This is for the Birds!

Literally.  I never cared or thought about birds a whole lot before we got our cottage.  My automatic thought about bird watchers were they were nerdy people. With binoculars.  Well, just put up a bird feeder and watch how fast you turn into one of those nerds! Only I am a nerd with a camera! It is my most favorite part of my cottage. My big challenge is to find a new bird to photograph. I have a bunch of bird feeders. It's starting to look a little much. But those creatures! The perfect way the feathers lay, the colors that show up in the sunlight that you don't normally notice, the way their little "feet" clamp onto a branch. They are amazing.  And of course, they are an outstanding example of God's Artwork.  And don't even get me started on flowers, more of God's masterpieces!

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life......... "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?…  Matthew 25-26

The bible tells us not to worry many, many times. That God has our back if you have faith. Here's what I figure.  That faith makes me sane, peaceful, joyful and just plain happy not to have to worry.  Why wouldn't I take that gift?  If it's all a bunch of hooey, then I was all those things anyway!  But when I look at those beautiful birds and think how they soar through life, happy as a lark, if you will, I know it is not a bunch of hooey.  We have an awesome God.  

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I talked about this before but I need to hear myself again!  LOL

I am a very impatient person. That's why when I paint I use acrylics instead of oils, they dry right away, oils take forever. I am an instant gratification person, that's why my hips are full of potato chip fat!  No time to think about consequences, I want that potato chip (or a hundred of them) and I want them NOW!

The bible tells us all over the place to Wait, to Rest, to Trust.  But those of us who are impatient try to coax God to hurry it up!  My dream is to have a home in the country with an art studio (and a pole barn for my husband).  I will be 60 in August, and I am in total shock and disbelief about it all, but the fact is, I will be 60 in August. So in my mind I have, at the most, 20 years left to create. And I NEED MORE ROOM!  I remind God every day of this fact, sometimes not real nicely as I am smashed in a small area trying to do something and things are falling around me. OK, I am not real organized but I will be when I have this huge room all to myself and organization will happen naturally. Ha!

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Now I am very, very good at leaning on my OWN understanding.  I am a downright expert at figuring out how things should go and be done. Just ask me!  I have to smack myself back into reality and then I remember how God does it sooooo much better than me and in ways I have never thought of . 

That WAITING thing tho, I am just not good at it. 

I know in my heart of hearts, a fantabulous new home will come our way despite all the obstacles. I know that it will happen when I am least expecting it and in miraculous ways that I can't imagine. I know the MY GOD will answer my prayers.  

I just need to be Patient.  I just need to Wait.  I just need to Trust.  And I just need to Rest in the fact that God has big plans for me, plans to prosper me and give me an awesome future.  (EVEN THO I AM GOING TO BE 60, UGH !!!!!)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jer 29:11

Something in the Water

Last night I was watching Carrie Underwood singing "Something in the Water" and I heard the words

...Got Joy In My Heart...

and I was jolted into the realization that I haven't been feelin' my Joy lately.

That JOY is my most favorite part of my relationship with God. It makes my days happy and my life content.  

And instead I have been crabbin' to God that my art isn't selling, that I am fat and can't stick to a diet and I want a new house and it isn't happening.  Now, I KNOW He will provide, and that trust will never be broken.  He just isn't doing it MY way and fast enough apparently, hence, NO JOY!

What an idiot I am.  How many times do I have to learn that God does it better than me and in ways that are greater than my ways??  He has never let me down yet.

So today, I am determined to get my Joy back. And shine God's light for all to see. I will wait with anticipation for the ways He will bring all my dreams to fruition.  Why the heck do I want to mope around in my pity party when I can wait in joyful anticipation of what surprises God has coming my way.  I LOVE Surprises!!

I will keep you posted.   

Joy is a heart posture

"Something In The Water"

He said, "I've been where you've been before.
Down every hallway's a slamming door.
No way out, no one to come and save me.
Wasting a life that the Good Lord gave me.

Then somebody said what I'm saying to you,
Opened my eyes and told me the truth."
They said, "Just a little faith, it'll all get better."
So I followed that preacher man down to the river and now I'm changed
And now I'm stronger

There must've been something in the water
Oh, there must've been something in the water

Well, I heard what he said and I went on my way
Didn't think about it for a couple of days
Then it hit me like a lightning late one night
I was all out of hope and all out of fight

Couldn't fight back the tears so I fell on my knees
Saying, "God, if you're there come and rescue me."
Felt love pouring down from above
Got washed in the water, washed in the blood and now I'm changed
And now I'm stronger

There must be something in the water
Oh, there must be something in the water

And now I'm singing along to amazing grace
Can't nobody wipe this smile off my face
Got joy in my heart, angels on my side
Thank God almighty, I saw the light
Gonna look ahead, no turning back
Live every day, give it all that I have
Trust in someone bigger than me
Ever since the day that I believed I am changed
And now I'm stronger

There must be something in the water (amazing grace)
Oh, there must be something in the water (how sweet the sound)
Oh, there must be something in the water (that saved a wretch)
Oh, there must be something in the water (like me)
Oh, yeah

I am changed (I once was lost)
Stronger (but now I'm found)
(was blind but now I see)