Beginning again

God has a set time of favor and breakthrough for everyone. As much as I try to plan and organize my life, God has a predetermined time of outcomes.
As I continue through the production of the mural this truth has become much more relevant. I attempted to mount my wood panels on the wall last week at ACK but left extremely discouraged because we were not able to get them up. I had it all laid out how I thought it would go and when it didn't happened as planned it felt like a rain cloud was hovering over my head. However, after a little more time and preparation I am back at it this afternoon with more help and resources. One of my co-workers at Baxter is going to assist in mounting the boards on the wall this afternoon. He is our facility manager and knows all about this kind of thing; tools and screws and whatnot. I have so much peace about it right now because the attempt was rushed and the second attempt was a bit more calculated. Taking a step back and assessing the situation resulted in actually being able to complete the task. There is a lot to be said about completion; to go after something without determining whether or not you can finish is quite naive and a little arrogant. I don't have this whole thing figured out. All I know is that God has given me a gift and it is my responsibility to refine that gift and use it as a tool to reach others. I look forward to getting my hands dirty in the paint, working long hours on the mural and watching it all come to life. It's not about the "prize" or the votes, it's about the "art"; I think I've distorted that lately. There will be a thousand messages communicated through each artists piece during this competition. What will mine say? I have come back to myself now and what matters most.

Like a sliver of wood caught under the skin; it's interesting how small things can create an immense amount of discomfort. I have had a cold/sinus infection all week and it forced me to slow down. You know how you plan things out and think you know how things will go? Then comes along a physical ailment that brings everything to a screeching halt. The same thing can happen with people and relationships. So often I try to do things my way; I think I'm I'm smart enough to handle things myself. But the real battle is between my will and the will of God.
Last night I went to Revolution's mid week service and their topic of discussion was 'The Keys to Communication'. It was a refreshing dialogue that reminded me to be aware of not only the words I choose to say but the manner in which I say them. After leaving the service, I went home with an extraordinary sense of peace. Not that I understand the ways of God all the time but I am reassured in his divinity. It doesn't matter what I think I should have or where I feel I should be; the Word says He knows what we need even before we ask him. But my words have power and I have to intentionally choose them wisely. I'm not in the best of moods right now but I know that God is working on some things in me that need changing and I'm grateful for that. Even in this melancholy mood I will still praise Him.

Like mother like daugther

The apple doesn't fall far fromt he tree! Just when I think I am my own woman my boss captures this shot of my mother and I at Schulers:) Believe it or not this is our version of quality time; we are totally having a conversation with each other while looking at the computers!

Love in action

It seems that love really is an action. This morning I have learned that my greatest efforts are no comparison to the trans formative work of God in my life.Exhausting myself to achieve perfection is futile; there is no such thing in this earth nor is there need for it. Christ's perfection was shown through his obedience to his father and will always be the perfect model. I now understand what Paul spoke of in Philippians 3 when he said, "Not that I have already obtained this or have already been made perfect...but I press on..". Spiritual growth is like taking baby steps through the mud.It's a good thing I got my boots on.