Forgive Everyone for Everything...

Finding Joy, Mercy...

Joy is the infallible sign of the Presence of GOD...

Today Sheryl reminds me that Mercy is always running to me, to us, all of us-
Romans 8: 38, 39

(photos - Scotch Broom in bloom - Mamaw's Peony - a cutting from plants at her home place over 100 years old. Planted six years ago...this is the first time this plant has bloomed. More to come as they develop.

Road Work Ahead...

The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6

The title is catchy...the sign just before tells me to slow down-
Although the story itself doesn't explain my situation, the title and scripture do.
I have been packaging and mailing my sampler patterns for several days now. I was in a hurry...not realizing that I had left out an important piece of information. Possibly the most important piece - The instructions. Excited, wanting to get them mailed off quickly, I failed to check my work. I let them down.
I am reminded that I, too, must follow instructions, listen to God speaking, so that I won't make a mistake. If I rush through life too quickly, I may miss an important piece of information.

(Author not noted)
As I drove toward El Paso, I fumed over the argument I'd had with my husband the night before. I was sure I was right, but he would never admit it. My frustration increased when I passed an orange caution sign that read: "Road Work Ahead." I was late, in a hurry, and irritated by the delay of having to drive slowly. As I moved at a snail's pace through the desert, I told God how angry I was about the night before. After a while, God gently whispered to me that like the road I was traveling on, my husband is "under construction" and that I need to be patient with him.

I thought again about the argument, but this time I saw it from my husband's perspective. I was horrified by the lack of love I saw in my own behavior. I was ashamed even to ask for forgiveness, but then I saw how patient and gentle God had been with me. I realized that I am also under construction, and I received God's forgiveness gratefully. Forgiving my husband was easier when I realized how much God has forgiven me.

God, open my eyes to see clearly your patience and forgiveness so that I can offer the same to others. Amen.

Producing Fruit...

It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13

I have my sampler patterns ready...click on the picture to the right to see-

By:
Jane Ebersole (Pennsylvania, USA)
While chatting with a friend, I mentioned that I had begun taking art classes and that I was not doing well because I am not naturally creative. My friend surprised me by saying, "Jane, the Creator lives within you! Of course you are creative."

That truth began to change my thinking. Scripture verses to support her assertion came to my mind, such as when Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit" (John 15:5, nrsv). Before long, I was creating - making inspirational cards by using watercolors, pens, and verse. As I worked, I prayed that those who received the cards would see in them the hand of our ever-present Creator who is at work in and through us.

The great Initiator of all good, creative works desires to dwell in us. God lovingly cultivates the soil of our lives to produce fruit through us - sometimes in ways we never dreamed possible.

Lord, help us to discover your creative powers within us. Use us and them only for your glory. Amen.