SACRED SEEING

Photograph of James and Amy

Embracing Love

I am launching out into a new venture as I read and process the book:


Eyes of the Heart by Christine Valters Paintner

The book tells of an interesting concept of using the camera as part of one's contemplative walk in life where it becomes a "portal" that helps us to encounter the sacred in our every day surroundings. The author states,

"...Contemplative seeing and beholding are conscious acts of becoming receptive and dropping as much as possible, our own ego desires and projections..."

She explains that as we walk through this process contemplatively, we can begin to see the movement of God in the world around us. The words brought me to a photograph that sits prominently on my little desk in the bedroom. Suddenly, I understood the words in the book. I smiled.

I had recently traveled home from Missouri. My children and grandchildren had returned to their homes throughout the Ozark Mountains. For awhile we had been together. This occasion was sad in that one of our own had passed away. Rita's husband, Ray, had died after a long battle with cancer. We gathered together for the memorial. It was stark and profound as the Veteran's performed the Flag Ceremony. We grieved our loss. And now I was back in Florida. I missed my family.

Just before we left Missouri, Amy, one of Ray's children by a previous marriage, came to me. She held a framed picture in her hand of she and her husband, James.

" Life is too short. I don't want you to forget me! I never had a Grams before. Let's keep in touch. And, be sure to put this where you will see me everyday"

Since that day I get random emails from my granddaughter, Amy. She pursues me. She greets me and I smile. Amy is one of mine! ---Forever marked by a special love.

Today, I began to think of the fact that Amy chose me. Do not doubt.  It was reciprocal. Love at first sight after not being together for so many years. Then, there was Amy back in my life. My heart grew light with laughter. I felt wanted.

Suddenly I had an insight into what it might feel like to be adopted. Someone chose me. Needed me. Wanted me. Words cannot fully tell what I feel. Her gesture touched me deeply Her kind of love is rare.

Amy's email came today, telling me about a garage sale she is preparing for. A little thing. However, today, very needful. I went and looked at the picture. The message in the book challenges: "Behold."

I felt wanted. Hugged. Missed and needed. I embraced the love. I smiled!

by Rita Burton

POSTING SEVERAL NEW SERIES OF PAINTINGS.

COCKTAILS FOR TWO

Please check out the new SERIES I have posted here on my BLOG.  You will find them on the right side of my page.  Please be sure you browse all the way down the page.  I will be makeing some changes in the days ahead, so please keep watching.  Thank you for your encouraging words and your interest in my work.

Blessings,

Rita Burton

PETALS IN HIS GARDEN

Listen!

Hushed.  Still.

Waiting. Pulsating.  Abating.

Behold!  The Beloved comes.

Awaken!

Inspired by Song of Solomon 2: 8

REMNANTS FROM A LIFE! Blogging

REMNANTS FROM A LIFE!  Blogging

Excerpt from the book:  The Return of the Prodigal Girl by Rita Burton

Fear and Honesty


There is a healthy fear that preserves life and there is an unhealthy fear that destroys life. We need to separate them in our thinking. One is good, the other is bad.

... In many cases, fear of man and man’s approval or acknowledgement became more important (to me) than my standing alone in what God said.

(I came to understand that) ... In Christianity, God is the great Jumpmaster. He is our Lifeline. He holds the reins until we are ready. But by refusing to let go we can hold back progress. The outcome can bring remorse if we do not follow through with what He shows us. God watches us from Heaven’s gate and tells us to trust Him. God’s mouth is still moving, even if we cannot hear His words. He presses us to do the only safe thing. God is shouting, “Let go!”

POEM

Heart of the Moment

Rain drops pound the roof

Of the old and broken house.

Dreams flow in and out!

LADY WISDOM:  Standing at the Gate

Soft Pastel Painting

"You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,

when you make friends with Madame Insight......

With one hand she gives long life,

with the other she confers recognition.

Her manner is beautiful,

her life wonderfully complete.

She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.

Hold her tight. ---and be blessed.

Proverbs 3: 1 and 13-18

Message Bible

KNOWING WHAT IS RIGHT

I found a nugget of truth this morning during my reading.  It is not that this truth was unknown to me.  Just that I needed the reminder.  Here it is:

Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart, a wise person draws from the well within.  Proverbs 20: 5

As a follower of Christ, I think I walk on sturdy ground until the day of testing arrives.  It is when we are squeezed that our true nature rises to the surface.  The ugly face of fear often appears in my mirror.  Thoughts like, "Am I making the right decision?  Will I lose friendship?  I am shutting doors!" create turmoil in one's soul.  At these times we make rash and greedy determinations.  I know I have.  Only by the grace of God do I find a way to correct the jagged and make my path straight again.

God's Word is truely 'Living Water.'  It cleanses.  It illuminates.  It fills the cistern of our spirit and soul.  It shines a light on our path.  It is the bread that sustains us to move on and live another day.

I shall drink from the well within.  Now you can see why my favorite scripture verse is "His mercies are new every morning."  Lamatations 3:23.

Deep Calls to Deep

Acrylic Painting - 24" x 30"

THE ALMOND BLOSSOM - Symbol of "The Watcher."

The almond branch is a symbol that tells us God watches for the times and seasons to bring forth the promises of His Word.

I use this symbol for my new Website:  Rita Burton ART Studio.  So many of my paintings seem to be a discourse with God about mankind and the seasons of our life.  He is watching.  His Word will not return to Him void.

Please check out my new Website at:  http//ritaburtonartstudio.com

My Rainbow in the Cloud

POEM

My Rainbow in the Cloud

How brightly do I shine?  I ask.

Among so many Lillies,

Hiddenly by the clouds,

My soul does often wither.

---It's unbelief and doubt.

When finally I cannot stand;

All my life seems bland,

I lay my head upon His breast.

He kisses my brow.

God does understand my thrust:

I am but shattered shades of dust.

With artist' Hand, He makes me bold:

He paints my name in young and old.

"Be thou My Rainbow in the Cloud!

It may be you alone they see.

So many eyes are casted vague.

Their broken souls plagued.

If you do not believe and shine,

Who else can I send of Mine?"

God put a Rainbow in the cloud.

It is His covenant of love bequested.

It is our chance to test it.

Our light, our reflection, hues,

And, depth of saturation:

One with Him in all Creation.

Painting and Poem by Rita Burton 2012

Our life becomes transformed as we do serious business with God.  We become His hue and saturation painted upon the earth, refractured and reflected.  ---Showing the Father's Glory.    ---Rita Burton

Excerpt below taken from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers, ---Date:  December 6

My Rainbow in the Cloud

"I set My rainbow in the cloud,

and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth."

  1 Genesis 9: 13

...Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief.  It means that I have no faith in Him.  I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that.  But God won't do it, because that is not the basis of the God- and- man relationship....

It is a question of faith in God---a very rare thing.  We only have faith in our feelings....