WOYWW: In My HeART

 Here is my desk after painting on canvases last night

in preparation for Art in the Park in March.

 I transformed Chef Rocco di Spirito

into a farmer. He's got a new career!!!

 "A farmer went out to plant some seed...Other seed fell on fertile soil and produced a crop that was 30, 60 and even a hundred times as much as was planted." Mark 4: 3-8

The seed here is the Word of God, and the soil is our hearts. There are different kinds of hearts. In 2006, I was very frustrated that even if I prayed early in the morning, and thought about what I read in the Bible, by 10 in the morning, I could not remember even the verse I read! My heart was like the footpath, where the birds just picked up the seeds and ate it!

Although the Word is spread far and wide- we can listen to it on TV, on Youtube, in prayer meetings, we can read it in on billboards, on websites, there is much more seed the enemy is planting! I think we have to think of more "creative" ways to plant the seed in our heart, to help it germinate and grow. We cannot allow the enemy to stifle it with all the work we need to do, to choke it with the lures of materialism, to drown it with the so many forms of entertainment, and our desire for a life of ease and comfort.

That is why in 2006, I decided to illustrate the Bible verse I read in the morning. I would just cut up pictures in magazines and glue it on to my prayer journal. It's helped immensely to embed God's Word in my heart. I can say it's not only helped me grow spiritually, and given me joy, but I also discovered I could paint! Truly, what God has planted in my heart produced so much more than I could ever had imagined!

I also started my blog in 2006!

 I joined this lovely group on Facebook

called Journaling Bible Community.

Most of us paint in this group on our Bibles.

Some of you may disagree with doing that,

but I try hard not to get too much paint so I can still read the Word.

Also, this is not my main Bible.

My main Bible is soooo full of notations,

from past studies -

 another way I try to place the Word in my heart,

and help it permeate my life!

 "I take joy in doing Your will my God, for Your law is written in My heart." Psalm 40:8

Obeying God is a true sign that we love God, that we are part of His family, brother, sister, mother (Mark 3:35) and His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5) Jesus obeyed the Father and gave all He could give, even His very life.

In the 10th chapter of Mark, there is the story of the very rich young man who asked Jesus, "What must I do to go to inherit eternal life?" When Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, the man left grieving, without joy. There is joy in obedience, and if we do not obey there is something that will hound you!

By contrast there is the story of Saint Matthew, the tax collector, who followed Jesus without hesitation. Before he met Jesus, he was greedy, hungry for money. When he obeyed and answered the call of Jesus, he was set free from that bondage. Saint Bede wrote that Jesus summoned Matthew away from earthy possessions to the incorruptible treasures of heaven. When we obey God, there is always joy and blessing in heeding His voice!

Previous Posts

For my growing collection of prompts, 

inspirations, creative pursuits,

courageous artists and their art, join me here!

or on Facebook and Instagram

Joining the lovely Julia Dunnit for a 

peek at desks and projects!

 

I find a lot of inspiration

visiting my friends here:

Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday,  Titus 2 Tuesdays, 
Count Your Blessings, Word Art Wednesday, 

Whatever You Want Wednesday,Winsome Wednesdays, Share the Joy, 

What's It Wednesdays, Unite, WholeHearted Home,

 Rubie Tuesday Link Up, Be Inspired

 A Little R and R,  No Rules Weekend Blog Party

What We Accomplished, Wow Us Wednesdays
The Weekly Creative, Three Word Wednesday
Great Blog Train Bloghop, Cheerleaders of Faith

Thoughtful Thursday,  Hearts4Home Thursdays, Thought Provoking Thursday

Thriving Thursdays with Serving Joyfully

Thursday Favorites, Desire to Inspire Legacy Leaver Thursday

Creative Things, Bloom! Soul Survival, Inspiration Gallery
Family Fun Friday, Hearts for Home Thursday

Blessings!

Patsy