Mary's Faith Nuggets

Keep on Keepin' On

2026-08-30T16:17:19.329-07:00

Hello and blessings to you all. May God's grace and mercy fill you as you read this blog. I wanted to share what God, His son Jesus and His Holy Spirit have been up to in my life. I have completely been overwhelmed by their presence lately especially during certain trials I have been facing. In the past few months relationships have changed and not for good. As a matter of fact it is taking all that I have to keep believing and trusting that things will change and get better. My faith has been tested and tried, undeserved grace has been given and welcomed with open arms. I've wanted to throw in the towel so to speak, but Jesus in His loving way wrapped His arms around me and let me know that He hears me and is with me. That is so comforting to me. So I will continue to keep on keepin' on. During these unpreditable times, my desire to show more gratitude for all God has done in my life has escalated. He has grounded me in my faith, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that he will never leave me nor forsake me. I realize now that I have been broken, and this is so that I can focus more on Him, instead of my problems. Slowly everything is falling into place and becoming clearer to me. God is so wonderful in His mercy, that comforting feeling of knowing that I have Him on my side is beyond words. I will not share the details of my trials about my family, but my love for them will never change or waiver. My prayer is that our relationship finds healing and restoration - forgiveness and more love for us all. I know it will, because I serve a BIG GOD! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. All I have to do is look at the story of Joseph and all that he went through in his young life before he received a breakthrough. It was years before he was victorious in his struggles. His family abandoned him, he was imprisoned and totally forgotten. But he trusted in God and he never gave up. That is so inspiring and uplifting. I shall follow in his footsteps and keep on keepin'on. So I ask for your prayers for my family, more patience for me to keep doing God's will. Even when my body, mind and spirit are weak, He is strong. If any of you are going through similar situations please look to Jesus, He is our only Hope, has always been and forever will be. Amen!

With Obedience Comes Blessings

2026-05-20T14:54:12.217-07:00

Obedience to the Lord is not a burden—it’s a pathway. When we choose to follow His voice and align our steps with His will, something beautiful happens within us. Our hearts settle. Our minds quiet. Peace begins to take root in places where worry once lived. Scripture reminds us again and again that obedience is not about earning God’s love; it’s about walking in the fullness of the life He desires for us. As we surrender our plans, trust His leading, and respond to His Word, we discover blessings that flow not only around us, but deep within us. Today, I want to reflect on this truth and share several Scriptures that reveal the joy and peace found in living a life of obedience. Deutoronomy 28:1-14 Obedience opens God's storehouse of Blessings. 2 Chronicles 16:9 God will strengthen the heart of the obedient person. Esther 4:14 God has called you to obedience for such a time as this. Psalm 15 Obedient people dwell in the presence and peace of God. Psalm 24 Obedience in what you say, what you do and what you think leads to holiness and Blessings from God. Isaiah 55 Obedience brings your soul satisfaction, delight and a new life. Hosea 10:12 Obedience reaps the fruit of unfailing love and brings showers of righteousness. Malachi 3:8-10 Being obedient givers will open God's storehouse of Blessings. Matthew 26:12-13 Even small acts of obedience have wide spread effects. Romans 1:5 Obedience comes from faith. Romans 6:15-16 Obedience leads to righteousness. Romans 8:5-6 Those walking in obedience have their mind set on God's desires. 2Corinthians 9:6 The extent that we sow in obedience will determine the extent we reap in Blessings. 2Corinthians 9:13 Men will Praise God for the obedience that accompanies our faith. Ephesians 4:24 We were created to be like God. We walk this out in obedience leading to holiness. Phillipians 2:13 It is God working in us that prompts us to be obedient and fullfill His good purpose. Phillipians 4:9 What you have learned, heard or seen from God, walk it out in obedience and you will be Blessed with Peace. 2Timothy 2:20-21 God is able to use the obedient person for His noblest purpose. 1Peter 1:13-14 Prepare your mind for obedience which leads to holiness. 1Peter 2:21-22 those who walk in obedience walk in Jesus' footsteps. 1John 2:3-6 Obedience makes God's love complete in us and enables us to walk as Jesus did. I hope these help to strengthen your faith, and lead you to live a life of obedience for Jesus, and may you be wonderfully blessed!

The Freedom Found in Forgiveness

2026-04-23T10:45:33.401-07:00

There is so much unforgiveness in our world right now. You can feel it in conversations, in families, in communities, and even in the quiet places of our own hearts. Many of the struggles we face today are rooted in wounds from years ago — moments we still carry, hurts we still rehearse, and memories we still grip tightly because letting go feels too costly. But forgiveness is not adding another layer of misery on top of your pain. It is not pretending the hurt didn’t happen or excusing what was wrong. Forgiveness is something far more powerful. It is the holy exchange of bound‑up resentment for life‑giving freedom. It is the moment when the mystery of God’s healing work becomes too great to deny. If healing hasn’t been worked out and forgiveness hasn’t been walked out, chaos will continue to play out. Unforgiveness keeps us stuck in the very place God is trying to lead us out of. But when we release what we were never meant to carry, we make room for God to restore what was broken. Never lose hope that things can get better. Never stop noticing what is still beautiful about life, love, and leaning on God. He has a way of taking what was meant for harm and turning it into something good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That promise is not just a verse — it is a lifeline. God loves you deeply. He sees every wound, every tear, every moment you’ve struggled to let go. And He wants the best for you. But to step into that freedom, you have to believe — truly believe — in your heart and soul that His healing is real, His timing is perfect, and His love is enough. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is courage. It is obedience. It is the doorway to peace. And it is the beginning of a new chapter God is ready to write in your life.

Finding Life Again Through God's Healing

2026-04-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my husband Larry passed away almost six years ago. In those early days, time seemed to stand still. Grief has a way of swallowing everything, and I truly believed my life would never be the same again. But the Lord has a way of taking even the hardest seasons and turning them toward good. After the tears, the loneliness, and the heavy fog of those first months, a small light began to appear — a glimmer of hope at the end of a very long tunnel. In that quiet place of healing, the Lord gently showed me how to draw closer to Him, how to lean on Him, and how to trust Him in ways I never had before. For that, I am eternally grateful. He lifted me out of a deep pit and brought me into a place where I am more alive, more grounded, and more joyful than I ever imagined I could be again. I miss Larry terribly, but I know he is with Jesus — and I know I will see him again. As I walked through this new season, I began to focus more intentionally on Jesus and the gifts He placed within me: writing, painting, photography. Pouring myself into these creative expressions has been both exhilarating and deeply therapeutic. They have brought a peace and tranquility nothing else could offer. I’ve also turned my attention to caring for my health — spiritually, physically, and mentally. What once upset me no longer holds power. What once stole my joy no longer has a place. I’ve built a routine I try to keep, and along the way I’ve lost 30 pounds. I’m working hard to keep my blood pressure and cholesterol in check by eating healthier, cutting out processed foods, and walking daily — either inside my home or at the park when the weather allows. My faith and my art have been two of the greatest tools God has used to help me heal from losing the man I loved so deeply. If you are walking through loss and feel lost yourself, I want to encourage you: God loves you more than you can imagine. If you turn to Him, He will walk with you through the power of the Holy Spirit and give you purpose in this new season. He will guide you, strengthen you, and reveal abilities you never knew you had. He will be with you every step of the way. God bless you.

The Ache of the Knowing during Holy Week

2026-04-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

There is a specific kind of grief that lives in the anticipation of pain. We often think of the Cross as a moment of time - a few hours of physical agony on a Friday afternoon. But for Jesus, the Cross was a shadow that grew longer with every step He took toward Jerusalem. He lived His life in the "Knowing". He knew the texture of the thorns before they touched His brow. He felt the weight of the timber before it rested on His shoulders. While the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, or worrying about where they would sleep, Jesus was looking at the horizon, watching the sun set on the last of His "normal" days. In Gethsemane, we see the poetry of His humanity. The Bible says He was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." It was the burden of carrying every secret shame, every broken heart, and every cold silence of humanity, all while knowing that Sunday was still a dark tunnel away. He didn't just endure the pain; He chose the pain, minute by minute. Every breath He took in that garden was a "Yes" to a "No" He could have uttered at any moment If you are in a season of waiting right now - if you are sitting in your own "Saturday" where the light feels far away and the burden feels too heavy to carry - remember that our Savior has been there. He didn't skip to the resurrection. He sat in the tension. He felt the ache. He walked through the shadows so that when we find ourselves in the dark, we can look beside us and realize we aren't walking alone. Sunday is coming. The light is inevitable. But today, let us sit in the quiet wonder of a Love that saw the cost, felt the sting, and stayed anyway. Have a beautiful resurrection Sunday! Amen!

It Takes Discipline to Trust God

2026-03-19T08:51:28.592-07:00

Good morning to you! Today I just want to pray if that is alright with you. I come before You Lord, humbly acknowledging Your authority over my life and trusting in Your perfect timing. Help me to surrender my desires and plans to you. Knowing that Your ways are higher and your timing is perfect. Give me the patience to wait for Your unfolding of events, even when it seems difficult or uncertain. Lord, grant me the strength to obey Your will wholeheartedly, even when it requiers stepping out in faith or enduring trials. Give me the wisdom to discern Your voice amidst the noise of the world, and the courage to follow Your path faithfully. Father, instill in me a spirit of perserverance and determination, that I may never give up on my dreams and purpose that You have placed in my heart. When challenges arise and obstacles seem impossible to overcome, remind me of Your promises and Your faithfulness. Thank you Lord, for Your unfailing love and grace that sustains me through every season of my life. May I walk in obedience and trust knowing that You are with me always guiding me towards Your best for my life. In Jesus mighty name I pray - Amen. Have a blessed day everyone - I hope this prayer can bring some peace into your day!

Following God's Blueprint for a Healthy Life

2026-03-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you, but I’ve reached the age where things seem to start heading south a little faster than I’d like. For me, that has meant dealing with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My blood pressure has been under control for years, but cholesterol is an area I’ve needed to work on. At my last doctor’s appointment, my doctor immediately suggested putting me on statins. For me, those were fighting words. I watched what statins did to my late husband Larry, and I knew in my heart I didn’t want to go down that road. I’ve done extensive research, and while statins may lower numbers, the toll they take on the body can be significant. So I kindly told her I wanted to try a more natural approach first. She agreed, and we decided to reevaluate in a few months. And so began my quest toward better health. I already ate fairly well, but I knew there were things I needed to remove or at least enjoy in moderation. I cut out sugar, fried foods, and fatty foods, and then began researching foods that help the body eliminate “bad cholesterol.” I also discovered supplements that many people recommend for artery support, such as Citrus Bergamot and Nattokinase. With these changes, my journey officially began. Then one day, while checking my YouTube channel, I came across a video by Dr. Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe. They were sharing a diet plan called the “Biblio Diet”—a way of eating based on the foods and drinks Scripture highlights as nourishing and life‑giving. The idea is simple: God has already given us a blueprint for how to live long, healthy lives. I was captivated. I ordered the book on Amazon, and once it arrived, I could hardly put it down. I learned so much about how our modern food has changed—how processing strips nutrients, how chemicals are added that our bodies were never meant to handle, and how far we’ve drifted from the simple, whole foods God originally provided. Their teaching emphasizes returning to the basics: whole foods, organic when possible, and grains prepared the way Scripture describes. Yes—even bread. I now enjoy Ezekiel bread, made from sprouted biblical grains rather than the heavily processed flour used today. By making these changes, I’ve lost weight, gained energy, and no longer crave sugar. My body feels different—lighter, clearer, more alive. Today, I simply want to share this as encouragement. God desires that we enjoy our lives and the fruits of our labor. Sickness and disease are widespread, but some of it truly does come from what we put into our bodies. God cares about our spiritual health, but He also cares deeply about our physical health. He knows what is best for us, and His plan works. Both Dr. Rubin and Dr. Axe have walked through serious health challenges, including cancer. Their testimonies are powerful—because by following God’s design for nourishment, they found healing and restoration. Their stories inspired me, and I pray they inspire you too. If you’re struggling with health issues, I hope this gives you a place to begin—something to research, something to pray over, and a reminder to look to the Word of God. It never fails us. God bless you as you seek His wisdom for your body and your life

Be Still and Know that I am God

2026-02-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

God sees the heart. Keeping our hearts turned toward Him means being willing to look honestly at ourselves and ask, Am I truly honoring the Lord in my actions and in my words? During this season of Lent, that question rises in the hearts of many believers, myself included. Life is full of distractions—good things, busy things, necessary things—that so easily take precedence over the Lord. When I become aware of this drift, I come before Him and pour out my heart, asking Him to help me honor Him in all I do. I ask Him to remove anything that pulls me away from His best. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, when our hearts align with His, He answers. It may not be an audible voice, but it often comes through His Word or a stirring in your spirit that nudges you in a specific direction. When we quiet the noise and truly listen, we recognize His leading. Be still and know that He is God. Giving God our full attention—even if it’s simply the first moments of each morning—is one way we honor Him with our heart, mind, and spirit. As we surrender our will to His and refuse to move from what He has spoken, we find that even when challenges come, or when things unfold differently than we expected, we can look to Jesus and remember His promise: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 So stay in faith. Seek Him diligently. Pray continually. Trust that He truly has everything under control. When you do, His peace will fill your heart—and that, my friend, is priceless.

Judgement on the house of God

2026-01-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

Today I want to share some interesting information I read in the book by Jeremiah Johnson that I am in the process of reading. He explains that in our generation many sons and daughters have stopped listening to their spiritual fathers, and this disconnect has contributed to God becoming increasingly unfamiliar in America and throughout the world. It’s heartbreaking to witness. Johnson also points out that some fathers themselves were never raised with God at the center of their lives, allowing the cycle to continue from one generation to the next. He emphasizes how vital it is for us to intentionally teach and guide our sons and daughters in the ways of God so that His presence is restored in our homes and communities. If you are interested in reading this book I found it on Amazon. It is titled “Judgement on the House of God”. Very insightful and interesting, I could not put the book down. Here are more of his words, they appear in quotation marks to give him credit. “If God doesn’t punish America He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. Millions of babies have been aborted, and our nation seems largely unconcerned. Self-centered, indulgence, pride and lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle. Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone – except God. My heart aches for America and its deceived people. America has the 5th largest population of young people under 18. That is the 5th largest harvest in the world. Out of 75 million young people, 24 million do not live with their biological fathers. Daughters are being raised to marry porn-addicted men who have not been fathered. I am pained in my very heart to hear such statistics.” It is time to rip our clothes states Jeremiah, time to raise our children who will listen to their spiritual fathers and walk in the ways of God. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the failure to honor many of the spiritual fathers who have given us the word of the Lord repeatedly, we repent as sons and daughters for failing to heed their words. If we are under the judgement of God for ignoring what these righteous men declared in their dying days, God, we are sorry. Please lift off the curse from our land and restore honor in Your house once again. Turn the hearts of the sons and daughters back to the fathers, we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!

Conquering the storms in life

2026-01-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Today on Whidbey we have beautiful sunshine and clear skies, the temp is a tiny bit chilly but I can live with that. I am in the process of painting a beautiful landscape commission art piece for someone so I have my Christian gospel music on and are having a blast. Some days though are not as pleasant, when life's storms come my way. Before Christmas I had a bit of a trial that I am still going through with my family. I will not get into the weeds of it, but it is very heart breaking how things have been handled. I have now turned it over to our Lord and Savior, with lots of prayer and grace and forgiveness I know that God will turn things around for the good. So having said that I have a beautiful prayer to share with you in case you ever go through any of those dark gloomy days, when you have done your best but things are still not right. I pray you will turn to Jesus first and foremost, he will be with you and comfort you, and He will give you strength, Holy Spirit will guide you and our Heavenly Father will always love you and be by yourside through it all. Amen! Dear Heavenly Father, in the midst of life's storm, I come before you Lord, seeking your strength and guidance. Lord you are the master of the wind and the waves, and I trust in your power to calm the storms that rage around me. Grant me courage and strength to face each challenge with faith and hope. When fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm me, remind me of your promise to never leave nor forsake me. Help me to anchor my soul in Your steadfast love and unchanging faithfullness. May your peace, which surpasses all understanding guard my heart and mind. Father, I surrender my worries and anxieties into Your capable hands. Grant me wisdom to discern Your will admist the chaos, and strength to perservere with grace. Strengthen my faith, Lord, that I may rise above trials and testify to Your goodness and provision in every storm. Thank you Father for being my refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. May Your glory shine through me as I trust in you to conquer every storm of life. In Jesus mighty name I pray - Amen!

Becoming the best version of yourself in 2026

2026-01-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

New year, new goals, or maybe just a better version of yourself. 2026 for me begins with asking God to help me have more of Jesus and less of me in all that I do and say. Crucifying the flesh has to be the hardest thing we can do on a daily basis, can I get an "amen". Thank goodness we have the Holy Spirit who keeps us focused, or we can turn to His word to gain insight on how to move forward. God's word shows us a better direction for our mind and spirit rather than to follow our immediate emotions (the flesh) and not give that control. One example for me is cutting back on sugar. I love sweets but they do weird things to my body. So when I am tempted it's only by Holy Spirits' conviction that I can resist. On my own I cannot do it. Apart from Jesus we are weak and will give in. So making that decision each and every day, hour by hour to follow the spirit and not the flesh is harder said than done. I have to say that I have failed so many times, but it's by God's grace which is sufficient I can do better the next time. This is true for other things that come our way on a daily basis. Life is filled with temptation. In this modern world of technology and social media being at every turn, we have so many temptations that our flesh wants to get into. I have been there and done that. But now I turn to my Savior - Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for guidance and usually what happens is if I take the bait, my spirit will be restless, but if I don't, I have peace. I choose "peace" each and every time. So if you'd like to become a better version of yourself, start with keeping God first in your daily life. Study His word, be obedient when prompted by the Holy Spirit, in word and actions. Help others whenever and however you can, as often as you can. Forgive easily, and use your talents and gifts to increase the Kingdom of God. Stay humble and grateful and give God all the glory and praise! Amen! My prayer for you today: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart eager to grow and to become the person you have created me to be. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for your desire to see me flourish in every aspect of my life. Lord, guide me on this journey of self-improvement and transformation. Grant me wisdom to recognize areas where I need to change and the courage to take steps towards personal growth. Help me to embrace Your truth and to align my thoughts, words, and actions with Your will. Father empower me to let go of negative habits, attitudes and fears that hold me back from reaching my full potential. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control. Help me to see myself through Your eyes as a beloved child created in Your image. Strengthen me to perservere through challenges and setbacks trusting that your grace is always sufficient. May I glorify You in all that I do, becoming a beacon of Your light and love to those around me. Thank You for Your promises and for the assurance that You will complete the good work You have started in me. In Your Precious name of Jesus - Amen!

If you are interested in this artwork you can find it here on my website!

New Year new beginnings

2026-01-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Good morning, today I just want to offer another prayer. As the new year begins there is always new worries that sometimes overcome us. At least they do for me, until I changed my way of thinking and dealing with certain emotions that are sure to come when living life in todays world. Worry is such a waste of time, causing us so many health issues and sad moments. I have found that God did not send his son to die for us so that we would worry and be sad or depressed. He died so we could live a life full of love, peace, joy, etc. the fruits of the spirit. So, today I want to offer this prayer for anyone who maybe feeling worried or anxious. The world is going through so much anger, war and so much division in our own country, peace is no where to be found, except in Jesus. "Thank Lord that your words say that you don't give us a spirit of fear but divine power, love and a sound mind through Jesus. I thank you, Lord that I can put my trust in you to work all things out for my good. I break my agreement with anxiety and cast out the spirit of fear and worry and command it to go now in Jesus name. I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind and heart and protect myself with the armour of God so that I can fight off the attacks of the enemy. Thank you for delivering me in Jesus name. Amen! Share this prayer with anyone that maybe experiencing worry or anxiety. I truly hope and pray that your life will begin to be less stressed and more alive in Christ. God Bless!

What are you thinking about?

2026-01-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I wanted to start off the new year with a prayer. It's a prayer I found that really helps me when my mind wonders. It's not very often but when it does it usually wants to go negative, can I get an "amen". I hope it helps you as well. I believe we all go through this at one time or another and depending on how we have trained our mind, it can take a turn that well is hard to recover from. Been there done that. So keeping this post short and sweet, here is the prayer. May 2026 bring only hope, love and Jesus into your lives each and every day. Prayer - Dear Lord, I thank you for the redeeming power of Jesus, who died and was raised from the dead for me. I repent for dwelling on any negative evil thoughts, and bring my mind into obedience to Christ. I seal up any access points that my thoughts have given to the enemy. I seal my mind with the blood of Jesus and wear the helmet of salvation. Thank you for saving me in Jesus name - Amen!

Thankful and Blessed

2025-11-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone. Days after the Thanksgiving festivities is always a time to gather your thoughts and approach the upcoming celebration of Jesus's birth with a whole new perspective. Christmas is just right around the corner, the ads remind me, the songs already on the radio. I wish they would wait until at least after Thanksgiving before they began, but that is not the case. I started hearing them long before that this year. Maybe it's just me, I do not think so. I believe others may be experiencing this too. It is a feeling of being rushed. Shop more, buy more, you get the drift. To me it's supposed to be a time for preparing for the birth of Jesus, and showing more care and love to others right? My Thanksgiving was a quiet one. I was home alone with the flu, it seems I get sick at the darndest times anymore. I am 70 so perhaps it comes with the territory. I was not able to see my family, or friends but they were in my heart and prayers. I gave thanks to God the Father, Jesus, my Lord and Savior and Holy Spirit. I have been blessed so much this past year. The list of things is long so I will not bore you to tears, but I will say God is Faithful! So many times I prayed, cried out to Him and He came through, not always in my timing but His. So what I would like to express to you to day is to stay faithful in your obedience and trust Him. Stand on His promises that He tells us in scripture, believe that He loves you and only has your best interest at heart. Know that He is always with you no matter what life is throwing at you, He cares for you. I hope this is comfort to your souls during this very busy and exciting season we get to experience. Also remember to not go into debt for gifts you cannot afford, I used to do this, until God showed me how to give from the heart, they will appreciate and love you more for it. So now, let's get busy in our lives showing our neighbors and friends more love and compassion. Giving a little more to those in need if you can. Just calling someone who is home alone to check up on them will be such a blessing. Then on Christmas we can rejoice and celebrate the birth of that little baby Jesus who came to this earth so we could have eternal life through Him. It's the best story in the whole world. God Bless you all and may God's face shine upon you each and every day. Mary

God has your back!

2025-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today I just want to remind everyone just how much the Lord loves you. Even in our imperfections, sinful nature at times and even when we do not place Him first in our lives each day, He is faithful! He has your back! I had a situation recently, I prayed that particular morning God would use me in ways that would encourage and help others. I have a sweet neighbor, she is elderly just a little bit older than myself. Anyway, she called me with a heavy heart. She seemed very troubled about something and had a little fear about it. She was worried and anxious and just needed to talk to me. I told her God loved her and to remember God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, peace power and a sound mind in Christ Jesus. I prayed for her and later on in the day I sent her a scripture that would remind her of God's love and faithfulness. That whatever it was she was going through, He would be right beside her. She sent me a text the next day and said she was at peace that evening and loved the verse. She said she would read it every morning to remind her of God's love. See, the enemy will try and make us feel bad, worried and anxious which these feelings only bring on more fear, but in those times we need to turn to God's words and promises from the bible and remember He will be with us and help us through whatever it is we face. I praised God even more that day! He used me to bring Jesus to my sweet neighbor when she needed Him the most. You are so amazing God, your love for your children is beyond words. May this story bring some hope to you in a time of need when you are sad or dissappointed about life in general, turn to God He has your back. Then pray if forward that He will use you in ways to bring Jesus to others around you. Amen! God Bless you! Mary

Jesus Our Only Hope

2025-03-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

When I was going through some dark times in my life, it felt like I was in a dark storm that would never end. It was a very painful time for me. I didn't really understand why God would allow such bad things to happen to me or my family, the ones I loved. Yet now, I can see that God ws removing all the garbage in my life so he could begin rebuilding, restoring and renewing everything bad in me. That is His way of cleansing and helping us begin a new. He used those aweful and painful times to refine me, purify me, by bringing the impure things up to the surface, which by the way is a very tough thing to go through. Then He could remove them only by His grace. I had built my foundation on myself, my family and some worldy things instead of Jesus. So when everything fell apart so did I. In my painting that I have posted here, I can see Jesus extending His precious hand to me, saying "Come to me all who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest." Today I wish blessings for each of you. Grace, forgiveness, healing, freedom and wholeness in Christ. That the fingerprints of Jesus would be seen upon your lives and evident to everyone around you. That Jesus would be at the center of your heart and your home. Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Jesus is and always will be "Our Only Hope", this is what I have titled my latest oil painting. It is very special to me and hangs next to my door to greet everyone into my humble home. His hand extending to all who will take it. If you are interested in a print of any size, please visit my Pixels website. May God bless you today and always. Until next time - God willing, have a beautiful day.

How do you view God?

2025-02-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

Good day to you. I just finished ready a really good book called "Trusting God when bad things happen" by Shelley Hitz and I had to share. It was an interesting read and really helped me get a better view of who God really is, his character his widsom, and on how much He truly loves us. He gave His only begotten son for us, is there a greater love than this. I also want to leave you with some things to ponder, and things to ask yourself on your view of God. First of all how you view God determines how you approach solutions in your life. Let that sink in, it sure did with me. Many of us may have a legalistic or perhaps rules-based view of God, which would make Him harsh and judgemental and who is angered when we do not do as we should. In this instance God would be unapproachable and our relationship with Him would be of fear and to only follow the rules. Do you view God as Harsh or Loving? Condemning or Grace-based? Angry or caring? Demeaning or Affirming? Hurtful or Kind? Far-off or Present? Demanding or Fair? Perfectionist or Forgiving? To better understand the character of God we need to look at scripture to see how He is defined. My personal view of God is that He is loving, approachable, honest, dependable and faithful. I am comfortable in His presence and spend as much time as I can in His word and trying to do His will for my life. There is a healthy fear of God and I realize that He judges fair and justly. Having a healthy view of God is so important especially before a crisis or in any situation where you need to stay peaceful and in control of a situation. Otherwise we will view God through the crisis instead of viewing the crisis through God and His character. In conclusion, read the book, it's on Amazon and for a very reasonable cost. It is so worth it. Now may your day and week and month be blessed in everything that you do. Keep God first and everything else will fall into place. Happy Valentines day to you all!

Introducing my new Inspirational Gifts on Etsy

2025-01-14T09:07:00.001-08:00

Good morning! I hope you are all well and staying warm. It's about 35 degrees here in Oak Harbor, very chilly indeed. It's not as cold as some other parts of the country and we do not have any snow, although I would love some about now. Today my post is to just introduce some of my new "inspirational" gifts that I have for sale on Etsy. They make great gifts for anyone in the family. Here are some pictures and links to the listings on Etsy. The "Eagle with scripture" is an 8x8 ceramic tile with a black stand, the "Floral" with a beautiful saying about how "God doesn't give us what we can't handle, God helps us handle what we have", this is a canvas print and can be ordered in various sizes. Have a wonderful blessed day you all, and remember God loves you so much that He sent His son to die for you and me. Isn't that terrific. Spread that good news to everyone you meet. Blessings!

Prayers for California

2025-01-13T15:42:00.001-08:00

My heart is very heavy today for everyone who lost their home or someone they loved in the California wildfires. I wanted to just take a few minutes and say a prayer for everyone. There is power in prayer and God does listen to us. Heavenly Father, we come before you humbly and acknowledge that you are the creator of all things. Today, we lift up every individual who has suffered and is a part of the disaster fires in California. Dear Lord, give them comfort and strength to keep going and not give up. Also to all the first responders and firefighters, give them super natural strength and abilities to keep doing what they need to do under exhausting circumstances. Help each of them to do their best and get the proper rest they need as well. I pray for resources to come to them from every direction to help everyone that needs help during this time. In Jesus name we pray. Those individuals will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and I encourage you to seek out a place to donate, or help in anyway you can. There are so many organizations that you can contribute to, it doesn't have to be large sums, but anything will help them I am sure. Some that come to mind are the Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. Thank you for reading my post today. May God Bless you in all that you do to help these individuals.

Grateful and Blessed!

2024-11-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving day on Thursday, I am so saddened by the state of our world. Fortunately the election is over and we will have a new president come January, but in Israel and Ukraine things are looking grim. I want to take this time to just say that no matter what God is still in control. When I focus my thoughts on that, there is hope for tomorrow. I do hope this post finds you all well and getting ready for the big turkey day. I know I am, God willing my family and my friend will be joining me on Thursday to say "thank you" Lord for all your wonderful blessings you have bestowed upon us during the year. A lot has happened this past year that I have not shared on my posts, some good, some bad. But through it all Jesus has been with me, lifting me, encouraging me and giving me strength through the power of the Holy Spirit. So for now, I just want to wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving, may you be surrounded by your loved ones and may Jesus be at your table. God Bless!

Announcing the "Tour and Tea" event!

2024-06-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I do hope you are all enjoying the nicer weather here on Whidbey Island. It's finally beginning to feel like summer. Which reminds me about an event I will be participating in tomorrow.The"Tour and Tea" on Saturday June 29th from 10-4 location is 4909 Jones Rd.,Oak Harbor. It is sponsored by the Oak Harbor Garden Club and is sure to be fun. Here is a glimpse of one of my "mini acrylic paintings", "Beach Buddies" which will be freatured for sale. "Beach Buddies" is truly a splash of delight, brining a playful blend of vibrant hues and whimsical subjects that I am sure will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. "Beach Buddies" captures a charming scene—two penguins standing side by side on a beach, their eyes set on a horizon where the ocean meets the sky. These adorable friends are facing to the right, with their reflections beautifully mirrored on the wet sand beneath them. It's a moment frozen in time, yet filled with so much life and energy from the dynamic setting around them. Imagine the sky with a rich gradient of deep blue, softening as it approaches the horizon. You can almost feel the breeze and hear the gentle crashing of the waves behind our penguin pals. I've used vivid and bright colors to encapsulate the serene yet lively essence of a coastal environment, making sure this piece brings the comfort and tranquility of the beach into any space. The inspiration behind "Beach Buddies" comes from personal reflections on friendship and life's simple joys. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the unspoken bond these penguins share. Much like human friendships, their togetherness amidst the vast ocean backdrop reflects resilience, companionship, and the beauty of life’s shared moments. So, whether you’re a beach lover, a penguin fan, or someone who simply finds joy in colorful, dynamic artwork, I hope "Beach Buddies" brings a dose of joy and serenity into your day. Stay tuned for more artistic adventures! Hope to see you at the event! God Bless you all. Mary

Introducing my newest acrylic painting!

2024-06-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Guess what, art lovers? I'm thrilled to unveil my latest creation: "Golden Dawn at Deception Pass"! Imagine crossing a stunning iron bridge at dawn, where the sky melts from golden hues into a dreamy blue — all while lush greenery frames the scene. 🙌 This 7x13 acrylic on canvas piece really captures that perfect harmony between nature and human ingenuity. I had so much fun playing with the vibrant acrylic colors to bring out the bridge's structural details and the serene surroundings. 🌅 Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Deception Pass Bridge that connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, this artwork is a love letter to one of my favorite places. Dive into this tranquil moment and let it transport you to a place of peace and natural splendor! Please do check out my Pixels website where you can order prints on canvas, metal, wood or anything else that strikes your fancy. Blessings to you!

Getting past Covid and closer to Jesus

2024-06-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have shared my life with you, it's been a long time coming and I am so excited to be writing again. Life has been very hectic the last few years but I would like to share a few of the highlights. I've experienced a few birthdays, cried a few tears and have been on some very fun trips with my friend Sharon. But the most exciting thing I have to share with you is the fact that during Christmas I contacted Covid. Exciting you say, getting Covid during Christmas? What is wrong with this person. I know it does sound a bit ridiculous I admit. But hear me out. It was a time when I experienced Jesus in ways I never did before. In December, 2023 I did contact Covid, mind you I had every vaccine and booster that was required of me. Still I contacted it, I don't get it. Anyway, I belong to a group in our church called the "Joy" group. It's a bunch of women that get together and just share life, prayers, and praises that sort of thing every Thursday afternoon. We even take field trips to different places during the summer warmer months. Right now we are helping the Childrens minister do some craft projects for the upcoming Vocational Bible School in July. So, before Christmas we had a potluck and we all gathered and shared a meal together. After this very fun and enjoyable event nine of us contacted Covid. Oh what a sad time it was. Not getting to see my family during this very special holiday. I was devastated, but tried to keep my chin up. I personally have never been this sick in my life. The fever was aweful and lack of appetite, smell, taste you name it I had it. I was down for about three weeks. My other symptoms were cough cold and as mentioned a fever. I never get a fever so it really wore me out. I could take the sickness, I just had the hardest time not seeing my family, my son and his wife and grandchildren. That was the saddest time for me. So during this time alone, I really wasn't. I spent more time with Jesus every morning. I read, prayed and just felt his love and comfort during the whole time. I experienced His peace like never before. I had more time to read and found a book on how to get closer to God, that was really enlightening. So during my bad situation I was experiencing, I also experienced God's amazing love and comfort. He turned the bad into good. I am so grateful for this, I now feel His presence surrounding me especially during the tough days. He lifts and encourages me to keep on keepin' on. 2023 ended with sickness, but 2024 began with God's glory. Jesus gets all the Praise because through this sickness Jesus healed me in so many ways. I now feel more loved, annointed, blessed, redeemed because I am the daughter of the King of King and Lord of Lords. Every day I wake up knowing no matter what comes my way, Jesus will be with me. His Holy Spirit will guide me and everything is going to be alright. I had to share my Christmas story with you in hopes that if you are not sure about Jesus or our Heavenly Father, you will BELIEVE! He is real, and he loves you so much enough to give His son Jesus for you. So if you will give your life to him and BELIEVE in Him and repent of your sins, you will be saved and have eternal life. That my friend is the good news. I hope it will spread like wildfire! God Bless you and keep you in God's amazing grace everyday! Blessings - Mary

2024-03-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there, art lovers! I am thrilled to introduce you to my latest creation, "Serenity Through Wood". This artwork is a captivating photo that captures the essence of a serene sunset at the beach.

As you gaze upon the image, you will be transported to a vibrant sunset scene, where the sun is a blazing orb dipping into the horizon. The sky above is a stunning gradient of fiery oranges and mellow yellows, reflecting on the wet sand and rippled waters. In the foreground, a piece of driftwood with a distinctive hole frames the sunset, adding a unique and artistic touch to the overall composition.

What inspired me to create this artwork, you may wonder? Well, it was a walk along the beach in Ocean Shores during the setting sunlight that sparked the idea for this piece. The beauty of nature never fails to inspire me, and I wanted to capture that feeling of serenity and drama in one picture.

One of the unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. To capture the perfect shot, I had to lay down on the beach and carefully position myself to frame the sunset through the hole in the log. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed me to truly appreciate the beauty of the moment.

I hope that "Serenity Through Wood" resonates with you as much as it does with me. It is a reminder to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us. Let this artwork bring a sense of peace and tranquility into your space.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Stay tuned for more creations that celebrate the beauty of the world around us. Until next time, stay inspired! If you would like to purchase the photo, click on the photograph, this will take you to my pixels website. Blessings!🌅🖼️

Happy Fall Y'all!

2022-09-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't it wonderful, the trees are changing color and the crisp clean air feels cool and refreshing. I love summer but give me fall all year long and I'd be a happy camper.

My post today will be to share some insight from a book I am presently reading by Joyce Meyer titled "Living a Life You Love". Now the title caught my attention, because don't we all want to live that kind of life? At least I do. In this book she clearly encourages us to live out God's promises in our lives. Instead of living in the past and being stuck there, like we often do, God's hope for a bright future is waiting for us for the taking, but all we have to do is look forward and not backwards. I have started to do some of the things that she suggests in this book and I am seeing God's amazing role play out in my daily everyday life. I find myself not thinking of my past hurts, or even what others have done or said about me, which I used to do frequently. I am more focused on today and the present and the amazing things God is doing thru me.

She goes on to say, that when we focus on the good things God has done for us, instead of the trouble or trials we maybe facing, nothing on this earth can steal our joy. This book is a reminder to all of us to be thankful, and not to complain, even though the flesh will want to. Also to focus on the positive things not the negative events of the day, and there will be times when there will be more negative then positive, do not be weary and faint not, but hold steadfast, God always gives us a way out.

I would like God to use me more to bless others, and as long as I am stuck in the past and having pity parties, I am useless. So, my future is bright, and I am looking forward to what He has in store for me. This book is a wonderful refresher course and reminder of spiritual basics for us all.

Check out her book at any library, I use the Libby app on my phone, it's great. I can check out books from my local library without physically doing so. Then you have about 3 weeks in which to read the book then return it to the shelf. I love it.

Now, to the crafty part of my blog. I am going to share my crochet "Fingerless Gloves" pattern with you. So grab some coffee or tea and lets get started.


My Crochet Fingerless Gloves Pattern

Materials: 1 skein 100% acrylic sports yarn or yarn of choice ( I used Caron Party Yarn)

Size "I" or 5.5 mm crochet hook

Plastic sewing needle

Half Pearl or white buttons (2)

Single crochet = sc

Slip stitch = slst

Half Double Crochet = hdc

Double Crochet = dc

Treble Crochet = trc

Woman's size:

Chain 30 - leaving a long tail for sewing together the gloves
Row 1: Sc to end, chain 1 turn - 28 sc made
Continue row 1 until piece measures 6-1/2" or 13 single crochet rows. This will be the width of the gloves. Sew the sides together leaving a 1-1/2" opening for the thumb. Be sure to weave yarn securely through each stitch, then tie and cut off yarn.
Make 2 - Crochet flower (see instructions below)

Teen's size:

Chain 28 leaving a tail
Row 1: Sc to end, chain 1 turn - 26 sc made
Continue row 1 until piece measures 5-1/2".
Sew up sides leaving 1" opening
Make 2

Child's size:

Chain 26 leaving a tail
Row 1: Sc to end, chain 1 turn - 24 sc made
Continue row 1 until piece measures 5"
Sew up sides leaving 3/4" opening
Make 2

Crochet Flower: Chain 3, slp st to 1st sc. Make 10 sc in center. Slst to first sc. (Chain 3, skip sc then slst into next chain, chain 3) do this until you have completed 5 loops, these are the petals. Slst in 1st loop, then hdc, dc, trc, dc,hdc,slst. Continue this in each loop until you have completed the 5 loops, then tie off. Sew onto gloves at the location of your choice. Place the pearl button in the center of the flower. Your done! Easy and fast to crochet. These make wonderful gifts for family or friends during our chilly winter months. If you want the pattern in PDF format, just click below the picture to my Etsy Shop.

Well, until next time, be safe and keep God first place in your life and you cannot go wrong - ever!

Blessings

Mary