Peace in Jesus

I don't know if you've heard about all the turmoil we've had here in Minneapolis this week, but even if you haven't, you better be aware of the turmoil in the world. We are all surrounded by tribulations and sufferings, whether they are new things from the affects of the virus or if they are things we have been dealing with for many years. We live in a messed up world, in messed up families, messed up churches, messed up countries, messed up cities--you get the point.

I was feeling a little discouraged tonight and then happened upon these amazingly comforting words from Jesus:

"These things I have spoken unto you,

that in Me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer:

I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

It is easy to get caught up in the pain and sadness and evil and forget that Christ is on His thrown, and He is in control. We can rest in Him.

Art and Things

I drew this house from something I saw in one of my dreams. It's not exact, but I like the idea a lot. 

I discovered that drawing things that look like stained glass is really fun. 

I usually make a big mess when doing art. 

The Heron

When it comes to photography, I tend to make art out of what I photo. I look for interesting objects, lighting, angles, etc. to produce something unique. This is just an orange, but I like the lighting and the bottle in the background.

The bottle from the last photo. I decided it need a picture of its own.

An orange orange. 

It has been so fun creating this huge collage of drawings and other art on my wall.

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Low Expectations

"Always have low expectations."

That is what Lydia just said, but she informed me that she wasn't finished. She added, "for movies." She's referring to the many times we've found a movie or heard of one that was supposed to be really good, but when we watched it, we were quite disappointed.

However, the idea of low expectations got me to thinking. It sounds kind of dismal to always have low expectations, but it's kind of what we should have. Of humans, anyway.

You see, God is full of good gifts. He has lavished so much on us, and He will never give up on us, He will never disappoint. People are the ones who disappoint. We shouldn't be shocked when someone desserts us, lies to us, hurts us. It's expected of humans to be less than God.

We should have low expectations of humans and high expectations of God.

Now, this doesn't mean we should be pessimists and think that nothing good comes out of people. It is good to be reminded that people are still people. We are not animals that just walk around and eat food to stay alive. No, we are made in God's image, which means there is an ability to do good--because of God's good grace. However, people will disappoint, they will leave us, they will forget about us.


But God is an everlasting Father who will care and provide for and love us more than we could ever deserve.

"For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come."
~Hebrews 13:14

Quinny

Today is Quinn's first Birthday. She is turning one. Obviously. 

She is super cute and lovable. I have really enjoyed living near her and seeing her on a regular basis. She wasn't even walking when I first got up here in February, but now she is practically running. She has grown so much. 

She is so fun, and I am very blessed to be her aunty. 

This is a more recent picture that Priscilla took of her. 

Of Flowers and Things

So many flowers are blooming abundantly in the city. I took a walk on Mother's Day and took bunches of pictures. Hope you enjoy.

These leaves are new, but they are naturally a red-brown. I think it is pretty cool. 

Tulips

Some yellow weed. 

Fresh oak leaves.

White apple blossoms

And the pink ones

Dandelions

I actually got a picture of the seeds blowing when I blew on them. I was happy about it. 

More of the yellow. From this picture, you could imagine I was out in the country somewhere. 

Another flower I don't know the name for. 

I just took pictures of pretty much any flower I saw. I like these; so small and dainty. 

And, of course, the violets. 

You can see the Stone Arch back there. 

Woods

A flower box. 

Something purple and quaint

These are the coolest tulips with the fringed edges. 

Such a deep red color. 

Daffodils: some of my favorites. 

More apple. They are all over the city.

And lilacs. They smell sooooo good. 

The heart flower. I really don't know what it is called, but it's cool. 

More violets

Of various kinds

This is a wild little yard with little trees and all these flowers (another variety of violets?). 

Happy spring to you, folks!

To All The Mothers Out There....

A very happy Mother's Day to you!!

I have a wonderful mother with whom I am unable to be with today, but I love you dearly and hope you have a wonderful day.

And to all mothers in my life, thank you for what you do. You are appreciated.