What do you see, hear, smell, taste, digest?
What happens when you watch, listen, breathe, eat and drink?
What do you gain by experiencing God’s blessings for life?
Freedom to live now and eternally with our Creator, is for us through the means of grace! Because the Son of God was born, lived and died as a human, yet didn’t think and act poorly like we do, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He felt rejection, every type of suffering, death on the cross and was raised from His grave. We must endure consequences of our own and the failings of others; yet, the faith humbly repents and receives forgiveness which frees from guilt, shame and death because He substituted Himself for us. He desires and prays for us that we Trust the Word—creation, virgin birth, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension of our Savior for us. We’re free to receive the redemption and rescue He earned for us! Learn more.
Fireworks on the Fourth of July
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| At the turning point of my fireworks-watching Independence Day walk to/in a 164-acre park along the shore of Lake Waconia, I shot a video (by accident) near the launch pad. This image I pulled out of the video, I used as inspiration for an art class. Turn on sound for the full effect (below). Pray: merciful God, bless America, open our eyes, ears, hearts and draw us near to You. |
Video of fireworks with audio
Watercolor resist canvas painting of fireworks
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| Carver County Library in Waconia, Minnesota, offered a class titled Watercolor Resist Canvas Painting. 11x14" medium canvas texture panel primed with acid-free acrylic gesso, using rubber cement masking fluid and watercolor. Each student was free to choose their own subject and style. |
Watercolor painting of fireworks on paper
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| As part of the creative process, I also painted in conventional manner on 9x12" paper. |
Explore the wholeness of mind, body and spirit.
As human creatures of creation, opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit’s creation of the faith in Christ is given for us by water and God’s Word. Our freedom either rejects or receives the faith—this creative process designed for us to live fully. Church members receive power given for us in bread, wine and Word as often as possible. Though undeserved, life-saving benefits of receiving the Word-body-blood of Jesus are for us to hold and cherish. Grasping God’s gifts makes possible
- wisdom
- guidance
- strength to resist temptation
- guard heart from evil
- humility to forgive others and
receive forgiveness - sustenance
- encouragement
- contentment
- rescue from everlasting death (hell)
- gratitude to share Good News which supplies everlasting life (heaven)
We can’t make up our minds to grasp any of these blessings on our own; nor can we set our own theories about what’s truth and what’s false. Gifts of the faith are for us. We don’t deserve anything according to God’s standard of perfection. He lovingly gives sense(s) for us to
receive mercy. Truth (Scripture) reveals failures and provides faith, hope and well-defined love.
Portals of Prayer for Personal and Family Devotions includes a daily selection of Scripture, short story and prayer. It can lead to further research in additional commentary, references and prayers such as this snippet I found:
“The Lord’s judgements on the nations will certainly be fulfilled. This includes His judgements about you and your family. Thanks be to God, our judge declares us “not guilty” on account of Christ. His sure Word of the Gospel saves us and makes us a new creation. • Lord, create in me respect for Your judgements and love for Your Book, which records my salvation through Jesus. Fulfill this Word of mercy for me and my family. Amen.”—The Lutheran Study Bible on Isaiah 34
Ever since the first sin, plenty of deceivers mislead people into dangers of wandering into ways of the world. It’s vitally important to hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Truth. A daily devotion titled, “A New Sola” speaks of this. I’m thankful for resources and pray you find a church that clings to Truth, so you may learn about receiving all of our Creator’s gifts for His beloved children.
Have you, God’s loved one, received freedom from sin—forgiven life—as the Bible tells us so?
How do you express your deep joy and gratitude for the peace our Creator provides in Christ?
