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This is what I was working on last night.
Am in quite a rush to finish several paintings,
as I will join Art in the Park again this year.
On the left of my painting is a box of
pastel pencils, a gift from my brother Robert.
I cleared up my table to make way
for my daily painting.
Today is Ash Wednesday, and it is a day
for fasting and abstinence
not only for Catholics like me,
but also for Lutherans, Methodists,
Presbyterians and Anglicans.
I have this ash cross on my forehead
to show our true nature as sinners,
but "claimed by Christ's self-offering
as His own!"
"Lord, open my eyes to Your presence
here in the desert.
Help me to overcome the sin that
separates me from you
so that I can rejoice with You on Easter Sunday."
from The Word Among Us
The 40 days of Lent may be likened to a desert.
Fasting, prayer and abstinence mark this season
in the Liturgical calendar.
How about adding fasting from complaining,
anger, judgmental thinking, gossip,
and put in its place gratefulness, thanksgiving, bible reading,
intercession, visiting the sick and elderly,
giving time to the people
who need our encouragement and company?
I think any of these can make the
desert of Lent bloom and
be filled with the fragrance of God's delight!
How about adding fasting from complaining,
anger, judgmental thinking, gossip,
and put in its place gratefulness, thanksgiving, bible reading,
intercession, visiting the sick and elderly,
giving time to the people
who need our encouragement and company?
I think any of these can make the
desert of Lent bloom and
be filled with the fragrance of God's delight!
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"As He who has called you is holy,
be holy yourselves in every aspect of
your conduct,
for it is written, be HOLY as I am HOLY."
1 Peter
1:15-16.
God wants us to be holy.
Set apart. Distinct. A cut above.
And
God knows exactly what we are capable of.
NEWSFLASH: That means it is
possible to be holy!
Just like He is!
I think we need to take it step by
step.
My mom's favorite saying is:
Yard by yard, life is hard.
Inch by
inch, it's a cinch.
Yard by hard, becoming holy is hard.
But inch by
inch?
First step is to DESIRE to be holy.
Usually we hunger and thirst
for the things of this world.
NOT holiness! NOT becoming a saint!
Today is Ash Wednesday.
Just the right time to decide what small step
we can take to move in the right direction-
HOLINESS!
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I made Mrs. Whatsit over the weekend
out of a plastic milk bottle,
an old sweater, newspapers and scrap cloth.
Found out how in our papemelroti blog.
Joining the lovely Julia Dunnit for a
peek at desks and projects!
I find a lot of inspiration
visiting my friends here:
Blessings!
Patsy
ReplyDeleteGorgeous... I am without words... Truly inspiring. I am sure you will do well at art in the park....
:)
xx Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
I know several WOYWWers who are celebrating lent, and I remember my friend Joseph, who wore the ashes cross the entire day. Your art is truly inspiring this week. Lovely, as usual, but even more meaningful today. Happy WOYWW from #1.
ReplyDeleteGreat art, hope your art in the park goes well. Thanks for the inspiration and a timely reminder on the reason for lent. Kim 47#
ReplyDeleteI trust the season of Lent will be a very precious time for you, Patsy. May you find Father God as you seek Him with your heart. He promises, and LOVES to spend time with us, as we seek Him. Our church is currently studying the Tabernacle. Last Sunday we were reminded of the Table of Shewbread - the table of the Presence - God's presence. God, making the first move; God stating He wants to fellowship with US! WOW!!! What a God we worship - one who, in His Holiness, desires to spend time with us, sinners.
ReplyDeleteHave a precious week, Patsy.
Margaret #13
"Lord, open my eyes to your presence..." should be our heart's cry during Lent and every day. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday, friend!
ReplyDeleteMay you have a Blessed Lent and continued healing from the loss of your dear mother.
ReplyDeleteMiss Whatsit is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday,
Karin x
Catching up a after a few weeks - love your thoughts on Lent.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed the passing of your Mother, I have been dealing with a loss in our family so I share in your pain/joy that she is in white robes and praising God.
xx
Bishopsmate #82
Your artwork is always beautiful and lovely. Today, it was the title of your post that captured the attention of my heart. I've been trying to take more time out and "stroll" with God this past week. It's so easy to get caught up in every day life and lose our focus on Him. Thank you. xo
ReplyDeleteHi Patsy!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're doing well. I've been praying for God's healing and peace in your heart as He continues to comfort you in your loss. I thank you for sharing your art in our challenge, and hope you are having a blessed week.
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Lovely art and encouaging thoughts. Thank you for sharing both.
ReplyDeleteHi Patsy,
ReplyDeleteLike you Taylor ( granddaughter) and I decided to fast from different form of indulgence, like too much TV, not visiting shut-ins, too much relaxing and the list goes on. We will read the Scriptures longer and get through at least one book a week. Your art has such an appeal. Thank you for sharing this wonderful art with us at Word Art Wednesday today. Blessings, Carole DT
a beautiful and inspiring display of art and faith. Thank you for sharing your sweet blog at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop ♥
ReplyDeleteHoliness is what we are called to be every day of the year. As I strive to be holy, I often fail. Thank God for his grace. He allows us to repent, picks us up and always gives us another chance. God bless you and your family Patsy.
ReplyDeleteI think fasting from complaining & gossip would make the world a whole lot better -- especially when substituting gratitude for my blessings and committing random acts of kindness.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful works of art, Patsy. I hear of many people adding rather than subtracting or maybe both during Lent this year.
ReplyDelete