It seems so very long ago that God gave me the gentle instructions, “Continue and Believe”. I’m wondering are you feeling a little guilty over doing things you enjoy whether they’re big “show the world” undertakings or simply just doing things you love. I’ve felt I shouldn’t keep sharing my paintings, much less think of markets, Etsy or website sales. Maybe, I shouldn’t design a 2022 calendar, already decided upon as far as the art. To create Christmas ornaments for my favorite season, does it even make sense when we keep hearing about exposure, illness, variants and death?
But, I am. I am still creating. The peace that creativity gives me, I hope gives back two or threefold. That’s the thing, we keep continuing and believing. We keep pursuing peace. It’s the best thing to do.
Last week, I posted thoughts on FB. God gave me words that others felt “touched home”.
So, I’ll share here:
When you’re driving into a storm you keep driving knowing there’s an end, a clearing, a cloudless sky. A rainbow if you’re lucky.
I’m about to turn 61 and I’ve survived some things I’m now sure were survived because God always had a plan for me to cooperate in the finishing my story he wrote. No doubt.
This time we’re in feels like a storm that’s so brutal and confusing that you don’t know if you can believe it will ever be over.
But, according to the psalmist we walk in the shadows of that valley of death. It must have felt close when he wrote the words, the fear of the encroaching death. But, the shepherd never leaves, never left…we’re going through it, we will make it through.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
To not be afraid seems irrational. Peace makes absolutely no sense in these days. This is why and how peace comes…it comes because it’s not thought up, decided upon. No, peace comes when we’re ridiculously brave and quiet enough to hear and feel it, to know it is God.
I don’t do well when coerced into fear. Peace is a choice I cherish.
The 23rd Psalm is an unwavering promise. Fearing no evil is a disciplined choice.
Stay tuned for Christmas ornaments and calendars with the theme, “promise”.
Find my art in my Etsy shop (Lisa Anne Tindal) or on my website, www.lisaannetindal.me
Continue and believe friends. Peace is still our most important pursuit and we find it when we get quiet and find our loving God. Jesus is peace.
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