The Painting Project

My family and I embarked on a project together this week. The summer temperatures soared to higher degrees that my son didn’t feel like traveling, not even to go to the nearby beaches to cool off. He would rather stay inside the house and do his passion of drawing cars and making his own models in the computer.

[picture of the finished wall in our living room]


My husband and I had been wanting to paint the walls of our house into a different color. It might seem like a "foolish plan" to paint the walls when it still looks good, but painting a new color over it would make it more beautiful. When my son heard it, he got excited and wanted to help us out. So, off we went to the nearby home improvement store and got all the materials we needed. Choosing the color became easier as my son, also had given his input.


The plastic was laid all over the tile floors as my husband brought out the cans of paint and the brushes of different sizes. He put a scoop or two of the paint into the container with the handle and with the brush. He gave it to our son, not knowing what to do at first. Patiently, my husband and I guided him. Awkward with his strokes of going up and down, sometimes, sideways, the wall started to emerge in a different light.


“I’m sorry, mom and dad,” he uttered.


“Why?” my husband and I wondered with his apology.


“’Coz….I’m too slow. I had only painted a small area and I’ve been here for a few hours now.”


“Son,” I said without hesitating, “This is your first time to paint, don’t forget. Dad and I think you’re doing a great job because look! There was no splatter on the floor or anywhere else and look at your area, it might be small but it looks great because the paint is even. I would rather have you be slow but you’re getting the things done in proper way than be fast but messy and the wall would look with uneven layers of paint. You’re doing a good job! I love you.”


“Thanks mom and dad. I love you, too,” he replied.


The following day, my son was so confident and was ready to paint an area all to himself. He knew what to do now. And this was the wall he painted by himself and my husband and I were so proud of what he did as he learned patiently the day before. He might be a "beginner" in this project but putting his heart into it, learning patience and endurance at the same time, made him ready for the work that needed to be accomplished.








Laying on the couch, resting with sore shoulders, God brought something into my mind as I started to talk privately with Him. He has a painting project, too that’s been going on and we, His children, are also a part of it. We tend to be slow and awkward but He is always there, our Dad, guiding us, cheering for us.

When we splatter and mess up, He lovingly roots for us, despite our weaknesses. But when we triumphantly are able to accomplish things well, He is the first One to cheer. He is always faithful and patient and His “I love you’s” endures forever.


Look at Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 1:25 -30:


25- “This “foolish” plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans and God’s weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26- “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. 27- “Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28- “God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, 29- “so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” 30- “God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom.”


Yes, God’s plan of salvation sounds “foolish” to those who don’t believe. But the “foolish” people who simply accept Christ’s offer are actually the wisest of all, because they will live eternally with God. God’s way of thinking is far above ours. We are not to value the “painters” more than what is “painted”. Christ’s painting project seems so “foolish” to you, who doesn’t believe. Our society worships power, influence and wealth. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant and he offers His Kingdom to those who have faith, not to those who do all kinds of good deeds to try to earn salvation. Christ is the mighty power of God and the only way we can be saved. Knowing Him personally is the greatest wisdom anyone of us, can ever have.


So, are you willing to join in and be a part of Jesus Christ’s painting project? Are you willing to trust in His plan and help out painting the walls of this earth?

Rest

This past weekend was calm at my workplace. The familiar unscheduled sick calls were nowhere to be seen. Even the phones were eerily silent!


I arrived at work with the bins empty. Usually, they would be full with the charts with doctor’s orders that needed to be carried out by nurses. The PM shift crew had just gotten done and I was grateful for the completed work.


It was seldom that we had these quiet moments and no! I wouldn’t feel guilty for sitting around. My co-workers and I knew that we needed this kind of solace in order for us to recuperate and regain our strength and energy.


We cleaned the place and I wiped the counters with anti-bacterial wipes from those huge plastic tubs. When morning came, I volunteered to help out the LVN’s do the morning accuchecks of those inmates who were diabetics. It went smoothly and before we knew it, everyone was done.


God, too wants us to enter His place of rest. Back then, in Moses’ time, this meant finding the Promised Land. But for us, Christians, it is peace with God now and eternal life on a new earth later.


We don’t need to wait for the next life to enjoy God’s rest and peace. We can have it daily now! Our every day rest in the Lord will not end with death but will become an eternal rest in the place that Christ is preparing for us. [Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in Me. There are many rooms in My Father’s home and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with Me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there.” –John 14:1-4].


Let us stop struggling in doing good to enter that place of rest because Jesus had already provided that through FAITH.


“God’s promise of entering his place of rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to get there. For this Good News – that God has prepared a place of rest - has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t believe what God had told them. For only we who believe can enter his place of rest.

As for those who didn’t believe, God said,
“In my anger I made a vow: They will never enter my place of rest.” Even though his place of rest has been ready since he made the world.” – Hebrews 4:1-4

Spiritual Sundays

Lord, remind me daily to look up to You. I don’t want to forget to thank You for all of Your love and goodness. When I’m busy with earthly matters, help me to pursue and take the time to seek Your face and listen to Your voice. Then, I know that I’ll always find my strength to overcome any trials – having the strength that comes from You.

Thank You for Your understanding that encompasses any human standards. Thank You for never giving up on us even when we get lost in our way many times and still make wrong choices that hurt You. You have proven that Your love is faithful and enduring.

Yesterday, I have been feeling heavy for my hurting brothers and sisters who are going through tough times and trials. The mountains seem so steep for us O Lord. We can't see well, Father, slipping at times and losing strength to overcome these mountains. I ask that You cover us all with Your healing, Your mercy, Your forgiveness, Your grace, Your comfort, protection and love. Help us trust in You and You alone Oh Lord. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

After praying that yesterday, I asked the Lord if He could give me a song in my heart that I can share for all of you facing a mountain of trial. He is awesome and always ever faithful. And this is the song He composed in my heart:

In Him


Every minute that passes by, I see the tears in your eyes
The troubles seem overwhelming…I know
Let go of your doubts and fears, hold on to what you believe
Jesus goes with you no matter where you go

Chorus:

In Him, there is peace and love
In Him, there is joy and life
In Him, there is hope and tomorrow
In Him, yes in Jesus…we’ll be with Jesus forever
　

Every minute that passes by I see the tears of joys in your eyes
The burden is light now that I know
No matter what tomorrow brings, keep holding on to what you believe
You’re never alone, hold on to Jesus’ hands

[repeat Chorus]

In Him, only with Jesus….we’ll be with Him forever

In Him….[fading]

Thank You Lord and I will forever praise You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For more encouragements, please visit "Spiritual Sundays" hosted by sister Charlotte and sister Ginger... Glory to You Oh Lord!

Countdown

My right foot pressed on the gas pedal a little lower but I was keeping my attention aware not to go past the posted speed limit: 50 mph. It was the usual familiar trek as I went to work that night. The long street was illuminated by the dusky, yellow beams originating from tall lamp posts lined up in a neat row. While commercial businesses buildings were on both sides of the street until there were no more as the view of the correctional facility emerged.

I only got 10 minutes left to make it on time to the start of my shift.


9 minutes…I veered to the left carefully. At long last! I had made it to the alley-like road that led to the correctional facility I had been working in, for 9 years now. The outside yards were vast, barren and sometimes, little jack rabbits would dash in front of your car that would make you slam on your brakes as the darkness of the night covered the place. Trees were scattered on both sides of these front yards but there was a great clearance of space around the perimeter of the jail. Fortunately, the air was calm. Otherwise, a big hurl of dust and little stones could be hitting my windshield and the windows all around the car, obscuring my visibility sometimes.


8 minutes…Still slowly making my way toward the facility, instead of the usual police cars, three shadows of young males emerged on the left side of this road, happily walking away from the facility. Walking with shoulders brushing against each other’s, their denim jackets put over their shoulders and one wrapped around his waist, I could see their wide grins as the soft light from a nearby lamp post shone on their faces. Some tattoos were visible on their arms and even faces. One was bald, by choice I assumed. They were just released from the facility. Their happiness seemed to linger all over their atmosphere.


7 minutes…This newly-found freedom by these three men seemed to be a looming cause of celebration as their excited steps kept walking toward the bus station at one end outside that road I was driving on. One looked one more time behind him, as if to say “goodbye” to three thousand something inmates still locked up.


6 minutes…The shorter man on the right side was trying to see and was checking out who I was but unable to succeed as my car was tinted really dark on all sides. I could see them well but they couldn’t see me. I felt like they wanted to scream, “We are free! You won’t see us anymore!” And I was only responding to them through prayers that I was hoping that they wouldn’t commit anymore crimes so that they won’t be arrested and be brought back to the facility but instead be useful kind of citizens and not take their “freedom” for granted.


5 minutes...Seven swaying, graceful, tall palm trees met my gaze. One more turn and I was close to our staff parking. The correctional facility was now in full view as the chain link fence surrounded the perimeter and cameras were put strategically on some spots to monitor the place 24/7. The tiny windows were visible and only those little windows were the source of light for the people still incarcerated. The lawns around were kept green despite the drought we had been experiencing. Sprinklers were slowly spraying water all over. These lawns were mowed by some inmate workers. The flowers they planted and maintained. It looked beautiful, contrary to what was behind these thick walls.


4 minutes…The electronic gate swung open as I swiped my entry card. I thanked God for always giving me a parking close to the little entry gates, where staff walked in and out. It felt as if a specific spot was always reserved for me as I arrived.


3 minutes…I hurried my steps after opening the main door. I still had to walk through three controlled gates and be let in by those who controlled the doors. The older lady greeted me from the “Main Control” as she recognized me, wearing my usual badge, with my hands clutching my clear purse.


2 minutes…I was still walking but in deep thoughts, I prayed: “Lord, those three men I saw were very happy to walk away with their newly-found freedom. But here inside, three thousand more are left behind. Lord, I thank You for the new freedom I found in You. Thank You for the freedom that You give to those who believes in You. Because You want us to be free, You opted to die on the cross, to save us. Thank You that when we believe in what You have done, You promised Your gift of eternal life. Lord, I know that it will be a celebration like we haven’t known before when we leave this world . But it’s hard to look back and know that there are thousands more who are going to be left behind. Lord, plant the “seeds of faith” in their hearts for You are the Author of faith. And by having that, I pray that they will end up choosing to place their trust in You.
Lord, and for those of us who are already “free”, may we be filled with Your Holy Spirit that we don’t go back to the slavery [sins] we were in before. May we not take our “freedom” for granted because the cost was priceless. And that cost was “up on that wooden cross”. Thank You Lord for Your love and mercy. I love You.”


1 minute…the Infirmary Deputy waved at me as his left hand turned the knob that opened the double door going to the Clinic.


0 minute…The charge nurse and the rest of the staff greeted me. The PM shift nurses breathed a sigh of relief as my arrival and the other night shift crew, was a sign for them that their work was done. I was ready to face whoever the Lord would put in my way…By His grace, I’d be okay.

Even when morning shift comes, I can’t breathe a sigh of relief. For I know my work doesn’t stop there. My work is already marked long ago and only by His grace, it will be completed. And the countdowns will keep going on, as long as there are still many who are alive but spiritually dead. I must share about this freedom that Jesus freely gives. For the countdown will end, either when He returns or physical death comes to someone. The question remains – “Are you ready to face an eternal punishment or be saved and live forever with One True God?”






60 minutes…59…58…"You choose"…57…56….55….