Wednesday, August 27, 2014

WOYWW: What ME, a Role Model??

I got back from a trip to 
Oslob and Cebu City,
and here is what my desk looks like-
On the right is a box of art materials which
I brought along. It's got my paints, brushes,
everything I need to paint in the morning.
All except my colored pencils,
which I forgot to pack!

I painted every morning,
and if you'd like to see what I came up with
beside the bathroom sink (!!)
you can visit my Instagram posts.
 
 "We wanted to present ourselves
as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us."
2 Thess. 3:9

It's scary to be a role model,
but the truth is we are ALL models to others
whether we like it or not.
It is said that the Christian's life
is the world's bible,
and we have to be careful about what we do
and what we say.

I recently saw a glaring example of this.
A really cute little boy was imitating
what his grandfather usually did.
He put up his hand as if to drink.
This is what he sees often, his grandfather
imbibing alcohol with friends.
My guess is he sees this as fun
and can't wait to do it himself!

Gandhi once said:
"If Christians would really live
 according to the teachings of Christ, 
as found in the Bible, 
all of India would be Christian today."

 We can either be the influenced 
or the influencer.
We should look for good role models to 
pattern our life upon.
And we should in turn be good role models
to influence others for the better.

My husband Luigi remembers
that he was quite impressed with his classmate
who did not copy during tests.
Peter became a fast friend
and Luigi followed him into the 
Christian covenant community
we belong to today.

How wonderful to be like Saint Paul
and be brave enough to say,
"Imitate me!" as we imitate Christ!

"Cleanse first the inside of the cup..." Matthew 23:26
Catholics have bible readings for each day. 
I appreciate this because you can't pick and choose 
your favorite readings to pray about and meditate on. 
Today's particularly unpleasant reading 
is when Jesus accused the Pharisees for being hypocrites.
 The word hypocrisy comes from a Greek word 
meaning play acting or dissembling. 
If one was called a hypocrite it meant 
you had a counterfeit persona!
The Pharisees studied their scriptures 
and followed the law scrupulously. 
 The word Pharisee comes from 
Hebrew meaning "separate". 
They wanted to be a people set apart for God, holy.
Many of us can be like them 
and not even know it! 
I can never forget when a supplier said to me, 
"You weren't a Christian then, were you?" 
Yikes! I WAS a Christian, a follower of Jesus, 
but I obviously didn't act like one! 
I was probably mean to him, 
bad tempered, too busy to be kind!
It's good to examine ourselves now and then 
and see ourselves through Jesus' eyes. 
 Evaluate how we are growing in love, 
generosity, patience, forgiveness, etc. 
And then knowing we fall short of perfection, 
go to Jesus to be washed in His blood. 
Jesus ALWAYS welcomes us 
like a prodigal son or daughter!
 



Blessings!
Patsy
 


16 comments:

  1. Looks like you took a compact amount of supplies! helen 4

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  2. Is that a miniature fan on your desk or a large one? You must go through a lot of coloured pencils
    Bridget #6

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  3. ah wonderful images and great thoughts too Patsy.

    .." we are all living epistles seen and read of all men.." as Paul said to the Corinthians. every blessing dear friend, Shaz in Oz.x #10

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  4. Fantastic art word and wonderful words to take to heart.
    Thanks for sharing
    Krisha #19

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  5. That's a good challenge to start the day with and your paintings are beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing
    Chris #18

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  6. What a wonderful collection you have
    on your desk, and wow, you are
    painting beside the sink in
    bathroom? thihi
    Superb
    Kind regards
    Mariane
    http://cordes.re/blg/wind/?p=1505

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  7. Beautiful art work. Such a talent!
    Glenda #45

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  8. Indeed, there are many other sayings that ring from 'cleanse first the cup'...what a great reflection today! I know it makes sense for travelling, but I am quite taken aback by your skill at doing your journalling and painting in such tiny books!

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  9. Thank you for sharing such wonderful words of wisdom! Happy WOYWW!
    Carol N #51

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  10. Even more gorgeous art work Patsy.
    Have a great week and happy crafting, Angela x 34

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  11. What great work! I love your set up. Inspiring words today Patsy :)
    xo Tam Hess #61
    Happy WOYWW!

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  12. A lovely, and thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a good week. Elizabeth x #46

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  13. Love your post today. Your artwork is always stunning and your posts always impact me throughout the day.

    Have a wonderful week.

    Hugs. Robin #72

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  14. Awesome thought provoking post! My folks used to tell me you have to walk the walk if you want anyone to believe the talk! It isn't easy to be a role model but well worth the effort. I love all the atc's an artwork. Have a great week. Vickie @75

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  15. Fabulous, Patsy! Yes, we really are role models even though we are sinful. I remember that saying, "you may be the best Christian someone knows". So, we never know who is watching us and how we will impact them by our actions. We are representing the Lord Jesus Christ in everything we do. Thanks for reminding us all that we need to always remember that. You are SUCH a blessing to me.
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

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  16. Patsy, the post and art are both heartwarming and an encouragement to the heart. This art is delightful. Thank you for dropping by. Sunny smiles from Carole at Word Art Wednesday.

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