For those who have lost someone.  A beautiful Native American Poem

Do not stand at my grave and weep.  I am not there;

I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the 

swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star-shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there;

I did not die.

Art Journal Scriptures

As a leader of my church's "C.R." group (Chemical Recovery), I am constantly working on keeping my "temple of God" clean inside and out.  After all, if I'm going to praise and serve God and share my faith, I shouldn't do anything that will quench the "Holy Spirit" in me or destroy the outside and inside of me.  That would end my ministries.  This group has members working on different things.  All addictions destroy us in one way or another whether it's alcohol, illegal drugs, abusing legal drugs, smoking, or compulsive overeating.  The last one is the one that I'm now struggling with.  Regardless of the addiction, I am turning to something besides God when I overeat.  God should always be my first "go-to" for help and comfort.  Total Recovery is about growing up in our faith and not letting destructive addictions come between us and our God.  

ChildrenofGod

scripture art journal

Another entry from my "Scripture Art Journal."

This verse reminds me that I am a child of God and I think the verse tells us to be pure, trusting, joyful and love God like a child.

part of an art journaling page

I started an art journal for favorite scriptures.  It's very rewarding and relaxing.  Whether you collage, cut and paste, type and paste, add watercolor and add various original or pasted backgrounds, the addition of art adds a whole new way of memorizing scripture or just plain feeling good.

This is a page from my little book I made to help me out.  It's purse size.

I love the Bible!  One of my many favorite books is the book of Psalms.  The top quote is from first Peter.
I've been asked to sing one of my original songs at church this Sunday but the words are from three different places in the Bible.  I guess you might say "lyrics by Jesus and Paul"  music by Fran Kinley-Beatty, inspired by God.

I wish you all love, peace and hope

All three come from God and our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Bible tells you how to have these three and so much more.

Jesus' burden is light but we must obey his teachings, like love God above all and love our neighbors as ourselves.  When you receive Jesus as Lord, you have an endless supply of love from our creator. Who is your neighbor?  This includes your "enemies."  Do you have any?  Pray for them and change that if at all possible.  Search Jesus teachings.  There is so much there to help you and bring you peace, love and hope.

Even though I painted this art journal entry a year and a half ago.  It seemed appropriate.

Today, I rejoice in such a beautiful day.  I think I'll move one plant stand into my kitchen for herbs and lettuce and get some plants at Lowe's for my balcony.
Also, today is day #3 of my April adventures so I'm going to start on my second book.  I've been researching it and thinking about it a great deal as to what to use and what not to use in the book.  This will be book 2 of Bible Stories for children of all nations.
I've decided to wait 'til Fall to publish "The Birth of Jesus."
It would probably get more interest closer to Christmas.  Don't you think so?