Undercover Gypsy

Gospel in a Cinquain Verse 10 Continued…Messiah–Forgiving

2012-02-02T12:08:00.001-10:00

Jesus and Forgiveness

Jesus not only taught frequently about forgiveness, he also demonstrated his own willingness to forgive. Here are several examples that should be an encouragement to recognize his willingness to forgive us also.

Jesus forgave
Reference

the paralyzed man lowered on a mat through the roof
9:2-8

the woman caught in adultery...............
John 8:3-11

the woman who anointed his feet with perfume......
Luke 7:44-50

Peter, for denying he knew Jesus.............
John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19

the criminal on the cross.................
Luke 23:39-43

the people who crucified him...............
Luke 23:34

Tyndale Handbook of Bible Charts and Maps. `

This is one way that we prove that Jesus was God. Only God can forgive sins.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” Luke 5:21-24 (ESV)

3 Looks at a dolphin painting

Step 1

Original

Scanned, printed and embellished with colored pencil.

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Messiah -Honest, Merciful

2012-01-28T08:46:00.001-10:00

Truth

John 1:14
John 7:18
1John 5:20

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (ESV)
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
1 John 5:20-21 (ESV)

Merciful

Hebrews 2:17

Compassionate

Isaiah 40:11
Luke 19:41

Loving

John 13:1
John 15:13

The Shepherd aspect of Christ shows his kindness and care:

Gen 49:24
Isaiah 40:11
Ezek 34:23
Ezek 37:24

1Peter 5:4

John 10:11
John 10:14

Micah 5:4

New art!

Step1

Step2

Not sure what to do with it??? It is not finished yet…but what?

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Gospel in a Cinquain Verse 11

2012-01-19T09:16:00.001-10:00

Messiah

Kind, Honest

Forgiving, Healing, Teaching

He was God who came to earth as a man.

Slain

So much to say here. This will take a few posts I think. I will start with the fact that Jesus' coming was prophesied about.

1.
Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-20

2.
Messiah was to be born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38

3.
Messiah was to be a prophet like Moses
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19
John 7:40

4.
Messiah was to enter Jerusalem in triumph
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 21:1-9; John 12:12-16

5.
Messiah was to be rejected by his own people
Isaiah 53:1, 3; Psalm 118:22
Matthew 26:3-4; John 12:37-43; Acts 4:1-12

Tyndale Handbook of Bible Charts and Maps.

Little shiny chameleon…too bad you cant see the twinkling H2O’s twinkle.

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Gospel in a Cinquain 10

2012-01-05T16:41:00.001-10:00

Prophet

Rugged, Forerunner

Preparing, Proclaiming, Baptizing

He was Christ's messenger.

Martyr

Okay, we are getting to the encouraging part. God promised to fix everything by sending a savior and it is recorded so many times in the Old Testament, and below there are quite a few to check out.

As far as John the Baptist is concerned, he too was promised in the Old Testament:

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 3:1 (ESV)

Isaiah 40:3
Malachi 4:5

John was Jesus' cousin, I find it interesting that God chose a family member and that he was 6 months older. Is there any significance to any of these things? Was there a “love for God” quality in this family that ran throughout?

Prophecies concerning a Savior

Isaiah 11:10

Daniel 2:44; 4:34; 7:13, 14, 27

Isaiah 53:3-4
Isaiah 11:2; 61:1-2
Isaiah 9:6-7

Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19

Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12-13 (cf. Isaiah 11:1)

Isaiah 53:11
Isaiah 40:9
Isaiah 61:1
Micah 4:2

Easy Gift Bags- paper lunch bags, water soluble black marker, fine sprayer, Gold Pen

Draw your design in black marker, make sure to create a border, spray it with water, dry then embellish with gold pen!

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Hello, anyone out there?

2012-01-01T09:27:00.000-10:00

Gospel in a Cinquain–Verse 9

2011-12-29T11:29:00.001-10:00

Disjuncture

Colorless, Silence

Graying, Darkening, Searching

Years of silence and waiting.

Shadowiness

My husband has always said that on the day he was "saved" the bible went from black and white to color. Life is colorless, muted at least, when a person is not a believer in Christ. Jesus is the Light of the world. We are light if we are Christians. The Bible has many references to the fact that people are in spiritual darkness without Christ’s light. It is spiritual but I believe is casts a shadow on the whole life of an unbeliever.

This verse of my poem makes reference to the fact that God was silent for 400 years and that the lack of His connection made the times gloomy. This is a parallel to the life of the unbeliever, they are under a spiritual shadow and life cannot be enjoyed in full color without Christ's light.

Psalm 18:28 (ESV)
²⁸For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.

Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
¹The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 36:9 (ESV)
⁹For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

Psalm 139:12 (ESV)
¹²even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Isaiah 60:19 (ESV)
¹⁹The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

Matthew 4:16 (ESV)
¹⁶the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.

John 1:9 (ESV)
⁹The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)
⁶For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:8 (ESV)
⁸for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
⁹But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

The last verse in the Old Testament is this:

Malachi 4:5 (ESV)
⁵“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.

I wonder what that meant to Malachi’s audience. Assuming this was the last prophet, did they realize there would not be any more communication from God through prophets until John the Baptist (Elijah)?

Some Christmas card photos:

These were the angels from before that I scanned and printed onto Kraft Paper Cardstock. They I embellished them with gel pens and twinkling h2o’s.

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Verse 8 - this should be 7

2011-12-22T12:15:00.001-10:00

Drudge

Meaningless, Hopeless

Toiling, Surviving, Functioning

Is this all there is?

Emptiness

Genesis 3:17-22 This section of Genesis Says it all in my opinion. Empty without God

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:19-25 (ESV)

Christmas Angels

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Verse 7–Gospel in a Cinquain

2011-12-15T11:18:00.001-10:00

Falsehood

Idolatrous, Traitorous

Worshiping, Following, Dying

They wanted to make their own gods.

Worthlessness

For a time after the fall people did call upon the name of the Lord. Genesis 4:26

But I find it interesting that God banished Cain from the land he knew and from God's presence. Cain had to go to Nod to fulfill that. Does that mean that God was only present among Adam and Eve's household and whatever land that included? Amazing too, God kicked them out of the garden but He remained with them. He didn't just abandon them. They had to face the consequences but they were able to do it with His presence still among them.

But eventually, they did not care about that and because of the nature of man became more and more evil until:

The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5 (ESV)
Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.
And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. Genesis 6:11-12 (ESV)

Except Noah who walked with God still.

“ ‘You shall have no other gods before me.
“ ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. Deuteronomy 5:7-10 (ESV)

“What is in your mind shall never happen—the thought, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the tribes of the countries, and worship wood and stone.’ Ezekiel 20:32 (ESV)
And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced. And the people of Israel did secretly against the LORD their God things that were not right. They built for themselves high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. They set up for themselves pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree, and there they made offerings on all the high places, as the nations did whom the LORD carried away before them. And they did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger, and they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this.” 2 Kings 17:7-12 (ESV)
Emptiness - Darkness - Worthless

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. Proverbs 4:19 (ESV)

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8 (ESV)

... or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:5-11 (ESV)

I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. Psalm 31:6 (ESV)
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:5 (ESV)

All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods! Psalm 97:7 (ESV)
Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them.
They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. Jeremiah 51:17-18 (ESV)
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Romans 3:12 (ESV)

Our encouragement is this:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)

Whew!

Christmas Cardinal-Draft

Psalm 148 – Everything Praise The Lord

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Gospel in a Cinquain–Verse 6

2011-12-12T08:38:00.001-10:00

Failure

Bankrupt, Alone

They were exiled.

Worrying, Dismaying, Darkening

Pitiful

The consequence for disobeying that one rule...The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV) The rule and the consequence all in one simple verse. You shall surely die. What did that mean? Was man originally intended to live forever but now he would be mortal? I think so because of the tree of life. Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. Genesis 3:22-23 (ESV)
The curse was spiritual and physical.

I ponder this verse as well. It seems to make a separation that helps to explain the two parts of man....and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)

The body dies but must not have been the original intention in the beginning because they could eat from the tree of life and I am guessing that kept their bodies alive. But according to the verse in Ecclesiastes above, the spirit returns to God. It is His choice to send it to a place of torment to keep with Him. This is were the real Tree of Life comes in, Christ, and those who partake of that tree get to stay with God eternally.
AMAZING

New Christmas Angel – fun to paint again…I will redo this as it is just a draft.

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Thanksgiving Fun

2011-11-26T10:39:00.001-10:00

Just a quick post – Black Friday Fun

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Page 4–Gospel in a Series of Cinquains

2011-11-05T11:40:00.001-10:00

Dupe

Gullible, Unfaithful

Permiting, Listening, Justifying

One rule was ignored.

Fallen

So here we have it, the steps to sin.

You permit the lie bearer to have an audience with you
You listen to the lie
Then you justify in your head why it is okay

Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. Proverbs 14:7-8 (ESV)

The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24 (ESV)

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 2 Peter 3:17 (ESV)

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8 (ESV)

He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” Isaiah 44:20

…because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:25 (ESV)

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17 (ESV)

And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life…Genesis 3:17 (ESV)

therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. Genesis 3:23 (ESV)

When man fell he became at odds with God. He lost his "forever" relationship with God, he lost living with Him eternally. He could not eat from the tree of good and evil but he apparently ate from the tree of everlasting life. So death entered the world and the relationship with God was changed.

Preliminary drawing:

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Page Three of Gospel Story in a Cinquain

2011-10-27T12:05:00.001-10:00

There is so much to be said about the character of God. But I will stick to the verses that say Creator.

Designer

Strong, Kind

Protecting, Providing, Relating

They were happy to be with Him.

Creator

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 (ESV)

“For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of. Deuteronomy 4:32 (ESV)

Do you thus repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you? Deuteronomy 32:6 (ESV)

Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: Psalm 102:18 (ESV)

Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created. Psalm 148:5 (ESV)

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28 (ESV)

You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. Ezekiel 28:13 (ESV)

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? Malachi 2:10 (ESV)

He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, Matthew 19:4 (ESV)

and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, Ephesians 3:9 (ESV)

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

…because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:25 (ESV)

These cards, plus more will be available on Etsy sometime next week. They are all hand pulled on a big shot machine using my own stamps which I designed and cut.

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Free Mingle Magazine winner is…

2011-10-20T11:02:00.001-10:00

Kelly at http://kellysartjournaling.blogspot.com/ is the winner! Thanks for your participation!.

Verse 2 of the Gospel in a series of Cinquain-

Life with God was beautiful and lovely. There is not much in the bible about the garden of Eden. I think most of what I know about it by reading about what was taken away from man after the fall. Which to me indicates what the contrast was - paradise.

Paradise

Perfect, Lovely

Relaxing, Calming, Enjoying

Nothing ever died.

Vivid

Genesis 2:10-19, Genesis 3:8, Check out how Solomon describes the lover as a paradise, this is what I envision concerning the Garden of Eden:

Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices— a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.

Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard, Song of Songs 4:13-15

And Jesus used the term paradise to encourage the thief next to Him. Luke 23:43

I think life with God before the fall will be restored to us in heaven.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Revelation 2:7

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift…

No Art Today.

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Genesis 1- This is a Long One Plus, Cinquain 1

2011-10-18T02:03:00.001-10:00

Okay today is long winded but I want to explain my idea. I am doing the Gospel story in a series of Cinquain - which is a five line poem with special rules (I will explain them next time). Then after I share the poem, I will have a part of the Gospel plan that goes with it.

God

Eternal, Almighty

Beginning, Making, Ending

It is His Plan, His power, His design

Creator

In the beginning God created...why is this important? Does it change anything at all?

GOD CREATED – Not man or a process, GOD CREATED.

The first thing God did was to create light and then he separated that light from the dark. They were two separate things and he assigned them times to appear.

The next thing He did was to divide the water that must have been all around. So then the sky was created at that point.

Next, He gathered all the water that was below the sky and made dry land and the earth was made on the third day. He created the plants on that day too.

On the fourth day he created the stars and planets and suns and moons. What made light before there was a sun? I guess it was just light.

Next we get the creatures of the air and water on the fifth day.

The sixth day is when he created the dry land creatures, bugs and reptiles and mammals. And then of course man was last and that meant woman too it seems.

Man was to care for the earth and everything ate only plants, there was no death at this point.

Why is any of this important? For me, it goes back to #1, God created and #2, there was no death yet.

The one creates something has the right to say what should happen to it. He or she has the right to set the rules and the right to manage it however he sees fit.

If there is a Creator, then we don't make the rules we are part of that creation. Some people look at that as a hindrance, a lack of choice. We do have a choice and it is this, we can choose to live in peace with the creator or in disharmony. Period, there is no other choice. If we choose peace, we live with Him forever. If we choose the latter, we live without Him forever. Why does that matter? Because goodness,light and loveliness lies with Him and everywhere else is where darkness, destruction, meanness and hopelessness reside.

If you see any good now, it is a result of God's presence. When He is gone there will be only ugly left. And if that makes you angry remember, He has the right to make it that way.

Here are some verses to check out about creation:

Job 38:4
Ps 33:6
Ps 136:5
Isa 42:5
Isa 45:18
Jn 1:1
Ac 14:15
Ac 17:24
Col 1:16
Heb 1:10
Heb 11:3
Rev 4:11
Jer 4:23
2Co 4:6
Job 37:18
Ps 136:5
Jer 10:12
Jer 51:15
Ge 1:18

Some new jewelry:

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New Magazine, Mingle from Stampington–GIVE AWAY

2011-10-10T17:00:00.001-10:00

Okay, so this new magazine is about getting together. It is really fun to see what people do when they gather. From parties to retreats, the ideas people have are great. It will inspire you and give you some ideas for events of your own.

I am giving away two copies.

This is what you do, comment with a short description of one of your favorite creative or meaningful get-togethers, you didn’t have to come up with the idea either. I will put all of them in a hat and draw two out. The drawing will be next Thursday Hawaiian time so look for your name on Friday morning the 21st.

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Acts 20–Wake up Elders

2011-10-07T06:47:00.001-10:00

Think of the group who went with Paul to Macedonia they were from Macedonia and Greece. Paul and Timothy were from Israel. Macedonia and Thessalonica are now Greece and Derbe and Ephesus are what we know as Turkey. What a wonderful mix and testimony of God’s grace to all nationalities.

I can’t imagine feeling like Paul about God and the mission and the job at hand. I am so faithless, fainthearted and immersed in myself. Pathetic.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 (ESV)

Paul’s speech to the elders is heart wrenching. How sad they must have been and even possibly frightened. The fear of what was to come. But if they stayed alert, they would be better off and the wolves could be kept at bay.

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Acts 20:28-32 (ESV)

I think that maybe someone along the line was not alert and did let in wolves because of the lack of Christianity in Turkey and Greece now.

Think about it American church...not America, but CHURCH, stay awake.

No wonder I have headaches and sneeze my brains out everyday. I thought it was just hay fever but add cane smoke into the mix and I believe I am officially allergic to Maui .

This is the beginning of a cloud one day – from Pa‘ia or somewhere around there. I watched it move to our side throughout the morning.

This is when it made it to overhead – right off the lanai.

I drive through it on my way to work from time to time.

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Wow! My new schedule has really messed me up. Acts 18 & 19

2011-10-06T10:23:00.001-10:00

I love working mornings instead of nights but I haven’t figured out how to fit in all the things I did before. Bible Study, walking, watering, feeding everyone (birds, dogs, me) making lunches and so on. Being a morning person, my energy level when I get home at 2 or 3 is at the lowest. I hope I will get it all figured out…

Wow! What was up with Apollos? It brought tears to my eyes to think about how he knew enough to witness boldly but didn't have the whole story. He apparently was humble and listened to Aquila and Priscilla and wanted to to even do more. I love it when someone is truly saved, don't you?

God did extraordinary things through Paul. Magicians burned their books and renounced their ways.

Think about how much time Paul spent in Asia. Think about how little Christianity is in Turkey, which is where he was when Asia is mentioned. I kind of expect it to be unpopular or even unheard of in countries far from where it all began, like South America or remote islands. But Turkey and the middle east???

I have a new phone, the Droid Charge it has an 8 mp camera with macro and zoom. I just love it!

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About Humility...

2011-09-29T12:09:00.001-10:00

Note to me: Stop trying to give yourself what you want. Stop trying to take care of #1. Number 1 should be God not me.

Pride is always wrong. Pride in the sense of taking care of me, not in being proud of a job well done. God takes care of the humble and the care is always a better thing then you can give yourself. It is all about faith, do I believe that God's care and gifts are better than what I can give? If the answer is no, then I don't really know Him. I have never given Him the chance or I have and don't like how long it sometimes takes to get what I want.

You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down. 2 Samuel 22:28 (ESV)

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:9-10

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. Psalm 147:5-6
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:3-4
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:6-10

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:5-9 (ESV)

And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:26-31 (ESV)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:7-12 (ESV)

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11 (ESV)

Work Doodle:

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September 17, 2011 Anything that has to do with God is Delightful

2011-09-17T09:38:00.001-10:00

Well, in a perfect world that is true. When you are in love with something does it feel like "I have to..." Or "I can't wait to..." When I do my bible study, tithe or visit a sick person in the church at this point in my life, I have to. How stinking sad is that? It isn't a horrible thing like paying a traffic ticket but it sure does not resemble an evening meeting with a glass of wine and a movie. I am pathetic. My love for God is not what it should be and that makes me frustrated.

I am reading the results of a search on the word faithful. How could the good Old Testament people be considered faithful when they did not have the Spirit of God in them? I just cant get a handle on this sin nature and still being faithful thing.

This verse reminds me that my sacrifice is to give up my idols.

“Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” Psalm 50:5 (ESV)

New church doodle. I think I will make a book with doodles in it. It will have two chapters, work and church.

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August, Set your Face Toward Your Jerusalem

2011-09-15T11:52:00.001-10:00

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. Luke 9:51-52 (ESV)

The lesson here is pretty plain, we must be resolute in our desire to do what is right. Obviously Jesus could do that and we can only do it with His help. But we can be determined to get back up when we fall and not give up the fight to stop turning to our god to give us what we think we need.

Just a little side note here too...
But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village. Luke 9:53-56 (ESV)

How many times have we blamed obstacles or mistreatment on people or circumstances when we are unable to do something we think we should do? It may have been in the plan all along so that we keep moving toward the place God wants us? HMMMM.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV)

Amen!

Draft one of the little ocean colors book:

Sample of the pages.

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September 9, 2011 - Don't Try To Save Yourself

2011-09-09T07:13:00.001-10:00

The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine
and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:36-39 (ESV)

What would have happened if Christ would have "Saved Himself" and given Himself relief from His suffering sacrifice?

Simple, the spiritual benefits of that sacrifice would not exist. We would not be reconciled to God. Where God is there is life. We would die in our sin.

You cannot save yourself from anxiety, pain, anger, boredom or sadness with anything apart from turning to God. When we do, the results are not spiritual, they are carnal and result in worldly temporary solutions. God rewards us for spiritual sacrifice and those results are lasting in one way or another.

What should we sacrifice? Saving ourselves, comforting ourselves, splurging to feel like we had some fun. That goes against everything we are told. "Take care of yourself", "It is time to think of you", "You need to move on and do what's best for you." If we are serving ourselves, serving others or taking care of ourselves for human praise or acceptance we are wasting our sacrifice. It has to be done for God or it is just empty.

Dying to live, giving to receive and emptying to be filled are contrary to the common way of thinking. When done for Christ however, the results are nothing short of spectacular.

It is hard to believe but give it a try. Give up some food , turn to God instead and pray. It is not a quick high like eating an entire block of cheese with a bag of chips. I think if I did this for one month straight, I might be amazed.

Some new cards:

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September , 2011–Death To Self

2011-09-07T07:27:00.001-10:00

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:24-26 (ESV)

Whoever loves their crutch (addiction) loses his or her joy and the blessings that come from giving them up. Everyone has an addiction; the addiction of making “self” comfortable and safe. It looks like: compulsions to buy, eat or exercise. Or self-pity, anger, substance and alcohol abuse, violence and jealousy.

This life, the life of self fulfillment. Sad for a Christian to say. I turn to food and spending money for my comfort. That is the life I must die to and hate. Follow Christ, Serve Christ...where He is, I want to be also.

I have a new job it begins at 7:30 in the morning (7:00 really…1/2 drive time). That is good for me I am a morning person. I am not used to it yet. I was able to get hours of projects done in my old job that did not start until 10:30. It puts a crimp on the Bible study for now. I need to stop doing and wait till afternoon.

Another page from the book:

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August 27, 2011–Press On

2011-08-27T09:53:00.001-10:00

Three verses which remind me to continue.

But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)

Onward then!

Another sketch from the ocean rhyme book:

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August 20, 2011 - Gleaning

2011-08-20T08:33:00.001-10:00

I want to copy Spurgeon for a while with this idea -

"Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn." Ruth 2:2

He used the promises of God as an analogy to ears of corn that you glean in a field. I am amazed at people who know God so well and have such a deep love for him that they think this way. Perhaps they were simply made that way but none-the-less they don't waste that gift.

Here are some promises that have gotten me through some tough spots:

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:30-33 (ESV)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (ESV)

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:15 (ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:36 (ESV)

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 (ESV)

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. John 6:47 (ESV)

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 (ESV)

And this is the promise that he made to us— eternal life. 1 John 2:25 (ESV)

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11 (ESV)

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (ESV)

Three versions of a drawing/painting:

Derwent Inktense, Caran d’Ache Supracolor II pencils on Fabriano 140 lb. hot press paper. Ink Pen.

Same as above sans the ink pen.

Gouache, Derwent Watercolor Pencils, Cretacolor Marino Pencils on Black Somerset Velvet paper.

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August 18 - Stand Firm

2011-08-18T09:19:00.001-10:00

We have been given the tools however, so how do we use them? Not so sure of that myself. But here they are:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV)

Break Down:

Belt of Truth - there seems to be no cross reference for this but since Christ is Truth then I think it goes with the breastplate being Christ.

Breastplate - Righteousness, we have none of our own so that is Christ. Isaiah 59:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Isaiah 61:10,

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 (ESV)

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 (ESV)

Shoes of readiness to preach the Good News- self explanitory - Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15, Exodus 12:11

Shield - Faith - 1 John 5:4 - this is how you extinguish the flaming darts from the enemy.

Helmet - the hope of salvation - But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV)
The Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God, the scriptures. Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 49:2, Hosea 6:5, 2 Corinthians 6:7

...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...Ephesians 6:18-19 (ESV)

by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 2 Corinthians 6:7 (ESV)

One page from a short poem book for the little guys:

I need to fix a few things and add the sparkly paint, but I am happy to be painting again.

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August 9, 2011–Wake Up and Humble Yourself

2011-08-09T09:31:00.001-10:00

I have been asleep so long I am not sure how I will do that. I have been drunk with food and pleasure. I have not been walking in a wise manner or making the most of my time. I hope I am not too far gone for the Holy Spirit to wake up.

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:3-21 (ESV)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV)

Two more finished drawings of the picture book I am working on:

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August 6, 2011 - The Greatest of These Is Love

2011-08-06T09:53:00.001-10:00

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)
I was taught that the chapter above was about love in general. Loving everyone, being loving, having hope and faith in others. But think for a moment...and apply this to our relationship with God. We cant fully love others or have hope and faith in them without the love of God in our hearts. The greatest of these is love for God.

Just some new things that will go on t-shirts in my Zazzle gallery –I’ll take out the banner though.

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You shall not make yourself a god...

2011-08-05T08:23:00.001-10:00

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you... seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:5-10 (ESV)

And God spoke all these words, saying,
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:1-6 (ESV)

Gluttony is a form of greed and greed is a form of idolatry. You make yourself a god by thinking that you know best how to provide for yourself. You think you give yourself better things and do a better job than God. You give yourself whatever you want because you are sure no one else will.

I should memorize these verses:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:25-33 (ESV)

I am working on a small ocean book here are two of the beginning drawings that I will eventually paint and put with the verse:

This page will be about some creatures that glow.

This is a page about bright eyes.

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July 22 - Who's Your Daddy?

2011-08-02T10:59:00.001-10:00

Likewise who's your master? You obey your master because you love it. I am not talking about the master you have to obey because of fear, like obeying authorities and bosses because of the fear of losing your job or being put into jail.

But the thing you spend the most time on, who or what is that?

Mine is pleasure. It takes the form of food and spending money on things that I love like art supplies. I obey it faithfully.

True obedience comes from giving yourself to the thing you love. I obey pleasure – I keep its commandments- because I love it with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind. Sick right?

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 (ESV)

And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 2 John 1:6 (ESV)

Obedience and time spent proves what we have given our heart to.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

You cannot serve God and _______(fill in the blank)

Interesting that the above verse is followed by the "don't be anxious about your life" verses. How is gluttony and over spending money related to being anxious about your life? I will look at that further. I thinks it bears some thought and study.

So back to the question, Who's your Daddy?

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 (ESV)

yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3 (ESV)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3 (ESV)

who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Galatians 1:4 (ESV)

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6 (ESV)

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:18 (ESV)

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12 (ESV)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 (ESV)

This is the goal, to transfer our love from idols to our Father. Then obedience will come from that. No more listening to the refrigerator calling my name and blindly obeying it to “EAT SANTA, EAT.”

New Necklace made with a beautiful cross that my co-workers brought back from New Mexico:

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July 21 - Love the LORD with all your heart!

2011-07-21T10:28:00.001-10:00

Philippians 3:18-19 (ESV)
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

So it starts in the head but in order for it to last it must move to the heart.

Love the Lord with all your heart...

Dt 6:5
Dt 11:1
Dt 11:13
Dt 13:3
Dt 30:6 - this one tells you that God will circumcise your heart so that you can love Him. That is the Old Testament way of saying, "Saved" You have to be a Christian or this isn't even possible.

Jos 22:5
Mt 22:37
Mk 12:30
Lk 10:27

If you give pieces of your heart to anything other than God you will feel drained. He will not allow idols to fill you up. Therefore, you will fall into bed exanimate and wake up lethargic and frustrated because of the never ending work of chasing lifeless idols.Your love for others will be hollow at best because you are in essence empty.

God, "save" us so that we can have the mind of Christ with a desire to please you. Then we can, in increasing measure, love YOU with our whole heart.

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

New Bracelet

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Idols,Diet,Kelley Kuhlman,Maui Artist,Leather and Wire Jewelry,Sea Glass

July 20, 11 - Soar

2011-07-20T10:13:00.001-10:00

Isaiah 40:31
…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

God draws us in – then out of the desert. He tests us and we learn and most of all see how desperately we need Him.

The closer we get to God the more irresistible He becomes and the drugs we use to make us happy become unattractive.

It is a head game most of all…focus. What do we think about? The head thinks and the body follows.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

James 4:2-10 (ESV)
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Oh to soar! Soaring is not possible until you make it out of the desert. May our trip be quick.

Just a few shots of the lovely pink morning yesterday. Wouldn’t believe you are looking at Maui would you (well, maybe the abandoned cars give it away)?

Very brown grass…Kihei.

But it literally was this color.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Diet,Christianity,Maui,Pink Morning,brown grass,Kelley Kuhlman

July 19, 2011 - Does God Even Care?

2011-07-19T11:21:00.001-10:00

Exodus 34:14 (ESV)
...(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
1 John 4:9-12 (ESV)
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Psalm 139:1-16 (ESV)
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. I am going to go with YES!

Ephesians 3:14-19 (ESV)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Here is a little study of bioluminescent sea stuff And jellyfish pic for a story I am trying to write.:

The Bright Ones

The Guru

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July 12, 2011 - Rise Above??? Is That Even Possible?

2011-07-18T12:18:00.001-10:00

“Rise up, O men of God. Have done with lesser things. Give heart, and soul, and mind, and strength to serve the King of Kings.”

Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
In my estimation, this is not perfectly possible. We are fallen and our journey begins with believing and continues by following. We are not capable of this on our own. We who are believers have "put on Christ" He is our covering, our cloak from our hoodie to our boots. But we are still underneath all that. It is still us wearing it and the purpose is for identification - we are Christ's . We are also given a soft heart but not a perfect one. Our heart is soften so that we have the ability to hear and respond to the Holy Spirit. Our minds are renewed every time we seek God, read the bible and worship but it must be done everyday. The effects are like vitamins they need to be taken daily.

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength….’

My conclusion to this focus idea is this: I will pray that the Holy Spirit remind me that whenever I think of food outside of the context of hunger, I am to stop and turn my thoughts to Christ. Stop, divert and pray.

FOCUS! I first need the desire to want to focus. So let it be so.

-Well, I am working on a little book of the ocean so here are a couple of preliminary drawings and one seahorse painting done at work.

This one is made with gouache and inktense watercol blocks and Derwent colored pencils – on Artagain black paper.

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July 8, 2011 - UGHHHHHHHHHH

2011-07-08T09:00:00.001-10:00

Acts 7:34 (ESV)
I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them...

Auh...Please?

Look at this part of this chapter. Look at the contrasts that God will give to the Israelites.

liberty to the captive
gladness instead of mourning
a garmet of praise instead of depression

Especially check out the reason why...

Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

I should want to be set free so that He is glorified. But inside I just don't want to be an addicted, out of control, fatty anymore.

My heart is black - I surely need a Savior. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV) Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

John 7:16-17 (ESV)
So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.
If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

Make it so!

Some new Jellyfish coloring pages for a book I am trying to write but they may just end up in a coloring book:

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Diet,Jellyfish,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,Doodle

July 7, 2011–What Should My Focus Be–or conversely, What Should Not Be My Focus?

2011-07-07T10:58:00.004-10:00

I read in Weigh Down that we are not to worry about food. It is in the context of worrying about starving but I have extended it in my mind to include any kind of worry about food. Like being concerned that I won't get to eat when I want or how much I want. Or the act of planning too far in advance about what to eat or thinking about food in general.
So we can conclude that physical food should not be the focus, but rather spiritual food should be the food for the heart.
Shamblin, Gwen (2009). Weigh Down Diet (p. 72). Galilee Trade. Kindle Edition.
I know this in my head but how does it sink into my heart? Hopefully I can give an answer to that. But praying for it will be my first step.
Matthew 6:25-33 (ESV)
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. Hopefully I will not only learn how to do this but also have the desire to do this.
Mind you, I am not new to this concept. I learned it years ago but apparently it was head education and not a “new heart”. I want the latter this time, however if that is not possible, I will take head motivation any day. I am tired…

Check out the pillow I made for Jay’s mom who is in a nursing home:

http://twitpic.com/5moo31
Go here to make your own.
http://t.co/Arp1cUm @cafepress

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Diet,CafePress.com,Custom Pillow

July 6, 2011 - Eat when you are hungry, stop when SATISFIED - Pay Attention, Draw Near To God

2011-07-06T08:56:00.001-10:00

Oh the fight and lack of love for God.

Proverbs 23:19-21 (ESV)
Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Here are some eating bits from Weigh Down that may help in this quest to love God more than food.

It should take you at least 10 minutes to eat if not 20. That is how long it takes for the food to digest and reach the blood stream to tell you that you are full.

Your stomach is the size of your clinched fist - never serve yourself more than a fistful.
Tips for slowing down

Pray for God to help you slow down and watch what happens.
Try stopping in the middle of your meal for one to two minutes.
Try drinking two or three ounces of orange juice or sweet beverage before you start.
Try looking up from the food. Enjoy the company. Divorce yourself from that food!
Try using a fork.
Try sipping between bites.
Try taking smaller bites.
Get the food out of your sight when you even suspect you are comfortably full. or better yet, leave the table and go into another room and pray for God to remove the desire to eat another bite. Give Him a few minutes, and He will answer the prayer.

Shamblin, Gwen (2009). Weigh Down Diet (p. 99, 100). Galilee Trade. Kindle Edition.

Proverbs 27:7 (ESV)
One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.

Your dependent spirit is addicted to the love of the substance, and letting go of food or tobacco will really be hard and emotionally difficult unless you simultaneously replace that dependence with clinging onto God.

Shamblin, Gwen (2009). Weigh Down Diet (pp. 102-103). Galilee Trade. Kindle Edition.

So what is the root of the problem? It is what your heart is depending on!

Shamblin, Gwen (2009). Weigh Down Diet (p. 103). Galilee Trade. Kindle Edition.

The way to end the entire cycle is to transfer your passion for food to passion for God.

Shamblin, Gwen (2009). Weigh Down Diet (p. 104). Galilee Trade. Kindle Edition.

Today's memory verse and a promise:

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Yet another cat pic. I am really disappointed in this. It was the best doodle but the scan it took didn’t keep and I didn’t know it. I painted it and don’t like it but usually don’t care because of the drawing backup. This time I had no backup so I have to re-draw.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Diet,Cats,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,Watercolor Pencils,Watecolor Crayons

July 5 - Exit Day 1–WAKE UP

2011-07-05T13:39:00.001-10:00

This is my diet journey. But it should not be called that. It should be called my Exit from Slavery to Food.

I am re-reading Weigh Down, it helped before. But apparently, I used it at that time just like the other million diets I have read and it was just a band aid. No real change of heart. So my quest is this, to work as hard at finding God in this matter as I do, planning meals, thinking about food and eating it. I really want a lifestyle change that will last. I say that of course having eaten my entire caloric need by this time…12:40.

The author of the previously mentioned book teaches not to count or measure but to pay attention to your body signals.

My problem is wanting to do that and being conscience. I am not spiritually or even emotionally awake at this point in my life. I am numb and on auto-pilot.

So this is first…Wake Up!

Matthew 24:42 (ESV)
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

1 Corinthians 15:34 (ESV)
Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

A new kitty for a card. Oil pastel on paper.

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Bible Notes,Diet,Cats,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman

June 28–A Little Break From Acts, Spurgeon Instead

2011-06-28T10:00:00.001-10:00

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

Morning for June 28

"Looking unto Jesus." Hebrews 12:2

It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus." All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: He tells us that we are nothing, but that "Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument—it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by "looking unto Jesus." Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee.

"My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness:

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name."

AHHH! What more is there to say?

I have been painting with the kids at work again, here a couple of kitties:

We have a lot of “boo boo” papers that the kids discard so I used one of them as the background above then drew and painted the cat on top. FUN!!!

This one is a pastel on black paper…always a favorite.

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June 7, 2011 - Acts 11 - and some new earrings with silver and shell

2011-06-07T12:04:00.001-10:00

I wish I was more like Barnabas, he could always see the positive aspect of things. I have pretty dead-on discernment for the negative things which at times has proven to be a great warning system. But I fail to see how, even though what I detect may be true, God could use or change the situation to His benefit. Again I am amazed at the sensitivity to the Spirit or possibly just the increased works of the Spirit during this time. And that is a good question, were the people more sensitive to the Spirit or was He just more outwardly active during this period of time???

Going back to the beginning of the chapter; think about the fact that the people alive during that time witnessed the actual day that God gave the GIFT to the gentiles.

If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” Acts 11:17 (ESV)

I hope I never stand in the way of God giving the GIFT to someone because of my "discernment."

New Earrings. Soon to be posted on Etsy and sent to Dragonfly Interiors/ Big Sky MT.

I had a growth spurt-more tomorrow:

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June 3, 2011 - Acts 10

2011-06-03T09:21:00.001-10:00

How wonderful it would be to know for certain that God was talking to you in a dream and that is wasn't just your imagination. I just keep thinking about how God's plan just keeps on progressing through time. All those times have has some sort of prediction about it before it all happened. How can I not be amazed?

How did Peter share the Gospel? He told them that God is not partial, anyone of any race is acceptable to Him if they fear Him and does what is right. Then he moved on to telling them that the word was sent to Israel first about the fact that there is peace in Christ that He is the Lord of all. He then reminded them of what happened during Jesus walk on the earth, his life, actions, death and resurrection. He told them that He was chosen by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. He finished it all off by telling them that EVERYONE who BELIEVES in HIM receives forgiveness of sins. I have friends who don't believe that there are sins and certainly no need to be forgiven for them. So why is the forgiveness of sins so important? The prize to be won in the end is Christ. It is being connected to God once again as it was intended from the beginning. God is in heaven and there is only one other place to go when you die. Whether you like it or not, it is God's plan and His solution to the separation issue that was evoked by Adam.

Some more new jewelry:

My friend brought me this lovely jade cross from Honolulu – what a great gift. So I came up with this to hang if from, thanks Penny!

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May 24, 2011- Acts 9

2011-05-27T13:00:00.001-10:00

Just think, Paul wasn't just like walking home from work or the store. He was on his way to destroy people's lives. He had guys with him too, what happened to them, did any get saved?

Paul was obviously born with the personality needed for the job he was chosen to do. He was fearless and dedicated and brilliant. Just picture him in the beginning of this time, hanging around other disciples and right away going into the synagogues and preaching the gospel. I wonder what that was like? Were people at the synagogues all day or was it at the time of prayer, like a daily thing or was it just on the Sabbath. How did they get audience? Did they yell in from the back door or go right up front and start speaking? Or did they actually stand outside and catch people as they were coming in or going out? What a shock to those high priests when they heard the news that the man who had been there not long before asking to imprison the people had become one of them.

How did Barnabas know that Paul really was a believer now? I does seem he had some knowledge of Paul's preaching in Damascus. So maybe it was word of mouth?

God removed Saul and replaced him with Paul and there was peace for a time. The church grew also , I guess it is not always in times of tribulation that there is growth.

One more new bracelet. This one is a bit strange but it looks better on. I am really getting into this right now, the potential…

I really think this needs a center stud with something sticking out but I am nervous about messing it up, they are quick to make.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,The Book of Acts,Maui,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,wire Jewelry,Seashell Jewelry,Leather and Wire Jewelry

May 25, 2011 - Acts 7

2011-05-25T10:15:00.001-10:00

I seriously love how Stephen tells the outline of history to people who would have been very aware of the stories. His description of Moses parallels that of Christ's. The story just goes along then, BAM, he gives them the business about doing the same to God an then killing the second "MOSES."

I am always amazed at Stephen's courage. I am so faint-hearted and faithless.

Two new bracelets:

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Acts,Maui,Kelley Kuhlman,Leather and Wire Jewelry,Seashell Jewelry

May 24, 2011 - Acts 6

2011-05-24T06:17:00.001-10:00

I think of this verse: And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7 (ESV)
A great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. We can't even imagine what that would be like. Unless we know for a fact that a preacher, reverend or priest is not a believer, our Christian leaders already believe. God of course is the only one who knows for sure but we are to assume they are unless the words they speak and their fruit indicates otherwise.

So just think what upheaval there must have been in the Jewish faith and in the temple.

The men who framed Stephen were not believers, they did not understand or embrace the things he taught. They could not handle the Holy Spirit's presence or power either. That is when Christians are martyred. The hatred is against the wisdom and the Spirit. It is like a spiritual jealousy that consumes people. They are angry that what they believe is being questioned and they are this definition of jealous, "Suspicious or unduly suspicious or fearful of being displaced by a rival-i.e. a jealous lover" ~ Word Web Dictionary. They fear that the God of the bible will displace their god of man.

May the God of the Bible keep us in His care and give us the courage to handle the ones who hate Him in us.

As usual, I placed too much emphasis on my present vacation. I thought and actually prayed that I would get like 10 projects done. I have almost nothing to show for it. I have worked non-stop trying however. It seems so wasted. Why is my focus on producing and not just creating and experimenting? I think it is because I work and I know my time to get items done to sell is short. I really want to create and sell my things on a full-time basis. I have done it before and I was terrible at it but I think I am wiser now. FRUSTRATED beyond belief…I really want to be grateful for my job too. FRUSTRATED!!!!

Anyway, here are two new earrings and a doodle:

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,The Book of Acts,Maui,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,wire Jewelry,coconut beads,peacock doodle

May 20, 2011…Oops! Missed chapters 5, 6 and 7 of Acts

2011-05-20T10:07:00.001-10:00

Acts 5

Why is it that the signs and wonders were done only by the apostles? Think of the importance of having that massive outpouring of miracles it was to the growth of the new church.

I am really pondering this for some reason, it really struck me this morning, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” Acts 5:20 (ESV)
All the words of THIS LIFE...the fact that there is no "life" outside of God's plan. John 6:63, John 6:68, Philippians 2:16, Acts 3:15, Acts 11:18. What are the words of life? The chapter later give an outline:

The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:30-32 (ESV)
There it is in a nutshell. It is missing the part about the fact that God created everything for Himself and the creation rejected His right to rule so the plan was executed to connect man back to the creator - there is no life outside of Him - For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
But the Jews would have already known and believed that part. They knew the whole story but rejected Christ as the One who would put it all back together the way it was intended.

I love Gamaliel's wisdom. I should remember it when I think there is something funky going on in the Christian church which can not be identified as sin (if that were the case I would have to speak the truth) but just doesn't sit right.

...for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! Acts 5:38-39 (ESV)

New Mermaid: She needs to be tidied up today.

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May 19, 2011 - Acts 8:1-25

2011-05-19T09:09:00.001-10:00

So the Christians fled and scattered about but the Apostles stayed there. Just think about that...if things remained the same the church would have grown right there and probably at a slower rate elsewhere. It would spread some because of people visiting each other and witnessing and meeting people while doing business. But how much faster if people were dispersed all around? It says in verse4:

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Acts 8:4 (ESV)

I don't understand why people received the Holy Spirit only after the apostle's laid hands on them. It doesn't happen that way now. When did it change and what was the reason it was this way to begin with? I do think that things were done differently throughout time, sort of like steps...step 1, step 2 and so on. It is the same with the way similar things were done differently in the Old Testament and when Jesus walked the earth to now. There seems to be a progression in how things are done and whey they change to fulfill God's plan.

Lastly, poor Simon, he did believe but he immediately fell. Other new believers fall too and don’t completely understand everything about their new faith and what to do. So why was he so strongly rebuked? His sin had something to do with being in bondage to serving Satan and bitterness. Not sure what the bitterness has to do with it but we know from other scriptures that it defiles everyone who comes in contact with the person suffering from it. Plus, we know that God deeply hates witchcraft. Both bitterness and magic defile everyone around. These verses were in my bible as cross references:

Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the LORD our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, Deuteronomy 29:18 (ESV)

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)

Let us watch for turning away, it appears that it’s fruit is bitterness.

I have spent two full days working on a few paintings and drawings and I must admit I don’t have much to show for it. I need to remember to love the process and not be so result oriented. This is a vacation I know but I have so little time in my regular life and I wanted it full of success.

Project 2 – Inktense pencils, Prismacolor pencils and Neocolor II/water-soluble crayons. I will be re-doing this today. I don’t know why I can’t get it right the first time – EVER!

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Acts,Maui Artisti,Inktense pencils,Prismacolor pencils,Neocolor II,Kelley Kuhlman

May 18, 2011 - Act 4

2011-05-18T10:37:00.001-10:00

Okay, so this is such a great chapter. Check out this verse:

But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20 (ESV)

What have we seen and heard from Christ that we should be speaking about?

Now, look at the prayer:

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them...

for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:24, Acts 4:27-30 (emphasis mine)

God is the doer, plain and simple. May we be the voice that God grants the ability to speak His Word with all boldness. And may we leave the doing to Him.

Chameleon Re-Do: Done with Inktense pencils and a white gel pen

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,The Book Of Acts,Maui,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,chameleon,inktense pencils

May 17, 2011 - Acts 3

2011-05-17T09:07:00.001-10:00

I was just wondering how the "prayer hour" worked. Did people take a coffee break then? They obviously worked, right?

Peter turned into such a powerful speaker. He was so bold which goes to prove that his rash/bold behavior when Jesus was with him was exactly the personality that God gave him for this task.

Check out the names that Peter gave Jesus:

God's Servant
The Holy Righteous One
The Author Of Life
His Christ

That being the case...

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)

As I stated yesterday a project a day. I had sort of a wasted day but did do a quick chameleon which I will re-do today and show you the progress tomorrow.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,The Book of Acts,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,chameleon,watercolor Pencil,ink pen

May 16, 2011 - Acts 2 - Some Observations

2011-05-16T10:25:00.001-10:00

As I am reading through this chapter I have decided to really read the words. To try and remove all the things that I have been taught about this chapter, just read the words. Here are some things I have observed:

The house was filled with a sound of rushing wind. Does that mean it was windy in there, or just the sound?
They waited for the Holy Spirit, they did not conjure up a manifestation.
The "other tongues" that the men spoke with were distinct languages and for the devout men of every nation to hear. These people were Jews and converted proselytes.
Joel prophesied about this day. His prophecy seemed to start there and stretch to the second coming of Christ.
Peter used scripture to remind the Jews of certain prophecies about Christ as a witness.
Peter told the appropriate Gospel story to the people then when they asked what they should do, he told them to repent and to be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Peter also said that after they did that they would receive the Holy Spirit. He didn't say they would have to ask for the Holy Spirit. It appears to be part of the progression.
The promise is for all whom the Lord calls. Check out the cross references from my bible: Joel 2:32, and Romans 8:30.
The people devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, to fellowship with food and prayer.
The saved people shared everything with one another it was as though everything there was belonged to them all.
They were glad and generous in their sharing.
They praised God.
There was a revival.
The whole thing was started by God, not by men. They simply obeyed to wait for God.

...And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 (ESV)

Well, today starts my vacation and I am planning one project a day, some may blend into the next day but I will do something creative each day for 15 days. I don’t have anything to show today as it is early so I will share some squid pictures from a recent snorkel day. Tomorrow…ART!

It was super cloudy in the water that day so the pictures aren’t that noteworthy but it is always a treat to see something unusual just down the road from home!

This has been over adjusted but I love the eyes. I think I am going to do a series of paintings of fish eyes.

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May 5, 2011 - Acts 1 -...after He had given commands.

2011-05-05T12:01:00.001-10:00

What is witnessing? Acts 10:42, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47, John 20:21...These are what Jesus commanded the disciples to do:

Preach and testify that He is appointed by God to judge the living and the dead
Make disciples of any person
Proclaim the Gospel
Proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins

God chose exactly whom He wanted to do what. It is God who chooses what we do.

It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father ahs fixed by his own authority...Daniel 2:21, Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:1. It is not for us to know. Do the so called prophetic predictors of the times really think they will be given information concerning

this? What they needed was the power of the Holy Spirit who was not made available to all saved people until Christ left the earth. Before, it was select men/prophets and prophetess to whom the Spirit of the Living God came upon. But now, all believers are given the Holy Spirit as a deposit of sorts when they get saved.

They did not need to know anything about the coming kingdom or end but they needed the wisdom and power of God.

Note too, that in order for someone to be an apostle at first, they had to be an eye-witness to the events of Jesus life from the beginning of John until Christ ascended into heaven. There were apparently two men eligible for that. I wondered what Barsabbas thought when he wasn't picked. I hope he was satisfied with the knowledge that God knows best and that God has the right to choose.

Wow! Once again, its all about the Plan...

Just Some Random Older Ocean Art:

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Bible Notes,The Book Of Acts,Maui ARtist,Ocean Art

May 3, 2011 - Luke 24 - He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself... Plus, Big Wave, Sunset and Surfers at Ahihi

2011-05-03T10:51:00.001-10:00

Just think of that, Jesus went through all the scriptures that had something to do with Himself and interpreted it for them. Interestingly, they still didn't know it was Him, again, not until He did something, this time it was breaking and blessing bread. The lesson for me is this, people's eyes are not opened until the Holy Spirit opens them. It was God in the Old Testament who opened eyes, Christ before He ascended opened eyes and now it is the Holy Spirit. It is as if there have been "manifestation eras" or the progression of who took on the job of manifesting and communicating to people.

Again, it is all about the plan.

More Maui pictures:

This is sunset and surf at Ahihi.

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May 2, 2011…Were every one of the them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

2011-05-02T11:55:00.001-10:00

That is my favorite line in this 21st chapter of John. Think of that, the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus' works. I am guessing that is not the "works" he did while walking the earth alone? Could he have done so many things in 33 years or less to make John say that? I am curious now, but moving on...

One thing that confuses me is that it seems the disciples didn't realize Jesus was He in each of the three instances that He came to them after His resurrection. That is until He did something which could just be me assuming that of course. In this chapter though it says that they did not realize it. It was not until they caught all the fish at His advice to put the net on the right side, then John knew it was Christ. I feel sort of sorry for Peter. He was always jumping out or into a situation to show his affection for Jesus. It was probably his personality but I also wonder if it was a striving to be loved by Jesus. He seems a bit jealous in this chapter of John. John seemed to have a deep, quiet understanding and connection with the Lord. Which I am guessing had a lot to do with his personality.

But a lesson here for me is this phrase..."Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!'” John 21:22 (ESV)
And it is this, our portion is our portion. We are to live and work and love and follow within the context of what we have been given. In terms of time or lack thereof on the earth, wealth or poverty, health or sickness, and personality type. We are not to compare our portion with others or to worry about what they have that we do not. We are to "Follow Christ!"

Nothing new to show in the art world but here are a few pics from Brent and Mona’s visit when we drove to Hana:

Love my Panasonic waterproof camera! I took the above picture and the next few while in the pool – or under the waterfall.

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Bible Notes,Jesus,Road to Hana,Maui

April 19, 2011 Nehemiah 13

2011-04-19T08:53:00.001-10:00

Goodness that didn't take long. How incredibly frustrating for Nehemiah. I wonder how long Nehemiah was gone when this all happened?

When I was growing up Billy Graham and others had yearly crusades. We went to a church that supported that kind of activity so we attended several "crusades" throughout the years. I went to church camps religiously which tended to mimic crusade behavior at the closing of the camp week. When I read the account of the re-building of the Temple and Jerusalem I am reminded of those gatherings in my life. A huge assembly of people who are ready for reform and ready to repent, full of emotion and passionate determination. But then comes the falling away and usually soon after the event subsides, humans, it happens every time. The saddest part in my opinion is not so much the falling back into human reality, but that individuals and churches desperately sought to find or produce the effect that those crusades had on people.

Sometimes I think that was the beginning of ENTERTAINMENT church. Church needed to become attractive to people, it had to entice us to attend. Pardon me for being skeptical here but isn't the church for the "believer"? Isn't it for the collective gathering of the saints? When did it become an evangelical tool? Read the bible, the new covenant church had people added to it because they became believers, that is what the church is...believers.

If it weren't so, then look at the temple worship, it is a foreshadowing of the early Christian church after all. If the Israelites did it the way we do it they would have a big pig roast in the temple and invite all the Moabites and Canaanites to join in so that they could see how cool they were. The dancers, singers and musicians would be on stage and the priests would take turn dazzling the attendees with their eloquent speeches. They would call forward folks from other countries to give a testimony why they turned to the God of the Israelites and how they are different people now. All this in the hope that some more would convert to Judaism.

Now look at the biblical idea of the early church, from the day that Christ ascended into heaven to the end of Revelation. How did they behave? Don't try to defend why we do what we do, just look at it. If the church is not an evangelistic tool and simply a gathering of believers then I have no problem with it taking on the personality of the group and them worshipping in that freedom but anything else, in my opinion, is a farce. BELIEVERS witness to your neighbors, BELIEVERS feed the poor, BELIEVERS clothe the naked, BELIEVERS care for the aging. BELIEVERS do unto others, BELIEVERS shine the light and add the salt.

Do people hate the church because it Christ's bride or because we are loud, pompous and "cool wanna be’s”?

Okay, on a lighter note, some spring bunnies made for the grandkids spring cards:

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Bible Notes,Nehemiah,Maui Artist,Doodles,Bunnies,Modern Church,Kelley Kuhlman

April 7, 2011 - Nehemiah 11, 12

2011-04-12T10:19:00.001-10:00

I am really curious as to why the "servants of Solomon" are mentioned often in the rebuilding stories. I read a commentary that stated they were Canaanites that Solomon put into forced labor and that it seemed they formed a

Picture these things:

Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks...with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

... for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. Nehemiah 12:29 (ESV)
The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall,
and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.
So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me...with trumpets; Nehemiah 12:38-41 (ESV)

and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. Nehemiah 12:42-43 (ESV)
And they performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon.
For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers and the gatekeepers; and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron. Nehemiah 12:45-47 (ESV)

What an amazing sight that had to be. Amazing!!! The re-institution of God's Law and the ordinances of things like festivals and sacrifice and whole singing communities, what a refreshing and awesome thing to behold, revival.

Here are some new t-shirt submission rejects- no biggie, I just have some new card designs:

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Nehemiah,Christianity,Maui Artist,Hawaiian Art,Whale,Wave,Coffee,Koi

April 7, 2011 - Nehemiah 10

2011-04-07T12:41:00.001-10:00

What did the seals look like? Were they wax or string or??? How many names were there? I counted 85. I really want to see what that looked like. This is marvelous, everyone who agreed to this was in essence rededicating themselves to God and to taking care of His church. The last line is this:

...We will not neglect the house of our God.” Nehemiah 10:39 (ESV)

To them, the rededication was the re-installation of the law and to God's Name (taking care of the temple where God's Name was.)

How many times have I turned a new leaf? How many times have I said, "Kelley, it time to get your act together and to follow God in a more dedicated manner? Ughh! Just goes to show how I should never have any disgust for others backsliding and sins, just compassion. There go I...

Well, I haven’t had any time for art lately so I think I will share some old paintings of the animals and scenes from my heritage…the Western US, namely, Wyoming, Nevada and Montana. I love being from Wyoming and the wildlife from the west is one of my fondest memories. I don’t have any photos of moose or elk paintings saved, heart breaking as I love them too.

I cant remember when I painted/drew this but it was at least 10 years ago. Interesting how I loved to doodle even then. I didn’t call it that at this point however.

This house was near Kalispell, MT

This was an old mill on the way to Virginia City, NV

I saw wild horses everyday in Dayton, NV when I walked in the morning.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Nehemiah,Maui Artist,Watercolor,Pastel,Painting,Bison Painting,Antelope Painting,Wild Horse Painting,Wyoming,Nevada,Montana,Christianity

March 29, 2011–Morning and Evening for Today…Suffering

2011-03-29T08:17:00.001-10:00

March 29

Morning Verse

"Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8

We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass through seas of His own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master's experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ's "being made perfect through suffering"—it is, that He can have complete sympathy with us. "He is not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an honourable thing—to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does He honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him."

Morning and Evening – Charles Spurgeon

Ughhh…I am soooooooo weak. Why doesn’t seem comforting to me? I really am a chicken. I do however choose to have the faith that in my deepest despair, this will in fact be comforting and that God’s grace will be sufficient.

I am infatuated with the moon and especially when a planet is nearby. I have more of these shots than I will ever need or use but I can’t stop taking them.

I took this one holding my camera out of my car window while I drove home from work and just had it on burst.

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Psalm 148:3 (ESV)

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March 28, 2011 - Prayer is Worship - Nehemiah 9

2011-03-28T11:24:00.001-10:00

Check out this chapter. Nehemiah 9:1

It isn't asking for anything, but confessing and remembering. How often are our prayers requests compared to confession and thanksgiving?

...Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
“You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you…

Read the whole chapter. It is a worship chapter.

The prayer is a timeline of God and the Israelites. Both God and Israel’s character is revealed in this series of verses. And is is so this very day…God’s character and our character remains the same.

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

The thing I love most about my job is getting to do art with kids. Below are some things I created while exposing them to different art forms.

This is a watercolor of a great friggate bird or iwa.

This is a collage – watercolor, tempera resist, oil pastel and gel pen.

Acrylic on cardboard

watercolor and pastel on cardboard

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Nehemiah,Christianity,Maui Artist,Painting

March 24, 2011 - Nehemiah 8

2011-03-24T09:23:00.001-10:00

So the priests went paragraph by paragraph and explained the scriptures to the people and they understood:

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. Nehemiah 8:5-8 (ESV)

Israel had really fallen far from the law by this time. If you think about the fact that...they found it written in the Law that the LORD had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, Nehemiah 8:14 (ESV)
That means that even the priests and Levites had either forgotten or never knew about this Feast Of Booths. It says that since the time of Joshua this had not been done. Wow!

Have you ever thought about this term...for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
What does that really mean, what does it look like in my life? I can easily say that I have peace in my life because I know and trust God. And I am certainly grateful that I am an heir. But joy, like rejoicing with a hop in my step or lightness of heart, smiling and dancing? I am such an serious person; this does not manifest itself very often in the strictest sense. What is to be done about that? I guess I will look into it further.

No time for art…cookbook rabbit-hole has kidnapped me. But I have taken some morning pictures of my walks:

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March 15, 2011 - Nehemiah 7–How did Nehemiah get so smart?

2011-03-15T09:12:00.001-10:00

When I think about this chapter I try to imagine what it looked like inside the wall. I really can't picture it all but if there were more than 42,000 people and all the animals and no houses rebuilt yet, what a sight. Was there rubble from the original houses? Were there still some structures standing?

Just think, Nehemiah said that the city inside was large and the people few...more than 42,000 is a few? It had to be really big. One commentary said that there would have been garden plots and so on as well.

I am amazed at how God puts the correct person in charge of a certain job. Nehemiah was so wise. He knew how to organize people, how to build, how to protect the city and who should be in charge of everything from the building to the guarding and holy duties.

I am sorry, but I am never going to stop talking about the fact that he knew that God put things upon his heart. It is good to remember that in biblical stories where a major job is to be done (Moses, Noah, Solomon, Ezra, Esther, Nehemiah, and Jesus…to name a few) it is orchestrated by God. It is God who determines what jobs are to be done, it is God who summons the doer and it is God who directs the doing. There is just peace in that for me. Relax, just be ready and listen, that’s it.

In December we took a whale watch with our friends, Montey and Sharie. We saw all these dolphins and I have never posted any photos. I was going through pics today and saw them. I think I almost love the dolphins even more than the whales. I love boat rides as well! Thanks Share..

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Dophins,Nehemiah,Maui

March 8, 2011 Nehemiah 5, 6

2011-03-08T10:02:00.001-10:00

Nehemiah was an amazing man. In Chapter 5 we see him sticking up for the poor. He got right in the business of the rich nobles and officials and chastised them for being cruel and unfair. They listened and that is amazing in itself.

In chapter 6 we see the heat turned up from his enemies. They were complete liars too. The amazing thing about Nehemiah is that once again he had discernment and knew when a wolf was a wolf...And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid. Nehemiah 6:12-14 (ESV)

Of course it is important to pay attention to all of Nehemiah's "quick prayers" throughout. He is conversational with God. I think in this day and age it is so important to remember that there are enemies among us. Sanballat was a Jew-I am not sure if he was an Israelite but he was a practicing Jew never-the-less, and look at what an enemy he was. He incited people to go against Nehemiah, he lied about the motive to rebuild and yet was supposed to be one of them. Divisiveness marks a wolf.

New Jewelry set for a customer:

I really hope in the next few months to get items uploaded to my etsy shop-gotta finish the cookbook FIRST:

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March 1, 2011 - Nehemiah 3, 4

2011-03-02T10:09:00.001-10:00

I am trying to picture this...towers, broken walls, gates in disrepair, the pool of Bethesda and five roofed colonnades (cross references Nehemiah 3:32, Nehemiah 12:39, John 5:2) Well, my imagination falls short. I really wish there were accurate pictures of what that all looked like. what’s up with the Tekoites that would not stoop to serve their Lord? And how amazing is the fact that so may pitched in and not just men either. A father and two daughters are mentioned in the line-up. It seemed they each did what they could and by chipping away the work was getting done. If we were to just do what we could, just that and no more, what could we accomplish? Apply that idea to both physical and spiritual matters and just imagine the work that could be accomplished.

I was marveling at the fearlessness of the the people but thought about the fact that they set guards and held weapons as they built. They were afraid but they persevered anyway. Nehemiah reminded them that God was BIG...And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV)

And again here:
And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another.
In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” Nehemiah 4:19-20 (ESV)
The people trusted that their leader was hearing from God and they knew God's character. What more does a group of people need to get the job done?

Some staff meeting doodles:

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Nehemiah,Doodles,Kelley Kuhlman

February 28_2011 Nehemiah 1,2 –Timeline of the Rebuilding Of Jerusalem

2011-02-28T08:50:00.000-10:00

I can't seem to place this as far as timing in history so I looked it up. I know most people don't care but I find that putting it all together helps me somehow. One thing for sure, it solidifies the fact that this is real history and not made up stories. Assuming this page is correct, here is a time line that helped me, it is from http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/References/OT/Historical/Nehemiah/Nehemiah00HistorIntro.html

Nevertheless, the rebuilding was done in three waves. Nehemiah’s contribution being the third.

I guess the part I love the most is that God put it in the hearts of all involved to do this. Each leader was humbled by the sin of the people including themselves. God did it and they each knew for sure it was God. I really struggle with modern day "words from God" and "prophecies". What is the proof that many of those people are hearing from God? I guess maybe one test is that in the case of both Ezra and Nehemiah, God's hand was upon them and they had safety and were prosperous in what they set out to do. But prosperity isn't always smooth either. When Ezra's builders had to stop because of opposition, did they think that it must not have been from God?

Never-the-less, they had the confidence to know when God moved them to do something. I think our system of getting direction is different because we have the Bible, not to mention the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us. That is not to say that I think there is no more, Word from God or prophecy. I just don't know when it is real. I guess the best thing to do is to fast if you think God is directing you to do something. Ezra and Nehemiah fasted and prayed about it. Then moved out to do it. Of all the times I thought I had a good idea and it turned out to be doo doo, just think if I would have fasted and prayed even through one meal what the outcome may have been. That's my conclusion I guess...just fast.

Okay, so I need some help deciding on a logo for a dive company. Here are some of the ideas:

uGHHHH! logos are the hardest thing for me…well, that and t-shirt designs. HELP! Vote please just put the number in the comments area.

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Bible Notes,Nehemiah,Logo Design,Kelley Kuhlman,Maui Artist

February 25 - Do Not Fear...

2011-02-25T11:08:00.001-10:00

Times are frightening. The threat of the whole world changing into something we won't recognize is terrifying. Thinking about the "what ifs" steals our time and sucks away the hope of a peaceful existence. The bible is full of encouraging words for times like these. The Old Testament has verse after verse about trusting in God and then the promise that He will rescue. But are those promises that we have the right to demand? If you read the Old Testament it feels like the believers had only to believe and to obey the best they could to receive help and salvation from God. The faithful were blessed and the unfaithful were punished. Then Christ arrives on the scene and all that seems to change. The faithful are mistreated, oppressed and killed. There are stories of rescue and miracles sprinkled amongst the trials but the focus is different. In the Old Testament God showed that He was God through the people of Israel. The world watched this display of power which basically started with their escape from Egypt and continued throughout their wanderings and eventual conquering of the promise land. Of course it all really started in the beginning of creation. It became global however when it began to affect the world outside of their problems. The world saw that when Israel was faithful they were miraculously strong. Then they witnessed lost wars and conquered cities because of godless kings who no longer feared God. They watched as the nation's unfaithfulness resulted in destruction and slavery.

Next, years and years of silence from God then BAM, Christ is born. But the method God used to show the the world He is THE ONE TRUE GOD was very different. There was no mass exodus from a foreign country, no mighty king to take control and lead miraculous battles in order to conquer surrounding lands. Instead...a lamb led to slaughter.

Why the difference? Why the meek and the humble? Why a suffering King and martyred followers? Isn't it really the same? God's strength is made evident in our weakness. Before it was the weakness of a nation and now it is the weakness of individuals. God used Himself via prophets to guide, direct and reveal His wishes in the old covenant. Now, each believer has a modern version of that in the person of the Holy Spirit. It really is the same, it just moved from a group thing to an individual thing.

It is all about God showing the world who He is through His people. That part has never changed.

The Old Testament verses of comfort are still effective today keeping the following in mind; many spoke about physical promises of heath or rescue and salvation from the hand of enemies. But not only did the New Covenant change the deal from being a group issue to an individual one, it also added a spiritual element which deals with more than a physical issue of safety and freedom. If you don't believe me then just look at the lives of the disciples. They were some of the most faithful people we have heard of and they were imprisoned or tortured or killed. Christ Himself was the FAITHFUL ONE and it did not add one day to His life. The New Testament verses of encouragement are only comforting if you truly believe that the prize is God and to be with Him forever the goal. If the reward is escaping hell or having a good life then these verses are terrifying.

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:26-33 (ESV)

Let us make sure we are fearing the right thing, then we can be sure that no matter our fate, God's strength will be made perfect in our weakness.

God remind us that the purpose of our life is to show that You alone are God the PRIZE at the end of our mortality.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Peace,Signs of the Times,Encouragement,Christ,Bible Notes

February 21_2011 - He Hath Said...and Ezra 10

2011-02-21T11:08:00.001-10:00

I am not sure what I think about this last chapter of Ezra. The consequences seem really hard to me. On the other hand, the way the men took wives from the surrounding people seemed unfeeling and impulsive. What happened to all those women and children? What about the four men who opposed having the people be judged at appointed times. What part did they oppose? The sending of the women and children away? Having the officials stand for the whole assembly or having them come back at appointed times? No answers for this one.

Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening is really convicting so I am adding it today as well:

February 21

Morning Verse

"He hath said." Hebrews 13:5

If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What fear is there which shall not fall smitten with a deadly wound before this arrow from the bow of God's covenant? Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snares without; will not the trials from above, and the temptations from beneath, all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of "He hath said"? Yes; whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, "He hath said" must be our daily resort. And this may teach us the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it, you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yet continue sick unless you will examine and search the Scriptures to discover what "He hath said." Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He hath said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life.

Morning and Evening.

Here are a few new little paintings:

Technorati Tags: Christianity,Bible Notes,Ezra,Kelley Kuhlman,Maui Artist,Watercolor,Gouache,Night Paintings,Charles Spurgeon

February 18, 2010 - You can take the boy out of Babylon but you can't take Babylon out of the boy...

2011-02-18T09:25:00.001-10:00

If you read this chapter and you are not a believer you could easily think that Gods prejudice is mean. But if you are sold on the idea of a Creator who made everything and who has the right to ask such things then take the time to think about it. Apply it to modern situations as well as looking at the spelled out stories of the Old Testament. I believe the Holy Spirit and common sense will reveal the dangers of religious intermarriage.

“And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ Ezra 9:10-12 (ESV)
That phrase, "never seek their peace or prosperity" is haunting to me. I have done just that, and even more so in the last 2 years. The promise is that strength and fullness will be a result of seeking God's peace and prosperity. I have been found wanting in strength and peace.

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10 (ESV)

Some new jewelry that I hope to get on Etsy someday to sell. I am back to re-writing the cookbook. It should be done in a couple of weeks. It is consuming my time.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Ezra,Christianity,Seashell Jewelry,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman

February 14, 2011 - Ezra 8, What’s this boast now - ask later thing all about?

2011-02-17T09:40:00.000-10:00

Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for protection along their journey because he boasted this, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” Ezra 8:22 (ESV)

Therefore, after he had gathered the people at the river he organized a fast to ask God to do what Ezra had said about Him. They implored God and He listened and answered those prayers.

I am not sure how to process this. Other than to say that God's character is always true to its description. But in some instances, He chooses not to answer prayer the way we want it, even if it is to boast about what He can do. Take healing for instance or protection from death. People don't always get healed and they still die at the hand of violent enemies. This leaves me with the realization that I don't know when or what to boast about God. I guess the things I know are ALWAYS true? Like if you believe that the only way to get to God is through Christ and that upon believing we become one of His family and get to go to heaven when we die. Or that nothing can separated us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. And that no matter how things look all things happen to the good of those who love Him and are who called according to His purpose.

One thing is certain, fasting is proven to be a great help when taking on a big obstacle. Each recorded fast (from righteous people) that I can think of off the top of my head, was either answered in the manner it was asked for or the person was at peace with the unanswered prayer because they knew it was God's answer and to be trusted. And speaking of trust, you should do a search of all the instances of that word in the bible, it is really interesting, and something to “hang your hat on.”

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)

I did a watercolor version of the last painting I shared. Then I turned it into a postcard.

Off The Beaten Path and then made into a postcard or greeting card

Technorati Tags: bible Notes,Christianity,Ezra,Kelley Kuhlman,Maui Artist,Watercolor Pencil,Watercolor,Ink,Hawaiian Shack,Hawaiian Art

February 7, 2011 - Blessed be the LORD, who put such a thing into the heart of the king.

2011-02-07T11:04:00.001-10:00

"...for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Ezra 7:9-10 (ESV)"

To study, to do what you learn and to teach it. That should be our goal as well. What would happen in my life if I took even one hour, which is not much considering how much time I spend doing what I want or buying stuff I don't need, just doing the first part. I really need a change, I should give it a try. Where to start?
I did look up the kings of Persia during Ezra's time and found this:

Name Date of Reign Relationship to Israel
Cyrus 559-530 B.C. Conquered Babylon. Established a policy of returning exiles to their homelands. Sent Zerubbabel to Jerusalem, financed his project, and returned the gold and silver articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple. He probably knew Daniel.
Darius 522-486 B.C. Supported construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Xerxes (Ahasuerus) 486-465 B.C. Was Esther's husband. Allowed the Jews to protect themselves against Haman's attempt to eliminate their people.
Artaxerxes I 465-424 B.C. Had Nehemiah as his cupbearer. Allowed both Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem. Tyndale Handbook of Bible Charts and Maps.

Seriously... I sound like a broken record but how can we doubt that God will do what He wills and will provide for it.

I have been painting some little cards. Here are two:

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Christianity,Ezra,Water,Gouache,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman

February 3_2011 - What God desires is always finished. Ezra 5, 6 Plus…New Seaweed Earrings

2011-02-03T04:43:00.001-10:00

Again, how can we doubt that God is big enough to do what He wills? He turns hearts to carry out the needed steps to finish whatever He asks.

One king? No, any king's heart can be turned. That is why we have to remember that it the Holy Spirit that does the work of change, revival or salvation. The Jews didn't do anything to make the kings' decrees. They did not ask for money from the treasury of Assyria to fund it. God said that the temple was to be rebuilt and he arranged everything. The Jews simply used what was supplied and did the labor.

I was interested in the language that the king used when saying, "May the God who has caused His Name to dwell there...Ezra 6:12; if you remember, God said that the temple was for His Name back in 2 Chronicles:

Nevertheless, it is not you who shall build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for My Name.’ 2 Chronicles 6:9 (ESV)

For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 2 Chronicles 7:16 (ESV)

God not only turned the heart of the king, made him realize that the temple was for God, but also made him aware that He was the God of heaven.

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 (ESV)

Oh, that I could feel the strength in this.

Well, I finally figured out a way to use some of my seaweed collection in jewelry:

I sold 4 pair of these during the holidays.

I hope to find more ways to use my favorite ocean castaway.

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,Ezra,Christianity,Maui Artist,Seaweed,Earrings,Silver,Leather,Kelley Kuhlman

January 25, 2011- Don’t Be Discouraged By What You See

2011-01-25T10:18:00.001-10:00

It seems that from the edict of Cyrus around the year 538 BC that is was around 23 years or so to finish the temple. And maybe 93 years until the actual walls of the city were rebuilt. In this chapter the "bad guys" get the work on the temple to end for a time. It had to be very disheartening to the remnant of people who were part of the original group to travel home. They may have thought they misheard God or that He abandoned them. I wonder if any knew in their hearts that it was all about God and His plan and that He would finish whatever He wanted completed. I wonder if any knew Him well enough to say, "If it gets finished, it get finished, if not, there is a reason God stopped it?" The next chapter reveals how God made it continue. Those people had prophets to encourage them and they had to trust the words of those men. Think about how important it was for them to be TRUE prophets. Think of all the warnings of false prophets. You would think it would be easier for us , we have Word of God and His Spirit as our prophet. But many times we want more. We want to hear from human prophets again, we desire added info. My question is this...do we spend as much time getting to know God by seeking Him in prayer and study of His Word as we do begging for and attending services that spend their time trying to conjure up the miraculous. Really? The written Word of the God of all creation and the work of the Holy Spirit is not miraculous enough? I think that if God is going to use humans, He will do it and other humans don't have to pray harder or worship louder or chant more to manipulate Him to do it. Anyway, back to the chapter…God does what He promises and even if there is no promise involved, He finishes whatever He wants finished and has reasons for anything He does not. It is our nature to freak at circumstances but it would do us good to remember what He has shown us in the Bible and throughout history. It is one reason why reading the Old Testament is so important.

New Powerpoint Background…Fishers of Men

Technorati Tags: Bible Notes,the Book of Ezra,PowerPoint Background,Fishers Of Men,Kelley Kuhlman,Maui Artist

January 24, 2011 - Fear, The Catalyst For Obedience

2011-01-24T10:17:00.001-10:00

I was reading along in this chapter thinking to myself how God orchestrates His plans and then realized that the people were fearful of those whom they lived around so they began to do what was written as rules by Moses.

They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening. And they kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the rule, as each day required, and after that the regular burnt offerings, the offerings at the new moon and at all the appointed feasts of the LORD, and the offerings of everyone who made a freewill offering to the LORD. Ezra 3:3-5 (ESV)
We are no different are we? Things get scary, and we start to pray more and attend more church services or whatever else we think is necessary for God's approval and therefore answered prayer. For the Israelites, that was what God asked of them. It showed allegiance to Him and proved to them that they were in fact following God. That was in essence the Old Covenant, right? We have a new one. Ours shows that all of the regulations could not be maintained by humans and shows us how that kind of righteousness is fallible. It had to be, how else would we understand the importance of Christ's sacrifice? They had a different deal with God than we do. He didn't really change the deal for us, He just revealed how there are really two parts of one deal. Without both parts of the deal there is no understanding of the plan. I am really just processing out loud here and don’t expect a soul to get what I am babbling about. I am just at that point where you can't quite put into words what you are beginning to understand. So for that I apologize. Never-the-less, getting back to this chapter...when the foundation was laid they sang and the sound of their joy was heard from far away. Our part of the deal reveals that the foundation is Christ. We should let our joyfulness be heard from far away. Let me say one more thing, the joy they had was simply praising God, not going from house to house giving out a tract.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Psalm 105:1 (ESV) It might interest you to do a study on "make known" which in my book is what we living in the new deal like to call witnessing.

New Mail Art Idea…I have decided to send my grandfather a couple of art mail notes a month. Here are the first two:

I forgot to scan the inside it had a tiny picture in the flap of seashells. I sealed it with sealing wax before sending it:

This accordion folds out. The lines on the second image is sun light through the blinds.

Technorati Tags: Christianity,The Book of Ezra,Maui Artist,Kelley Kuhlman,Bible Notes,Neocolor,Ink,Watercolor Pencil,Mail Art,Coorespondence Art

January 19, 2011 - According to Their Ability

2011-01-19T09:14:00.001-10:00

That is the phrase that stuck out to me. We tend to be so legalistic about giving and attending things that I found this refreshing. Here is the verse:

According to their ability they gave to the treasury of the work… Ezra 2:69 (ESV)

If God could stir their hearts to move, He certainly could stir their hearts to honestly give as they were able. He completes what He wishes, despite us. He uses the remnant and the unbeliever and the enemy to accomplish His will. Why do we worry and why do we put pressure on ourselves and others?

If God requires extraordinary feats of sacrifice or strength, He will stir the heart an provide the means for us to do it. Until then, I think we should do things as we are able. Maybe if the pressure were off, we would have the desire to do that and not neglect our responsibilities? I don’t think that is asking too much from dust, is it?

Some lovely clouds after a storm at work:

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