All We Need

Self-sufficiency is an illusion. Whether you earn lots of money, or live in poverty, this still holds true. "The creature's illusion of self-sufficiency must, for the creature's sake, be shattered; and by trouble or fear of trouble on earth, by crude fear of the eternal flames, God shatters it 'unmindful of His glory's diminution''' [ie. when we then come to Him as a last resort]*. In all our work we are at best like the physicians who cannot heal, only make the conditions optimal for healing; or farmers who cannot make things grow, only sow seeds into fertile soil and make conditions optimal for growth to happen. In all things there is an element of provision needed for which we are dependant on our Creator. Job 8:5-7 (NIV) says:
⁵ But if you will seek God earnestly
   and plead with the Almighty,
⁶ if you are pure and upright,

   even now he will rouse himself on your behalf
   and restore you to your prosperous state.
⁷ Your beginnings will seem humble,
   so prosperous will your future be.

* "The Problem of Pain" in The Complete CS Lewis Signature Classics, pg. 607

Steps In A New Direction

For a few years, we (my spouse and I) had in mind to open a franchise at a certain location. He came up with the idea and did some research about the cost, but since we did not have the money to invest the idea was put on hold. We waited, and to our surprise we recently discovered that someone else opened that exact franchise in that exact location! We were certainly disappointed it wasn't ours, although it did affirm that the idea had merit. As I debated the comfort phrase "everything happens for a reason" against the pragmatic "this was a lost opportunity", the debate was settled as I recalled Proverb 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

Colors in The Shadows

After watercolor added.

B/W sketch before.

Black and white things are enjoyable to sketch because of their high contrast. Then colour can be added for more impact. A friend taught me to look in the darks and shadows of objects for colour, and then use it to build up the dark areas instead of black. Magpies lend themselves to this because close examination of their lovely black wings reveals many reflected colours.


Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.   

"Most Christians Are ..."

Christian stereotypes are not very flattering. Like most stereotypes, they are fixed and oversimplified - I wouldn't want to be like 'them' either, (although I might actually fit some of the stereotypes!) The view of Christians as 'hypocrites' also seems to reflect a belief that Christians should live up to the morals that all people inherently understand. I seldom hear other religions held to this standard, Christianity seems to be the one people believe should result in moral behaviour. I agree, although I think the comparisons to make are how an individual was before, compared to how they have changed - and they themselves are the only people qualified to judge this. (Some begin their journey further down the moral ladder than others!)* But be assured, becoming a Christian won't make you change into someone you would dislike.


* Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21 NIV)

If At First You Don't Succeed...

Everything was in place for a new venture, and I was ready to begin, but nothing happened.  I lost confidence, thinking maybe it was a message that I should give up and try something else. How long should I keep trying? It's embarrassing to share an intention with people, only to have it land on the discard pile. And why does so much trial and error end up as "error"? But the message I feel in my heart, and hear in the voices of my trusted friends is not to give up but to "wait", with the comforting words that "help may already be on the way".*


* "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)

Opportunity Knocking

People have many longings, and try various ways to fulfill them. Some fear that that being a Christian might mean the desires of their heart will be ignored or removed. And yet, Christianity could be an opportunity to become exactly the person you were meant to be, desires and all. They are there for a reason, even if we struggle in our efforts to fulfill them. Here is a promise, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."(Psalm 37:4)

Not A Set Of Rules

One stereotype about Christianity seems to be that it involves rules, as though it were a dictatorship of sorts to which one must - or will unwittingly - conform. The imposition of such rules is called legalism, and is distasteful when any religion promotes it. Truth and rules are two different things. A truth will be true, whether one believes it to be or not, whereas a rule is typically a manmade regulation*. Religions and philosophies often believe they have identified truths, which they willingly seek to live by to improve their lives.


^*20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. ²³Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:20-23)

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep...

God is holy, and deserves our respect and reverence. However, sometimes fear and awe of God - or shame about our behaviour - prevents us from discussing all our concerns with Him. Reciting rote prayers at bedtime and before meals, only discussing emergencies or gratitude - these might reflect a prayer life that could be deepened by sharing more everyday concerns, and also the things that trouble you about life and your own behaviour.  God will not be shocked by any of this because "no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind" (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV), and He is willing to help with everything.

An Ordinary Life Is Not That Common

An ordinary life sounds boring by today's standards. Comparisons to others can lead us to believe our lives are rather small. But what should we aspire to? Ecclesiastes 3 (NIV) says: "¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God." Sounds pretty ordinary, but for those who live with depression, anger, food issues, water shortages, unemployment or unsatisfying work - it would be a nice gift to receive. An ordinary life is not that common, perhaps because it is received as a gift rather than an entitlement.