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.

Troubled Waters

Lately I have been struggling with hearing loss coupled with tinnitus. At times the tinnitus is so loud it is scary. I am due to have some tests done at the time of this writing and by the time this posts there may be some answers. The reason for this post is that the loss of fundamental hearing has the effect of changing not only my perspective of the world around me but also the lives of those close to me. Living happily when you can't understand what someone is saying to you becomes a challenge for both of you. 

Update: The results have led to blood pressure tests. My blood pressure was very high and more tests are in the works once they get it down and controlled. The doctor has me on two blood pressure meds in an effort to bring it down. I am told I also suffered a mild heart attack sometime in the past several years. I had no idea that happened. I have been stressed with all of the events in my life. There is no doubt that everything mentioned has contributed to the high blood pressure and may be responsible for the heart attack. I will post from time to time as things get sorted out. Thank you to those who have been a support over these past weeks and months. God Bless and remember to always Love The Details. 

Resistance

Our trials in life are not all straight forward. Some are fraught with struggle and resistance. Come on now! Admit it. We all say "No" to change or a problem that is painful or difficult to handle.  We resist doing what the spirit tells us to do. When we tire of the struggle and "hash it out in our minds" we often find a place of acceptance. At times that is all that was asked in the first place. Acceptance. It happens at times that a lesson is not "to do" but "to listen" and learn. Obedience to the word of God's spirit, the grace it brings, the lessons it teaches are all part of the growth process in His embrace. Faith can be a struggle when there is no answer in sight. When we first come to realize the saving grace of God it is hard to perceive the idea of not being able to earn God's Love. The things in our past that cause us pain whether it was caused by someone toward us, caused by us toward them or something completely non malicious is difficult to deal with. Even harder is the heart of forgiveness. That includes not only forgiving someone but forgiving one's self. (Luke 6:37) Repentance is often only completed if we forgive our self as well as them. This is the part often left out of the struggle and it is the part most often needed for healing. It is also the final release from resistance needed to be free. Life is hard enough without us punishing ourselves or someone else. 

The image today is one I have had for some time but I am not sure where it came from. It was in with some images from Digital Tuesday so it is assumed that is where it came from.

 

As with most if not all of the images done by me Copics are used. They are: YG97 - YG61 - YR65 - YR15 - R39 - R89. Hope all is well with all of you in this new year. Remember to always Love The Details. God Bless.

A New Year - A New Walk

Welcome in the new year with an open heart and an eye toward the gift that we just celebrated. The gift of life that was viewed as impossible in old testament times. There was the law that was not for the gentile but for the chosen people of Yahwey. Jesus was  born to change all of that at the cross. Colossians 3:9-11 says "You have stripped off your old behavior with your old self, and you have put on a new self which will progress towards true knowledge the more it is renewed in the image of its Creator; and in that image there is no room for distinction between Greek and Jew, between the circumcised and uncircumcised, or between barbarian and Scythian, slave and free. There is only Christ: he is everything and he is in everything." (The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Col 3:9–11). New York: Doubleday.) We are a people called to our Lord Through grace. He makes our existence new every day. That which was is no more for this is a new day and a new you. We have been accepted into His realm and death is forever abolished.(1 John 2:25) Yes we constantly sin even though we try to avoid it. The past is the past and every second of the present is new and never was before. Strive to not be as you were in the past but be renewed as you go forward. (2 Col 4:16) 

This image, as are all of my images, is colored with Copics. Sorry I do not remember what colors were used. The image is from Mo's Digital Images. 

For some reason the background on the left side is shaded gray. It is probably due to the way the image is photographed. Thank You for the visit. Remember to always Love The Details. God Bless.

Resolutions

That is a strong statement to be sure. Considering that most people make resolutions that will be shredded before they are a month into the year, it is also relevant. The most successful are those that take the moment, the hour and the day as it is given to them. Opportunities are in the here and now. They are usually once and done. Missing them is to never see them again. It is OK to dream but dreams are not reality. They come with living the life given to the best of  our abilities with an eye on the present.   

A Child Is Born

This will be short Post. Think about the quote above. Apply it to the birth of Christ. It is the perfect gift, given with the purest of hearts and love. 



It was appropriate that Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. It was a pure birth, untainted and profound. The value of that gift is realized at Easter. The life we live is a time of learning, of testing and of grace. It is how much we value that grace that determines our path through this life. That Grace is the purest form of love we can ever hope to know. 

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all. 

God bless you and may the blessings of the Lord grace you through the year. Remember to always Love The Details.