An Old Smoked Wine Skin

Kaph
 

 ^{I shall wear myself out for your salvation, for your word is my hope. My eyes, too, are worn out waiting for your promise, when will you have pity on me? For I am like a smoked wine skin, but I do not forget four will.}

 The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Ps 119:81–83). New York: Doubleday.

 ^{Note: Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of the smoke from cook and camp fires. In some cases, skins of wine were deliberately hung in the smoke to give the wine a peculiar flavor. When skin bottles were long exposed to smoke, they became black, hard and shriveled - good for nothing. That is the sense of the figure of speech in our text verse.}

Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 325). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

Curious kind of statement to be made by the psalmist. It is most assuredly how many feel while waiting on the Lord. It is however an accurate assessment. We are not a patient people, especially when trials are upon us. The apostles understood this and exhibited restraint and patience in the face of hardships most of us can only imagine. They set aside their personal wants and desires to follow the Lord and do His will. What seems an eternity to us in this walk is inconsequential when the vastness of eternity is taken into account. There are even times when we feel like the wine skin and wonder what is next or when our prayer will be answered. I can attest to prayers not being answered for 50 or 60 years and even never. It can also be seen that prayer is answered on the spot. The apostles didn't just stand around and wait but did as the Lord willed. They took nothing for granted and obeyed all of the commandments to the letter as best they could. They understood the importance of not being static in serving the Lord. Each apostle served the Lord in whatever way they were called to do. They also understood that good works alone were not going to get them through the gates of heaven.That is not to say they are not noticed. Idle hands and minds are soon set to no good. The Lord did not come to replace the commandments but to shine a light on them and be a guide for us in them. Therein is the secret to His work and following Him.

I would like to include a little note here about the Shout Out section I present each week. I have not been able to access the maintenance page for my readers list for the past month or so. I know some of the blogs are not being used any more so if you visit and the posts are a year old or are inaccessible, please let me know and I will make note of it. If you are able to access them and like what you see be sure to leave some love for the artist. Comments are an encouragement worth its weight in gold.

Sheila is a diverse card creator in the subjects she covers. Her cards are from the simple to the fairly complex. I think you will find her style and interests enjoyable. Stop by her blog and give a look. I am sure she would be delighted to have you comment.

Jane is a very talented artist. Her coloring will cause you to pause and take a second and even a third look. If you scroll down and look at some of the work she does I think you will definitely follow her. This is one of those places I drool over when I visit. I leave a comment and clean up after myself. LOL. 

John is a very talented card maker. He is a bit sporadic with his posts but they are always worth the visit. His cards are extraordinary in that they are masculine without being overdone. If you are looking for ideas for masculine cards, he will most certainly provide that. 

I would like to share 3 images that were colored a few years ago. The first two are of butterflies and the third of a Victorian Lady. All three are from Digital Tuesday. Enjoy!!!

    

Sorry I didn't write down the colors used for this image. 

I hope you liked what you saw and read in the post today. There is no air conditioning in my office space only a fan. The air conditioners are for our bedroom and living room. It has been very oppressive in our area with temperatures in the low to upper 90's and humidity high enough to make it very uncomfortable. I will try to visit a few of you as I work my way through the list. I will eventually get to everyone. 

Remember that Jesus is in charge and to always Love The Details.

Becoming

Life is a test of our ability to adjust to the good that we must see and perform so that we might become what we never thought we could be. - A thought from my book

Getting a post together has been difficult of late. I have started walking again and that is usually in the morning when it is cooler. That is when a large portion of the writing took place for the posts. My evenings are my scripture study and prayer times. My days are a combination of taking care of whatever needs to be done and, because Jill wants to walk, more walking. Other things have also taken up the time that would normally have been used for the post prep time. This has posed a problem. The business of life is a forever and automatic must. The walking has been a commitment for several years. Health and weight loss are the prime purpose, 209 lbs to the now 178 lbs. ( In the 2 years the walking had stopped the weight was up to 190 lbs again). The blog and the messages for them is the most recent commitment but this is also one of the more important ones. This was not the one chosen by me but by the Lord. It helps to put into words the encouragement and thoughts to make us think and ponder the things we are to see and become in this life in preparation for the life we are eventually going home to. Why bother if it is so much hassle? Because it is being obedient and it is a reminder for me as well as those who actually read the message. I have noticed many who have burned out doing posts and quit altogether. Others are taking "breaks" from blogging for many reasons. For me, preparation for writing these posts is not easy. Prayer, meditation and study are the rule, not the exception. They must reflect the life we are to lead and the process of becoming who the Lord would have us be. It is ever ongoing. It only ends when we are called home to be with our Lord.

 I am going to try to visit everyone on my list of favorites in the next few days to comment and see what you have been up to, or not, for the past few weeks and months. None of you are forgotten or far from my thoughts. 

It is time once again to say thank you to those of you that have become a part of so many lives through your creative efforts. These shout outs are my way of saying thank you for bringing the joy of your art to us all. If you visit these artists, be sure to leave some love behind in the form of a comment.

 Anja is from Germany. Her artwork is extraordinary. I am often amazed at the beauty and detail of her work. It is not always traditional but always beautifully eye opening. If you want a real treat stop by her blog and be prepared to be jealous.

 Annie is a mixed media artist with great talent. She is always innovating her media and mixing her images into amazing cards and art work. I never know what to expect when visiting Annie. It is nice to know there is a surprise waiting.
 
Aneta is from Iceland. She loves working in pastels and often creates shabby and vintage, two of my favorite styles. her cards are usually very feminine and extraordinary. If you like these styles you will love visiting her blog.
 
I came upstairs the other day and found a little bit of humor sitting on my keyboard from Jill. I thought I would share it with all of you.

It is from cafepress. Someone sent it to her and she shared it with me. Great sticker fun. I hope she isn't trying to tell me something. LOL.

Before we call it a day I would like to share a card I got from Em from Creative Em for father's day.

Thank you Em. It was kind and thoughtful of you to send such a beautiful card. 


That will do it for this time around. I do not want to be MIA as much as I have been. As I said, I will be trying to go down my list and visit everyone on it. I will also try to do a post once every other week or as close as possible to that. You are all so much appreciated. Thank you again and remember to Love The Details.