Visions & Verses

Renewing your Strength

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  -Isaiah 40:31

We recently attended my Uncle's 60th birthday party.  It was a wonderful affair, brimming with friends and family and love.  My uncle is very blessed.  He's had a stellar career, a truly exceptional family, enough income to support his family and still bless others, he is well liked by many and has dear old friends he's known for years, plus he's fit and healthy.  But the one thing he hasn't got is his youth.  Like all of us, his body is slowly wearing out.  And though our bodies won't last forever, our eternal spirits will.  When we become weary by life and it's aches and ailments, our strength can be renewed by our hope in the Lord.  This hope which is our eager expectation that one day we will be risen to new bodies which will never grow old or wear out.  Our hope which is the promise of God through Christ and his own resurrection.  I can't wait to see us all then!

Thanksgiving

"For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink"

One thing I'm thankful for this year, is that I am blessed enough to be able to help support some children in another part of the world.  As my family feasts on an over abundance of food today, I know there will be many all over the world who will go hungry.  And these seem to be the same places that have been so recently hit with violent weather which only makes matters worse.  If you have been blessed, check out World Vision or Compassion as a way to give to others who so desperately need our care.

Welcome Baby

Children are a gift from God; they are his reward.

-- Psalms 127:3, Living Bible

I just finished my latest drawing in honor of the newest member of my family, Ellie Carolyn.  I haven't met her personally, but I'm certain that she's a little angel just the same.

I recently got a plaque for my 'studio' which reads: God authors our lives with love and illustrates it with children.  That about sums up my feelings on the matter, and has been the impetus for my own writing and illustrating.

-Jen

Lord, 'bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and take them to heaven to live with thee there.'  Amen.

Beauty for Ashes

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

Isaiah 61:3

I have several friends right now who are going through some tough times, especially with serious health issues and illnesses.  Some are afflicted themselves, others have parents or children who are afflicted.  Some days I wonder, 'Lord, why does it have to happen to these good people -- believers and workers for Your Kingdom?'  Then I remember that sin is universal.  We are not spared the woes of the world.  What separates us though, is the faith and hope that we have during our difficulties and troubles.  My friends are towers of courage and strength in the face of their overwhelming circumstances.  I know their strength comes from the Lord.  If I notice that strength, others surely do, and I'm sure my friends will tell them the reason for their hope.

He will work all things together for good to those who love Him.  My certainty of this gives me hope where others have despair.  I pray that you might be certain of it too.

-Jen

Lord, bless those who are sick and hurting, and bless those who love and are caring for them.  Let your love flow down upon them and renew their strength and their faith in You.  Amen.

A Circle of Thankful Hearts

As Fall nips the air, and the leaves change color, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving.  I love getting together with the family, seeing how much the children have grown, and sharing a meal that is always comfortingly familiar.

Most of all, I enjoy hearing what everyone is thankful for.  At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God for all His blessings.  They had lived to celebrate a harvest, God had provided them with an English speaking native that taught them how to survive, and God helped them to establish a new country where they would be able to freely practice their religion.  He was good then, and is still good now.

As for me:

1. I am grateful that while I was yet an atheist, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the Truth of God.
2. I am grateful that God gave His only Son to die in order that I might be saved, forgiven and reconciled to God.
3. I am grateful that through a little pain and patience I learned to depend on God, and my hubby became a believer which has yielded the fruit of a wonderfully intimate and satisfying relationship with him and Him.
4. I am grateful for all the ways my prayers are answered over time, from saving members of the family, to finances, to protecting the children, and so much more.
5. I am grateful for my talent, such as it is.  I know that God is preparing me so that He can use it for His glory, eventhough I have no idea how that will happen right now.  Still, the peace and satisfaction I get from each pencil stroke is such a blessing that I hope everyone can find something in life that gives them that kind of satisfaction.

Have a truly blessed Thanksgiving enriched by a real attitude of gratitude.

To God be the Glory,

Jen