Summer Day

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Well, I failed on about day 2 of finding joy, but, my dear friend Jonathan got me back on track by telling me to speak back to the negative feelings I was having and remind myself who I was in Christ.  I then looked at the lies that Satan wanted me to believe, and I turned my thinking around.  Negative thinking corrupts the brain.  For me, it brings me down and my whole outlook on things are off.   I was headed for "funk" as we say in our house.  I needed to remember that God is positive to everything but sin, and if a thought brings about worry or fear, it is not from God.  "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7  The rest of the week went ok.  I'm not a joyful person yet, but I'm going to keep working on it.

Finding Joy

                                                                          12 x 12

Occasionally, God uses the most unexpected people to influence our lives.  Recently, a 23 year old Marine has impacted mine.  For some unexplainable reason, our lives have been touched by each other, each of us learning from the other.  One thing he is helping me with is to find Joy in my life, even when things are unpleasant and chaotic around me.

"Joy is an outward sign of inward faith in the promises of God." It is a way of acting, and a sign of spiritual maturity.  It is not a distant destination; rather, a path you choose to follow each day.  So many days I dwell on the negative, and it affects everyone around me.  I am seeing however I direct my mind to think, will ultimately be revealed for everyone to see.  I don't want to be seen as a negative person, but one filled with joy.  This is God's intention for all His children.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , Paul says "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  We have a responsibility to express this.  I have fallen so short of this responsibility.  So, I challenge you to walk with me down this path, and learn to live a joy filled life.

Thank you, my dear  friend Jonathan.

Pink Landscape

14 x 18
On Board

This is a Wolf Kahn study I did the other day.  Of course, mine looks nothing like his work, but I am so drawn to his colors.  This is one of my paintings for my show in May.  I've been working very hard to get ready for the three shows I have in the next several weeks, so please forgive me for not posting very often.  Besides, Crockett takes up most of my spare time.  He is my constant companion.  I love my puppy, but boy, is he a lot of work!!

My Signature

People often ask what the little "anchor" means below my signature on my paintings.  One person said that they thought it was nice that I put a "T" by my name for my husband Tommy.  Others recognize it as a cross, which it is.  The little tail represents that not only did Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of all mankind, but He rose again ascending into heaven.  He had to rise again in order for us to be cleaned of our sins.  

This is what Easter is all about.  Christ is the Son of God who became flesh being born of a virgin.  He lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again.  God showed His love for us that while we were sinners Christ died for us.  Salvation is a gift.  It is not by our works but simply by faith in Him.  

So now you know what my little sign means.  It is a reminder of the wonderful gift I have been given.

Happy Easter!