Tag Archives: God at work

Favorite Friday… Just Wow!

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True confessions… I’m not a dancer!  Oh, I look like one in my mind!  I enjoy beboppin’ around the house, trying those dance moves that my daughter makes look so easy!  I’ve had my moments of “River Dancing” right along with Michael Flatley and I can do the Cupid Shuffle with the best of them!  But…  I’m probably the only one who thinks that what I’m doing is actually dancing!  (At least I’m having fun, right?!)

 

Regardless, dancing competitions and cool dancing videos are popular around our house.  Miranda showed me this video the other day and I was captivated!  The incredible talent and synchronicity of this group blew my mind!  In fact, I used it in a lesson on teamwork with my students yesterday!  I liked it so much that I decided I had to share it with you!

But… that’s not the only reason this song caught my attention.  After watching the dancing video, we watched the lyric video of the song, Lazarus.  Trip Lee tells a story of coming to life spiritually in such a creative and unique way!  I turned to Miranda and said, “That’ll preach!” Her response: “It already is!”  And she is correct!  The truth of God’s faithfulness, how He rescues us, and restores our spirits can be “preached” in so many ways!  God’s power is at the heart of Trip Lee’s Message:

“Hopped up out the grave, thriller style
They ain’t think that He could do it, but He did it now
I mean the Captain, the almighty Lord
Setting captives free, all aboard, all aboard
Can’t stop Him when He got His mind made up
He don’t like that grave? Sayonara, see you later
He made the blind see and got the lame up
So it’s no surprise He can raise us
Wake them up now
Believers when your life is looking tough now
When you’re at your all time low
Don’t forget that power that He already showed”1

God has shown His sustaining power and His faithfulness to me in so many ways!  I see it in His provision on a daily basis.  I hear it in the voices of those I love.  I feel it in His grace that carries me through the difficult days!  I can’t help but celebrate who He is whenever I get the chance!

 

Our God is amazingly creative and we are just like Him!  How do you share Your Father’s faithfulness with those around you?  Singing, writing, drawing, posting, sculpting, dancing, chatting, giving, loving?  You were designed to paint His reflection on your world! You have a story to share and someone needs to hear it!

Live Loved,

1Lyrics from “Lazarus” by Trip Lee

 

The Power of Perspective

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But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10

It’s developing a habit, really…  Choosing to look at circumstances from all sides as if you were inspecting a possible purchase.  What looks awful from one side may look beautiful from another.  I’ve been accused of looking at life through rose-colored glasses.  I’m not offended by that… in fact, I think everyone should have a pair!

You and I can view life through the lens of trials or through the lens of opportunities.  It’s all in our perspective, really…  consider Mary and Martha.  I’d venture to say that both women loved Jesus and both were most likely hard workers.  Yet in the scenario in Luke 10:38-42, we find them at odds with one another.  Why?  They had differing perspectives of Jesus’ visit!  Martha saw the problem; Mary saw the Provider.  Martha saw the duties; Mary saw the Deliverer.  Martha saw the situation; Mary saw the Savior!  Martha wanted Jesus to feel comfortable; Mary took comfort in the presence of Jesus.  Jesus knew what Mary and Martha needed… Himself!  Martha just hadn’t figured it out yet (I’d like to think she caught on soon!).

Consider the scenarios in your life.  How easy it is to focus on the problems and needs!  But, oh!  When we lift our vision higher, we focus on the Provider, the Comforter, the Divine Orchestrator whose very presence fills our lives!  We can sit at His feet, leave our burdens there, and find the comfort that only He can offer.  Yes, there is still work to be done! No, we cannot abdicate our responsibilities.  But, we can keep our eyes on the One who knows what we need, opens the door of access to the Throne room, and whispers His perspective into our spirits!

Sure, sometimes circumstances drain the pep from my step, but if I am purposeful to readjust my focus, I get a peek of the Son shining through life’s clouds! Slip on those rose-colored glasses and lift your vision higher!  There’s life to be found in every situation!

Dig deeper: James 1:2-6, Psalm 34:8-18, Philippians 4:6-8

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the bubble by the title.

Live Loved,

What is Steampunk Again??

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Steampunk-stēmˌpəNGk

Hi!  My name is Joy… and I’m a Steampunk Junkie!  I can’t find a support group because… well, I can’t seem to find many other SP Junkies like me!  In fact, most people ask me to define Steampunk, and I mumble a few adjectives such as industrial, futuristic, Victorian, eclectic…  and then promptly show them an image or two on my phone!

So, why do I enjoy this creative style?  I’m glad you asked! I’ve asked myself that same question!  What is it about the rusty, copper-colored menagerie of gadgets and gizmos that make my pulse stir?

When I look at a Steampunk piece of art, my creative juices begin to bubble!  My imagination flourishes and my desire to create an original work of art goes into overdrive!  Before long, I have a pile of odds and ends, glue, paper, and trinkets just begging to be set into place.

Steampunk art… Unique… colorful… intricate… and NOT perfect!  It’s an art filled with discarded tools, torn edges, crumpled papers, broken chains, and stained pieces.  Yet, when a designer puts those components together, they become a beautiful, one-of-a-kind display of art.

Steampunk art is a reflection of me!  It’s an outward display of the intricately woven ribbons of my life.  Torn moments, wounded memories, delightful snapshots, discarded choices, bursts of color and dreams, all threaded together by the Master Designer into a masterpiece!  I confess, sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty when the work is in process.  The chaos and brokenness just don’t seem usable.  However, that’s all the more reason to trust the Master Designer!

Your life is also a work of art in progress!  The Master Designer began that work the day you were conceived. He has not forgotten you! He promises to take all the torn and broken pieces and merge them with the beautiful, glittery ones in creating a complete and precious work… if you allow Him to!  “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  Phil. 1:6 NKJV

This Master Designer, the Creator of the Universe, the Lover of your soul, Jesus…  go to Him, lay it all at His feet in surrender and watch Him begin to piece the threads of your life together into the work of art that is you.  You won’t be disappointed!

Dig Deeper! Genesis 45:3-7, 50:19-20, Romans 8:18-28

Make a Declaration:

Lord, You are a faithful God and the Master Creator! You are also my Father.  Help me to trust You and Your plan for my life.  Take all my broken pieces, my hurts, my mistakes, and weave them together into the good You promised for my life.  I love You, Lord!  Thank You that You’ve called me according to Your purposes.

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the bubble next to the title!

Live loved,