Dying by degrees

Genesis 1: 11-13

11 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

I’ve been cleaning out my studio, getting paintings framed, hanging work on the wall, and more or less trying to get the studio better organized. I had found that I just kept stacking up work in the storage closet and it was just getting too full. In years past I put them in a basket and sat out in the gardens at Callaway with them while I paint and sold them on the spot, but since I’ve struggled so with my knee, I had to quit doing that. After taking almost 18 months off, I’m ready to get back out, but still wondering if I need to pick up that heavy basket. Maybe a better solution would be to leave them in the car and just carry photographs. Then if someone showed interest in the basket items I could tell them I have more in the car and let them thumb through the photos. I don’t have a clue if that would actually work, but I think I might try and see this next April.

This morning’s passage really talked to me about what an exact plan God had in His creation of man, and all the things it would take to support His creation. When I think about man being made in the image of God I am awed. He called both male and female Man, so I suppose that is where we get the word human. Man must have been a spectacular creature and it’s heartbreaking to finally understand that sin destroyed that and made Adam and Eve die by degrees outside the beautiful garden God had made for them. Their off springs wouldn’t be the beautiful “man” God had created but mere sinful mortals.

Matthew Henry commentary says it like this: Adam was made in the image of God; but when fallen he begat a son in his own image, sinful and defiled, frail, wretched, and mortal, like himself. Not only a man like himself, consisting of body and soul, but a sinner like himself. This was the reverse of that Divine likeness in which Adam was made; having lost it, he could not convey it to his seed. Adam lived, in all, 930 years; and then died, according to the sentence passed upon him…to dust thou shalt return. Though he did not die in the day he ate forbidden fruit, yet in that very day he became mortal. Then he began to die; his whole life after was but a reprieve, a forfeited, condemned life; it was a wasting, dying life. Man's life is but dying by degrees. (Ge 5:6-20)

Also speaking to my heart this morning is how vital it is that we follow God’s plan. All of man kind would be living a different life had it not been for that first sin and the sin seed that was passed on to Adam and Eve’s children and passed on to us even today. That’s why we are so weak and it is so necessary to listen to God, receive His instruction and do as He asks.

I thank God for my life, for the blessings He brings into my life each day realizing more and more each day how unworthy I am. Still through all that unworthiness, I feel as sense of being loved and happiness beyond anything I can compare. He wants the very best for all of us and will work everything out for our good no matter what problems we might face.

Joel Osteen’s introduction in a companion journal of his book ‘Your best life now’ says this: “Happy, successful, fulfilled individuals understand that the future begins with what happens today. They make the most of the present moment and build their future one day at a time.”

The only thing I would add to that is … one day at a time, putting God first and in obedience to Him.


12x12
oil, 2006
Azalea Garden at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia
“Devoted”

Unsearchable

Jeremiah 33: 3

3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Yesterday I woke with another headache and another this morning. I have no idea what's up with that because I have never had headaches in the morning, or at least one's I can remember. I suppose it's just another adjustment to my aging body. :) Then it might be sinus or just one of those things. I took Benadryl yesterday which I should not have done because it just knocks me out and I ended up going back to bed and saying there until after lunch. Maybe I needed more rest. I don't know.

Today I have lots of things to catch up on and a Jerusalem team meeting at the church, then lunch with the team. Last night I went to see Mamma Mia with a bunch of girlfriends. Some of them brought their husbands and then afterwards I heard one of the men say the movie was certainly a "chick-flick". I totally agree and totally enjoyed the movie. Of course, I'm a sucker for a love story anytime and love a musical. Deep inside I know I'm a dance queen. :)

This morning with my prayer time I was thinking about Mildred Corley who died yesterday. I knew her when she was young just maybe 10 years older than me. She was a wonderful Christian woman who served the Lord faithfully and she will be missed. I'm also thinking about Patsy Jo Clay who is taking care of her sick mother. I'm thinking about my own mother who is 20 years older than I am. It seems that the older I get the younger she seems. In January she will be 81.

This mornings verse tickled me when I read it because I'm always using the internet search engines to look up things I don't know. It's a good reminder to remember to always go to Him for answers. He can answer things questions that aren't "searchable". :)

Steps

Proverbs 20:24 TLB

Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to undertsand everything that happens along the way?

Praying today for Dee who has bone cancer, for Barry Ellerbee who just had a liver transplant, and for Cason Blakely who is waiting for a kidney transplant and for all those that need a special touch from God today. Through a special program called CODA, the Blakely family has raised over 30 thousand to help pay for the transplant. They are looking for suitable donors now.

Anna Claire is learning to pose like Carly Does. They look so sweet posing out in front of their home yesterday after church.

Wisdom and growing

Proverbs 4 (NIV)

1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Wisdom. I suppose wisdom is what we all pray for in all circumstances but sometimes I think we think we are wiser than we really are, especially when we are young. Some of the stupid mistakes I made I certainly wish I could go back and change, but even by making those stupid mistakes I did get wiser. Well, maybe not wiser, but certainly learned that I can’t rely on my own judgment without first taking my problem or question to God. Even now I tend to forget and plow into making some decision that proves to be the worst decision I could have made and then remember I left God out of the equation.

Painting is like that too. You can’t just pick up paint with a brush and expect to create a perfect painting. You need to study, observe, and think first. After you paint what feels like a million paintings you begin to understand what the paint will do and what it will not do. Then paintings seem to flow off your brush and you develop your own style much like developing your writing hand, your penmanship. I’m still waiting for that to happen to me. The learning curve seems so long but still I enjoy the journey.

Once I painted with a group where we looked out over sand dunes across from some barrier islands. The challenge was to paint a canvas in an hour or less and then move over a few feet and paint another canvas. Most of us painted three during the day and I have to tell you it was really a learning experience for me that I won’t forget quickly especially fighting the bugs, sun, sand and wind. Still God gave us a glorious day and fond memories of friendship and for that I am thankful. I’m thankful too for the lessons He teaches me each day as I study His word, keep them in my heart, and learn to go to Him with everything.

I’ve shared these with you before, but here they are again… and now you know the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say.

Good gifts

Luke 11:13

13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Carley Ann got to spend yesterday with me because she had a bad cough but I think it was because Anna Claire had spent three days with me this week and she was feeling a bit left out.

We went on a mission to find sewing cards. You know, the kind that little girls and boys love to play with sewing the yarn around and around the pictures printed out on heavy cardboard. Search as we might we didn’t find any but we decided that we could make some another day.

We did find eighty something Mrs. H walking up and down in the Walmart parking lot trying to find her car. I remember her well as my counselor in high school and then later as a member of our arts council. She is a precious lady with many talents. It was extremely hot outside and I had seen her walk up and down two very long lanes with no luck finding her car. As soon as Carley and I were buckled in, we drove to Mrs. H. and asked her to get in the car. She gratefully opened the passenger side door and got in. We drove up three other lanes before she found her car.

Loosing your car in a large parking lot is scary in the best conditions but given Mrs. H’s age and the heat outside, it was a downright crisis that needed extra help to solve. We are like that too and like Mrs. H. sometimes just don’t realize what danger we are in. God knows, however, and is faithful to protect us and give us what we need each day even when we are not aware of his blessings. God weaves people and circumstances in and out of our lives, working our lives for our best all the time. I’m thankful for that, thankful I’m His child and thankful Mrs. H. is okay this morning.

Plow under, start over

Hosea 10: 12

12 Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you.

This Spring I had BIG plans to plant tomatoes, cucumbers and maybe even a few running beans in a little square beside my studio. I had someone that could help me until grass cutting season began and I was excited about the possibility. I was still having problems with my leg, knee, hip, and tailbone pain so I knew I had to work carefully. Brent came by and offered the suggestion that I brick the walk around the square like I had done the lower square in front of the studio. I agreed it would look better so we ordered bricks. Well, the bricks are still sitting waiting to by laid, the tomatoes, cucumbers and beans didn't get planted and I'm now growing a nice crop of tall weeds instead.

It's so true that what we sow we will reap. Sometimes we sow and the harvest is immediate and other times the harvest takes years to mature. There is never a harvest without a time of sowing.

There is also a time that you just need to plow under and start over what you have sown. God's grace is like that. He gives us a second chance to sow the right kind of seeds when before we sowed seeds that caused us harm.

Today I'm asking God to help me plow under some seeds and allow me to start over. Forgiveness feels good. Next week when I step on the scales at Weight Watchers I'll reap the harvest of good seeds firmly planted. Terri just called and said Carley Ann doesn't feel well and needs to stay with me for a little bit this morning. Looks like MeMamma is back in business. :) I'll need to be really careful not to eat all the food she leaves on her plate. That’s a big challenge for me, especially when the food is so yummy. Well, that's my excuse for this past weeks weight gain and I'm sticking to it. :)



Blackberries in a white bowl
Oil on canvas - 2000
12x18
found while cleaning out studio

Remembering VBS

Luke 6: 37-38

37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

We really had a fun time this year in VBS. I forgot to share pictures and even though it seem like it was only yesterday, VBS has been over almost two months! Now it's on to the new school year and getting everything set up for that kind of schedule. Anna is back at day-care today and the house is too quiet. This mornings schedule got off to a rocky start because my computer wouldn't start! Now that the computer is working I feel a bit out of sync to being to write my thoughts from this morning’s study because it just doesn't feel right. I'm rushed to get everything in as my normal schedule permits.

Now I ask myself what does this morning’s study have to do with remembering VBS, my computer not working, and schedules that gets changed? I guess it's all about learning to go with the flow. We don't always know what will happen to us each day, week or year and it does seem to me that the days fly by and run into each other but still learning to take a deep breath and enjoy what God give us and we give to Him is vital.

This week I had planned to finish some paintings that I had started and to continue my study of color, but when Anna got sick that all changed. I have to admit, getting to spend three days with her was really wonderful and we did have a good time even if she didn't feel so well. I do so treasure my time with them and all my family. Actually, I don't think I'll ever forget the past three days. Memories of caring for my own son when he was sick came back and gave me the opportunity to be thankful that I'm a mom and now a grandmother with such an important commission from God.

We never know what blessings God has in store for us each day. All we need do is open our hearts to whatever blessings they are and go with the flow. All His blessing are good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

Spa day

1 Thessalonians 5:

11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Anna's spots looked so much better yesterday so we decided it was time for a spa day, a day of comfort.

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16Rejoice evermore.

17Pray without ceasing.

18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19Quench not the Spirit.

20Despise not prophesyings.

21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Ain t no mountain high enough

Romans 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In 1967 Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell releases the original version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and was a top twenty hit. I remember that well because at that time I was in high school and was very much in love with my future husband.



There is so much security in knowing that you can always depend on someone and that the feeling is mutual. Two years later I was married and both of us working hard to build our lives together. Life was good and all was well with the world so far as we were concerned. Together I think we both decided not to go to church even though both of us had been raised knowing Jesus and had been baptized the same day in the same church as children. Still, all along we talked about going. There was this little heart-string pull. It's the kind of pull that lets you know that God is always around no matter what. Years later when they put my baby in my arms I knew without any doubt God had given me such a special gift and special mission. My son would be raised in church, so we returned to His house for the guidance we needed, but more than that we returned be cause of those heart-string pulls.

The verses in Romans reminds me that God's love is always around us and we can always count on Him. Even if we think God is not around, He is. He has left us the Holy Spirit to guide us. I think of Him like heart-strings living within me and no matter what kind of mountain I might have to struggle over, nothing will keep me from His love.

Hold me

Psalm 119:41

41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD—
Your salvation according to Your word.

Anna doesn't feel well this morning. Actually she hasn't felt well all weekend. Terri will bring her to me this morning. All she really wants is to be held and I can do that. :)

We as Christians are like that sometimes too. Sometimes we just need to be held. He does this and not because it's a rule, but because He loves us. We should do the same, spend time in His word not because we think it's a rule we have to follow, being Christian and all that, but because we want to. Our motivations to spend time in talking to Him should be just because we love Him.

My prayer for you today is that you will be filled with God's love and you will feel His arms around you with each step you take.

Be brave, be strong

1 Corinthians 16:13

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

I woke this morning with another headache. I know it's sinus and I know what to do, so I head for the medicine basket. Finding the right one, I pop a pill and drink some tea along with a few animal crackers left over from play yesterday.

I hesitate to pray thinking that God might ask me to do something. I want to go back to bed. Then I remember He loves me and wants the best for me. He wouldn't ask me to do something while I have a headache, and if He does He would give me all the power I need to accomplish whatever it is that He wants me to do. So, I open my bible and we begin our talk. Maybe that's all that is needed today... just to talk with Him, be still and listen and be comforted by the presence of His power.

Mercy, peace and love

Jude vs.25

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
25 To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.

I have a new Bible, yes, it's King James again, but the newer version called the open bible with all these wonderful study aids added in. The pages stick together and the binding is tight. There are no marks, no bent corners, no scuffed up cover to say it has ever been opened. I still have it in the box it came in and when I take it out, I'm careful to preserve my new treasure as it was coming from the store. I know it won't last long because I know my nature. I'll be in a hurry one day and in hast I'll bend a corner, I'll forget and my pen will jot a note on the side. I'll put little asterisks out to the side of something I want to read again on a day my head is clearer. Still, it's nice to have new things. As wonderful as the Internet is with all the translations available, I still want something to hold in my hands that I can bookmark and find when I need it.

I love the doxology Jude gives us in this one chapter book. The study aid says it's one of the greatest doxologies written in the Bible. I can see why. It’s such a comfort to see the words written down proclaiming God’s dominion and power now and forever. Jude wrote this book as encouragement to his fellow believers to continue in faith and not be tricked by false teaching. They speak to us today encouraging us to do the same.

Yesterday I hung my newly named paintings on my bedroom wall. I played with the arrangement a bit and knocked a few holes in the wall. It felt good to have something new to look at and the special names of the art to remember. Some things we just keep in our hearts and no one knows what they truly mean except us. Todays thanks goes out to Diane, Debbie, Maureen, Joni, Annette, Kimberly, Karen, Savannah, SelahV, Ruth, Angie, Sandra, Barbara and Kirstein for your special prayers, emails and friendship. "Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you." Jude verse 2

Enjoy the morning

Galations 6:2 NIV reader's version

2 Carry each other's heavy loads. If you do, you will give the law of Christ its full meaning.

This morning is such a wonderful morning. It's always been the best time for me, but since my retirement days are my own, I'm enjoying them even more. I'm up at the crack of dawn. Thankfully I'm full of energy and look forward to what the day will bring. Cocoapuff is excited too and runs to the pantry where she knows I keep her food and sits patiently looking up at the door knob. I think she thinks if she stares at it long enough it will mysteriously open. Then I remember she can't speak English and it's her only means of giving me a clue to what she is thinking. Why is it humans can't learn to speak meow? Some say they can, but I don't really think so.

NPR plays softly in the background and I sit at the computer while the sun comes up. I think to myself, I really need to be walking around the block, but then I stop that thinking and continue to type, and read, type and read as God speaks to me. I'll walk later I tell myself.

My eyes fill with tears. They are not sad tears but tears of thanksgiving and gratitude as I listen to what God has to say to me today through His word. He is an awesome God. What does this day hold for me? I remember my paintings and the ones I pulled out last night. They had been stored away until I could look at them with fresh eyes. It's one of the ways I can tell if they are keepers or if I need to send them to the landfill gallery. I take another look. Yes, they are keepers my heart tells me. Now to name them and get them in frames.



8x11 oil on canvas
"Wear good shoes"



8x11 oil on canvas
"Enjoy the morning"



8x11 oil on canvas
"Brainstorm"

The titles came from my friend Scout who is always giving me words to live by. She has not seen the paintings, but I think they fit nicely. Thank you Scout for sharing my mornings with me, for offering encouragement when I am down, and for being my friend. I'm hanging the paintings across from my bed so I will look at them each morning and remember your words to me. You are much loved.

Power washing

2 Samuel 22: 1-7

David's Song of Praise
1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

2 He said:
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent men you save me.

4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

5 "The waves of death swirled about me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

6 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.

7 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.

Yesterday men came to power wash my house. Living in the South, mold grows on everything that stands still for longer than a minute. My yellow house had turned green. They worked all day and the outside of the house smelled like the chemicals they were using. They assured me that my flowers would not be hurt.

Poor things, they are laying on the ground this morning. The ones away from the house live, but the ones in the back close to the house are burned to a crisp. Of course in the scheme of things, I’m glad to get my house yellow again, and maybe the flowers will grow back.

Because the workmen were here, I didn’t turn the T.V. or radio on yesterday so when I woke this morning to learn of the California earthquakes, I immediately thought of Joni. Joni, I hope you are okay today. Sending much love to you for even if you are okay, I know it was a scary day.