Wednesday, February 01, 2017

WOYWW: Discipline and Love


Well here is my desk this morning.
I've been busy doing several canvases
in different sizes
at the same time in preparation
for the annual Art in the Park. 


"Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines." Hebrews 12:6

I know that it pains us parents when we discipline our children. I forget what Josh did when he was young, but I remember that I could not bear it when Luigi punished him and I had to exit the room. 

I believe God loves us too much to leave us as we are. He disciplines us to train us, to make our paths straight. We should not disdain His discipline, it says in Hebrews 12:5. If we do not feel His chastising rod, perhaps He has given up on us? No, never! He will never give up on us! Faith is very important to God. He is training us to trust in Him at this very moment. 

I like the analogy of God as our trainer. Every athlete has to undergo some backbreaking preparation to get to the top of his or her game. My husband Luigi was a swimmer when he was young. He garnered many medals for his school. But what the audience watching him swim didn't see were the hours and hours of practicing in the wee hours of the morning when everybody was still asleep, when it was so cold, until he was so tired. But if we want breakthroughs, we need to go through strict training. 

Are we in a faith-stretching opportunity? Sometimes it can be too difficult to bear, like when my mom was sick with cancer and we had to go through every heartbreaking decision with her. But God was with us every step of the way, and He is with us in our pain and suffering. I may have left the room when Josh was being punished, but we can be sure God never leaves us alone in our darkest moments. 

In hard times, we thank You that You do not leave us alone. You said, "Be strong and courageous". We place our hope in You, O Lord, trusting that You are our trainer who puts us through our exercises so we can know You more, and make our faith grow. 



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

I find a lot of inspiration
visiting my friends here:

Blessings!
Patsy  

17 comments:

  1. Happy 400th WOYWW. Sarah #17

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  2. Discipline - is it derivative of disciple? It has aways been my belief that children copy - if we exercise self discipline, they too learn acceptable behaviours? Love your paint water pot on the desk... dxxx#20

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  3. Anonymous7:16 PM

    Happy 400th WOYWW. Great stack of canvases. Ali x #5 currently!

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  4. Happy WOYWDW
    lilian B #14

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  5. Hi Patsy on our 400th WOYWW. Such a beautiful promise made by our Father God that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us - His love for us is secure and unconditional. Fantastic! Yes, we still need to walk His ways, and be disciplined when necessary - but all to produce His bride!
    Take care. God bless.
    Margaret #3

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  6. Hi Patsy, looks like you've been busy and looking forward to the Art day. Have a great woyww and a happy crafty week, Angela x 23

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  7. what amazing art work and I like your analogy Tracy #31

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  8. Happy WOYWW400!
    Erika (26)

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  9. Love your inspirational post, thank you.
    Happy 400th and have a good week
    Christine #22

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  10. Oh it is all about growth Patsy, for sure. The light on your table has changed...it seems brighter today!

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  11. Happy 40th WOYWW Patsy. Your desk looks bright and beautiful this morning. I could maybe do to work on self-discipline and then perhaps I wouldn't get so distracted :) Have a great week. Hugs, Elizabeth x #28

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  12. happy 400th Helen #1

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  13. Happy desker #400 Wednesday! Sandy Leigh #50

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  14. Great drawing today! You are right, there is a LOT behind every successful person - it looks so easy on the outside, but we often don't know what it took for someone to achieve their goals. Brrr- I don't think I could do what Luigi did! Happy 400th! Thanks for sharing! Lindart #47

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  15. Love your drawing but most of the words which are such a blessing to ones heart, how rich we are in Gods love for us. "..Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith "... it is just before your verse today.
    Thanks for sharing your inspiration, happy WOYWW 400!
    Shaz in Oz.x #12

    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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  16. Patsy, so wonderful to see your faith so openly shared here, amidst your beautiful artwork.
    Bless you for sharing
    Chris #33

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  17. Happy 400th Patsy :) great paintings as always
    hugs Nikki 2

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