Wednesday, November 18, 2015

WOYWW: Flowers of God's Hope

 This is what I have been doing recently.

While watching all the horrific news on CNN, I have been painting flowers. 
Perhaps to remind myself that out of the filthiest and smelliest garbage, 
God can make a beautiful garden. 

 "O Lord, how many are my adversaries! How many rise up against me!" Psalm 3:1
I am thinking that we are watching the end of the world as we know it. We have enemies who want to destroy our way of life, our friendships, our businesses, our peace, our every day joys. They are threatening to invade our cities and our lives. I imagine that they are gleefully watching TV and seeing how their actions fill our screens front, center and sideways. We cannot hide from them our horror, our anxiety, our confusion.

 How do we combat the enemy without? By strengthening ourselves and our brothers and sisters from within. By prayer, prayer, prayer. By spreading the light which pushes back darkness. By doing good and being kind. By being generous, helpful, loving. By brightening our corner of the world. In every place there is the muck of evil, flowers of God's hope and faith grow in hearts that live in the light.

 "Why did you doubt Me?" Matthew 14:13
In today's Gospel reading, the disciples "were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had arisen, and they were fighting heavy waves". Where was Jesus? He was praying up in the hills. At about 3 am, Jesus appeared, walking on the water towards them. When the disciples caught sight of him, they screamed in terror, apparently thinking He was a ghost. Can you imagine these strong, tough men, screaming? Apparently they were more afraid of ghosts than strong winds.
Jesus then spoke to them, and they calmed down. "It's all right. Get a hold of yourselves. I am here. Do not be afraid." Then Peter spoke up and said, "Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to you across the water." "Come!" Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat, and began to walk on water. At first it is awesome, but when Peter looked around at the darkness, and the heavy winds, he got frightened and began to sink. "SAVE ME!" he shouted. Jesus put out His hand and caught him. "Why did you falter? Why did you doubt Me?"
Sometimes we are called to get out of our comfort zone, to do something that would require God's intervention. During those times, we get to face the darkness of our fears, and the strong winds of our insecurities. But those are the times we also discover the power of God, and what he can do in our life. We just need to never lose sight of Jesus!



Joining the lovely Julia Dunnit for a 
peek at desks and projects!

I find a lot of inspiration
visiting my friends here:

Blessings!
Patsy

9 comments:

  1. Yes sometimes we are indeed called to get out of our comfort zones. I'm blessed to be your neighbor at the RaRa Linkup today.

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  2. "We just need to never lose sight of Jesus" So true!

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  3. I love your artwork Patsy!

    Greetings, Sofie #17
    http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be

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  4. Wonderful artwork to go with your scriptures. It is so awful that all this terrorism is happening.

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  5. So encouraging, Patsy. His words, and your beautiful art brings light in the face of such darkness. Blessings.

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  6. Great artwork as always
    Hugs Nikki 5

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  7. Wonderful art work, so inspiring and your writing is always a blessing! Thank you !! Have a wonderful week!
    Ginny M #12

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  9. What wonderful drawings and post this week. Things are really getting more horrific each day. I also need to tell you to do your own research on events you see from the news. Don't believe everything that CNN reports. They are not very trustworthy as they push a very ungodly/leftist agenda. Their news are imbalance as they only air the side where the ungodly seem to thrive when in reality, they just don't air the news about people fighting for Truth and freedom. They are making sure they don't put them on the radar so as to brainwash/deceive people. Just for your info. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful project with us this week at Word Art Wednesday. Leaving you with the encouragement of God's Word in Psalm 27:1 which says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Hugs and blessings!

    JO ANN
    http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com

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