Throw me something mister!

Today was our annual Mardi Gras parade at school. The pre-k, kindergarten, and headstart kids are pulled in wagons, walk, ride in trucks around our school. They get to throw beads, candy, and other things to the rest of the students. I get to play Cajun music as a "DJ" of the parade. It is usually a very wild time! 

Drops

Germs

I feel like something that looks like this has invaded my body! I hate to be sick... I am going to take a nap! 

Flowers

Nothing to say really... This pattern is called Nymph. I see flowers all growing in one accord no matter their color or height. They don't care who is more pretty, or is getting more attention. They are all just alive and giving glory to God in their beauty. 

Why?

Don't have much to say today... I probably won't write much about the words anymore... just picking one and drawing something to represent it.... and if I have something to say I will say it...

Why???? I think we all have days and times we ask that... not even sure why I picked it...other than my zentangle I drew today is called Y-ful :)

Rain

Today it is raining. It will rain much of the day tomorrow or so they weather people say. Rain is another of those things that is good and bad. It really depends on the situation.

Rain is good for crops, plants, keeping lakes full, keeping dust down and many other things. We complain when we haven't had enough for what ever reason. Rain is bad when it keeps us from going place we want to go. When it causes flooding, gets us wet, keeps us indoors, and makes too much noise. Still, rain is needed.

Rain is a lot like the troubles and trials we face every day. The decisions we have to make. Even the Good events can rain down on us and take our breath away at times.  When we face these every day issues we can look at them just like the rain, hiding so we don't get wet, or loving the growth that will come from them. Just like rain, when they come we can be prepared for them. Having a raincoat, an umbrella, or a place to take shelter in the rain is good. In times when we need to make decisions, having troubles, or even good times, God is there with us is like our umbrella or shelter. God says he will protects us and shelter us from the "rains". Sometimes the umbrella he provides causes us to get wet a little, that is part of the process. I don't think I have ever used an umbrella that kept me completely dry. God could do that in our trials or decisions, but how would we learn the lesson we need to learn if He did. He is still there walk us through it when we rely on Him.

Thank-you Lord for being my shelter in the storms of life. Amen!

Gospel

What is Gospel?

The Greek term used in the bible is euangelion (eu- good, -angelion "message"). It was not associated with God until the time of Christ and the apostles. Today, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word: 1. the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. 2. a selection from one of the New Testament Gospels. 3. the message or teachings of a religious teacher. 4. something accepted or promoted as infallible truth or as a guiding principle or doctrine.

So what is the Gospel to me? It is a good message, and that good message for me concerns Christ and all He did for the world, for me! Here it is in a nutshell (only ten words)... "Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead." The is the reason Christ came to the earth, to die for me, and the world, then to rise to the Father, to secure a place for us in the heavenly realm.

Today, in church we talked about how the gospel is living, it gives victory, and vitality. Then it produces change and that effects our conduct. It is proclaimed by faithful servants to produce fruitful service. Questions were brought to the congregation: Is the Gospel working in our lives?  Are we living our lives based on the victory the Gospel provides? Is our lives overflowing with spiritual vitality? Is our conduct different as a result of the gospel in our lives? Are we thankfully sharing the gospel with others? For me the answers are not all yes... I strive for the yes...

Lord help me to live the Gospel daily. Help it to grow in me and produce fruit that can be seen by myself and others. Help me to share the Gospel of your love to everyone I meet. Thanks-you for every bit of the Gospel. Amen!

Mask

Today, I watched some videos about using masking fluid. So I decided to get mine out and use it. I am sure the work will not be as wonderful as the ones on the video but oh well.... I am trying new things and having fun isn't that what matters in the "Art" process?

The idea of masks popped in my head. The masking process is putting down a fluid that covers an area and protects it from getting other mediums on it. it leaves the area underneath "original". I suppose that people may us masks the same way. they had the "original" or real person they are behind the mask and then no one can see who they really are. In some cases this may be a good thing, like for a naive person to not get hurt. In other ways it is bad.

I tell the children in my classes, especially those writing blogs, that people are not always who you think they are. That the Internet is a easy place to get in trouble, we have to be careful. People hide behind false masks all the time on the Internet. Our children are very tech savvy, meaning they can use technology quicker than most adults, but they are not people savvy. Goodness, many adults aren't even able to stay "safe" on the Internet.

We need to teach our children that the Internet is a great tool, but putting stuff out there can't be taken back. Whatever you post, a picture, a word, anything.... it is there, and anyone can and probably will see it. I tell the students don't put something in your blog that you wouldn't want your Grandma to know or see. And to remember if you put it out there for all to see and you get teased about it, it is your fault... Think before you post anything on the Internet! Good advice for adults too!

Lord, help me to teach my students to be able to use technology in the correct ways and to keep themselves protected as they do. Help me to love them they way you love them. Amen!

Coding

I have been using computers for a long time. I started teaching myself about computers when I worked with youth in Pennsylvania in the mid 80's. In 91, I took a course while doing some add on certification. In the mid 90's, I had an old Mac Classic that I used to make a webpage. I started writing HTML. I have never been able to get used to using a webpage editor even though I can use them. It just seems wrong. I now have two graduate degrees with emphasis on educational technology.

I have played with programming off and on for many years. I have just not really used it for anything, and I am not sure that I ever will. The thing is that today I decided to let my enrichment class try their hand at some basic programming. They were so excited, with the possibility of creating their own games or apps. They were catching on to block coding very quickly, I know that soon I will be able to let them do more.

I am so happy when I can find things kids are interested in. It almost makes me want to have another computer camp this year with robotics or coding as the focus. I know that the children could produce some awesome things just given half a chance. Who knows the next "Bill Gates" might be in my class!

Thank-you Lord for giving me the opportunity to spark the imagination and wonder in the children I teach. Help me to always be willing to learn more so I can help the children more. Amen!

Worship

Worship, what is it? 

The Merriam-Webster online definition states that worship is the act of showing respect and love for a god especially by praying with other people who believe in the same god. Or the excessive adoration for someone. Or extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. 

We can and do worship many things. We can worship things like cars, money, and power. Some people even worship themselves. I like to think that I don't worship anything but God. I know I am probably way off base though because I am human. 

Ok, so what does worship look like? Is it only prayer? Singing? I don't think so. I think that worship can be a lot more, reading the Bible, helping others, using your spiritual gifts, or something else. I think it is all of the above and more that, I am not sure how to explain. I want to worship God and only God. When I get to heaven I know I will be able to.

Thank-you Lord for being the object of my worship, however fleeting. Help me worship you more with my life daily. Make my worship and praise be a sweet sweet odor, like the sacrifices of old. Help me to live sacrificially for you. Amen! 

I thought I would represent the worship of God's people as individual bubbles floating to God. The colors represent the presence of God covering His people as they worship.  

Time

Isn't amazing how we can look at or experience time in different ways.... Sometime time seems to fly by, while at other times it is creeping along at its own slow pace.

To a child waiting for Christmas or their birthday time seems to stand still. Yet as a parent it always seemed to be upon me before I knew it.

I am so thankful that God's time is not my time. He has a time for everything. I make all things new in His time. He gives us what we need just when we need it. He is the keeper of eternity and knows when time will end. To Him a minute could be a million years or an hour a as a split second.

He time is so perfect and I am thankful for all the time He has given me here and will give me. I have no idea when my time here will end. I want to make the most of it, and I am glad that I have the assurance that when my time here ends, I will live eternally with my God.

Thank-you Lord for time. I pray that I will make the most of all I have left. Amen!

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Cathedrals

Today, there were a couple of statements that stood out in my devotion. "Satan delights in convincing believers that they are of no use to God. And God delights in building cathedrals out of rubble."  I thought of the Tenth Avenue North Song Cathedrals. 

God wants to make cathedrals of all of us. We are His temples if we know Jesus as our Savior and He lives in us. He ripped the veil of the Most Holy place and entered the hearts of the believers. The best part it doesn't matter how unworthy we feel or how many bad decisions we have made, He can and will make cathedrals out of the mess, the rubble that is our lives.

Thank-you Lord for building a cathedral of me. It isn't much yet but it is yours and you are not finished with me yet! I pray I can be all you wish me to be Use me Lord. Amen

Inside

Today, I have been think about the Holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a good man. He did a lot for the world we live in today. I know some people do not think that is so. I was a child in the 60's and experienced some of the stuff of that time, good and bad.

I believe that God creates all people equal. We are all shades of brown in my opinion. My skin is not white, it is tan, a shade of brown. The outside doesn't matter it is what is inside that matters.

The inside. The heart of a person. The true colors of a person are there. We could be and probably are a tangled mess inside. Yet in all that mess is a beautiful part of each of us that makes us who we are.

We should not look on the outside only, we should try an get to know the person inside. I strive to do that, I don't always succeed.

Lord please help me see people for who they are and not what is on the outside. Help me to be the true me to others. Help me to Love everyone. Thank-you Lord, Amen

Heart

"Above all else, guard your heart, because everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

This verse can mean many things to many people.

Physically, it can have to do with health and the fact that if we don't take care of our hearts...well... I have a bad heart, whether from genetics or bad living (eating wrong, not exercising right, smoking...) who knows. Still we have to take care of the physical heart so that our quality of life can be all that we wish it to be. I want to be around if I ever have grandchildren and I want to be able to "play" with them, teach them, know them. If I don't take care of my heart I can not do that.

Emotionally, we have to guard our hearts. When we don't two things could happen I guess. One, we could get so hard that nothing flows from it anymore. We could careless about others and ourselves for that matter. And yet wonder why no one likes us or wants to be around us. Or two, we run around trying to find what we need from anyone no matter who they are, just to feel, only causing us to often get hurt more. We didn't guard our hearts. No, you can always keep from being hurt, but what we do with that hurt is how we guard our hearts. How we react to the negativity and rejections we face guards us makes us strong.

Spiritually, we guard our hearts by hiding God's word there. In my experience anytime I am hurting, fearful, angry, or needing any help, I can usually hear that still small voice in my heart saying.... here is this word from me and what about this word. God's spirit speaks to my heart and helps me through the issues I am facing. I don't always listen and then I am not guarding my heart and the hurt causes me more pain.

Dear Lord, Help me to guard my heart. Help me to take care of it physically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. Don't let me harden it, help me to keep it strong so that I can always show the love you have shown me to others. Thank-you Lord for all you do for me. Amen

Playing

Today was a day to play a bit with the ideas I had while watching more "art" videos. I think it is important to play, we can learn so much from it.

I tell people all the time that to learn to use a computer program or to be good at doing something you like you just have to play with it. I think that is why, by the time my students are in 4th grade that can use Pixie very well. I don't start out telling them everything the program can do; I show them a few basics and make sure they know how to use a mouse, then I let them PLAY! The kindergartners I have now are doing great with the program, some are really good artist. Their use of pattern and color is amazing. All because they play.

It is a shame that as we grow we forget how to play. We forget that in order to learn we have to be willing to "make mistakes and get dirty" as Miss. Frizzle says! We seek to be perfect the first time and that just will not happen, ever! No one can be perfect except God! I think God is able to play the best, goodness look at the duckbill platypus... I think God not only can play but He has a GREAT sense of humor!

I also know there are people out there who believe that "if there is a God, He plays to much". They believe this because they look at Him like a puppet master pulling strings or controlling lives like a remote control robot. I am so glad I do not believe that. I can't imagine how life must be a drudgery for those people. I think life is exciting, yes I get down and have issues. I am trying to not let it stop my creativity and my play!

Thank-you God for allowing me to play. To learn and enjoy learning. Help me to teach my students that if they are not playing and learning everyday of their lives then they are not living life to the fullest. Help me to be a life long learner and always enjoy playing! Amen

Not Sure

Nothing to say.... and just playing around....

Beautiful Mess

I haven't much to say tonight. First, let me say I thank God my friend is out of the Hospital and it seems all will be well. I am so glad God answers prayer.

As for the "art" tonight. Today, I watched a video about making dendritic monoprints. I have shared the video below. So after I watched it I decided to make a few. And then after I did that I threw some string, the way Dina Wakley showed us at Art Journaling live in June.

As for the beautiful mess... well that is what I think of this card. I love the circles, and the string. I like the colors also. You know my life is a beautiful mess too. There are so many things that make my life a mess, but because I have Jesus in my life as my Savior my life is not seen as a mess, because His blood covers my sin. Because I have Jesus as my Lord, the mess I make can be made beautiful by the guiding Hand of His Leadership. Because the Holy Spirit guides me I can walk through the mess of this life and at times even be at peace.

Thanks-you Lord for my beautiful mess. Help me to follow you and allow you to clean it up and make it all what you would have it to be. Amen.

Useful

Have you ever noticed how God can use even the most tragic circumstances, or live to work His will? It is so amazing to me.

Look at Abraham, he lied not once but twice about Sarah being His wife. He didn't trust God enough to wit for God to use Sarah for His plans. Jacob was a trickster, when he stole his brother's birthright, then his blessing. There are so many people in the bible that God used to bring about His plans who were not remotely what we would consider "good". 

That is the thing that gives me the most hope about my life for God. I know that no matter how I stumble, and the problems that I have in seeming "good" to man, God sees the real potential in me, even when I don't. In fact, I think that is exactly who He would rather use. The broken are the ones that can be more easily guided by Him, maybe because we are closer to the ground. When we fail or when we fall we are ready to look up. 

Lord, help me not to be so spiritually minded that I am no heavenly good. Help me to stay broken, ready to be molded, and willing to do your will. Thank-you for your love and patience. Help me to be Useful!

Promises

Today, My bible reading was from Genesis 25 and 26, and there was a very good statement in the devotional. It stated, "God has no grandchildren." At first it took me a minute to grasp, but it is true. If we believe in Jesus, that he lived died and rose from the grave to become our Lord and savior then we are God's children, each person has to make their own decision about this truth. No one can do it for you, you can get to heaven on the skirt of your family, church, or anything other than believing in Christ.

The devotional went on to say that it is the same with the promises of God, "Each succeeding generation must learn to receive and rest in the in them personally in order to enjoy their benefits, God has promises for you today that Christians have been claiming for centuries."

So when I sing "Standing on the Promises" I am have to claim them  for myself, I can't let my pastor claim them and get the benefit. I have to claim them personally. I have to step out, grab a hold, and hang on tight, to the promise God has given me. Whether it be the promise of salvation or the promise that God will never flood the earth again. I have to believe and claim that Rainbow for myself!

So today, as I am thinking about all my friends and family who are struggling I am claiming the promise that God said he would hear my prayers, my supplication, my interceding, and my cries for healing. I claim the promise that God has perfect timing and he has everything in His control. I know He never said it would be easy and He never will let me down (even if it feels that way). I claim His promise of everlasting and unconditional Love. Thank-you Lord for all your promises. Help me to remember you are faithful and just and will be my everlasting champion! Amen

Name

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor than silver or gold."

I have been called many things. Names that have been given to me by my parents, friends, teachers, students, and "enemies" some good, some bad.

It is unfortunate at times that the labels we give people tend to shape and model them if they are used enough. Like calling someone "stupid"... over time that can make them believe it, even when they aren't. Or "clumsy", "fatty", "Petunia", names like these can have a very negative outcome.

I heard someone on the radio today talking about this. She was saying that when you feel unloved or unworthy tell yourself the opposite. And she is right, that is what we should do. It is hard to give ourselves the positive affirmations when we keep hearing the ones we loved using labels to describe us that hurt.

I am so glad that I have a Lord and Savior who see through crud that I have heaped up throughout this life, the stuff that has cause me to feel less than I should about myself. He sees the real me. He knows the names that are true and those that aren't. He longs for me to believe the truth and not the lies. He wants me to be positive about the future and forget the past. He wants me to focus on His names and remember that He can make me into the person He longs for me to be. It is hard and I am trying, sometimes those old voices get really loud... and I have to listen really hard for the still small voice of my Friend.... Jesus!

I have a bracelet that has the names (not all) of Jesus on it. I just wrote what they are on my card today. I often look at it throughout the day when I need encouragement.

Thank you Jesus for being who you are. I pray that I can be who you long for me to be. Help me to turn down the negative voices and listen closely for your still small voice. Amen

 

Coffee

Most every day I have at least one cup of coffee. That is at least 10 ounces a day. Most days it is more, and today is no exception, I have had 4 so far I think. I lost count with all the other stuff I am doing at the same time.

For Christmas, I gave my father a mug that said... "All I need today is a little coffee and a whole lot of Jesus." And that is the truth. A little coffee can get me through the day but I need a lot more of Jesus. I talk to Him all day, and I can tell when I am not getting enough companionship with Him. Things tend to not go like they should. 

If for some reason I feel the distance between myself and Jesus, it is not Jesus that has moved. He is right there beside me, I have just put a "wall" between us. I wish I could say that never happens, I wish I could keep my eyes on Jesus and let Him control all I do. Sadly, I don't and if people are really honest most of us who are believers don't. 

When things are rough we cry out to Him and because He is who He is he helps us, holds us, and comforts us. Then things get better and we start to build the wall... we talk to Him all the while we are building the wall, but as things get better we keep building. Then we feel we don't need Him any more, we have got this, all is well. Yes, we speak to Him, tell Him we love Him, but that is about it. 

Then things start getting off, troubles frustrate us, because we can't handle it by our self. We want to blame Jesus, where was He or why did He leave me alone.  He didn't... We built the wall, and now we have to tear it down, but Jesus is right there helping us. He loves us too much to leave us. 

Lord, I thank you for all the times you have been there for me. I ask forgiveness for all the times I have put a wall between us. I pray that you will help me tear the walls down and help me rely on you instead of trying to do things on my own. Amen. 

When I made the Courage card, I used this piece of deli paper as my "drop cloth". So today I used part of it for my background for this card.  

Courage

Yesterday, I used the verse "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;  Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

Today, as I was waiting for my friend to leave to go to a hospital in New Orleans my pastor and asst. pastor read a verse Psalms 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him."

When I decided to make "art" for today I thought of these two verses the courage for all the chaos is Jesus. He is our strength, our shield.

I pray that my friend gets answers and is healed. I pray she finds comfort and courage in Jesus. Lord, please heal my friend. Thanks-you for your answer. Amen

Waiting

We all have been there... hurry up to wait.... and then wait some more.

What are the worst waiting times?  We all would have our own ideas. Waiting in a line. Waiting for a call.  Waiting on test results.

For me right now I am waiting for my friend to find out what is causing her to be ill. I want her to be healthy. It is hard to wait.

Another waiting time that is hard is waiting on the Lord. Abraham had a hard time waiting and look what it got him. In trouble with the eygptians, in trouble with Sarah, in trouble with Hagar and Ishmael. He was willing to wait but he allowed the frustrations of others to allow him to give in to them.
I tend to be like that too. I don't mean to be. I really want to wait for the Lord because His time is always perfect.
So I pray that I can learn to wait on God and be courageous. Thank you Lord for having perfect timing. And Lord please heal my friend. Amen!
"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;  Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

Late

I am tired and late with this.... no blog really... but a doodle :)

Blank

That is exactly what I am right now, blank....

I am trying to do this... I guess today going back to work after our school holiday, I have just been zapped of everything.

My day starts at 5 am, I wake and read a chapter in Proverbs for the day. You do know that Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of the month. The I get dressed for work, make some coffee, take my medicine, and sit down to do my Bible reading. As I read I meditate on how those verse apply to life, today was Genesis 8 - 9. As Paul Harvey would say... the rest of the story of Noah.

After I read the Bible I check email, Facebook and if I have time look up other things on the Internet, like videos or articles. I gather my lunch and things for work and I am usually out the door by 6:20'ish. You may be thinking "WHY???" I like to get to the school and get things ready for the day, drink more coffee, read a devotion, and pray before I go on duty at 7:10.

On Duty, I greet the bus drivers and children and try to say "Morning" to every one I see. I throw a "have a good day" out every now and then also.  By 7:50 I am getting ready to greet my 1st class at 8:00. I teach until 11:00 when I have lunch with a few friends in my room and we pray for requests that have been placed on our prayer list.

At 11:30, I begin teaching again, at 1:30 I am finished with my regular classes. The rest of the time I spend working on lessons for the future, getting ready for tutoring, or working on technology work orders. On Fridays, I teach an enrichment class at 2:30. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays I tutor from 3:00 until 4:00.

So, by the time I get home I am usually a little blank. I just want to sit and chill. After I eat dinner things are usually evened back out... but not always, it depends.  I think that is why it was so hard the first time to keep this up... I did pretty well, I had 237 posts out of 365... I will try to do better this time.

"It's so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas." ~Paul Cezanne

Prepared

Today, the bible reading was from Genesis 6-7, I know most people know this story. God saw the way man was living on the earth and corrupting His creations, He couldn't watch anymore. He was going to end it all and start over. Then He remembered Noah, that he was righteous and found favor in His eyes.

Noah was told to prepare for a flood. I am sure he was afraid, he had never seen rain before, much less a flood. Noah was told to build an ark. I am not sure what Noah's profession was, yet he did as He was told. It doesn't say if he had any help,  he did all he was told. He made the ark to God's specifications, he gathered the food he was told to gather. God sent the animals in the numbers He wanted on the ark. There were two of every kind of animal, male and female. There were 5 extra of all the clean animals. 

Noah was prepared, because he believed and had faith that God was God. He believed that He would be saved from the destruction. He prepared the ark, He prepared the food, and He believed His God. I think the most important part of Noah's preparation was his belief, his trust. One ounce of doubt could have been the difference in the salvation of his family and their destruction. I am glad that Noah had the faith and the ability to do all God told him to do. 

Today is my last day off. I go back to the "grind" of my job. Teaching is a wonderful profession and I am prepared to do my job. It is not as easy as some would say. I have to be prepared every day to do my job, mentally, physically, and emotionally. There is Spiritual part that I always prepare for also, because the devil can be so cunning and can catch me off guard if I am not careful. 

So I have prepared, my lesson plans are written, my lunches are prepared and in the freezer, and I think I am ready to face what ever may come my way in the months ahead. I will read my Bible and talk to my Lord and Savior everyday. I will pray for myself, my co-workers, and all the kids. This will be a good year, I am prepared. 

Thank-you Lord for helping me to prepare for the job you have given me. Thank you for the little lives and minds, you have entrusted to my care. Help me to be the teacher you would have me to be. Amen! 

Garden

 "And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden." Genesis 3:8 

Every year, I try to read the bible through, last year I read all but Revelations, I got a little behind. This year the church I attend is reading through using "Daily Walk" magazine. Today, the reading was from Genesis 3-5. 

As I was reading the scripture above I thought of one of my favorite hymns, "In the Garden" here are the words if you are not familiar with it...

"I come to the garden alone,

1. While the dew is still on the roses,
   And the voice I hear falling on my ear
   The Son of God discloses.
   • Refrain:
     And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
     And He tells me I am His own;
     And the joy we share as we tarry there,
     None other has ever known.
2. He speaks, and the sound of His voice
   Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
   And the melody that He gave to me
   Within my heart is ringing.
3. I’d stay in the garden with Him,
   Though the night around me be falling,
   But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
   His voice to me is calling."
4. The scene in the garden on the day in Genesis 3 made me think of this song. I believe that up until the two were made to leave the Garden, their walks with God were like this song. It was peaceful and calm, no problems, nothing to fear, and a serene atmosphere of love, joy, and wonder. 
5. Today, and ever since that time we (humanity) has longed for that peace and comfort. We have tried to tame the earth and produce gardens that mimic the one the LORD God created. Ours pale in comparison to the Garden God walked in. Although, even though it is not the same, He is there all the while, longing for the sweet companionship with His creation. He longs to walk and talk with us. He wants to hold us and guide us. 
6. I like to walk through gardens, and quiet wooded areas. At those times I can almost feel the presence of God walking right beside me. I can hear His voice telling me what He wants me to know. 
7. Lord, today and everyday let me find tie to enter a garden. Even if it is just in the solitude of meditation. Help make the time to hear you speak and to feel you gentle guiding me in the way to go. Thank-you Lord for your love. Amen 
8. 
   
   
9. 
   
10. 
    

Beginning

"In the beginning God...." Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning was the Word...." John 1:1
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge...." Proverbs 1:7

Today, is the beginning of the New Year.... It is the beginning of this "new" blog....

As I am beginning this "new" blog I want so much to try and remain positive. So as I am counting my many blessings I have had in years past and looking forward to the overflowing of blessings to come in this new year.

I think of what God did in the beginning of time as we know it.... He created!!! He created many beautiful things, the sun, the moon, the stars, the sky, birds, animals, plants, man, and woman.... The wonder and beauty of all His creations amaze me every day. I am so glad He gave me the will to create also. Even though my creativity could never be as beautiful as His. I love to create and I know He gets joy out of seeing the things I create. Thank-you God for my desire to create.

In the beginning was the Word... Jesus! He was there helping to create the universe. He was there and all the while knew all that would take place. How He would have to save mankind that He created. I am so thankful that He did. Because He did I can live eternally with Him. Thank you Jesus!

Thank-you Lord for letting me know you. For helping me have a healthy fear of you. Verses like the one from Proverbs sometimes gives people the wrong idea. This fear is the same as a child's fear of their parents, or an employee's fear of their boss. If you do something wrong you will be punished, right? It is the same with God, that is why I fear Him, it helps me to stay on the right path. I am not afraid He will hurt me, or that he is mean and vindictive. I believe he loves me as a parent and if I stray he will correct me.... this healthy fear of him is the beginning of knowledge. Thank-you Lord for this fear.

So it begins.... Lord, I pray you will be part of this process from now till the end, thank-you know for all you have, are, and will do for me in this new year! Amen!