Writing and Art From A Life Redeemed by Jesus Christ

Words, words, and more words. We talk and talk and talk some more. Simply said...most of us talk too much and do not say enough. Communication is more than words, it is the fruit of our actions. Scripture tells us that our tongue is a small member that can start a fire. Think before you speak. Our words are seed. There will be a harvest. If you have planted...you will reap. The Lord impressed upon me the seriousness of our (my) words. Are you reaping what appears to be a foreign crop. Have you no idea from whence it came? Consider your seed...your words...your declaration...your idle chit chat. After a time of reflection many years ago, I found that I was reaping an unwanted harvest. I told the Lord that I did not know what to do. He told me if I did not like the harvest that my words and actions had planted, that I needed to " Weed and Reseed" my fields. The garden of our lives needs constant attention. Do not be idle. Plough the garden of your life with a tongue that...

A friend sent an excerpt from "A Dog's Purpose" to me a few days ago. I would love to credit the person who wrote it but they did not forward the authors name. Enjoy! Here is a list of things you could learn from a dog. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. EN...

I have found over the years that it is easy to lose one's way in unfamiliar surroundings. At times I have commented to others that I felt directionally challenged. Thus I own and use a GPS unit frequently. I have learned to ask for direction and landmarks, careful to write down any necessary information. In life, you may find yourself directionally challenged. I have a sure compass that gets me to my destination safely every time. In the natural I use the GPS and all available resources. In the spirit I have learned to follow the bread trail. Whenever someone is lost they will tell you to leave a noticeable trail of where you have been. Mark a trail . Studying and reading the Word of God gives us a trail or path to follow. If I seem to lose my way, I return to the last piece of bread (God's written word) that I dropped into my spirit. Life can be an obstacle course if you do not have a clear sense of direction. God's word will lead us in the right direction. I don't kno...

While walking, I saw this sign on the edge of a parking lot for another business that joined the church yard. I was waiting on an appointment and decided to walk for a bit. As I walked around the lot, I continued to think about the " NO Parking " sign that appeared to be in front of the church building and the three crosses. I am posting my picture of it to remind you of our commission. The building that believers gather in is a place to learn and worship the Lord as a group, it is not a place to park . There is work to be done. Even your sins are not to follow you. Don't park there . Leave them. See the three crosses in the picture? They are empty! Jesus did not park there. He did what He came to do and said "It is Finished." And He moved forward. His disciples did not park at Golgotha. They went to Jerusalem and waited, or temporarily parked until they received power from the Lord by being filled with His Holy Spirit. Pentecost. Acts 1:8 ...

Recently, I had the opportunity to pull weeds out of my garden and flower beds. The weather was balmy, but regardless of the beauty of the day, weeds are not welcome in my garden! It has been awhile since I weeded the beds and they needed attention. It amazed me as I gardened how even weeds can blend in and not seem so bad...thus my lack of attention to this area. The last time that I weeded the garden and flower beds I carefully pulled and pried gently until I thought I had removed every little bit of the rootlet. Weeds have a way of blowing in from other yards and through the air via birds, insects, etc.... As I felt the warm sun on my face and back, I pondered all the activity and growth of these unwanted visitors. It reminded me of myself and my walk with the Lord. My soul tends to get weeds in the garden of my heart and mind if I am not regularly tending to their care. Bad habits and sin have a way of leaving rootlets that without the regular watering and light of God's word t...