In light of recent abhorrent events in the United States, one can find themselves in a state of disbelief, sorrow, confusion, and have a slew of unanswered questions. The answer to the question why, may never come. Violence never solved a thing and it never will.
When current events get me down, I hear the words of Paul in my mind…
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Phil 4:8
Sitting in my backyard, I stare at potted flowers. I notice them waggle in the wind. Sunlight dapples in between leaves. The makeshift plant pedestal has evidence of tiny holes and I know my woodpecker friend was here. This beauty is simple but lovely. It is good and it is pure. It uplifts my spirits for a time, but it is not the answer. No, dwelling on lovely is not the answer.
Love is the answer.
Just this morning, I came upon these statements:
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 1 John 4:10-12
It makes complete sense. Nobody has seen God, but when we love one another He is actually dwelling in us. And what better example of love than our Father who sacrificed His Son for us? Not to receive anything back, not to have fame, but out of total self sacrifice to pay for our sins and make a way for us, even while we still rejected Him. That’s love.
There is no room for hate and violence in this kind of love. Let’s serve one another in love, let God dwell in the midst of this love, for underneath skin we all have the same color blood.
Let's Paint Nature! 
Your thoughts at this time are beautiful because they are His thoughts. May He give you everlasting hope during your dark times and everlasting joy knowing that you are His child. May you be content in every situation here on earth knowing you have a mansion already build for your comfort in heaven. You are beautiful not because of your paintings but because of what He has created you to be and as a result of your obedience you create beautiful art. Thanks for sharing your passion so freely all these years, great is your reward.
Your beautiful prayer has touched my heart. Words cannot express my thanks, but thank you Stephen, it means so much to me!
I enjoy and look forward to your posts. Your watercolor is so soothing. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
You’re welcome Sandy 🙂
So lovely. So true. Thank you.
Thanks and you’re welcome Karen!
Thank you for the beautiful art; it warms the heart … and for the words that strike a chord with us all … they are keys to conjuring beauty – to appreciating the beauty he has laid before us.
Thanks Gene! Our mission is to keep putting forth that beauty even during the ugly. And you do well in that regards, 🙂
Thank you … you execute your mission well, as well … and beautifully
Thank you. Amen. And your work is lovely, as always. ❤️
Thanks Laura 😀
What a beautiful sketch! Thank you for the sketch and your inspiring words.
Thanks Alanna!
Thank you. Well said. It goes with what I have resolved to do: be more loving, especially to those who seem different from me in any way. And spread things like the beauty of your flowers or any flowers. Thank you.
Thanks Juzzell, and what a beautiful plan…to be more loving always. Excellent!
Amen. You’re words ring so true
And your watercolor is lovely. 😉
Thanks Kathy! 🙂
Amen. And thank you for sharing the word.
You’re welcome, Amena, my pleasure!
Thank you for sharing your gift of art and your inspirational words.
Thanks Danine, glad you enjoy. 🙂