Og Mandino – Have you ever read his books?

Be sure to search for his name on the web. His organization has a wonderful web site and it is chock full of positive information to assist us in this journey called Life!

One thought featured in his book called “The Greatest Salesman in the World” is “I will be master of my emotions.” While it is so important to put on your best face in spite of circumstances, I also believe that it is so very necessary to give yourself time to experience and take in what has just been divulged, what you must be forced to accept, what you have just learned that caught you off guard in a positive or negative way.

(Notice that I say positive or negative… as surely either could have consequences.)

I received some sad news today and lickety-split my synapses went into overdrive. I went down the path of imagining what might happen next, what choices I should make and when. These are all good things to consider, but they were absolutely an immediate reaction to the news. As the day ended and I had time to wind down, I realized that perhaps those morning thoughts ought to be cornered for a spell…not an eternity mind you, but just tabled for the short term.

Above all, praying must occur before any actions take place. Living in the moment, making decisions at the drop of a hat, certainly those times happen, but I am reminded that God loves people and has a plan for each of our lives. He wants what is best for us, irrespective of what might seem like daunting circumstances. Asking for His guidance is prudent and leads to more time spent in peace than otherwise. His will shall always be done and I trust that those who love God will be lead where He sees fit!

Paint, Raincoats, Stain and Beauty

Who would have thought that those 4 words had anything in common?

Last weekend, at a home improvement store, I walked down multiple aisles trying to make sense of the rows of paint and stain in order to choose the right can of chemicals for my outdoor fencing.

I enlisted the help of an employee who shared a wonderful analogy with me when describing the difference between paint and stain.

He said, “Think of the paint as a raincoat. It covers the wood up and protects it. The stain however lets the beauty of the wood shine through. It is protected by the stain but it does not cover it so much that the beauty does not shine through.”

I replied, “Then that is all the more reason people should not wear raincoats. Their beauty would be covered up.”

The employee laughed and we both smiled as he handed me the stain for my back fence.

It rained all week here and I only wore my raincoat once.

Time, Creativity and the Ultimate Goal!

“Time cannot be influenced by mankind. It gives each of us a beginning and an end.
And this makes us question the significance of what comes between.
But if you can create something time cannot erode, something which ignores the eccentricities of particular eras or moments… something that is truly timeless, this is the ultimate victory.”

Dr. Ing. h.c.F Porsche

Pennies from Heaven and Faith as small as a Mustard Seed

Matthew 17:20 says, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

I have been praying for many people and circumstances lately and God has seen to it that I am not disappointed.

He loves us more than we can ever imagine!

He even gave me a reminder today that He heard my concerns. A penny for my thoughts was lying right there in my path as I began my evening walk. I picked it up and placed it in my pocket.

What a wonderful promise from our Lord and Savior.

Faith is our Trust in Him that He hears our prayers and is more than willing and able to provide for our every need.

Hallelujah!

Upcoming Art Event!

My friend Rob is having an open house this month.

Check out his web site for details or just see below the link for details :)

http://www.robertkentwilson.com/exhibitions.html

pixel by pixel ten years of mixed media exploration.

ON VIEW AT:
RAANDESK GALLERY OF ART NYC
March 18 - April 16 2010

OPENING RECEPTION:
Thurs, March 18 7-9 PM

GALLERY LOCATION:
16 W. 23rd Street, 4th Floor
(between 5th & 6th Ave)
New York City

MORE INFORMATION:
raandeskgallery.cominfo@raandeskgallery.com
212.696.7432

1 Corinthians 13

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

An excerpt from Bible Gateway web site.

Portraits...

Just a sample of what I have done in the past and an example of what I hope I will be commissioned to do in the future.... Contact me to commission your own unique portrait!