Friday, December 27, 2013

Paint Party Friday: Who Kidnapped Jesus?


 Paint Party Friday finds me with a pile of
backgrounds!
I had just about ran out!

This morning I read a story from the Bible
more associated with Easter.
John 20:2-8 is about how Mary Magdalene
went to the tomb on Easter morning
and saw that the stone had been rolled away.
"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don't know where they put Him!",
she frantically told Peter.

Who kidnapped Jesus?
Haven't we all, at one time or another?
I know I have.
When we make CHRISTmas not about Jesus,
but more about us,
we are the same as those in Jesus' time,
who wanted to draft Jesus,
make Him King,
but for THEIR OWN PURPOSES!

Just like Ethan who wrote this Christmas wish list,
I wish people would remember
the real meaning of Christmas!
I wish I would remember too!
All my life, my Christmases have been hectic-
I prepare for Christmas sales for our stores
starting in June or July.
No, make that January, when I prepare
our product and printing schedule.

 Lord, may I remember that Christmas
is about YOU, the WORD made flesh,
the Emmanuel, God with us.
Thank you for coming that we might live
forever with You, in Your Kingdom!

 St. Stephen, whose Feast Day we 
celebrated yesterday, 
was the first martyr of the Church.
He was stoned to death because 
he infuriated those who could not stand 
what he was saying. 
We may not be martyred today
because of what we say or do, 
but do our words and actions 
show that we are followers of Jesus?

Do we have the faith and courage to be
like Stephen, not to use Jesus
for our own purposes,
but allow ourselves to be used by the King?

Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!

This week,
Random.org chose
of Wholehearted Home.
Visit Judith for some 
heartfelt wisdom and ideas.



Linking with

Sometimes I put on my best pajamas and
join these wonderful blog parties!!!
So many WONDERFUL blogfriends to discover!

Thank you for dropping by!
You are appreciated!
Patsy
 


9 comments:

  1. I love the backgrounds and Mary is so beautiful. Great analogy (St. Stephen and how we are today). Thank you so much for visiting and your comment. YAY, Bald Eagles do have a fierce look. I like to watch the live cams. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  2. Ethan's letter is heartwarming. Your art says so much in it's beauty. Thank you for sharing this beautiful art with us at Word Art Wednesday.
    God Bless you as we prepare for 2014,
    Carole Robb Bisson
    Cheryl, my son's finance's mother is from the Philippine's and she loves the ATC and your envelope.

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  3. Thank you for your beautiful and timely post, Patsy.

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  4. Love all those backgrounds! And Ethan's list is beautiful--

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  5. merry christmas and a happy new year, what lovely paintings, so very painterly like and vibrant. i especially love mary and baby jesus! great works.

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  6. Love the soft colors on this gem! What a wonderful project! Thank you so much for blessing my heart and our challenge at Word Art Wednesday! Happy New Year!

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  7. So inspiring, as always!

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  8. A lovely post + beautiful paintings. A belated happy new years!

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  9. Are you the artist of these beautiful paintings?

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I am so glad you dropped by! You are a blessing!
:^) Patsy