.

Well, you know the rest of the story. Cocoa puff lives and is a true treasure.

I hope your day is a good one. My mother is resting comfortably after her ordeal with the procedure at the hospital. Her colon showed no major problem on the inside but she does have some kind of inflammation on the outside, which the doctors are going to treat with antibiotics.

God is good and His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 136
Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy
1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:

4 To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;
5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever;
6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
For His mercy endures forever;
7 To Him who made great lights,
For His mercy endures forever—
8 The sun to rule by day,
For His mercy endures forever;
9 The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His mercy endures forever.

10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,
For His mercy endures forever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them,
For His mercy endures forever;
12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,
For His mercy endures forever;
13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,
For His mercy endures forever;
14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it,
For His mercy endures forever;
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
For His mercy endures forever;
16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness,
For His mercy endures forever;
17 To Him who struck down great kings,
For His mercy endures forever;
18 And slew famous kings,
For His mercy endures forever—
19 Sihon king of the Amorites,
For His mercy endures forever;
20 And Og king of Bashan,
For His mercy endures forever—
21 And gave their land as a heritage,
For His mercy endures forever;
22 A heritage to Israel His servant,
For His mercy endures forever.

23 Who remembered us in our lowly state,
For His mercy endures forever;
24 And rescued us from our enemies,
For His mercy endures forever;
25 Who gives food to all flesh,
For His mercy endures forever.

26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.

Humility

Let this same attitude and purpose and mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: let Him be your example in humility. Philippians 2:5

Anna doesn't feel well today. I want to show you a favorite book from my childhood but will do that later today when she is sleeping.

Southern hospitality

LUKE 14:12-14
12 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.

13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,

14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Being born and raised southern I've learned that there are many southern traditions that confuse and confound the rest of the world. I've also learned that many of the traditions I hold dear to my heart aren't just southern traditions, but rather traditions that come from many cultures making all of our lives richer.

I absolutely love to sit at a table that has been set to the max with all special touches. I don't get to do this often, but when I do have guests over I want to pull out all the best of everything and serve the best food. Did you know that Georgia has its own official china? In February 1974, Governor Jimmy Carter signed the Georgia General Assembly's resolution number 573 making the Georgia Historical Plates the official plates for the State of Georgia.

Setting a beautiful table is so important to me. I want something special for my guests to enjoy along with me so I bought a few pieces of official Georgia china and I've uploaded a picture of one of the plates today. I treasure the pieces of official Georgia china I have and hope that I will be able to pass down those pieces to my grand daughters who will also treasure the times we have shared our meals together using this special china. The plates all have bits and pieces of Georgia history printed on the front and back. Each time I use the dishes I ask my guests to read what their plate has to say on the back and have them look for the symbols on the face of the plate that tell the story of the State of Georgia. It’s so much fun.

In this mornings devotion time as I began to think about what it must have been like to sit at the same table that Jesus sat at and enjoy his company, I was struck by the thought in the passage above. It's easy to serve family and friends and we certainly can get caught up in trying to impress people but Jesus was telling us that true rewards come from serving those that are less fortunate. I want to hold that thought in my heart and act on it as this year offers big and small opportunities.

Mind you, there certainly isn't anything wrong with serving family, friends or even impressing folks with the official china of Georgia. After all, that's part of my southern heritage! *giggle* Maybe what others think might be classified as trying to impress folks is just plain everyday southern hospitality and pride. At least that's the way I'm thinking about it because any Steel Magnolia wouldn't have it any other way.

Wheat

Ruth 2:23
So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Somehow wheat has always fascinated me. I think it has to do with the distinct pattern the grass makes as it grows to make grain inside the protective husks. It's the artist and the order part of me that enjoys patterns in just about everything God has made. God has put everything on this earth with such care giving means for beauty, protection and purpose. Seeing wheat growing and then taking a closer look makes me realize how wonderfully made we are, everything is.

Oh, about 20 years ago I took a class on wheat weaving at Callaway Gardens which is very close to where I live. I don't think I have any of the things I came away from that class with as over the years they became fragile and I finally had to throw them away.

For my Tuesday's Treasure this week I wanted to show you a bread plate that has been in my family for I don't know how long. My mother, Ruth, gave it to me and she was not certain which part of our family it came from. I don't use it to serve bread often, but rather placed on a display easel and do treasure it. I hope you will enjoy looking at the wheat server as you bring your own thoughts about wheat into the picture.

There are so many wheat analogies we could talk about but when I look at my bread server today I think about my Gleaners Sunday School class. As Gleaners we have much to live up to.



I'm sandwiched between the Gleaner in green and the Gleaner in yellow.

Focus

And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:8

Yesterday I got distracted from my Monday routine. I hate that but it was my own fault. I think it's the same with many of the routines of my life. I'm easily distracted. I guess that can be a good thing but most of the time is not. This is one of the reasons I seem to never get things completed. Many times I quit just before I'm really done, leaving one coffee cup in the sink or one bill to be paid another day. I lose my focus; it's one of my flaws.

I find this is true too with my spiritual life. I tend to look too much in what I can't do rather than what God can do through me and I give up to easily. I CAN do all things with His help, but without His help I'm a mess.

My prayer today is for strength to keep my focus on Jesus, to continue to look to Him for guidance in all things, to continue to grow in knowledge and faith. I also pray for those that are on my prayer list like Jacob, Corrine's Tom as he goes through adjustments to his defibrillator, Harold in ICU that they may feel the power of your hand today and feel the power of the Holy Spirit filling them with hope and peace.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I've been thinking what I can show you as a Tuesday Treasure. My mother always kept a very clean house and try as I might, I will never live up to her example. Many years ago she gave me two salt and pepper shakers that she had bought in Germany that I had said I loved. They stand proud in my kitchen window and bring me joy each time I look at them. My kitchen window looks out over my garden and the garden house now converted into my painting studio. Mr. Salt is a baker and Mr. Pepper is a chimney sweep. They remind me that we all have jobs to do and we can take pride and enjoy doing even the most lowly things.

Somehow my mind has drifted to the memory of how my neighbor always left his house singing when he was going to his job at the post office. The study I saw on the 20/20TV show comes to mind too when they said one thing that made Denmark the number one happiest country is that everyone there did not have to choose jobs for the sake of money, but rather they chose jobs because that's what they really loved to do! Here's hoping we all will find joy in the salt and pepper jobs of our lives. :)