The art of the strange. Might we love beyond borders? Merge in the Name of Christ. See the souls through the eyes looking back at us.
I enjoy this artist's work. Maybe because I'm art created by the Master. Maybe because I'm strange. Regardless, can we please embrace others and love the different? After all, God called us for this!
Donna Powell walked into the Barnyard Academy with a smile on her face and pep in her step. She moved her Pat Walker-esque machines in and became a sweet friend of all at the Barnyard Academy, a dance, gym, and twirling studio in Plainview, Texas, owned by her friend, Jeanie Pennell. Donna's daughter, ReGina taught dance at the Barnyard for several years, now a diagnostician for PISD. Donna's son, Ricky, had a steakhouse in downtown Plainview for several years.
Ricky works for Sysco, and his wife, Julie, is a recently retired nurse. They have opened Ricky's on Main in Abernathy, Texas, a diner featuring famous cheeserolls, cinnamon rolls, and a simple menu of burgers and "fingers" with fries, salads, and good tea, which is "Perfecteron," just like the Pat Walker spa bed!
I stopped in today to say hello to Ricky & Julie and try out their spot on Main Street. As I looked at the menu, I knew I would start with Donna's Chicken. She was kind of famous for it, and Ricky's has done it justice!
Ricky's on Main, 11-2, M-F
Sweet memories, catching up, and delicious food! Good Friday!!!
This sweet photo has 3 special things for me to see and remember...
And then I am reminded of the Holy ...
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:13-15
“And Moses said unto God, ‘Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ ” Exodus 3:11
“And God said unto Moses, ‘I AM THAT I AM. Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’ ”Exodus 3:14
A friend describes his thoughts on this painting...
So powerful.
The Sovereign Call.
Colors as deep and rich as the experience.
The grip.
The Rod of God.
A proud, strong nose.
His dark fingers.
Upward, believing face, seeing the source of his Trust.
His weathered wisdom.
Wind of living, breathing Spirit.
God's whisper as it blows through his hair.
Bakeside of the desert.
His breath merging with The Breath, Oneness.
Shattering silence.
Exodus 33:11a, So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Let Him find us faithful. Be in a relationship with God that is so intimate that he speaks with us face to face.
I have lived my whole life on the outside wanting to be in, not understanding the process. When I was six, Jesus became my best friend. He has stood by me, carried me, and held my hand as He has taught me about what it truly means to be included.
In Galatians 3:28, we find real evidence of inclusion in Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Regardless of the size or shape of our individual puzzle pieces, we fit into the bigger picture of ministry through Jesus Christ. He has a plan and a purpose for me.
Romans 15:7, Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Having eyes to see, unique wiring, and Christ as my counselor has given me a responsibility to see others as he does.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 is one of my most trusted verses in all of God's powerful passages.
Because my wiring is not like yours and I don't understand about friendship relationships, I have been broken over and over as I have stood on the outside watching, wishing, but God teaches clearly within my spirit that the purpose and the plan for my life is not theirs.
To be included is something we are created for. When it doesn't happen in the way we see it happening around us in the world, it can become problematic if we set our eyes on something that was not intended for us. Be teachable. Sit at the Father's feet and learn.
I want to interject that I do have sweet encouragers who God has allowed me to have in my life, despite my living behind the mask of Asperger's for my journey here.
I am included in the Eternal family of Christ Jesus. The all-inclusive trip! I pray that you have a steadfast relationship, like I do, that carries you through each day with gratitude.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
He holds me together!
Romans 3:33, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I admit this.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” My promise, yours, too.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 I accept this.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 I believe this.
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. I trust this!
Being "included in Christ" means that we are united with Jesus in a spiritual sense. This union brings us/believers into a relationship with Him where:
His righteousness is credited to us.
His death counts as our death to sin.
His resurrection becomes our hope for eternal life.
True inclusion is not of this world's understanding. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
If you made it to this point...thank you!
You know what made my day perfect today? At a Chamber ribbon cutting, I ran into Diann Meals Pitts, PHS Class of 1973. I did not know her in school, but God brought us together today. Blessed!
This evening, I got to sit with one of my "favoritist" ladies, Ruby Riggins! She is a beacon of light in my life!
Tomorrow promises to be just as awesome. Velma Thompson invited us to the Emmanuel Church of God for the community worship service to include their Juneteenth youth program.
Saturday, yes, another great day to look forward to...the Hale County Historical Commission will be represented in the Juneteenth Parade! Then there are big things happening all day in Givens Park!
All are encouraged to attend!
Tonight, in Givins Park, I bowed my head and heard the words, "Thank you, Lord, for carrying us through." God is so very good!!!
What do you see? I enjoy photos that allow our minds to see things in them.
I see a bird on a candlestick, a boot, a pigeon on a man's head, a fish, a cat, a little man, a man's head, what else?
Let our words be His. Let our minds be his so that our eyes will see those who need his love.
See Jesus!
Jesus was listening and asking questions of the teachers in the Temple. He was twelve. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and answers.
His parents had returned after discovering his absence while they were traveling home from the festival. Can you imagine how frantic they might be? They were on foot, no car to get back quickly. Jesus asks, "Why were you searching for me?" Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" They did not understand. He was obedient and returned with them. His mom treasured all these moments. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. He must have been a precious child.
As I read this story in Luke 2:41-52, it got me thinking about our faith walk. We claim we know Him, are close to Him, but how long does it take us to realize he is missing from our walk? We need to consider how we can make proximity a priority regardless of the distance. We tend to return to things that bring us comfort...and it needs to be Jesus. He was obedient, and he grew. I love this!!!
"Growth"
My whole life, I've heard the word piddle or piddling. I looked up its meaning. I had never even thought of this: "The puppy piddled on the carpet." And I must say, I'm quite disappointed with the other definition; to piddle is to waste time doing something that is not important or useful.
Who determines the value of another's piddle?
I love to piddle. To me, to piddle is to do what I want, when I want, and at the pace I want. I'm not an idle piddler. There is a difference between a piddler and a sluggard in my way of thinking.
One minute - I just need to piddle.
Let me start by saying that many of the things I share within my blog or on Facebook do not represent what may be happening in my life. The Holy Spirit gives me thoughts to share, and I never know who will see them or read them, but always for His glory.
The same goes for when I create. Like this piece, a Holy Spirit nudge ...
There are so many people who are hurting. Their hurt is varied: emotional, physical, etc. But it's okay. God promises that he is with us. He never leaves us. In Psalm 147:3, we see, He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. In Isaiah 53:5, But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. And over in Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I love 1 Peter 5:10, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. And of course, Philippians 4:5-7, Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If you read this, know that I have prayed for God to wrap his arms around you, enough that you know it is his presence. See the Light!