For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:23
With Christmas just around the corner, a painting of a yellow tulip might seem out of context, but bear with me, I have a story for you today.
As winter approaches here in Canada, it was time to prepare our gardens for next year. To prune some plants, cut back some withered perennials and time to plant some bulbs to have them ready for spring. Tulips are one of my favourite flowers. We plant their bulbs at fall and they come back every year as a reminder of God’s creativity, faithfulness and attention to detail. However, despite their stunning beauty, they are still perishable and won’t last long. Again, a reminder of how things are constantly changing in this world which is sure to pass.
Nevertheless, when we give our lives to Christ, when we experience his love, we are born again. A journey of transformation begins, from inside out. We are healed from our emotional traumas, our burdens get lifted, we learn about love and faith. We understand that we were made with a purpose and that there’s hope. We may not have all the answers in this world for things that happened in the past but we learn about trust and we look forward, to new beginnings. We grow where we were planted and where there was nothing, something beautiful is built. Through the word of God, by his grace and because of his love, we have the chance to walk alongside him in peace, knowing that this world is not the end.
Back in May when I had spinal surgery, I was bedridden for some weeks. We were supported by many during that difficult time and there was a friend who gifted me a book that was just what I needed on those long days and nights. The book is her biography and it tells a powerful testimony of how out of all odds she had her life completely transformed by the love of God through the many seasons of her life. I won’t say much more because I don’t like spoilers but that book spoke to me in so many levels during those days of physical pain. There’s a beautiful story about a yellow flower in her book and this painting is also here today because of her. If you want to know more, check Mary Haskett’s story, she’s a talented writer and someone who shows God’s love wherever she goes.
On a final note, there’s still time to enter the studio giveaway on Facebook and Instagram, it closes this Tuesday. The winner will get 1 (one) fine art print of their choice from the art studio in any size. Check it out!
I have so enjoyed the weekly paintings and blogs.
There are so many scriptures that help us along our journey with God and life.
Three young children, unsettled times, daycare closures due to COVID and restrictions. I would have a migraine I’m sure!
I have a 6 year old granddaughter named Abby who is home schooled and spends the weekends with us a lot right now. Our daughter Lindsay works from home. At times I get a very sore neck from an accident. Abby will say in a most relaxing way, just sit back Grandma, relax, close your eyes, you hear the ocean and the waves rolling in. She puts a cold cloth on my head and a cold beanbag on my neck. It is so relaxing just listening to her sweet little voice as she comforts me. You have to feel for the little ones right now.
I know one verse I love and stand by is Casting all your cares on him for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
God does work for those who love him.
Praying for peace, comfort and healing.
Love in Christ. Janice