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I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
The first time I heard this quote of Eric Liddell from the movie Chariots of Fire, it filled me with gratitude and freed my mind to understand that it pleases God to gift us, and that He would actually take pleasure in watching us express the passions that He births in us. When I was a young believer, I used to think maybe art had no value, and because I loved making stuff--really enjoyed it--there was something wrong with that. I had the idea that living a life for Christ mostly involved suffering and self-denial. So if I was having fun, how could I be bringing glory to God?
A silly thought. A baby thought. While these things are part of the Christian walk, they aren't the whole picture. Yes, daily we take up our cross. But it is the dance of the resurrection that keeps us going. God does take pleasure when His gifts are pleasing to us, and creating beauty has value in His Kingdom. Have you ever read in the Old Testament where God instructs Moses to make priestly clothes for his brother Aaron to wear while ministering to Him? "And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory
and for beauty. So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments, to sanctify him, that he may minister to Me as priest." (Exodus 28:2-3 italics mine) This encourages me.
So I'm thankful to be a part of this creative community of gifted artisans, joining Emily today
Take an old warming tray (sometimes called a hot plate). They get warm enough to melt crayons or oil pastels, but never too hot to touch. Lay a piece of paper on top of the tray.
Your crayon turns into a wonderful liquid brush to paint with. It's really enjoyable. Give it a try!
Burning lamp...when I melt crayons, I feel His pleasure :)
Calling all book lovers...please take note of the new little button widget for Lanier's Books on the sidebar of my blog. If you enjoy reading or collecting old books (antiquarian gems and gently-loved jewels, as my dear friend refers to them), one click on the button will take you to her blog and the link to her newly-opened online store. Lanier herself is a gifted writer, so either way, a visit there will not disappoint. 
Calling all locals, be sure to check out Indian Orchards, an organic, pick-your-own, family run farm. It's located along PA 352 on Copes Lane, Media, between Glen Riddle and Knowlton Roads.
We love going here in the early morning. It is so peaceful and quiet, except for the buzzing bees and chirping birds, but those are joyful noises. 
Happiness is... an activity that everyone in the family enjoys, i.e. eager participation, no one dragged along, etc. 
Berry picking is best done in the early morning hours - by noon, the sun will start to bake your head, and it is no longer that activity that everyone in the family enjoys (learned this the hard way)
berry nice :)
not a bad take, eh?
