Modern, Original, Christian Artwork

This has been a good week so far.  I started a job waiting tables, so getting out of the house and being up and moving has been nice... I need to learn the menu better - and I don't drink, so learning the drinks is going to be interesting - there are mixed drinks I've never heard of - Arnold Palmer, anyone??? Sounds like a major league baseball pitcher to me. . . Anyway - it's good and I'm excited about it.

I had a song stuck in my head for 3 days at the beginning of this week called 'Depp In Love With You' by Michael W. Smith. It's possibly the most beautiful song I've ever heard... but then, check back with me in a week and will probably have a new favorite - have a listen:

The words are:

Sitting at Your feet is where I want to be

I'm home when I am here with You

Ruined by Your grace, enamored by Your gaze

I can't resist the tenderness in You

I'm deep in love with You, Abba Father

I'm deep in love with You, Lord

My heart, it beats for You, precious Jesus

I'm deep in love with You Lord

Humbled and amazed that You would call my name

I never have to search again

There's a deep desire that's burning like a fire

To know You as my closest friend

I'm deep in love with You, Abba Father

I'm deep in love with You, Lord

My heart, it beats for You, precious Jesus

I'm deep in love with You Lord

Lord, my redeemer, Your blood runs through my veins

My love for You is deeper than it was yesterday

I enter through the curtain, parted by Your grace

Oh, You're the lover of my soul

I'm deep in love with You, Abba Father

I'm deep in love with You, Lord

My heart, it beats for You, precious Jesus

I'm deep in love with You Lord

The Lord has been speaking to my heart about trusting Him more.  Sometimes I think I trust Him so much, completely, but then I find myself so afraid of what the future holds... that's not trust.

Romans 8:15: For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Abba is an Aramaic word which means "daddy" or "papa". It's the kind of endearing term I use for my earthly father to tell him how much I love him.

I still have so much to learn about how much God loves me. It's incomprehendable. And b/c I know ME, it's hard to believe that He loves me like He loves His Son. I so don't deserve it.  I still have a lot to learn and understand about GRACE, too. . .

Thank God He doesn't give up on us b/c of our inability to see Him how He really is... Instead, He shows us, patiently and lovingly.  Our God is SUCH a GOOD, AWESOME GOD!!!  I want everyone I know to KNOW God.  I pray that I will be willing to let HIM work THROUGH me to make HIM known. . . apart from any selfish motives. (that's a TALL order!) ... but I'm closer today than I was yesterday... and that's good enough for me.

Tyson, lovin' on his teddy, Big White:

My Beloved:

And my little female mouse that was being bullied by the boy mice I let go a couple weeks ago - it looks bad, but her back is healing - I've been cleaning it with saline solution and putting neosporin on it... she doesn't like it when I do it, but she'll get over it when she ends up living:

That's all I've got for today. It was pouring when I got up this morning, now the sun is shining and it looks like it's going to be a pretty nice day - Spring is almost here - I even see some green grass starting to grow!!!

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!

This is just a quick post... more of an excuse to post the pictures that I took today. My friend, Michele, came in town with her daughter Aubrey and her neice Nevaeh... we hung out with my parents for a bit and then went over to my brothers... Got some cute pics of the kiddos playing... and I even managed to get one of my dad SMILING!!! Enjoy:

Have a GREAT week!

Testing vs Tempting

James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the TESTING of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:13: When TEMPTED, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not ALLOW you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

God tests those He loves, to grow them in their faith, not to harm them or cause them to stumble.  It’s the same principle as tests that are given to children in school – it’s a process of learning the material and then taking a test to see how WELL you have learned the material.  And, in the case of God, it’s the material of LIFE and what really matters and knowing WHO is our FRIEND (God) and WHO is our ENEMY (the devil).  Through trial and error we learn to put our trust in God, in any situation, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.  

James 1:14-15: but each one is tempted when, by his OWN evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Ew.  Who wants to claim the responsibility of the temptation we face being our own making?  I don’t, but that is ALWAYS the case.  The areas in my life where I find myself consistently being tempted and struggling are the exact areas that I compromise in and allow LESS than what I know God’s will and plan are for my life.  

It’s frustrating, but I’m encouraged that God helps me to recognize it for what it is.  As with ANY stronghold or problem in life, acknowledging the problem for what it really is, instead of making excuses for it, is the first step to overcoming it.

2 Peter 3:8-9: But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

I thank God that He is patient - I would be a pile of ashes by now, were He not.  I thank God that, even though more times than not, I don't handle the testing of my faith gracefully, He still sees me for what I CAN be and not what I AM at the present.  I thank God that even when my faith is not strong enough to believe for the visions He has put in my heart, at the moment He puts them there, He does not take them away - instead, He works with me, through me and around me, building my faith so that I will be able to have the faith to receive that which He has promised.  God is SO good!

Romans 7:14-8:18: We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched (wo)man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of son-ship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

__________________

hmmm ... I have been thinking of the first part of these scriptures, where Paul is saying 'That which I want to do, I do not, and that which I do not want to do, that I do' all day yesterday and today. I've been questioning whether or not my heart is fully committed to the Lord or if I'm just putting on a convincing act - fooling even myself. All day yesterday I had 'Because you are neither hot nor cold, I will spew you from my mouth' playing over and over and over again in my head. And I thought it was 100% GOD telling me what a horrible, fake, disobedient, joke of a Christian I am...

I'll tell you what - the devil is sometimes SO OBVIOUSLY the one condemning me, that it's too obvious... and so instead of remembering that MY God loves me and that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world, I sit there and listen ... and feel like a complete failure as a child of God.

I don't know at exactly what moment the Lord revealed these lies to me today - it was today - and it was after 12:00pm CST - actually, probably more like after 4:00pm b/c, while I was encouraged this morning by the scriptures He put in my heart:

John 14:1: Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.

Hebrews 10:35-36: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I was still hearing the 'I'm going to spew you from my mouth' gnat in the back of my mind all day today. I was thinking, 'Am I lukewarm?' Do I really love God? Am I saved? I know my motives are not 100% pure and godly and righteous all the time... does that mean the works I think I'm doing to glorify God are as nothing - will they all be burned in the fire b/c the motives in my heart are shaded with selfishness?' ... and I have been under some pretty intense condemnation for the last 48 hours.

But at some point today, I was thinking about all this and the Lord started to reason with my heart and He said to me, 'People who do not love Me do not spend this amount of time wondering whether or not they are pleasing Me.' The more I've thought about this, I keep remembering when we first accepted Christ and our pastor in Germany said to us once - after he had told us that the ONLY unpardonable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and we asked him how do you know you have not committed that sin? And he told us, 'Anyone who finds themselves wondering and concerned whether or not they have committed the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit has not. When someone has consistently rejected the word, voice, conviction and call of the Lord SO many times that their heart is hardened enough to come to a place of committing that sin, the part of their heart and conscience that used to be able to hear God speaking to them is completely seared, hardened and dead and it is not a thought that ever crosses their mind.'

All that to say that God is good. I get very irritated with myself b/c I've been down this road before... and I want to kick myself for allowing myself to be deceived AGAIN. I wasted an entire day b/c of all this. BUT GOD... :-)

BUT GOD knows my stubborn, ignorant heart. and ONLY God could have talked me down off of the 'Am I really saved' ledge - I don't think there are any words a person could have said that would have actually gotten me to where I am right now in my faith.

I hope this isn't coming across as rambling. And I hope I'm not the only one that asks these kinds of questions at time. But, even if I am, I think without going through these times of doubt and fear (not that that is EVER God's plan or desire, but some of us INSIST on learning the hard way) I would not ever be mature enough to recognize it for what it is sooner and sooner... Because my gut tells me this is never going to stop - the devil's attempts to convince me that God is displeased with me to the point of no longer wanting me or being willing to work with me, despite me, is always going to be the devil's ultimate goal in my life.

John 10:10: The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

THE DEVIL IS A LIAR. Don't forget it, SELF!

I started my morning listening to today's podcast from Andrew Wommack. There was a scripture that the woman giving her and her husband's testimony of his healing quoted and it hit home for me:

John 14:1: Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.

And then, as I was updating my Facebook status like the Facebook-aholic that I am with that scripture, the Lord brought 2 others to my heart that also very much apply to where I am in my life and walk:

Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 10:35-36: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

I have been allowing my heart to be troubled - I've been going so far as to question my salvation - asking myself, 'Do you REALLY love God?' - and I do grow weary... and usually, when I'm in these types of places, I tend to wallow in it instead of immediately praying and telling God where I am and how I FEEL and asking Him to show me the truth. I do just what the Bible says NOT to do - I sit and THINK about ALL the things that I'm worried about, why I'm worried about them, how I am worried they will turn out.... and then I wonder why I struggle with anxiety. I can't count the number of times I have been told, 'It's not how you feel, it's what you know.' ... Hearing that makes me want to scream... probably b/c I know it's true... and b/c I am driven by my emotions - I think a lot of women are. This has been one of the hardest things I've had to accept and that I CONTINUE to have to work on daily... letting my faith be what guides me and not me emotions. Ugh. Well, I do love God. . . and I know God loves me...(even despite myself). And THANK GOD He still loves me in spite of all the reasons there are not to... He is a good God.

On a lighter note, Pops seems to be doing better today... I'm going to let him have until Friday on his antibiotics before I decide what we are going to have our regular vet do. He needs to have xrays of his heart for sure... possibly his lungs also - but I'm hoping the medication he's on will clear up the cough he's developed. And, obviously, since this is all b/c of an infection in his gums - we're going to have to have his teeth cleaned again. Please continue to pray for his speedy recovery.

Have a good night!

I took Pops to the ER vet yesterday. Was told he has an infection from periodontal disease - this isn't the 1st time. They put him on antibiotics, but his cough is worse today and he's not acting himself. Please pray for him. He is a 17 year old beagle.

And this is the painting I'm working on right now... I'm excited for how it will turn out... it's a timely process though..

Happy Monday!!! 

PS - I spent time in prayer today and am in a better place than I was with the first post from today. God loves me... even if I can't stand myself sometimes.

I like it when the first day of a new month lands on either a Sunday or a Monday. I know Sunday is technically the 1st day of a new week, but it has always felt like Monday is the beginning to me and the first day of a new month motivates me to make it a good month...

For the past couple of days, I've been ignoring this nagging in the back of my mind... The best word I can think to put it into 1 word is: LUKE WARM.

Revelation 3:15-16: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

I can't disagree. I've been walking the fence for a while now. I love God, but I always keep 1 foot in the world - afraid that if I completely sell out to Christ, I'll somehow be losing out on something 'better' on the other side of the fence. I know, in my heart, that that is a lie and that it's not correct. Ugh.

It doesn't help that I've completely pulled away from the body of believers that God has placed in our lives. I have my little shopping lists of 'reasons why' ... but I know they're really just excuses.

Matthew 16:24-26a: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

I could probably write a very very long entry today, but I'm not sure who it would benefit. I think I need to just be still and wait on the Lord. When things get too loud - and it's usually my own doing - I lose sight of what really matters. Definitely need to settle down and just listen.

Psalm 46:10a: Be still, and know that I am God.

Have a good Monday!

I finished 3 paintings today that I started at the beginning of this week!  And being that Procrastination could be my middle name, that is a pretty big deal for me.  I listed them for sale on Ebay... I really like the way all 3 turned out.  I'll post pics of them below...

I am working on a painting to donate to an art festival next weekend and my printer was out of black ink - like it always is when I need to print something in a timely manner - so I decided I would go to my parents' house to print it from there... They live about 30 minutes south of me.  I was at the intersection less than 1/4 mile from my parents' house and this guy pulled out in front of me going literally about 20 miles an hour.  Now, I am not the most patient person when behind the wheel, so I'll leave out the commentary for this part of the story... after I had my little hissy fit, I realize he's not driving like that just to annoy me, instead, his car is dying. 

So, possibly mostly out of guilt, I pull up behind him and ask if he wants me to push him into the gas station.  He says yes.  Now, keep in mind, I am wearing my dad's sweatpants that are covered in paint, my dad's Youngstown State sweatshirt, also covered in paint and my house slippers. I have on NO make-up, my hair is pulled back in a pony tail and it is probably 40 degrees and raining. 

Long story short, after jumping him and following him almost to his house to be sure his car wouldn't die again, it did... then it died again... and again... and this whole time, the man didn't get out of the car once.  I didn't think he spoke English - I was signing to him when to start his car and to step on the gas - I truly didn't think he spoke English b/c he was so quiet and he didn't get out of his car once.  I had Dustin on the phone telling me how to do the wires b/c I could just see myself attaching the wrong one at the wrong time and getting electricuted IN THE RAIN...

So, when we finally get to the Kwik Kar place - b/c he decided he better drop his car off and walk home so he could get the battery replaced in the morning - Dustin is on the phone going, 'You do NOT give him a ride home. For all you know he's a serial killer!'  So, I agree - and I had no intention of giving him a ride home.  Maybe, had I not been alone and if the sun was still up I would have considered it, but b/c it was dark, I wasn't sure if he didn't speak English or if he was just weird - and in case he was just silently contemplating which appendage of mine he wanted to cut off first, I was not about to allow him in the car.  I had Zwei with me, but all she would do is lick someone to death, so it's not like that would have mattered if it came down to my life depending on my dog protecting me. I would be dead.  

So, we get to the Kwik Kar place and I roll down my passenger window to say, 'Ok, be careful walking home' ... and he gets out of his car - for the first time since this all started - and starts talking - he sounded like Jack from Will and Grace, if you catch my drift.  I have no problem, on a social level, with gays, so I don't want to sound like I'm making fun, but I almost started to laugh.  I thought this man was a practical mute, non-English speaking Iranian or something... he starts talking and I felt like I was backstage at a broadway musical.  It was hysterical.  His name, btw, was Jose - so I was way off on the nationality.  Anyway, after he went on a little rant about, 'Guuuurrrl, I was soooo glad you stopped - you were like an angel' (all the while waving his right hand around in the air - I was sure he was about to start snapping) I decided there was little to no threat in taking him home.  So I did. So, that was my excitement for the weekend!  He was nice.  Hope it's only his battery that's the problem and not something more expensive.

Moral of the story: Don't judge a book by its cover!

1 Samuel 16:7b: Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

THE SHOW DOWN:

'Love One Another'

Details:

'Psalm 139'

Details:

'All Your Heart'

Details:

If you are interested in any of them, they are all listed in auction format on Ebay - follow the 'Active Ebay Auctions' link above.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I always loved the song 'Rivers of Babylon' by Sublime... though I don't believe the song was originally theirs... but I never knew it was scripture... after I accepted Christ, I would listen to it and assume it had to be, but I just now actually looked up what book, chapter and verse today...

Here are the paintings I'm working on:

McKayla, the beef-a-lo Princess of the house...

Ashley and Jasper cuddling - they were sound asleep like this:

Mickey and Zwei:

We went to my Mom and Dad's house last night - mom made a really good meal, Dustin was very tired and pouting in the pictures and I got some pictures of 1 of my parents' cats, Killer:

I got him to smile for one:

Killer Bear:

I just had to let go 5 of the male mice... I know it's somewhat ridiculous, but I almost cried. 1 of them just sat there looking at me like, 'You're kidding, right?!?!? You've been feeding me and keeping me in a tank for the last 4 months - I was BORN in your house and now you're dumping me out of a box into a field @ night and it's cold and windy!'  I feel SO bad... but they were attacking 1 of the other mice - a little female.  And I think they were trying to mate, too - and I literally had 30 mice in 1 tank before I let those 5 go, so mating is not ok - and if I see it, I'm grabbing the male and releasing him ... I wish I could wait until it's warmer outside, but if they're reproducing or hurting the other ones, they've gotta go. Period.  Now I'm going to go get something to eat and try not to dwell on how heartless I feel right now.

Have a good night. 

Ya'll, it's almost MARCH! That means it's almost SPRING!!! (my favorite time of the year, btw)...

So, I am working on 4 paintings right now - 2 of which are something I've always wanted to try, but I was worried it would look too cartoony, so I had never given it a go. Before I started to paint, I would draw - still do - and whenever I'm bored, if I have pen and paper, I always doodle faces and eyes... I've always liked eyes - not sure why - and I've always wanted to incorporate my drawing into my painting, but I didn't want it to look like a cartoon - too childish. I can't draw lifelike images - things like portraits - not my thing. Not for a lack of trying... I've tried and they end up looking like a bad caricature. But, I decided to try it... I don't have any pictures yet b/c they are in the very beginning stages, but so far, so good... and as long as I don't get carried away - something I've been known to do - I think they will turn out quite nice... so be on the look out!

On my way home today, I was listening to a preacher on the radio - I forget the program, not one of my usuals, but he was talking about how, as believers, we WILL go through trials, like it or not... As usual, this particular message pretty much hit the nail on the head, where my own life is concerned right now, and there was a scripture that was used - one I've heard before, but never really considered... I think most scriptures are ones we've heard before, but you don't REALLY consider what it's actually saying - even if it's black and white, cut and dry - no mystery about it - until it applies directly and specifically to what you are going through at that very moment...

Psalm 34:19: Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

I trust God, I do. But, when I'm in the middle of a storm, there are many many times that I feel completely alone. And I believe God's Word when it says:

Hebrews 13:5b: God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

But anyone who has ever gone through anything that left even a small scar on your heart, you know, there is a difference between knowing what the Bible says.. and actually believing it.

So, point being, when I heard Psalm 34:19 today, I was comforted. Prior to hearing that, I was very, very anxious. God's Word, at the right time, has a way of calming and comforting like nothing else can.

And then the preacher read from Isaiah - it's a verse I've used on a couple paintings, but another one that I had not even thought of in a long time - probably close to year:

Isaiah 43:1: But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine."

I LOVE the last 3 words of that verse. YOU ARE MINE! That makes me feel bold and I can't think of anyone better to belong to.

Ok... so those are my discoveries from today... and now here are my OCD pictures of my dogs and cats ... and the wounded bird, which I took to the sanctuary on Sunday - his wing was broken, but the joint was not, which means after he heals, he will be able to fly again. Nice lady, the bird lady. Glad to know she's there - my cats bring home so many 'prizes' in the Spring and Summer... and, when I'm able, I try to save them... If I'm too late, they become cat snacks.

(ALL these first set of pictures were taken under and around the dinner table last night - you would think we're starving these animals with how much they beg...)

On our way to the sanctuary - the bird was not happy with me - he kept turning his back and giving me the evil eye...

Dustin attempting to calm Jasper down - this dog never ever tires... he's like a full grown puppy - I'm going to be so happy to see him calm down when he goes to obedience classes this month...

And the kitties - Evander in the bed Grandma got him and Tyson with his teddy bear (MY Big White Bear that I've had since I was 10 years old - his name is Big White - I know, creative):

And, that's it for this evening... I'm gonna work on the new paintings some tonight and tomorrow - I'm really hoping to get them listed on Ebay tomorrow - Thursday at the latest... I'll post pics on here, too, though...

Happy Tuesday! (Dustin's FRIDAY!!!)

So... If you've been reading this blog for a significant amount of time, you know how excited I was about the 2009 Dallas Gospel Truth Seminar. And you may remember, I went the 1st night and ended up having to leave maybe 15 minutes into the actual meeting. I don't think I expressed on here how disappointed I was about that - it was right before my mom's surgery and Andrew was teaching on healing all weekend - and I ended up unable to go. Technically, I could have gone, but my focus was so on what was going on with an old, close friend - that had nothing to do with healing - that I would not have really been there mentally. . . Anyway, starting today, the radio broadcasts - all of which are available for free download on the website - are from the Dallas GTS. Today's broadcast was the part of the meeting I was present for, but right after this couple was done talking, I got a text and had to leave... so I am SO excited to hear these teachings. . . it's very appropriate for my life right now - which is funny, the way God knows the timing of everything. I was sure, when I left the seminar this past November, that I would never hear it again and that I had missed being where God wanted me at that time... He always works it out, doesn't He...

http://www.awmi.net/radio/this_week

If you want to, listen along. If you have an iPhone, you can go and download the daily teaching's for free each day.

I hope it blesses you. I know it will me.

And I heard this quote from DL Moody, I think Steve Schell shared it on one of his recent teachings:

"Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure."

I like it. So true.

Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

And on that note, I am once again selling on Ebay... I had taken an indefinite hiatus for the last 8 months or so.... not sure it was the best way to spend my time and energy... but Ebay is a platform that allows my artwork to be seen by people that otherwise would know nothing about it... so, why not, right?!?!?  And when I do pray about the details of selling my artwork, Ebay is always 1 of the 1st things that pops into my head...

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Learning to listen to my heart, when I'm seeking the Lord, has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do...

Here are the pieces listed - follow the 'Active Ebay Auctions' link above to get more information about size, price...etc:

And this is my personal favorite:

I love the colors! I'm working on more - it turns out our TV being broken is a HUGE blessing - I have not been this focuses in a long long time!

Oh, and I picked up - after almost running over - an injured bird last night on my way home from taking back late movies to Blockbuster - we should be part owner in that company by now with all the late fees we have paid... It's a pretty bird, not sure what kind - I'll be taking it to this bird sanctuary in Plano, hopefully tomorrow... if not, then Monday for sure:

Hope you're having a wonderful Saturday!!!

Romans 8:11: And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Our tv broke yesterday.  You don't realize just how much time you spend sitting in front of the idiot box, getting dumber, until you don't have it to do anymore... I keep telling myself that any time you stop a bad habit, there is a period of withdrawal... but I know if we can just get through the initial shock of not having cable tv, then we can cancel Dish Network - something I've been praying about for MONTHS now - and just get a $15/month subscription to Netflix and order the occasional movie.  So, I think it's a blessing in disguise - I'm getting a lot more painting done... although I would like to know what went on on Project Runway last night... I'll live though.

Some pictures of my wonderful family:

...and Evander in the bed that Grandma got him:

That's it for me tonight - have a GREAT weekend!

(I think I have food in between my front teeth - Dustin made this wonderful Halibut concoction tonight - SO glad I have a husband that can cook... if you've ever suffered through a meal I made, then you know why...) 

I couldn't figure out how to put the badge on my links page, but I got a link of there anyway... the preview box next to it isn't very attractive, but at least it links to the art page on FB... Here's the badge anyway - wish I could get it to come up properly in the links area.... oh well... better than nothing...

The Humble Artist

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Isaiah 40:31: They that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

And this is for ME!

...

I created a Fan Page on Facebook...but I can't figure out how to create a link to it.... this is all I could come up with and I'm not sure it's going to actually link you to the page - if you search 'The Humble Artist' in pages, it will come up.

Happy the day before FRIDAY!!!

Working on 3 paintings right now... actually, I guess I'm pretty much done with them-ish... Still need to figure out how my new camera works and might need to look into getting some natural light lamps... the colors are not coming out at their truest shades in these pics... and I loathe reading instruction manuals... so I'm not looking forward to that... Have a look, see what you think...

I really like the colors in this one - not crazy about the way the text area came out, but I think it's coming across more blocky than it will when I take the actual photo I'll be ordering prints from:

This one was more for fun - experimenting with printing the text from the computer and glueing the paper down and then painting over it... I like the way it turned out... printing the text is my least favorite part of any of my paintings b/c people just don't have perfect handwriting and I never like the way it turns out when I do it free hand:

And this was another just for fun - trying different things - like the tree and the bird stamps... I like the way it turned out - Dustin says it's too much color for him... I ignore him.

So.... back to the drawing board (so to speak)

Numbers 6:24-26: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Happy Hump Day!

Proverbs 10:12: Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 15:12: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:13: Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Colossians 3:14: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1 John 3:16: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

1 John 3:23: And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:7-8: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Love, Love, Love, Love, Love... see a theme here??? After reading these, I am willing to consider that Valentine's Day is not just a consumer holiday made up by the greedy powers that be over at Hallmark, the company that makes heart shaped boxes and Russell Stover!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Corinthians 1:20: For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.

Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Texas got record snow fall - I want to say the weather man said that we have never EVER received as much snow as we did 2 days ago... the dogs were in heaven... the backyard looks like a motocross track now that it's melting - LOTS of mud - but it was fun while it lasted!

Some pictures from the road yesterday, AFTER they thawed out (b/c Texans have a hard time driving like sane individuals in heavy rains...so I stay INdoors when there is actual ice on the roads):

Can you tell there are LOTS of kids in our subdivision?

Our house...

And the mice... another 1 had babies...so I had to seperate her into her own little tank... and I think the original mommy of the 16 in there now is pregnant again... I'm trying to hold out until Spring and then I plan to let them all go...

This is the new mommy... after I uploaded the pictures, I realized that me sticking a camera, with the flash ON, in her face was probably terrifying... so these will be the only up close and personal pics I take of her... There are 5 babies... 1 did not make it ...

That's all I've got... working on 2 paintings today... I think (KNOW) Dustin has a stomach bug - got sick on his way home from work this morning - so please pray for him... HAPPY SATURDAY!!!

Hebrews 12:2: 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.

As if I didn't already post enough pictures of my dogs... I have now figured out how to (or Dustin figured out how to, I should say) upload VIDEOS!!! I know, I know, you're all as excited as I am, right!?!?!? So... without further ado....

... YouTube is being stupid... I'll get Dustin to post the actual video on here when he gets home from the skatepark... until then, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqDBpiZiKPc

HAPPY The Day Before FRIDAY!!!