"Write my prayers upon the sky. Let my joys, my fears, my visions, my gratitude paint their way into God's heart." ~ Beth A. Richardson

The rose and the thorn, the sorrow and gladness are linked together.

May God, not the gifts, be the center of our lives. May the gifts bring Him glory and draw others to hear His still, small voice and draw them into His Presence. In Jesus Name, Amen

No Beauty Without Ash: The Paradox of True Christian Art

"The prophecies of Jewish and Christian literature do not look BACK to a return to a pre-evil Garden, but FORWARD to a post-evil union of Heaven and Earth described in Revelation 22:1-5 as a NEW Garden that goes beyond the OLD one.

From :http://www.patheos.com/blogs/peterenns/2013/02/no-beauty-without-ash-the-paradox-of-true-christian-art-or-getting-ready-for-easter/

Everything in creation has its appointed painter or poet and remains in bondage like the princess in the fairy tale 'til its appropriate liberator comes to set it free. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Words from a friend.... "Don't give up on yourself. God never gives up on you."

Humility comes from a realistic view of oneself in light of the grace given us in Christ. The word originates from the Latin “humus,” meaning “earth, dirt.” It is knowing and embracing the reality that we are dust. Connected with humility is a confidence in one’s vocational calling and identity. A confident leader finds their identity in Christ, seeing themselves as a child of God, deeply loved and called to His mission. We’re loved dust. This Christ-based identity allows His love to foster a confidence in Him, knowing we are created in His image and any gifts, strength or opportunities we have are a demonstration of His grace in our lives. ~ Joel Mayward

Pope Francis' August Prayer Intentions ~ For Artists

The arts give expression to the beauty of the faith and proclaim the Gospel message of the grandeur of God’s creation. When we admire a work of art or a marvel of nature, we discover how everything speaks to us of Him and of His love. That artists of our time, though their creativity, may help us discover the beauty of creation. ~ Pope Francis