NEW!

It is 2:06 a.m., Wednesday.  A new day has begun.  I should be sleeping, yet, I am wide awake.  Too many thoughts of yesterday.  Too many memories of the past.  Like a wave that washes over the shore , memories wash over me. 

Another memory comes to remind me that God never looks back.  If we are reconciled with Him, He is with us now, deep inside our being.  He is present, now.

I attended a Conference some years ago on renewal.  I struggled with issues of the past.  Mistakes, errors, and outright rebellion ---Actions of long ago, and now, memories that can keep me from walking in the right relationship with God.  I remember while in prayer, my eyes closed, I witnessed the shadow of Jesus pass in front of me.  I heard him say, firmly, "Enough!" 

Too much thought is given to our faults.  Too much thought is given to our mistakes.  We are  to live in the present.  New mercies are available to us, now.  New grace is given to us that enables us to put the past behind and live a full life, now! 

"The steadfast love of God never ceases, His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning....Great is His faithfulness."  Lam. 3:23  This scripture is my Rehma Word.  God has branded it on my heart.

It is a new day.  NEW!

A MEMORABLE MOMENT

"Morning Surf"   -   Oil Pastel Painting

We were camping in Sebastian Beach Florida State Park.  Hal and I took our folding chairs and I grabbed a pad of paper and some oil pastels.  We were off to the beach.  It was early morning and the heat had not reached unbearable highs, yet.  The wind blew, like a blessed kiss across our faces.  We plopped ourselves down, steading the canvas chairs in the deep sand dunes.  Suddenly, the colors of the beach engulfed me, with the sea blue of the water becoming the dominant factor in our view.  Way out across the waves, one surfer steadied his sail.   Riding in and keeping atop the windy sea, my own heart lifted as I watched him conquer and maintain balance. I quickly sketched the scene.  I captured the memory forever. 

Whenever I look at my little painting of "Morning Surf,"  my heart lifts.  For a brief but memorable moment, I can feel the wind kiss my face.  I am lost and surounded by shades of blue-green seas and I am lifted away from all the cares of the day. 

The wind is blowing outside my window today.  The temperatures are alreading heading for the high 90's.  It is already  too hot to venture out to the beach.  This is a good day to hide away in my cool studio room.  However, the memory of Sebastian lingers and calls me to create again.  Today!  I believe that each day can present a memorable moment.  I do not always act on this thought.  However, today, I will.

LIKE A WILLOW

I like the image of a Weeping Willow tree standing gracefully in a valley. The wind blows and suddenly there is great movement. Like a dancer, the vines and branches instinctly understand what is required of them. We are told in Scripture that all nature worships God. Even the rocks will cry out in adoration if we do not. Each of us are called to fulfill a purpose here in life. Be it humble or vast, we are to know God and we are to do His bidding. I think it is when we don't understand this concept that we lose sight of what it means to "walk humbly before the Lord" or "be Holy because God is Holy." I am a far cry from perfection! Once in awhile, my Heavenly Father allows me to see deeper inside myself ---this keeps me in the reality that without God I have nothing to give.

We are vessels of clay. Yet, God uses us to do His work. A few months ago I wrote a poem about response. One thing in particular the virgin Mary gave us is a perfect response to God's calling. I share the poem here for you to contemplate. (see painting LIKE A WILLOW)



"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to you Word."

Luke 1: 38

"According to Your Word"

Poem by Rita Burton



Willow bending at God's will

Set before us constant still

We, too, are handmaidens formed.

We, too, serve Christ in us born.

Stroke us now, and then again.

Stroke us past and future bend.

dancing in the Breath of Life.

Holy Spirit, gift ignite.

Let me not be brittle, yet.

Unyielding, unbending ---

in fear, defend

What I now don't understand.

Mind and body at its end.

Blow upon this maiden form.

Blow and dance with me within.

Help me caste away all doubt.

Let me speak with Mary, shout!

"Be it done to me according.

You have spoken,

Words adoring."

Angel lift my call on high.

God in me, do not deny.

I am Yours and You are mine!

Jesus Love, All is Thine.