Bouffant Blonde Art: cross

Showing posts with label cross. Show all posts

The Cross

I'm not sure when I first started wearing a cross everyday. I've done it for so very many years that it's almost a habit. It's just part of who I am.

I suppose some would say it's a statement. I wear a cross so that others will know that I belong to Jesus Christ. I want others to realize what He did for me and for them, if they'll accept His gift.

The truth isn't so selfless. I wear a cross to remind me that He is with me always. I know. I really don't need the reminder. I know He's there, whether I feel His Presence or not. But on tough days I reach frequently to finger the small, silver cross I usually wear. It quells the panic, stems the unease, reminds me that there is nothing that will happen that He can't and won't handle for me.

The Cross is a constant reminder that I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me enough to die for me. There is a peace and comfort in that no matter what the day might bring.

Be Kind

We get so caught up sometimes in what we don't have. We lament all that is wrong with our nation and our world. We become so focused on the ugliness paraded before us that we miss the beauty of God's creation.

I have given up trying to predict my days. Life has a way of spiraling out of control at a moment's notice. But no matter what I face, God is with me. He knows what to do. He provides me with wisdom and help and all that I need.

I don't have to ride the roller coaster of life in this fallen world. I can start where I am, living for Him each day. I can be kind. I can lend a helping hand. I can refuse to judge, trusting that to God. I can love people where they are and pray that they will love me as I am.

When you need guidance, ask God. When you're tempted to act out in anger or bitterness, pray through it instead. And when you don't know what to do, be kind to yourself and to others. Love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) Wise words to remember in these trying times.

Love Passionately

I wonder what would happen if Christians loved as passionately as they hate? I wonder what would happen if Christians extended mercy and grace as quickly as they extend judgement?

We're quick to think we know all the answers. We're quick to tell others what they're doing wrong. We're quick to wag our pointed fingers down at others.

Jesus told us to love people. He didn't say to wait until they're "good enough" or doing our will. He just said to love them. Why do we find that so very hard to do?

Ordinary Days

Sometimes an ordinary day can take a turn that changes your life forever. We know that. We do. It's just that we always expect it to happen to someone else.

Yesterday was an anniversary of sorts. June 11, 2016 began as an ordinary day. My Dad was weak. He had a little trouble standing. He refused to go to the Emergency Room.

We thought he was dehydrated. It was so hot while he worked outside the day before. I consulted a friend, an RN, and she urged him to go to the ER to get checked out. He finally agreed.

Well, he was dehydrated. But as part of the "stroke protocol" at the hospital, they also ran other tests. The doctor found a significant brain bleed. At the time, we had no idea how our lives would change. We didn't understand that in less than two months, he would be gone.

It was just another ordinary day.

Just Believe

I've always been the sort of person who wanted a plan before I started the journey. I wanted to know every twist and turn early enough to prepare myself for what was to come.

It hasn't worked out so good. I've found that God will always disrupt our plans and send us on a different path when we least expect it.

I realized recently that not everyone knows I am no longer in a retail space. After much prayer, I decided to pull back from that avenue during this season of my life.

I still paint. I will occasionally do custom orders. But mostly I am recharging myself and my creativity. I am writing again. (Did anyone even know that writing was always my first love?)

And I am tending cows and land, feeding geese and ducks and birds. I am trusting that God will show me the right steps as they come.

Sometimes in life you just have to take a deep breath and step out in faith. Jesus tells us to just believe. So I am.

John 3:16

This large cross provides a reminder of what truly matters. Jesus died on a cross so that those who believe will live.

Life sometimes gets really complicated. Plans change. Life batters us around. We get so very busy with work and fun and responsibilities and blessings. It's easy to get overwhelmed by it all.

When that happens, just look to the cross. Refocus on what's important. Jesus. Everything else is a breeze when our eyes remain on Him.

The Cross

It still hangs on the wall in my bedroom. The "painting" is of Jesus, a reminder that He watches over me at all times. I don't ever remember that framed print not being on the wall. It's not necessary, of course. Jesus isn't in a picture. He's a living Savior who is always with me.

This sweet, hand-painted cross is perfect to grace the wall of a little girl's room. It's a reminder that Jesus is present, that He came to save us all, and that He loves children and welcomes them into His arms.