Heart Inspirations
Scripture art….to glorify God…and inspire the heart with His truth!
Every Spiritual Blessing
Beautiful, fresh, plump strawberries….mmmm…they are certainly a terrific harbinger of the summer season that we’ve been so looking forward to–and now, here it is!
This past week, I was able to join some sweet friends in the U-pick strawberry fields to fill up a basket to bring home…and since I arrived after my friends did, and they were about finished picking, they even helped me fill my basket–how sweet is that?!
Within minutes of being picked, these berries were bubbling into a lovely ruby-coloured jam….mmm mmm…summer-in-a-jar!
God is just so gracious to bless us with fruit that is bursting with delicious flavours, don’t you think?!
~~~
But as I prepared these strawberries for their photo-shoot, they reminded me of a heart-tugging story I’d heard from my grandmother many, many years ago—and even now, just thinking of it makes me feel so sad for her. I’ll tell you about it…
You see, during the depression, Gramma, who was just a girl, spent her entire summer “picking berries”, as she called it….starting first with the local strawberries, and then the other fruit crops as they matured.
She would spend hours and hours labouring in the hot summer sun, gathering fruit, and gathering pennies to save.
If you’ve spent any amount of time bent over rows and rows of strawberries at 90-some degrees—that’s in the 30’s Celsius—you can imagine what it would have been like for her as a girl to just keep at it, picking and picking some more—while hot and dusty, tired and thirsty, but continuing to work anyway, just dreaming and saving.
Wages in the depression were less than meager–pennies per box or basket that she filled with fruit…and it took her an entire summer of working to gather together much cash at all.
So it was a really, really big deal when her older brother offered to take her to the city to go shopping! I can imagine her young eyes were as large as saucers just at the thought of travelling first by street car and then a ferry system–all the way across a great lake, in order to reach the big metropolis where she could buy her very-first-e-v-e-r-store-bought dress!
She’d always worn second-hand clothes or, dresses made-over from hand-me-downs.
Today–many of us can’t even begin to imagine such a thing! But such were Gramma’s circumstances.
Well, while in the big city, Gramma would have been amazed at all the new dresses that she saw—but this time—this time–in her wallet was enough money to actually buy a simple—yet beautiful-to-her new dress!
She proudly made her purchase—her smile just beaming as the clerk wrapped up her purchase! And I can guess her big brother was fairly pleased, too!
Carefully clutching her prize, they traveled all the way back by ferry, across the lake, waited, and then boarded the street car, and then rode to the end of the line where they would have to walk the rest of the several miles back home.
The excitement of the day had been so great, and the adventure so large, that the young Lillian fell asleep on the street-car—most possibly dreaming of her new dress!
But when they came to the end of the line, she awoke with a start and sleepily followed her brother off the street-car….
….leaving her brand-new dress behind!!!
It was probably almost instantly that she realized her grave error—
–but it was already too late! As the street-car returned to the depot, it took her treasured dress with it!
The walk home that night would have been dismal..and miserable for Gramma!
And the next day, when they trekked back to see if the dress was found and set aside for them—
–it wasn’t!
Being hard times for most everyone, someone had discovered and kept the young girl’s parcel for themselves…and it was never ever seen again!
Misery!
An entire summer’s worth of working, labouring, picking berries in the heat—only to have it all lost on the street-car……
~~~
In an extreme contrast, it’s certain that our lives are filled up with so many blessings–far more blessings than we probably ever count–or even thank the Father for!
It gives us a reason to pause–and really deeply consider–all–that we are lavished with:
-the love of family and friends!
-health for today!
-more than adequate clothing, and food!…
-and clothes!…and cars!….and jobs!…and…and…!
We are full…and so well-cared for….at this place and time in history!
But the greatest blessing of all is that—whether rich or poor—we may enjoy the myriad spiritual blessings that can be found in Christ: that we can know God–and His truth—talk to Him in prayer–and receive His love and care—and grace and hope and strength—as He offers salvation through Jesus—to all those who will believe and obey Him!
Nothing—nothing—compares with these blessings!! Everything else fades in comparison!
And though Gramma lost her treasured new dress that sad day many years ago—in time she came to know God, and discover the vast riches of the blessings in him! That’s what really matters! Her dress—no matter where it ended up–has no doubt rotted away by now. But Gramma discovered something of eternal, unfading value! She shared those riches with me—and now, because of that, I can share them—with you!
Passages you’ll enjoy for further study:
Ephesians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26-27.
Hugs!
Lisa
The LORD Most High is Awesome!
Psalm 47:2
“…the LORD Most High is awesome;
He is a great King over all the earth.”
There is only one King over all the earth!
Though there are many nations, with many earthly, human kings and rulers—-yet still, there is only one King over all the earth—and that is the holy God!
And in all of His majesty and might, power and dominion, He—the King of all the earth—is mindful of each one of us—He is mindful of our joys and our dreams—our hopes and ambitions—
He is mindful of our fears and our sorrows—
….and in all of that—He cares!!
Immensely!
More than we could ever hope to deserve!
Please remember that today…and tomorrow…that whatever comes…
He knows…He cares….
….and if we cling to Him in obedience, we can find Him right here, present…
….because after all—He is the King over all the earth!
There is nothing He cannot do!
Hugs!
Lisa
P.S. I sketched this scene for my sweet husband, who is truly too good to me—to thank him…and to wish him a wonderful Father’s Day!
And Happy Father’s Day wishes to all the dear men in our lives….who have been loving and caring! We appreciate you!
Please feel welcome to copy and print this sketch for your own personal use—it might look nice framed, or printed to make cards, or even decoupaged on a wooden box or piece of slate…
Best of Friends
There was a knock on the door…and there stood dear and sweet friends holding out a tissue-paper filled basket….for me…
……and this lovely hand-crafted doll was nestled inside…with her lovingly painted features…her golden locks…and her intricately fashioned costume….smiling up at me!
Can you imagine? At nearly fifty years old I was being gifted with a darling treasure of a doll–for my very own!
What a delight!
And she is treasured!
As are these very dear friends who are such a blessing in our lives!
Soon, this treasured doll was taken to my studio, where she was introduced to this friendly, though some-what lonely mama bear and her cub….who snuggled in close, and protectively cradled the new doll. Mama bear made her feel immediately right-at-home…and they very quickly became best-of-friends!
Whether a gift is a beautifully handcrafted porcelain doll, like this lovely one….a wonderfully-put-together tea basket artfullly filled with goodies and love….a special hand-lettered card and picture from a little encourager…..or a home-made clay ornament wrapped in kleenex tissues….a hand-full of freshly picked dandelions…a stone gathered and offered by a toddler on a walk….or a warm and genuine smile…when a gift is given with love and friendship…it’s a great, and special treasure!
Because friendship…in its purest form….is a wonderful thing…and is a gift, in and of itself!
Proverbs 17:17 declares that:
“A friend loves at all times.”
Not when there’s something to be gained…not for selfish reasons…not just when the subject is loveable—but in a steady, dependable, honest, caring manner…..loving ALL the time!
We certainly all need friends like that! How thankful to God we should be for real, loving friends!
And…each of us needs to be that kind of friend to others, too!
Hugs!
Lisa
p.s.
Please feel welcome to copy and print this scripture/art graphic for personal use!
It would be darling framed in a little girl’s room, or powder room…or to make thank you notes, or party invitations….or use it to wrap a potato chip cannister, or paper mache cylinder and tuck a gift or goodies inside…if you like, embellish your creation with ribbons and buttons and you are all set…
Baby Bird
This little baby bird….
…sat all alone…
on a flagstone in my garden pathway.
He had just fledged…
just sailed from the nest…
whether he was crowded out…
or pushed out, I don’t know, but….
he had coasted down on under-developed wings…
until he came to rest on the rock….wobbly on his little feet…new feathers and fluff still fresh…
I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to fly back up to his nest–or even navigate up to a safe tree limb.
It made a sad picture, really. I was aware that he was totally helpless and vulnerable….and he actually just sat there as I approached him to take these pictures. He didn’t seem to even realize that he could be in danger–being too immature to understand his vulnerability. Or his fragility…
I think sometimes we are like this little bird too…finding ourselves in difficult or dangerous situations…weak, unprotected and unaware.
But although the wee little bird was unaware of his surrondings and its dangers, his parent was watching–very aware!–and looking out for him, with sharp warning chirps…most likely ready to dive-bomb the photographer if necessary! I quickly left the scene before being perceived as a threat to a helpless baby bird!
We need to realize….that there is a far more protective and caring, loving Father in heaven, Who watches over those who fear Him–those who hope in His mercy!
Please look again at Psalm 33:18-19:
“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death…”
I love that!
And again, Psalm 33:22:
“Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.”
When we become aware–and see our need–spiritually–and then in penitence turn to–cling to–and obey–the only One Who can help us with our sin–then we can be sure that His eye is on us–when we fear Him, and hope in His mercy!
Praise be to God!
Hugs!
Lisa
p.s. I hope you’ve enjoyed these scripture graphics—and as always, please know that you are most welcome to copy and print them, for personal use. These baby bird pics would be great framed in a small child’s room, or used to make sets of gift cards…hope you’ll find a special, creative use for them…and we’d love to have you share a picture of the project you make from this week’s photography!
p.p.s. Do baby birds tug at your heart too? Is it their innocence–or their cuteness that you admire? Feel free to leave a comment…
Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Did you catch the sunset where you live last night–or the night before that?
I’d guess that, sometimes, you’re far too busy just keeping up with life to notice too many sunsets–does that sound about right?
Too many demands–too many responsibilities are calling your name, aren’t they…..
…I know…
…but if you think about it, in the space of just about 5 minutes you can witness a most beautiful display in the evening sky, when it’s not overcast–as God, the Master Painter, swathes the sky in brilliant hues that no human artist could ever hope to completely capture!
His sunsets are breath-taking–and they are such a blessing to us–because as we slow down to appreciate their splendor, they remind us of the One Who is so much greater than us and all of our troubles–the sunsets declare the One Who painted them–the One Who is in control–the One Who offers us His truth to light our paths….
…and the One Who is tenderly reaching out to us in love…if we will accept His love, obey Him, and walk humbly with Him!
God can fill far more than just our evening skies with beauty—not matter what you are living through right now, the Master and Creator of all the earth–the skies–and the seas–is so very able to bring beauty out of it!
Trust and cling to Him!
You’ll find that it’s true! You’ll find that you can certainly trust Him!
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
God’s beautiful truths!
Hugs!
Lisa
p.s.
Much, much thanks to Chad Brewer for sharing this beautiful sunset photo with us all! Keep watching for more great pics from Chad, to come in the future!
I Thank God for You
“I thank my God , making mention of you always in my prayers,
hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord.”
Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to think of–and thank–the women who have impacted our lives in loving ways!
I know that you thank the LORD if you’ve had, or have, a mother who is…
Nuturing.
Tender.
Loving.
Godly.
Or if you have dear women in your circle–in your life–who give you warmth and kindness…and help enrich your faith!
Such precious women help each of us to grow and stretch–to be the best that we can be–because they believe in us, encourage us and instruct us in positive ways!
In case you’re looking for a little way to say “THANK YOU” to a dear woman–or to a few–I’ve painted these little whimsical messages for you–they are hot off the press–meaning the paint is barely dry–
Perhaps you’d like to copy and print–then share them with someone in your life…who has touched your heart in special ways…as a small way of saying “I love you, too!”
This little message-card-set should not be limited to use just for Mother’s Day—it would be a great little token of love and appreciation for any time: birthdays; thank you’s; encouragement; or just because….
(You’ll find several extra ideas for using these minature prints at the end of the post.)
I used cream-coloured cardstock paper…really pale or even white paper will work best, since the paintings are pastel…and the heavy texture creates nice miniature cards. One sheet of paper will print all 8 designs. Then simply cut apart between the little paintings. You may wish to use decorative-edged scissors, or cut them with straight scissors. And you’ll notice I punched several with a pretty paper punch.
If you want to get a little fancy–you may add glue and glitter–I like the very fine, white or irredescent glitter the best.
I added vintage buttons to two of the miniatures. Tiny ribbon bows would be nice too.
The actual gift presentation of this little set of messages can be fun, pretty and whimsical!
You could tuck this set of prints into a pretty beaded purse–or a vintage hankie–a little basket–or a pair of antique women’s gloves–an organza favour bag–or how about a pocket-full-of-posies, created by cutting out the back pocket from a worn-out pair of jeans to tuck the cards into? Even just holding them in a little bundle with a wonderful ribbon tied into a bow, would be so sweet!
I made a little envelope for the set of minature prints from a vintage, rectangular doilly, that had one end curved slightly. Simply starch and press, then fold into an envelope–close the sides by gluing or sewing–embellish the flap for a pretty touch–and your envelope is ready to nestle your little messages of love and gratitude inside…
…all ready for giving to a precious woman in your life–one you’ve thanked God for–and one you’d like to thank…on Mother’s Day!
Here are just a few extra ideas for the miniature designs:
—-Glue these designs to the front covers of plain, little inexpensive journals…and embellish.
—-Use each one tucked into your dinner napkins for a special meal.
—-These little cards could be used as bookmarks, if printed on card-stock paper. Simply punch a hole at one end and tie on a beautiful piece of ribbon…
They could also be laminated before punching for greater durability…
—-Punch the top of each card and tie them onto a small wreath…
—-Used individually, these prints may be glued to the front of plain, pre-made cards from the hobby shop, to enhance them. Or, take a regular-sized piece of paper, or card-stock, and fold it in half, forming a card (–or alternatively, you can cut the paper in half, and then fold each piece in half, to make 2 smaller cards).
Then, just glue the little miniature to the card front. If you want to make it fancier, you may cut a co-ordinating piece of paper, just a little larger than the print, to highlight it, and glue both pieces to the card front. Have fun decorating it with glitter, glue, ribbons, etc. You can quickly make a set of 8 sweet cards–to give as a set, or individually, to friends!
Hope you’ll enjoy these whimsical little project ideas…and….Happy Mother’s Day to you and yours!!
Hugs!
Lisa
p.s. A dear, sweet friend inspired this idea, when she gifted me with a darling beaded change-purse in which she’d tucked little thoughtful messages of sweetness! I immediately thought of you all–and how this was an idea I could translate into little paintings that you might want to share with your dear ones! Again, much, much thanks Marilyn!!
Psalm 19:1-4
Psalm 19:1-4
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
Have you ever considered this fact—that no matter their language or dialect, people from all over the world may still understand the message that is continually revealed….
….by the heavens—as they declare the glory of God!….
….and by the firmament—as it shows His handiwork!….
…the words from the heavens and firmament—their messages—are understandable…..universally!!…to everyone the world over!!
…if we are willing to listen!
The message that they are continually declaring to us all is this:
God is glorious!!
And He is the awesome Creator!
As we enjoy the fresh splendor of a beautiful new season—
with each young leaf…or with each emerging blossom that we watch unfurl,
let’s determine to thank and praise Him—the awesome Creator Who is declared to you and me–by the voices of His heavens and firmament!
Hugs!
Lisa
p.s. Much, much thanks to Macon and Clara who shared their garden, their hospitality…and their love with us recently!!
These beautiful azaleas bloom happily in their southern garden…as do all who are under their gentle and tender care!!
No Tears in Heaven
Some days just don’t go the way we’d like them too!
On those days, we can sit and fuss….
…or maybe break down in tears, letting our grief spill out…
…but at times like that, don’t you think it would be beneficial, and warm the heart, just to remember that….
…there are no tears in heaven!?
Grief and sorrow, pain and fear won’t be there in the presence of the Almighty and Wonderful God!!
Let’s determine to live our lives now….in a way that we’ll be able to live in eternity…there!!!
Revelation 21:3-4
“God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
What a joy to think about!
Hugs!
Lisa
Much, much thanks to A. Blackaby for allowing us to enjoy this special photo!
Serve the LORD Your God with JOY and Gladness of Heart
Deuteronomy 28:47 encourages us to
“…serve the LORD your God
with
joy and gladness of heart,
for the abundance of everything…”
Isn’t it true…that we are so richly…abundantly…filled-to-overflowing…with blessings?
I hope we really see that!
And what is our heart’s response to Him for such loving care and provision?
The awesome God Who has so abundantly cared for us deserves ALL of our praise…
…and ALL of our lives,
…devoted to Him in joyful, gladness
…with ALL of our hearts!!
The Hebrew word used here, translated joy, means blithesomeness or glee.
Do we find our hearts feeling that type of joy when we consider the abundance of God’s love and care for us? He most definately deserves no less!
Sending hugs!
Lisa
Heart Inspirations 