Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me... Let me be singing when the evening comes!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

An Unusual Art Medium and A Freeing Reality


(Subtitle: Stacking fire wood, making God your life coach, and sticking with your first love.)

So based on the title of this post you're probably thinking "what???" and your worried I'm going to lose you before we even begin. Don't worry that's as close to being philosophical as I'm going to get.

Due to several of my siblings being sick, I got to help with the OUTSIDE chores yesterday! This is always exciting as I am usually IN the house. On a farm, K.P. duty and keeping house are just as important as working in the garden, fields, and/or barn but it is nice to not be exclusively inside. I have decided to assign myself to at least one barn chore so I don't have to wait till everyone is sick to enjoy working outside!! 

This is where the "art" comes in. As I was neatly stacking firewood by the back door, I noticed the beauty of the wood grain and how the circles of wood contrasted with the lines from the brick wall behind it. Some of you may think that's silly but hey what else do you think about when you're stacking wood? Plus it's art; I mean sometimes I think if you give it an artistic name (i.e. A Study In Circles and Right Angles) that's the only thing creative about it!  So, enjoy the picture and then go take a walk or do something outside (even if it's cold). You might be surprised how much you enjoy it.

Now for the "freeing reality" part. Recently, through Bible study and teaching, the Lord has shown me that I am most free when I relinquish control of my life and place it in His hands. Talking with several friends, I was intrigued by the term "life coach." So I did a little google studying and came up with this definition from thefreedictionary.com: 

"a person whose job is to improve the quality of 
his or her client's life, by offering advice on 
professional and personal matters, such as 
career, health, personal relationships, etc."

I have always heard how important it is to carefully chose those whom you allow to influence you and whose advice you seek.  So I asked myself, "Who is my 'life coach'?" I have been blessed to have many godly advisors in my life but I came to the conclusion that the only one I want in the position of head advisor "who helps people with problems, decisions, and goal attainment in daily life" is God. He is my heavenly Father, whose Son died for my sins in pursuit of a relationship with me and who sends His Holy Spirit to guide my steps. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think I've lost my way.
Still, You're there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near;
Please be near me to the end.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide,
And hold me to Your side,
And I will love you to the end.
(song written by Amy Grant based on the truth found in Psalm 119:105)

 Christ is and always will be my first love. He is teaching me to trust Him wholly. 
With my:
Time = past, present, future, time management
 Needs = job/income, where to live, health 
 Relationships = honoring parents, loving siblings, extending forgiveness, serving in humility
Talents =  He gives abilities and the opportunities/wisdom to use them
Desires = He gives passions and goals coupled with patience and endurance
Wisdom = knowing when, how, what, where… 

To tie it all together: with the Holy Spirit as my "life coach" and Jesus as my unfailing Love, I will serve my Creator God bringing attention to His beautiful world all around us.

2 comments:

  1. Love that picture, and that you're stacking wood in a skirt! Hurray for femininity! ;) Great thoughts too! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Joanna! And yes, this is not just for the picture, I actually stacked this wood dressed like this!

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