Three shots of an Incredible Rainbow

Paths that cross

Today, I had such an interesting day. I am trying to be more obedient to the voice of Holy Spirit. (working on it) I think God is easing me into it. Anyways I was walking through the mall at lunch break and I saw a lady struggling in a wheel chair - I walked by and the Holy Spirit said "Are you going to walk by and leave her to struggle" So I turned around and asked if I could give her a push to a store -- she agreed that would be good. Then later I saw her again and I asked her if she need another push and she was so thankful. She mentioned that she was recently put in a chair and was diagnosed with Parkinson disease and was struggling getting around. I told her I would pray for her and she said "Are you a Christian--- I said yes -- Are you? She said she was - so I asked "when you say you are a Christian do you mean that you have asked Jesus in your heart -- She said she got saved in 1984. We exchanged names and hope to meet again.
Honestly that situation totally touched my heart - isn't it cool that God with cross our paths and we both left encouraged.

Life's litte blessings

The Big Picture

I love divine appointments. Appointments that only God could orchestrate. I was thinking to myself on the way to work "I wonder what I will see on the walking path today"

Today - I met a lady from Africa that has just moved here. She has six children and a husband. Moved here from the Congo - speaks some of the same language I learned and we just bonded so well. (She had me at the mention of 6 african children)

What are the chances that I would meet an African lady --- in my small town? I wasn't going to walk but changed my mind at the last minute and we met. How cool is that?

Meeting once made me think "Wow that was interesting" but then we met the second time 20 minutes later just outside my work ... I swear it is a total God set-up!

I have been looking deeper into the scripture"He orders our steps". It has a really interesting meaning. The word orders means: He prepares the way
and that He will walk with us as a companion every step of the way. The word order also can be used to request things.... like when we stand at fast food counter and someone else places our order "They'll have this and this and this".

I think it would be safe to say that Jesus orders what we will need for the journey, sets things in place and interweaves peoples paths for a divine purpose. For a person with trust issues like my self -- I find this scripture so reassuring.

Funny Stories from the Home

Working at the Nursing Home is always eventful. I can always come away from a shift with an amusing story that makes the grueling tasks all worth while.

On a recent shift, a group came in and were singing songs of every type. They concluded with a few hymns. I was explaining to one of my favorite residents that the last two songs were about Jesus.

She said "Awe - He's a nice guy - Isn't he!"

Yes ...He sure is.

10 minutes with a Pelican

In the last two art classes I have taken. The teachers have made this statement "just spend 10 minutes thinking about this ..."

I found it kind of strange I admit - because one lady spent 10 minutes with her apple tree and another person spent 10 minutes with a birds nest (yikes) ...but I realized that exercise really works. If you take the time and look at something for 10 minutes or more the right brain automatically overrides the left. Sensory over logic.

On the nature trails by the lake yesterday - I noticed a group of pelicans. My left brain was saying "Don't stop you will be late for work. I was thinking about all the task awaiting ... my right brain said "Stop!!! You may never get this chance again" When I sat for awhile, I was truly fascinated. There were 35 pelicans going about their business like an intense rugby tournament. A number of them were scrambling for the same fish. Dive bombing and tackling each other. Others were in flight -- while others glided away from the action. They were so graceful & so beautiful.

In a very short time they will fly away to a quieter area and I would have missed it completely.

I sensed the Holy spirit saying "what if we spent 10 minutes with our God and his word" Just stopping and being still. Senses over logic...What would we see?

Looking for Beauty

God seems really distant lately with all that has taken place. I have been asking him to show me the beauty of life -- once again.

Early this morning, I went along the nature trails that follow the edge of the lake. Along the path, I saw and heard so many interesting things.

In the stillness, I heard a really unique sound -- similar to the noise whales would make to communicate. It was the ice making an underwater pinging sound. The ricocheting noise went from one side of the lake to the other with each crack of the ice. The broken ice was having a domino effect on the shoreline with a gentle force. Really quite amazing!

I watched a flock of mallards skidding through the open water. They were mingling and chattering as if they were having their first spring reunion. Three, timid sea gulls waited on the rocks like outcasts. One pelican flew over solo - taking time to scope out the situation. (Like the jock at the high school party)

I noticed a tree fallen in the forest (and wondered if anyone heard). Below the stump were shavings and evidence of a beaver making a dam.

In the low spots along the trail, there was tall grass matted down where deer had been sleeping.

There is beauty if you look for it and I thanked God for giving me eyes to see -

Pray for me

If you are reading this - I ask that you say a prayer for me. I heard today that a good friend took her life and I'm having a hard time dealing with the news.

Now a month later - I'm still feeling the shock waves of this news. She was on my heart but I never knew the turmoil that was truly going on in her life. For that I am sad..

Lord, I will praise You in this storm.... (song link above profile picture)

God's Phone Number

Recently, I took a telephone to my Sunday school class.
I was teaching the children how to pray and explaining how Jesus is always listening -- we can talk to God but we should also listen for his voice.

At the end of the class, one of the little girls came up to me and said
"I know what Gods phone number is !".... I was waiting. I knew it would be good. She said "Its 1- 800-SOS"

Isn't that just brilliant! Yes! He hears me in my despair! I love children. They never cease to amaze me!

Note to the 24-7 Prayer Group in Regina

I felt very strongly to paint this painting this summer.

This painting is symbolic of Jesus as the bridegroom and his church as his bride. The background is a midnight sky -- with the smoke representing the prayers/praises of his people rising before his throne as incense. The time is 11:55.

While I was painting this picture, I would turn on worship music full blast - usually Third Day's song Show me Your Glory or their song This is my Offering. At times I would just have to stop in awe of the Lord.

I hope it blesses you and encourages you to press on!

This is proof that I had my skates on at least once this year. The ice was empty and I was looking forward to a relaxing time on an outdoor rink.

Got my skates on & tied up ... ready to go when a herd of the neighbourhood kids came barging out of the change room. From tranquility to terror in two seconds flat!

They started a snowball fight and I lost so that was the end of that.

All Request Evening

I just started a new job at a seniors home. It is just temporary position but I sensed the Lord saying "He was going to open an door in a place I wouldn't have expected and that it would be preparation for something in the future"
Ya...So this is pretty much the last place in the world I would have looked for work and here I am!

The position is grueling in many ways with so many details to remember and lots of physical labour - however the residents are terrific and I believe there is a greater purpose. It is surprising to me that the elderly would be afraid of dying - but I run into that frequently. If there is opportunity to whisper in each persons ear the gospel in some form I will do it!

One of the Alzheimer patients loves to sing and usually at the top of her lungs - She always asks me for a song time and again - I have to be ready with a tune. (We make it an "all request Evening") I use the opportunity to think of a hymn or christian song like "Jesus Loves Me"
You can actually feel a peace come over the dining hall - Gods presence is so sweet. Last week a man belted out a song and we didn't even think he spoke any more. Surprised us all.

One night, one the residents said "where do I go - where do I go now?" Then she turned and looked back at me with a perplexed look and said "Did I get there?"

(This amuses me --- because I wonder if that is what midlife crisis feels like).

I'm not sure why I am at this job or for how long but it has been a lot of laughs and good for the soul! The above picture is me with my Gramma!

That's what friends are for.

I painted this particular piece because the song “That’s What Friends are For …” came to my mind to paint for a fundraiser for single moms

In good times ... In bad times
Knowing you can always count on me
(The musical notes read) "That's what friends are for..."

It is a song that we all need to hear from time to time.

I felt very strongly in my heart to paint this theme - and that it was for one person specifically. Before the event, my girlfriend said a prayer for the painting to speak to people's hearts and that the person it was intended for would buy it. I was pleased (in shock actually) to see the number of bidders.
The final bid was anonymous - I saw a man carrying it out so I asked him privately who it was for and he said it was going to a teenage girl.


( I was quite nervous that I wouldn't get any bids because there was some excellent art submitted -- so I am more than grateful to God that it sold)

This is a picture of the lunar eclipse that I took tonight.

Name that Tune!

I am not a person who likes old time hymns - but this song came to my mind and I just had to paint it...

When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed when you are discouraged
thinking all is lost

Are you ever burdened with a load of care - does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear -count your many blessings Every doubt will fly
And you will be singing as the days go by

When you look at others With their lands and gold think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold count your many blessings
money cannot buy your reward in heaven nor your home on high

So, amid the conflict whether great or small do not be discouraged
God is over all count your many blessings angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end

Count your blessings ...Name them one by one... Count your blessings See what God has done

My Favorite Painting -- Titled: Relationships

This is my favorite painting - hands down! It has been my most criticized piece for sure - but I still love it the best!

I like it because it makes me think of so many things and my imagination can just run free!

At the time I was painting it, I was stuck in a rut of perfectionism trying to make everything look perfectly real and I just wanted to paint for the sake of painting. Just to play with colours and see if they work well together.

As the painting began to take shape, I was considering relationships, mankind, the human race and how we have interacted and intermixed over time.

When you look at this piece for a length of time, you will see movement. (maybe its just my lazy eye) Some of the colours seem to interact, mingle and dance, some colours attract each other -- others repel. Some colours push their way to the front -- others recede as if there is a struggle for power.

Its not that I think my workmanship is so grand - I try my best to give God all the glory - to me this represents the freedom to overcome perfectionism and if that's why I have painted this artwork then is job has been accomplished.

Wait Expectantly

On New Years Eve I had planned on attending a house party - after talking to a friend we both felt the same - that something was missing. God was being left out. We called anyone who was available and decided to spend some time at the church praying.

The message was clear to us that in 2008 we are to "wait expectantly" on the Lord. We walked around the church and prayed for every seat, and every musician and every person that would attend - the presence of God was so strong...So we say even so Lord come! Do something great in our midst.

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!