LIGHT STILL SHINES

PALM TREES and warm beaches might seem a more welcoming visual at this wintery time of year, but this snowy mountain view has something to say, especially at this point in history. In reading world news, I perceive dark clouds of war and rumors of war hanging heavily on our horizon. We may want to bury our heads in the sand to blackout the daily news, but hiding won’t work. Instead, let’s lift our eyes to the mountains and remind ourselves from where our help comes. 

Indeed, “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psa 121:2). What power to throw stars into space! What might that lifted miles of rocks to stand on end! Our help comes from the Almighty Himself, who also uniquely designed every snowflake. The Apostle Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you” (1Pe 5:7). 

God remains a mountain of safety to me. “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (Psa 27:5). “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psa 91:1-4).

Besides my Almighty Protector, God is my Light Source of truth. A photograph of snow-covered mountains inspired me to capture the effect of that light spilling over God’s creation on canvas. Summits rise before descending darkness, and trees silhouette the foreground. The photographer’s perspective excludes the light source even though its rays define the objects and bring them to life. 

In the same way, God, our Source of light and life, defines and transforms us and our perspective on life. The Apostle John writes, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1Jn 1:5). Paul tells Timothy that God alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light, who no one has seen or can see” (1Ti 6:15).

The human eye cannot look at the sun, much less upon the Creator’s brilliance, but this picture stirred my heart for the invisible God. My unsteady hands limited my ability to paint an impression of what the Creator spoke into being, but a desire to discover that hidden light source drew me to ponder that invisible God.

Creation itself reveals God’s power and divine nature, just as the hidden light source in this painting defines and reveals the rocky slopes and forest trees. Romans tells us God’s eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen and understood from what He created so that people are without excuse. Since creation, humanity knew God existed as they interacted with the world around them through their five senses. Yet, they refused to glorify Him as God or give thanks to Him. And so “their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Rom 1:22).

The light of God’s living and powerful Word defines and transforms us. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing” (Jhn 15:5). If we live in the darkness of human reasoning and intellect, we remain lost in our rebellion against God, undefined and defiled.

It amazes me how the Father “qualified us to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins…” (Col 1:12-14).

Though God dwells in unapproachable light and no one has seen or can see Him, Paul tells us that in His own time, the Father will bring about the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (see 1Ti 6:17). And God made good on His word when He sent His eternal Son to be born of a woman. John bears testimony to this truth when he says, “We proclaim to you the One who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This One who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen Him” (1Jo 1:1).

Jesus, God’s “Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together… For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him” (Col 1:15-17, 19).

Even more, John continues, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1Jhn 3:2). The first time Jesus came into the world, He came as a human baby. He promised to come again as King for those who received the gift of His righteousness. God will make our transformation complete at that time to be like Him.

The book of Hebrews includes Moses in its Hall of Faith when it says he “endured, as seeing Him who is invisible” (Heb 11:27). Does my faith “see” Him who is invisible? As I look at His fantastic creation, do I perceive Him who created all things and holds all things together? Do I lift my eyes to the mountains and remind myself from where my help comes (see Psa 121:1-2)?

The invisible, almighty God revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, and fills us with the knowledge of His will through all wisdom and spiritual understanding so that we may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. He desires for us to bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. He wants to strengthen us with all power according to His glorious might to have great endurance and patience. Oh, may we give joyful thanks to the Father (see Col 1:9-11)! 

Palm trees and warm beaches will never save or shield us from what Revelations 6:17 says will come, “For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Only the light of truth—the precious, shed blood of Jesus Christ on our behalf brings us the eternal security for which we long. At this historical time, we must not seek protection in anything or anyone other than “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jhn 1:29). 

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light….” (Jhn 3:17-21).

Today, the Light still shines in darkness!

On Eagle’s Wings

WHILE THINKING OF THE NEW YEAR, a photograph of eagles soaring high above the mountains captured my attention. King Solomon said “the way of an eagle in the sky” amazed him (Pro 30:18). I painted this picture for you, well, for me too. However, I struggled over the accompanying blog for weeks. How can a painting of flying eagles encourage us? I saw strength in the eagles and knew I needed whatever they had to persevere. I also know we all face another challenging year in many ways.  

The Scriptures encouraged my heart as I moved to various verses about eagles. First, I love that King David says the LORD “satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psa 103:5). Eagles illustrate strength, and I wanted to remind us all of God’s power available to us and over us this year.

In describing the LORD’s love for His people, Moses writes that God is “like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft” (Deu 32:11). While still a child, my grandmother gave me a hint of my birthday present one year by telling me about eagles.

Eagles remove the nest padding, making it uncomfortably prickly to urge the fledglings to balance along the edge. The nest is built high on a rocky cliff, and when the babies fall, the eagle dives beneath them, catches them on her wings and carries them back to safety. She repeats this “release and catch” process until the eaglets learn to fly. What a powerful illustration of God’s care for us. By the way, my birthday present was a parakeet—hardly comparable to an eagle, but still a bird. What can I say?

Last night, New Year’s Eve, after too much chocolate, I fell asleep after the fireworks ended and awoke at 1:30. Rather than lie there awake hour after hour, I decided to work on this blog. Yes, I’m weary today, but the prophet Isaiah writes, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isa 40:28-31).

God gives new strength to those who wait for Him to care for them. I’ve never been a patient person, not just due to my sinful nature but because I’ve always lived with a sense of urgency. Yet, God says to “wait” on Him. Another translation says to “hope” in Him. Those who hope in Him can spread out their wings like eagles; they run and don’t get weary; they walk and do not faint. 

In this new season of my life, I’m also reminded of Hebrews 12:2. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:1-2).

This race, to which God Himself uniquely calls me, is where He conforms me to His image (see Rom 8:28-29) and works through me according to His plan and purpose. The Apostle Paul asks, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price.” (1Cor 6:19).

Therefore, as belonging to the LORD, I ask Him to search my heart and show me anything that hinders me from soaring like an eagle. I also ask Him to reveal the sin that so easily entangles my feet, keeping me from persevering on this race He chose for me to run.

The faithfulness of God’s Holy Spirit answers my prayer by gently pointing to self-pity, self-doubt, fear of failure, and appearing stupid, especially if I get lost when driving. He points out my laziness to read directions (it’s hard for a big-picture person to focus on titchy details). Then there is that self-defeating attitude of “I can’t,” using my age as an excuse not to try.

My particular race recently changed to widowhood, singleness, aloneness, needing to take personal responsibility for whatever needs doing. How I need courage, inner strength, confidence, and absolute trust in the truth of God’s Word. 

But, practically, how do I “spread my wings?” How do I soar like an eagle? I suddenly visualize “spreading my wings” by trying new things—driving to new places, following the GPS on my phone, changing printer ink, light bulbs, and doing online banking. I anticipate the joy to come when I once again pursue painting with passion and confidence, learning new techniques and writing passionately to fulfill my God-given assignment. That, to me, feels like soaring.

So much of an eagle’s flight is resting, not striving. They catch an updraft and simply allow the wind to carry them aloft. The LORD is the wind beneath my wings. I need only to wait on Him, and He will lift me to new heights and give me a greater perspective of my circumstances.

I’ve struggled to understand precisely what “fix my eyes on Jesus” means. Paul brings practicality to this concept when he says,” Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1Thes 5:16-18). I fix my eyes on Jesus by reading His Word and bringing all my thoughts into obedience to Him. His Word is living and powerful enough to keep me in a prayerful attitude all day. I fix my eyes on Him by talking to Him, casting my burdens on Him, and remaining aware of His presence. 

Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” I can choose to wait in expectation for Him to answer my prayers and give me His strength, courage, and confidence. So too, I make a conscious decision to actively receive His comfort, His peace, the Father’s love for me, and always His forgiveness.

“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Even though I strongly dislike hardships, He rescues me from self-pity, complaining, grumbling, a lousy attitude, resentment, or comparing my lot with others.

Have I, do I, will I panic when I feel myself plunging from the security of my nest into a vast unknown? Yes. Only when I place my hope in my LORD and wait quietly for Him to come through for me will I run without growing weary, walk and not lag behind. I so desire to soar on eagle’s wings far above hardships, loneliness, or incompetencies. I ask Creator God for the courage to spread my wings and catch the updraft of His love and care. He knows. He cares. He pays rapt attention to my prayers and to yours. 

My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us (Psa 62:5-8).

Joyful Expectation

This painting expresses my longing for heaven, not that it looks like heaven by any stretch. But in light of the Holy Scriptures, the best I can do is look up with awe and wonder into the vast universe with joyful expectation. 

Last Sunday in church, we celebrated the first week of Advent. We lit the candle of HOPE, sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle,” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah and reflects on the promised rapture of the Bride of Christ and the triumphant return of Jesus with His Bride at the second coming.

This morning as I made my bed, my Havanese pup, Snickers, stood beside me, happily wagging his tail and looking up at me with his dark but sparkling eyes. He knows that once the bed is made, and a covering placed over the top, I will lift him onto the bed while I get ready for the day. His eager anticipation reminds me of how Jesus must see my eyes bright in eager expectation for Him to lift me up to a place prepared for me. 

When I take the pups outside each night, I look up at the stars. I also see the growing brightness of incoming airplanes over Spokane. I sigh as I go back into the house with my longing still unfulfilled. The stars are so far away, but I know His coming grows nearer than ever. He promised to come, and His Word is trustworthy.

The prophets of old said He would come, and He fulfilled their prophecy when He came as a babe 2,000 years ago. Although Israel did not expect a baby in a manger, He slipped under their radar. He surprised them with a gift more significant than they could ever imagine. Jesus did not come to free them simply from Roman rule but from the depth of their sins. 

Father God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. God the Son did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him, might be saved! (see John 3:16-17). Yes, He came, He died, He rose again, and promised to return. 

Oh, how I relate to the words of Charles Wesley (1707–1788), Come Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. I find my rest in His love and promises as I celebrate this Christmas without my husband for the first time in fifty-two years. As I gaze into the heavens, I remember Paul’s words, 

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord, himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words (1Thess 4:13-18).

I pray these words also encourage and strengthen your faith to persevere and endure until Jesus comes. Until then, with eager expectation, may we find our rest in Him. Ann Voskamp writes, “You can’t snuff out hope, you can’t smother out hope, you can’t stamp out hope because HE IS COMING.”

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

A Grateful Heart

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9

WITH A GRATEFUL HEART, I thank my LORD for the opportunity to create with both paints and words. One on canvas, the other on screen. In both ways, I share His loving kindness and tender mercies. He alone satisfies my thirsty soul and hungry heart with good things. I lift my trembling hands to Him, and He opens my mind’s eye to paint concepts in visual reality.

In this seasonal transition, I watch winter’s breath extinguish fiery autumn leaves and strip branches clean. Tree and shrub life-blood drops into roots until spring whispers again. With harvest completed, all lies bare beneath the stars until frost crystalizes in lace on naked branches and gently falling snowflakes blanket the land.

This painting celebrates Thanksgiving with a garden harvest before morphing into a silent white winter. In this place, my latent creativity awakens to paint-tubes and brushes. Despite dark skies, an invisible sun brightens the foreground.

Not photo reality, but impressions of things define my new artistic style. My artist friend loaned me several Impressionistic Artists videos, and I’m relating…somewhat. Will I create masterpieces this winter? If I do, only I will know the value of struggling to make color and pattern meaningful to me now. What will life and purpose look like as I learn to fly solo and discover a new identity?

Despite its beauty, the winter world appears dead and abandoned. Will my heart find new beauty, a solace for what I’ve lost? Winter’s sun breaks through dark clouds to illuminate the present with a blinding brightness not seen before. Hope whispers, though distant, it promises new life once again. What future will the Master paint? I cannot know, except I walk by faith into His promises one day at a time.

He picks up bushes of wise and loving providence to miraculously paint my life in a way that reveals His character. Fear is the expectation of evil and seeks to overcome my trust. Yet, I choose to expect good from my LORD. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame” (Rom 12:11).” And, “The LORD has become my fortress, and my God, the rock in whom I take refuge (Psa 94:22). In you, LORD, I take refuge and give thanks.

Yet, I feel winter’s chill deep inside my aging bones. I hear (barely) North Wind howling outside my dimming window panes, and I snuggle beneath my down comforter with groans. Tears run silently into the pillow I embrace. I will dream of health and strength and spring, new life and possibilities, pictures to paint and stories to write, and people to love. Too many imaginations and sleep escapes. So I toss and turn nearly until dawn. And when morning comes, I walk again by faith, not sight, and not in my own strength.

Even now, in winter’s grip, He peels away anxiety because I lay my burdens at His feet with thanksgiving. I look into a grey wintery sky and know the Son shines ever more brightly above the clouds. And one of these days, I’ll awaken to a new morning, a glorious day when winter melts into eternal spring—the most incredible Thanksgiving Day of all!