Making the Exchange

There was a time when I thought that giving my heart to the Lord was a one time dedication. I have since learned that it step by step - line upon line - precept upon precept - gaining ground gradually procedure.

A few years ago, I was taught a valuable lesson by a mentor of mine. The lesson is this: take whatever you are feeling in a particular situation and say "Lord if I give you this -- what will you give me in exchange?" He will speak something amazing to you - that always brings freedom and liberation to your spirit. It never fails - I guarantee it! It works for loneliness, for insecurity, for sadness and disappointment - It works for every situation. Jesus takes our hearts -- whatever we offer -- compartment by compartment.

As an artist, the opinions of others have swayed me too easily. Why is it that I do not hear the compliments and only retain the critical words spoken. I can be painting and conversations come to my mind of negative words spoken years earlier - but not the compliments. I have been struggling ...I struggle with the fear of failure and the fear of success. (Which basically leaves me stuck where I am at)

I prayed, Lord if I give you this fear what will you give me in exchange? God spoke softly to me that he would give me obedience and that if I would walk in obedience and take the steps toward what I feel called to do ... then all of heaven would back me!
How empowering is that?

So here I am back at my easel - thinking like about what to paint.

Poem written by David Odoki

David was one of the children on my African Children's Choir tour.
He comes from Uganda from an area where the Lords Resistance Army has terrorized. He hasn't had the easiest life - but has a deep relationship with Jesus. I have seen where David has come from and where he is today -- and I am so proud. There was a time when David wouldn't allow himself to receive love from anyone - so for me to see his words in this poem - shows me the progress the Lord has made in his heart. I love this boy more than he could ever imagine. Here is the poem he wrote.

A long time ago.

Shepherds kept their watch that silent night.

The sky too blazed with beautiful stars

Across the wilderness three wise men drew closer Upon camels they hurried with gifts Something beautiful was about to happen

Something so special to unfold.

From Galilee to Bethlehem a husband and wife journeyed

Upon a tender donkey Mary road to destiny

In the temple courts an old prophet paced up and down.

So excited that all he waited for was about to happen

The brightest star ever shone across the happy sky.

This star announced a new beginning to our world.

That night the sheep too sensed something unusual.

Then it happened!

In a manger the sweetest cry rang forth

Behold! Jesus was born into our world.

Born to bring life and hope to a thirsty world

Born to redeem our world from sin.

I bring you good news of great joy, an angel proclaimed

The savior, yes the messiah the lord, has been born,

Tonight in Bethlehem , in the City of David the savior is born.

And so from century to century this wonderful story trickles forth

A true story to every race, tongue and distance .

A story bringing untold hope and new life to all mankind.

Merry Christmas!

By odoki david

Imploding

This painting is an explosion of abstract shapes that resemble emeralds. Some are clear - others obscure and misshaped.

I was considering painting over this picture but then with a second look - I realized that it sort of describes where I am in life at the moment. Lately, I feel like I am exploding on the inside. Thus the title: "Imploding"
Yes, imploding, collapsing and caving in on the inside.

The plans that I have been aiming at fell apart. My world inwardly seems to be spinning out of my control and my hopes somewhat in a pile of rubble. Trying to see the humor in this instance ... my brothers rock tumbler came to mind. I was amused to think --- perhaps this is what's happening spiritually in my heart.

Instructions for the rock tumbler read: Add rocks, water, and coarse abrasive grit to tumbler. Let tumble for one to two weeks. Wash stones thoroughly. Repeat if desired for smoother stones.

What I need to glean through this, is that God is in control in every situation~~ even when I don't see him and my world is spinning. He uses the worst situations /abrasive relationships and works them to the good... that I believe. Through these times, He will take my rough-edged character and will perfect it until I am a polished gem. This I am sure ... What I am not so comfortable with is the "Repeat if desired" part!

Be still

I have been doing some deep thinking lately. Examining my heart. Sorting through some old memories. Some that need to be tossed out - some that need to be remembered vividly. Sometimes the old painful memories seem to fog over the good times - so I am sorting, analyzing and deleting.

I question myself - why is it that my heart never wants what God wants? So much pain could have been spared by stopping and asking for directions along the path and by recognizing the warning signs!

But by looking back over my shoulder now, l may turn into a pillar of salt and be rendered useless for the present. Perhaps the lesson is -- to see Gods compassion and mercy despite my stupidity and to Jesus as a horse whisper - kneeling on one knee waiting for me to come to the end of myself and when I have calmed down -- He slowly walks over with the intent of restoration.

The Bible verse "Be still and know that I am God" fascinates me. The word "still" means to let go, to surrender or to release. The word "know" translates to mend by weaving or darning - like a fishermen would mend his nets - to mend as good as new. The Lord promises that he will bind up the wounds of the broken hearted - if I would just be still.

Hope for the Future

This is a piece that I did to fund raise for cancer patients.

I prayed and sensed the Lord was telling me to paint a rose.
It started out pink but then ended up more peach/pink.

When the painting was completely done -- I thought to myself there must be more to this story. Out of curiosity, I looked up the symbolic meaning of a peach/pink rose --- I was amazed to find it means "optimism for the future".

Isn't God good - He has plans of good and not of evil - that we can have hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Something Beautiful...

I was inspired by the Newsboys song called Something Beautiful. Sometimes its really hard to look for something beautiful -- or should I say to make a point of looking for something beautiful. Today was one of those days.

I spent the afternoon with my grandmother who is now 93 and in a home. I realized how I could no longer lean on her for strength - the tables have turned and she now needs to lean on me. I still loved just sitting with her - just being in her presence... even in the silence. We reminisced about skating on the pond and then going to a warm house to eat home-made cinnamon buns....

After talking for awhile, my grandmother and I headed for the lounge at the nursing home... there I saw a couple that were sitting admiring art. The wife was confined to a wheelchair & partially blind but she loved to paint. I overheard her husband praising her about her latest piece. She soaked it up - then reached over and held his hand. He told me, as he adjusted her necklace, that they had been married for 54 years many of which he bathed her, dressed her and changed her--- yet I admired how they still they looked into each others eyes like newlyweds - to me that was beautiful.
(please click on the newsboys youtube link on the right)

Valley of Decision - Joel 3 chapter 14

God you are so cool.
I painted this picture over a year ago. It represents to me the people that are from every tribe and every nation -- those that are waiting to hear about the gospel---those that are at a place of decision.

I met a Pastor and his wife - God started speaking to me that his church should have this painting. The Pastor told me later that Cindy Jacobs, a prophetess had spoken this scripture to him "Multitudes, Multitudes in the Valley of Decision.
All I want to be is Gods TV monitor!

A Day with Artists

I had an uninterrupted day with artists - a photographer, 2 writers and a potter. Something I have been longing for... I learned so much from the teacher - just to slow down and look for the beauty in simple things. To think like as a child again --- fascinated with everything. (For this reason, I have attached a picture of my kaleidescope).
We learned about journaling and taking time to sit and be aware of our surroundings--about being content with what we have and not to be taken in by the material world ... and that is the desire of my heart.
I loved every minute. It made me think like an artist again.

My African boy, Tadeo, once told me about his kaleidescope - He says"Auntie - I have a toy that when the sun is up the flowers come"

Dear God

Is there any forgiveness for the things I've done? Is there pardon for sinners --- I know that I am one, before you.
Would you take this heart of foulness and make it clean again. Would You pour on me Your mercy as I confess my sin --before you.

Point my feet in the way they should go. Place Your Holy Spirit in me. Lead me in the ways everlasting ... I long to have a heart that's pure -- before you.

This song by R. Bulter speak to me tonight....

How interesting...

I just found this on the extreme prophets web page.

A year of success and fruitfulness
In 2007, the Lord is looking for those who will invest their “talents” wisely. It is a year to DREAM BIG. It is a year of bringing forth fruit for the Lord and His Kingdom through the wise investment of the gifts He has given.

In the parable of the talents, the master praised the servants who took the initiative to invest what they had been given but was angry with the one who buried his one talent. Jesus said that this parable describes the Kingdom

The Lord is calling His people to make investments of their gifts on behalf of the Kingdom. There will be success and fruitfulness for those who do. 2007 is a year to invest much as there will be great dividends for the glory of God. “You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on all your ways.”

Success...

In June, God spoke to my heart and said "This summer I am going to show you the meaning of success"
I've always felt drawn to the arts and would love to see my skill level increased. I believe being an artist is a "Calling" to be used for the good.

Over the summer, I took time to be with other artists and I found that there is a contentment that comes when a person walks in their gifting - and there is a passion that comes that is comparable to an engine on a locomotive ... and others just want to get on board with what you are doing.

Success is living your dreams - rich or poor!

I've also realized the greatest quencher to creativity is unforgiveness and worry. So letting go of offenses and believing for the best -- I have set out to do what I am called to do - Art!

Below I have attached art works that are being sold to raise money for Uganda, East Africa.
Please spread the word...