FTF: String and A Bag Full of Rocks

I don't usually post two posts in one day.

But, today, I think there is someone out there who needs to hear what I've been learning along the way. We aren't that separated, even though by distance, we are still made of the same essence; our issues in life are common. 

 

I hope what you read here today gives hope to your heart.

 

*******

Lord, sometimes there are so many distractions going through my mind.

 

Distractions that can consume my thoughts and cloud my vision.

 

I see string; mixed up, knotted together, becoming useless for the purpose for which it was made. This knotted string hinders.

 

Hinders me from the here and now. From moving forward.

 

Distracts from the laughing; the way the warmth of his manly skin soothes me in his embrace; to look into the eyes of four little blessings and really see.

 

I can lay in bed at night thinking through all this tangled mess and trying to see how it all fits together. Try to separate it all out. I can think on these things until they become a strangling rock-filled sack around my heart; weight too cumbersome to move forward.

 

What do you really want me to see?

What is it that will make all these tunnel-visioned distractions move aside to see what's really important and necessary to life?

 

You want me to see You.

 

You want me to see that You are the only One who will take that hindrance mess and smooth it out; untangle the strands.

You are the only one to take that burden bag and empty it right out; scattering its contents, till it's hold on my heart is released.

My focus needs to be You. For by focussing on You and You alone, everything else becomes clearer. Everything is noticed. Everything is cause to give thanks. To rest in knowing that by You and through You and for You all things hold together.

 

Even string.

 

Your grace and Your beauty is seen in every second of the day.

 

Eyes looking at you means eyes are free to really see.

 

Free to see truth, the things of real value and worth, the steps to take, the path to navigate.

 

Take the string and the bag Lord and do with it what You will.

 

Amen.

 

 

(All photographs are the property of Sufficient Grace please do not copy in any way, thanks)

FTF: Cynthia Heald Study Number Three

Well our small study group is on to our third of Cynthia Heald's studies for the year! I think it's very safe to say that we enjoy her teaching very much! We are now going through, "Becoming a Woman of Freedom". If you haven't tried one of her studies yet and you want to, then get started! You won't be disappointed!

 

 

We are up to chapter four next week. So far, chapters one to three have been amazing. Full of Biblical truth, encouragement and opportunity for growth. I've really enjoyed being in a group while doing all these studies as it's so amazing to hear what God is doing in the lives of my friends and also to hear their perspective and what God's been teaching them. The fellowship of discussing and answering the questions together has really drawn more out of this study for all of us.

 

 

Here are the topics covered in this study:

• Laying Aside Hindrances: Running with Freedom
• Laying Aside the Old Self: Running with the New Self
• Laying Aside the Past: Running with an Eternal Perspective
• Laying Aside Pleasing People: Running with Fellowship
• Laying Aside Bitterness: Running with Forgiveness
• Laying Aside Busyness: Running with Rest
• Laying Aside Anxiety: Running with Peace
• Laying Aside Doubt and Fear: Running with Faith and Trust
• Laying Aside the Flesh: Running with the Spirit

 

I am really enjoying getting deeper into the Word through this study. It has revealed areas in my life that are still needing God's gracious work in, and I'm thankful that He brings these things to my attention lovingly and tenderly and He then helps me learn the lessons.

 

If you are wanting a really beautiful, Biblically accurate and challenging study, then any of Cynthia's would be great for you. Her studies are so good for getting to know our amazing God and Saviour even more deeply.

 

Be sure to let me know if you've started one of her studies and what you think about them!

 (Linking up with 'A Wise Woman Builds Her Home' for more encouragement for you!)



BIM: Reflecting on Impressionism

 I love painting. But I don't get to paint often. I've not taken any lessons (other than school), so I haven't learnt any of the amazing techniques that painters know. I just paint how I paint!

 

 

 During the holidays, I was able to have a few hours to create a new painting! It was so good to have hands covered in paint again (that's half the fun right?!)

 

I discovered a few things along the way about my style of painting and what I love to paint with. I must have texture. I like ... no, love, using pallet knives and this whole painting has been made using one.

 

  

 I'm not really an attention to fine detail painter.

I am with sketching, but not so much painting.

I like to paint in a 'free-er' style.

 

  

As I was creating this image, I was reflecting on my high school art lessons and how much we explored the era of Impressionism.

 

I found myself realising just how much artists of that period such as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh have really inspired my painting.

 

I know that this painting is no where near up to the amazing quality of these Impressionist Artists, but I love it just the same.

 

I know it's probably lacking in technique and it's not everyone's taste, but I still love it.

I love that I look at it and see my love of Impressionist Art.

 

Anyway ... here's the final artwork that I have named, "Reflecting on Impressionism"...

 

 

 I am looking forward to creating another piece, maybe with some preliminary sketches before hand ... whenever I can find more time for painting!

 

 

(All images on this blog are property of Sufficient Grace, please don't copy in any way)