Peace

 

Think about the quote above. What is it you see in the picture? What do you see in the world around you? Turn that around and after you answer that question and look inside of yourself. What do you see? Is it a reflection of how you see the world? What is your outlook for your life in the world you live in? Is it bright and alive or is it dark and gloomy? How does the environment you live in affect how you feel? how does what you feel affect how you act? Are they positive actions or negative actions? There are many more questions that can be asked that would make you react according to who you are. Those around you will all see you differently. That is a product of who they are and how they see the world. This year has been a year of unrest and, for some, soul searching. My mental and spiritual health is not dependent on this world but on the Lord. Today, the day this is posted, is the last day of the election hype, commercials and viciousness. The nastiness will not be over for others but it has never been important for me since none of them can be my savior or give me everlasting life. There has always been beauty in this world that is a reflection of God's power and glory as well as his love and gentleness. There is a quality of peace in knowing His presence that nothing in this universe can compare to.

Today I have an image that was a test for a final rendering that I will share next post. Yes, I am coloring again. I hope you like what is being done. I am not sure who the artist was but I could not resist those eyes. The freckles were problematic. Have to work on that.

Copic Colors

Eyes  N1-Bo1-r12

Skin   E00-E000-Eoooo

Lips   R12

 That will do it for this week. Have a good peaceful week. Remember to always "Love The Details".

Hang In There

 

Last post was what real love is about. The above statement is often true of their beliefs as well. Real love is not governed by men or their laws but by the Holy Spirit being bound to the human spirit within. The current world we live in is rife with uncertainties and deceptions. All I read about with this election year is the hate and animosity being shown to one another. This is one of the worst elections I have ever lived through. The violence and mistrust are disheartening, with each side blaming the other for the situation. In reality both are to blame. There are no winners here only casualties, many of whom are innocent bystanders. It is one thing to express your beliefs or demonstrate and quite another to riot and destroy. Demonstrating is acceptable. Rioting and destruction is not. There is no argument that can justify willful destruction or theft of what is not yours. Injustice is real but the act of performing another injustice does not solve anything. It does cause more hatred, intimidation and, even worse, retaliation. We do not need armed camps or armed battle lines. We need compassion and a return to Godliness, love for our fellow human beings. Differences are normal. Harming others because of it is wrong. Compromise is a better solution. To continue on the road we are on will end everything this nation has held sacred and dear not to mention our freedom. The erosion of those freedoms are a result of the vicious hate factions we see today. Power is not control of but service to the people. That is sorely lacking in governments around the world including this one. I can only pray this will not continue in the direction is has been going. It saddens my heart to see it.

It will be a sigh of relief when these elections are over. The expectation is not peace and quiet when all is said and done  but the fliers, television ads and such will finally end. 

On a more happy note, I have one more card to share. It is from Em from Creative Em. 

 This is a birthday card and a dazzler at that. In case you were wondering, it is my 7?th birthday. That question mark is not a mistake. 😁 

Be safe. Be well. Love to all. Remember to always "Love The Details."

True Love

Age changes many things in life that were seen much differently when we were young. We were naïve enough to believe everything would be smooth sailing "if only". If only I were 21 there would be less rules and regulations. What a surprise to find you still had rules and regulations some of which had more severe consequences for not following them. That is one of a myriad of "if only" situations. One of the biggest and the most abused/ignored concerns "Love". All too often this is seen as physical attraction with little if any concern for the complete person. The physical is the "me" factor that is only interested in the experience rather than the total reality of living together, the give and take of bonding in harmony. Any preconceived ideas about love and marriage before the actual event are soon dismissed when living together as a couple. Refusal to be pliable and willing to change as a couple will make the the divorce stats rise. Blending of two souls into a true bond requires Agape love. Selfless love. It is not easy to say the least but it is more than worth the effort. The result? The sense of being one, of having the other's hand in yours even though you are not together. It is knowing that you are together even though you are not physically. It is a bond that is unseen but felt in ways not easily explained. It is supernatural in every aspect. Anyone that experiences this with a human partner will be delighted to know that this is what allowing Christ into their heart is like. Knowing Him in this way is unlike anything else. (1 Peter 4:8 - John 13:34) This should be what we all strive for.

The next two cards are birthday cards. The first is from family friends Mary and Al. Mary was a foster child of my parents and we consider a sister. She is a kind and sweet Christian sister.

This card is from my dear wife. A special lady to say the least.

That will be it for today. Remember to always Love The Details. God bless.

It Is A Circus Out There

 

Life is full distractions and detours. It often seems that the road we travel is peppered with ruts, pits and snares. If we allow ourselves to be drawn into them and allow ourselves to consumed by the problem, we often find ourselves diverted from the path of well being. The unexpected often leaves us dazed and unresponsive. Being blind sided tends to do that to the unsuspecting. Disbelief or confusion is often the result. Life is way too short to remain in this condition for long. Anger or frustration is not a very good solution to getting back on the path. Doing so only leads to sickness and health problems, feelings of hopelessness and drowning. This world is not our friend when it comes to our well being. It is better to remember that everything physically in this universe is based on chaos and decay. Nothing material is permanent.  In times such as these it is faith that is strengthened since there may not be anything else to hold onto. The reality of things may be such that we are not the ones in control. Prayer for both the people involved and/or the situations is the beginning. Faith is needed to carry us through all of this. With strong faith comes strength to carry on. Life throws bricks at us to distract us from what really matters. (1 Peter 1:21 ) Love has the power to defeat all distractions that would take us from our path.

Today I would like to share two more cards The first one is from Jill, my dear wife. It is an anniversary card.

Love you dearly. Thank You.

The next card is from my sister in law. 

This was not expected but it was very appreciated. Thank you Virginia. Hugs!

That will do it for today. Remember to always Love The Details.

Love, Hugs and Blessings

A New Day

 

This world can be a strange and challenging place. The events that have transpired over the past months have been a dizzying whirlwind of confusing and frustrating contrasts. The quote todays seems to fit this time of trials. It certainly feels like everything is down and not getting up. It is better that we see the possibilities and not focus on the seeming impossibility of the life we are in. With or without us, life will continue. When all seems impossible, the reality is it may be impossible only because we believe it is impossible. Christ was crucified because of disbelief in the reality of His coming. It was foretold but not accepted. I look around and see the fighting, the out right hate that is shown in this world and wonder what is to become of the human race. Then I look again and see the kindness and love that is shared with others who are struggling. Which one will survive? I suspect the ones that are helping one another in love and compassion will be the survivors, not the hate mongers and divisive. The divisiveness eventually destroys those practicing it. Love unites. My favorite verses in the the bible can be found in 1 John 4:7-19. This is not practiced much in this political age. My advise is to just hang in there and you will be able to rise when you think you cannot.

I have several cards that I would like to share from several different events. Instead of all at once they will be shared over several posts.

This first card was sent for father's Day. It was created by Em from Creative EM. It is a special card from a special lady. 

(Please excuse the image shading. The light used did not eliminate shadowing. I am working on that. )

 Beautiful card. Not something I would necessarily try. 

The next card was from my wife. It is an anniversary card. She creates such special cards. It is a favorite.

Thank you for stopping by. Come again and visit. If you leave a comment I will come visit your blog. Have a Blessed day. Remember to always Love The Details.

Time Will Tell

Ideologies are:

1. 1.

   a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

   "the ideology of republicanism"

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. 2.

   ARCHAIC

   the science of ideas; the study of their origin and nature.

 

As defined by the Oxford dictionary. They are personal and adoptable and can be adapted to become personal. That is why they often separate us. They rarely stay the same but become our personal persona. We become separated as they come in conflict with other's ideologies. Conflict can result when they are rigid and unbending or just plain untenable. The persona becomes the "me" that does not see beyond self. The result is the loss of our dreams and the anguish of not having them realized. Anger, hatred and all manner of negative things result. Our world is steeped in self and little is focused on ALL. If everyone saw everyone else as unique and special, as part of the greater whole, there would be no unknown to great to realize. All things would be at hand to explore and share. God's plan on earth would be fulfilled. We would be His example to others and complete in Him. 

These many months past have been hard to impossible to post on any kind of schedule. I have switched providers and it would appear the spotty connection that was part of the aging infrastructure of the old ADSL service was the sole cause of all of the problems. It is nice to sit at the keyboard and not have to worry that my service will suddenly disappear for hours at a time. At a time of having to isolate due to the COVID virus, complete isolation is a difficult pill to swallow. 

I will attempt to post on a more regular time  frame if this new service proves reliable. Only God's blessings and time will tell. May the good Lord bless and keep you safe. Remember to Love The Details. 

  

A perspective of Life

Taking time to pause often in this journey called life to reflect on where life is going often yields things about our selves that are unpleasant and sometimes surprising. I guess the surprise is that what is found has either not been noticed before or was, for the most part, ignored. Negatives are the most often ignored and over looked. Unfortunately, it is those negatives that are what have been turning up lately. Without going through a never ending list, it is safe to say there are many things negative in our lives. How we view them and how we deal with them dictates whether or not they are a problem or a blessing. Viewing all things as a blessing is for me the only way to see my life. Yep! Even the negative things. As the old saying goes, " If it were not for the bad things in our lives it would be impossible to recognize (enjoy) the good things in life." What lessons would be had if there were no problems to be solved. Some would say they have no problems or faults. Denial is not a solution to the life we should be living. In an imperfect world it is better to acknowledge the imperfect and work toward the most perfect end possible. I agree there  is no such thing as perfection in this life, in this reality, in this world. It is however, the path to the perfection of the life to come and therefore worth the effort to strive for what does not exist in this world. Notice, I did not say can't ? It can but only in one way. (1 John 4:8-9) says "Whoever fails to love does not know God, because God is love. This is the revelation of God’s love for us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might have life through him." { The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (1 Jn 4:8–9). New York: Doubleday.}

We often focus on the sacrifice of Christ for our salvation. Have you ever considered the Sacrifice of Our father in heaven? The father and son were one in heart, body and spirit. Imagine the pain and pride He felt for His son. Nothing we experience in this life could ever match what they felt. (Mark 15:36-39) "But Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the veil of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The centurion, who was standing in front of him, had seen how he had died, and he said, ‘In truth this man was Son of God.’"[The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Mk 15:36–39)]. New York: Doubleday). Can you even come close to the pain of taking on the sins of all sinners everywhere and suffering the sins of everyone at once? Our Lord Jesus lived among us and knows our hearts and our minds. He was sent by our father in heaven to show us the perfection that is absent in our lives. That absence is only because our vision is clouded by unbelief. The veil can be lifted by believing the one thing that can change lives in this world. Unfiltered love changes everything. It does not recognize anything negative but encourages that which is positive. The world today has taken on a blind eye and unfeeling heart toward those around them. What they see is seen through a tunnel that excludes all but them and their immediate surroundings. Pain and suffering is rampant and much of our world is subject to the injustice of not caring. Sin in the name of justice is still sin and punishable. 

This month I want to share an image I found on Pinterest. It is on several sites but I do not remember which one it was gotten from. I will apologize now for the colors not being true to the actual finished image. Upon showing it to several people, including my artist brother, all agree it is like a photograph. Some day I will learn to adjust the colors to match what the eye sees for the computer.

Copic Colors

Hair E31, E34, E43           

Eyes C2, B21, B41, R01   

Lips R02                            

Skin E000, E0000, R0000 

Clothing V81                     

Background Y0000           

I hope you like the image. It is grainy and the colors are not what you see on the original but it is the best I can do for now. Remember to always Love The Details. God bless and stay well and safe until next post.

Predestination? Fate?

Predestination is not something I believe in. It is true that God knows the whole of our lives including how it will end. That does not make it predestined. It is more the fate that we ourselves create with our actions than something God has created us to do. He has created all of us in His own image. We were to be like Him. We were the ones causing the events and paths that brought us to where we are. This was not predestined by God but cause and effect of our choices. Today it is we who control our destinations through our choices. The Lord guides us and tries to teach us the way to heaven and the way back to Eden. Our fate is the result of what we do or do not do as we travel the road through life. If it was predestination repentance would not be a part of our language. It would be moot for us. We could argue that there is no purpose to asking forgiveness and changing the way we behave or think if it had no effect on the outcome of our actions. Lives do change and forgiveness does happen. We are able to avoid a fate worse than death with repentance and humility. 

In this day and age there are those that would would twist what is fact to suit there own desires or to justify an action that is unjustified. What of predestination if our truths are taken to places they were never meant to go. It is a struggle to justify the actions that are outside of the realm of not just legal but common sense. There is great injustice in this world. The quest for equality is much like a marriage, both give and take, equally. The problem is it is often lopsided. Why? It is inevitable that once we have what we want we want more until we have it all. At that point the pendulum has swung to the far side of the scale causing the same needs as there were when it was on the opposite side of the current swing. It never seems to settle in the center but continually swings from side to side. Christ said to the rich man, "Sell all you own and give it to the poor then come follow me." (Luke 18:22) This caused the rich man to walk away. The man had followed all of the commandments but one. "Do not covet". Justice is proper but not if lawlessness is brandished in the process. What we strive for is never found when our vision is always turned toward ourselves. I truly worry at what I see in the world. Is this predestination or is this fate as we have created it for not just ourselves but for all?

This is how it feels at times to see the world we live in.

Really? That doesn't seem right! Maybe a different perspective will help.

I have had these images for some time but do not remember where where they came from. 

God Bless and

Remember, Always Love The Details.

  

It Is All Good

In these troubled times it is easy to look at all that is going on in the world and worry about the out come of our lives. The actions of others range from the self sacrificing to the the self indulging, from the generous to the hoarder, from the thoughtful to the profiteer. I see this current time as a test of who we are as individuals. The way we travel in this life is fraught with pitfalls and snares. When we fall we get back up, dust ourselves off and continue on. At times it takes multiple falls before a lesson is learned. It is all good!

Hope is not always free. It is often kept alive by a fall. Without the fall the direction we travel may not be visible or may be clouded with life's busy clutter. It is crucial to realize that when we ask the Lord to take our hand and guide us we are expected to do our part as well. He is always there to show the way we are to travel. (Psalm 32:8) He is always there to pick us up when we fall. (Matthew 11:28) Our hearts and souls are never in jeopardy when His hand is in ours to lead the way. It is all good!

Sometimes the world faces crises that are ominous and foreboding. For those of us who are believers it is a time of trial, a time of reflection, a time of testing our beliefs. Are we really safe? Should I worry or be concerned. (Isaiah 43:2  & 1 Peter 5:7) There is much in this world that tries to tear down our strength and erode our hope. Keep moving forward. Do what needs to be done to defeat the the things that come against us. Joy in our God will give us strength and renew hope to our lives. (Isaiah 40:31).

Here is an image from Technique Junkie that I colored some time ago. I have no particulars for colors used but I thought you might enjoy it.

    
Remember to always Love The Details.

My Neighborhood

When my wife and I first moved into this neighborhood few of the people talked or shared time with one another. We were viewed as outsiders. Some of the neighbors were friendly and others were downright hostile. As the years pasted and new people came and went things began to change. We gradually became the oldest family in a two block area. Some of those that were on our street were older and a few were middle aged but there were few younger people as time went on. We got to know many of those that were neighbors and gradually became friends with several. The trend toward younger couples in the past year or two has increased and they are less friendly but that is the way of the world. Even with this trend things are still friendly.

There are several elderly people on our block that stick together and help one another whenever possible. When heavy snows come many of us get together and shovel sidewalks of those who are unable to do their own. We even mow their lawns when possible and clear the leaves in the fall, get groceries and even make a meal for them. One neighbor in particular is quick to tell you they don't believe in God but will just as quickly join in when we help others. When I was unable to shovel snow several years ago I came down to find them doing my sidewalk before going to work. When asked what I could do for them they just said "You are good people and I want nothing. Your thanks means a lot to me." I realized  then that the fact that I was always the first to be out doing things for others was being noticed by others. In talking to this person I was told they had been treated badly by "Christians" to the point they didn't think Christians were real and for that reason God didn't exist. I know how that feels because I have been there too.

Judgement by others can be hurtful. Christ didn't come to save the those who not sinners but the sinners of the world. This person is course in many ways but if  time is taken to see the inner person that is not easily seen there is a kind and needing soul there. I took the time to go up and talk for a bit when I noticed them out front, keeping my distance because of the COVID-19. They were about stir crazy because of the current virus situation. We talked for about an hour and they came down to visit with the wife and I on the front steps.

There are no art pieces to share today just a reflection of what the calling that we have received. To be examples of our God is the reason we were created. Sometime we are so taken up in our beliefs we forget that Jesus was our example of the life we should be living on earth. We may not be able to do all of the miracles He did but that does not mean we cannot be gracious, understanding or giving. This is the time of year, and in this pandemic, that it is important to be aware of the plight of life on this planet. Be safe, be giving and may the Lord Bless and keep us all.

Remember to ALWAYS Love The Details.