Forget Not
Oil Painting | 5×7 | 2020
Have you ever received a lovely gift of flowers from someone? Or perhaps it was a special meal, a book or a service of some kind?
Sometimes, God’s hand in our lives can be disguised behind life’s daily blessings.
God’s benefits are everywhere. One of the ways that can be thought-provoking with this, is the reminder that absolutely nothing good in our lives–homes, clothing, food, a job, reminders of His grace–ALL of this would not be ours if it wasn’t for God’s blessing. How many benefits are truly ours!!
May these roses remind us to look for the blessings God has given–and intentionally remind ourselves to be grateful for each and every way that God has and is blessing us!
In the Presence
Oil Painting | Original size: 5×7 | 2020
Enemies may conjure up unpleasant ideas or memories. They also may reflect circumstances or challenges that you face. Things that fight against and threaten any idea of rest and peace.
And yet as we stand in reality or metaphorically, in the very presence of our enemies …God is there.
And who He is offers us rest in the very presence of that which is against us. We can find peace and hope in the shelter of His faithfulness.
In this painting we see a blue plate next to several flowers. The blue plate can remind us to trust God to care for us in the midst of danger, in the midst of challenges, in the midst of fears. And the white flowers can remind us that as we choose to focus on who He is in our circumstances and trust and obey Him in spite of any fear or challenge, we will bear a fragrance from Christ that can pass on hope to others.
In Returning and Rest
Oil Painting | 5×7 | 2020
In today’s fast-paced areas of the world taking time to intentionally rest can carry with it a stigma of laziness.
And yet, God calls us to be still. To know that He is God. Biblical rest is something we’re called to do, a place of beautiful obedience.
As loudly as the day’s tasks might call, when we take the time to be still and renew our hearts and minds in His presence–we will be blessed. Even if it is brief, the acknowledgement that we are not God, that we are not idols-to-ourselves or bowing at the feet of worldly concepts of diligence, that we need the stillness of heart only He can give, will water our souls and make room for the beauty that comes from rest.
Our souls will bloom like a beautiful rose as we intentionally rest in the stillness of His presence, listen to His voice and obey His Word.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
