The finished product!
This week I had a really fun opportunity to go to a paint party with a friend. Let me be clear, I am not an artist! I can’t even draw a good stick figure! I can’t cut a straight line with scissors and I sure can’t paint one with my shaky hands! So although I was looking forward to having some fun, let’s just say I wasn’t expecting anything worth displaying! We arrived at the location and much to my dismay, there was an outline of the pumpkin and 2 circles on the board! WHAT?!?!? I was expecting the complete outline; I had made this out in my mind to be color by number, and this was not it. Thankfully, the instructor was patient and a really great teacher. Although the painting isn’t nearly as good as the instructor’s, I am quite proud of what I did and will be able to display it and not hide it! Yes, that is my finished product in the pictures above, not the instructor’s. I know you are impressed, NOT! But I came away from that evening with some deep thoughts, of course. It seems like now that God has set me on this journey, everything is turning into a blog post! Ha! At some point, my friend turned and looked at me and said, “You got another blog post developing, don’t you?”
The instructor took a moment to share part of her story and how painting and art was something that she used to relax and just check out a bit. She felt like she could pray and talk with God during that time as well. She spoke of how blessed she was that God had allowed her to hold these classes and share her talent and passion with others. Her business card really struck home to me though. On the back of the card, along with her contact details, was this scripture: “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men,” Proverbs 18:16. I was immediately overcome at that moment, as this is one of my favorite verses. With recent changes in my job, I find myself questioning my own purpose some days. I am loving being at home full time but it has also brought up a few questions. I have been thinking about how I would have any level of influence or interaction when I am at home and most days don’t leave the farm. Now I know what you are thinking, I’m lonely right? Absolutely not! But I am thinking about how I am to carry out my part of the great commission from home! I mean, I can only preach to one child, (most days it’s just me and him), a husband and the animals so much! But as God often does, He answered my thoughtful question and then confirmed it during this paint class. This blog, is the way that I am going to do that! My gift (I am using the ability to write a few paragraphs as a gift, rather loosely! ) has made room for me and I am so thankful that you have taken a moment to read this and hopefully forward it to someone who may need it one day.
We are all called to serve. We are all called to go and make disciples. We are all called to be ministers and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ. Most of us will never do that from a stage or from behind a podium. We have to decide to minister from the place we are in and through the gifts that we have. Today, I choose to use the tools that have been placed in my hands to work and serve, just like my painting instructor has chosen to use her paint brush and a canvas. I don’t know where this journey will take me. I don’t know who will go with me or who will be affected. But today, I choose to write as He leads and take the blank canvas in front of me, even if there is hesitancy and the possibility of making a mess, and paint away while trusting the Instructor and the process. In the end, He knows what the final picture will look like and how the product will be used and where it will be displayed. Do you have gifts that you feel are not being used? Are you too questioning your purpose? Ask Him to show you and make room for you. He will, I can promise you that. I will pray for you and that your find your purpose. Will you pray with me with as we begin this journey? (Feel free to email or comment below if you have a specific request for prayer.)
Amen! It is a NOW word for every generation!!
Amen, Alleluia! What a powerful message, Heather, for both young and old! We need to believe even more today than…
Thank you. I love that He uses all of us to speak to others. I pray to continue to be…
Heather, whether you know it or not, your words really do make a difference in my life. Your messages come…
Thank you for your encouragement!
I love reading your blog. I’m glad you’re still continuing to write! Time…it is such a precious commodity. We have…
Amen and amen!
Love this! Don’t quit your blog, keep pushing through. I love that he gives us new mercy each morning. I…
Where He guides, He provides! Praying you find His strength out in His Zone!!
Heather, These are excellent words of advice as it seems I have been out of my comfort zone all week.…
Thanks for reading!
God is truly our one Holy Loving Lord who does hear our cries and prayers and sees all of our…
Better caught than taught! Love it!
Thank you for sharing! I agree 100%. So many lessons are caught much more than taught. Actions usually speak louder…
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Yes! And Amen! Without Jesus’ birth there is no reason for Christmas. Beautifully said. Beautifully written. Blessed Christmas to you…
The greatest gift and SIGN of His love for us! Merry Christmas to you!
Heather, What a beautiful thought for this blessed time and season! I do believe if we humbly ask for a…
God is so patient with His children and will protect us from our fears and harm when it comes near…
So very true! God loves us all and wants us to get to know Him – seek Him, ask for…
Love this! Your patience and love for her is inspiring. And yes, He teaches us through His creation. Thank you…
Heather, you are correct! Sometimes we just have to pick ourselves up, “dust” ourselves off, and look ahead so we…
Amen!
Very beautiful words that do apply to all of us! God does know that we need Him (like abundant rain)…
Yes! Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Praying your home comes together soon.
Heather, Your words always seem to speak to me and while my worries are not about the rain but rather…
Praying all those who need His rain, get the water they need for their land and their thirsty souls!!
Hello – Thank you for posting this! I will pray that you get rain soon. I do not have cattle…
May God continue His blessings upon you and your family and friends, as we all must offer our hearts filled…
He is faithful!
“But one day, the right doctor in the right place figured it all out!” God’s timing….isn’t that just like our…
Thank you Heather for your thoughtful insight on the importance of continued praising of our God both in good times…
So sorry. There was a glitch. No new article. Yet! Next week though!
Good Friday is such a special day in which we are reminded just how great a sacrifice was made for…
We forget that all we need to do is ask Him to be our Protector. He will send us His…
Stand and fight! Take your authority! You’ve got this and He has got you!
I suffer with depression and anxiety. The amount of “flys” at times are so overwhelming. Some of those flys I…
I love sharing photos! I think our girls are beautiful and I’m so glad they help you reminisce!
Such a great reminder to fight the good fight – with the right tools! And not be “naked and exposed…
Yes! Oh to have overflowing nets !!!
Heather What beautiful treasures, ordinary things can become , if we place all our trust in Him! And when we…
Thank you! He knows how to speak to me! I’m very visual!
I love the word pictures. Beautifully written. Thank you.
That’s what He does! He loves us out of our brokenness!
Great way to point us to the one who we should be chasing. It is not our plans but only…
Awesome as always.. You speak to the mind & also the spirit. God Bless you & your family in 2022.…
Writing as He speaks! Thank you for reading!
Writing as He speaks!
What an awesome devotional you have written for us to ponder. I love that you write about the troughs your…
Thanks for sharing these encouraging words 🙌🥰🌄🦋👏🙏 Merry Christmas!!!
Yes! We must have Him in us to give to others!
Dear Jesus, help me to have food in my spirit to feed the hungry.
Yes! It is truly more blessed to give than to receive. We always think that means money or things, but…
Thank you Heather! Your words reminded me of two individuals i believe Gods put in my path recently that appeared…
I love that His words move you, I’m just writing as He speaks. ❤️
Heather, I love your heart ❤️ Your words move me every single time I read them. Thanks for the encouragement…
Heather, your words about Thanksgiving are so thoughtful and true! Thank you, Lord, that we have been blessed with so…
What a wonderful comparison. It allows all of us to realize how strong God’s love is for His children and…
Amen and amen! May He look on us and say, “well done!”
Awesome insight. If being ready is consistently your most important goal, you will study the criteria to show yourself approved…
Heather… this was for me. 😭 Thank you for using your gift – and for attending my paint party! I hope to see you again soon!
This is something I am struggling with at this point in my life too. Great word!