Helen Keller was right on so many levels with that comment.
The unseen world is a scary place. We fear what cannot be seen or touched. She lived in it all of her life and found the spirit within and her heart spoke to her in ways those with sight can't see. Many refuse to believe there is such a place in this day and age. The human spirit is oft talked about as is the Holy Spirit and yet few believe in a spirit world. It is a very hard subject to write about without something to hold, touch or see as proof of it being real. That does not mean it does not exist. In Psalm 31:5 David commits his soul into Gods hands. In Luke 26:46 Jesus declares from the Cross "into your hands I commit my spirit" then died. In Acts 7:59 Steven declared as he was stoned to death, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." There are many more examples in scripture. Is our faith so weak as to think there is no such thing as spiritual existence?
I have been posting about the spirit in our lives and living in the spirit on the community level. It begins with the individual, YOU. Despite what you may think or been told it does not and cannot begin without you surrendering to the Holy Spirit of God. (Romans 10:13) It is not going to be a "grab you by the scruff of the neck and shake you into submission" kind of happening. YOU have to make that decision to ask for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to come into your life. In a way it is a selfish thing to do because you want something better, something more fulfilling in your life. Giving yourself to God through Jesus and the Holy spirit is humbling and something that many seek but few find or experience. Fulfillment. It is fulfillment of emptiness that power and possessions are unable to satisfy. This is where each individual is unique in their experience with the walk in the spirit. This is not a promise of riches, of worldly things or self gratification or any worldly thing. For most it is not instant in its results but something to be grown into. Walking in the spirit means becoming a reflection of Christ in your life, in fact a way of life guided by the Holy Spirit. It is a leap of faith. It is where faith grows stronger and your sins are brought to light, confessed and forgiven. It is where the heart can find fullness instead of emptiness. If there is a christian community near you be sure to begin your walk hand and hand with them. Have you the faith to step into the care of Christ?
Today I have several Images I colored for a friend. Since childhood I remember my grandmothers hollyhock garden. They have been a favorite ever since. They have a paper look that has been a fascination to me. I did some research and the color pallet for them is considerable. some 40 to 60 colors are available. As with most flowers blue is not one of them. Since there 10 images I will spread them over several posts. The stamp also has a matched die You can find them at Taylored Expressions. There are ten variations and this is the first three.
Copic Colors
RV14, E30, Y13, Y18, YG09, G14, 0 to lighten for contrast
Copic Colors
RV69, R00, Y18, YG17, G14, YG09, 0 to lighten for contrast
RV69, R00, Y18, YG17, G14, YG09, 0 to lighten for contrast
Copic Colors
Y18, Y13, R00, RV69, YG17, G14, 0 to lighten for contrast
That is about it for now. Remember to always Love The Details.
Wonderful hollyhocks. They have been my fave flowers since I was a kid, and the flowers were so hugs and I was so small. Great post! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI hear you Jim, and I understand what you are saying - although our salvation is free, although purchased at great price, there is still a certain discipline required to be able to walk acceptably to God, and that discipline is to learn to hear (and obey) the Holy Spirit on a moment by moment basis.
ReplyDeleteLove your colouring of the hollyhocks. I love them too, but they are subject to insect attack here so I have not been very successful in growing them
Blessings
Maxine
I'm sure you know that your words, once again, resonate with my entire being. It is one of the amazing gifts you have that you are able to find the words which others struggle to.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are beautiful, as I'm sure the others are.
Love, hugs, and blessings.
Em xoxo
Beautiful!! The flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope you had a fabulous birthday!!!
ReplyDelete