Do you ever get a hankering to just drop everything and get away? But you can’t?

I got home late last night from a great weekend of ministry mixed with family time in Austin, TX. Had a fabulous time talking and painting about The Leaning Life (Proverbs 3:5-6) with the ladies of Woodlawn Baptist.  Austin is such a beautiful town in the Texas Hill Country and the weather was so gorgeous on Sunday, I found myself wanting to stay and play a few more beautiful February days in that fair city.

But, no, life goes on. I had a plane to catch and a calendar full of appointments and responsibilities to take care of at home this week. 

So what can a creative girl with a hankerin’ heart for travel to far away places do when she longs to get away— but she can’t?

She can create.

The painting above came out of a time a few years ago when I was longing to see and smell lavender fields in some obscure corner of France or Italy. I had no possible way to make that happen, so I pulled out my paints and started to create what I imagined it would look like.

I like the way the painting turned out and hope that, someday, I may stand on a European hillside and see a scene like this. I imagine gasping as I utter halting, breathless words, “It’s just as I imagined…”

I can’t explain it, but, somehow, in the process of painting this imaginary place, it eased my longing heart. I think it’s because I went there in my imagination. Hankering solved.

I’ll always be a hankerer, one who feels a strong desire for or to do something. I thank the LORD for the beautiful gift of a creative imagination that let’s me mentally get away to places when I can’t physically get away.

The Pondering Palette: Is there a place where you would like to get away to today, but you can’t? Sketch it. Find photos of the place online (create a Pinterest board). Write a poem about it. Compose a song about it.

I’d love to see what you create!

Carol is author of "Changing Zip Codes- Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted"

. . .at a Christian writer’s conference several years ago. Although we live clear across the USA from one another, what fun it has been to watch her ministry bloom and grow as the LORD has taken her life experience of multiple moves and turned this into a book to help others who are are relocating! 

I hope you enjoy Carol’s Scripture Strengthener today, especially if you are facing a move (or know someone who is).

Chains That Don’t Chafe by Carol Stratton

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.  Philippians 1:12-14 NIV

Chains are chains for one reason—they keep one object tied to another. We understand their usefulness with inanimate objects whether it means securing bicycles to a hitching post or keeping a gate locked at night. But when we feel bound to our circumstances, imaginary chains become a point of frustration.

Perhaps one spouse is tied to selling a house while the other has to move ahead to start a new job or a married couple has been called to the mission field and they need to sell their house to help fund their ministry. Maybe we feel imprisoned in an area we don’t like but because of situations with family and jobs, we are not free to leave.

When writing how his imprisonment had given him opportunities to share his faith, the Apostle Paul refused to fight his chains. History tells us that every four hours Paul was chained to a new prison guard and many became believers. The Bible tells us that as a result of what happened to Paul, the gospel was advanced. 

Seeing our life chains as a way to anchor us to God, helps us stop chaffing against them.

Those miserable, weighty iron links that seem to hold us down might be necessary to make us stop and do something we might not have done otherwise. When we are stuck in one place with few options, God often does his finest work. Being pinned to one place gives us time to think about our lives, to pray more, to communicate with others in our current community, and spend quality time worshipping our Lord. 

God might even have a special project for us that we wouldn’t have seen while flitting around in our previous life. A few years ago my husband and I found ourselves unemployed while trying to sell our house. Fourteen months of showing a house in a down market seemed like an eternity when we wanted to move on, but I have a 70,000 word novel to show for my time of house arrest. 

Are you bound to your present circumstances? God may have you anchored for a reason.

Look around you. Is there someone God wants you to befriend in order to share the good news? Release from anxiety often comes when we respond to our current situation while looking for opportunities to make good out of it. 

When we quit fighting our chains, we may find a greater purpose in wearing them.

Taken from Changing Zip Codes- Finding Community Wherever You’re Transplanted 
This is a 40-day devotional available in March 2012, published by Christian Devotions in association with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

Thanks, Carol, for sharing your words of wisdom! You can connect with Carol through her Facebook page: Changing Zip Codes. Her book will be available later this spring!

Artists at work on the murals last summer.

I just got back home from Tuscaloosa, my family’s little corner of “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Over the past two years, I’ve been making a point of stopping by Toumey Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama when I was in town to check on the progress of a gigantic art project underway there. Caleb O’Connor and a few apprentice artists have been working on a series of 16 massive murals that document the history of Tuscaloosa County.

Here’s the great news: most of the murals (14 of 16) are now hanging in the brand new Federal Courthouse in downtown Tuscaloosa!

The paintings are absolutely fabulous!

I have to admit I was a little disappointed in their placement, because you can’t see them when you first step into the building. Instead, you must go through a security checkpoint, then make your way to the elevator or stairs to go up one floor to see them.  (There are no cameras allowed, or I would have posted my own pictures.)

When I realized two of the masterpieces were not yet finished, I made my way back over to the UofA campus to congratulate Caleb and see if I could see the works in progress, but, alas, the building was locked tight and I could not get in.

If you live in near Tuscaloosa or visit there, please make a point of going by to see them. (I was told that groups are allowed to visit, but you might want to call ahead to make arrangements.)

My hope is that a book or at least a guide of some sort will be published telling about the images included in each painting. They are truly spectacular!

Over Christmas we toured Fort Clinch, a Florida State Park. It’s a Civil War era military defensive post overlooking the far northeastern tip of Florida (near the beautiful town of Fernandina Beach, FL). I enjoyed the tour. . . until I stepped into the jail.

In one cell, a primitive ball and chain sat on the floor. (You can see it above, behind the door on the right.)

Across the room, through another set of prison doors, were replicas of wooden signs prisoners were forced to wear explaining their crime or punishment. Here’s a close up:

I stood there thinking, what if that was me? What if I had a ball and chain on my ankle or was forced to wear a sign stating my sin? Gotta admit, it made me a bit sick at my stomach to think about it.

I did know this: If I was locked behind one of those doors I would want one thing more than anything else in the world. I would want to be set free.

I’d want the ball and chain removed. I’d want to be able to walk free in the sunshine outside. I’d long to throw off the humiliation of that shameful sign worn around my neck.

I’m so thankful that freedom what the LORD wants for His children. Something I read in Exodus this week helped me to understand why He wants this for us.

When words or phrases are repeated in Scripture, that’s a sign we need to stop and take notice.

Bible study tip:      Repetition = Emphasis = Importance

That’s why I’ve been pondering a repeated phrase I noticed not two or three or four but six times, yes S-I-X, in Exodus this week. When the LORD was preparing to deliver His people up out of their 430 years of slavery in Egypt, He told Moses to say this to Pharaoh: “Let my people go. . .”

I’ve heard this phrase for years, seen it in books, heard it in gospel songs, watched it in movies, even sung it in choir. The problem it, the last part of the phrase the LORD tells Pharaoh is often omitted when we recount Moses’ story. Here’s the rest:

“Let my people go , so that _____ ____ ________ ___.”

You can look this up for yourself in Exodus 7:16, 8:1&20, 9:1 &13, and 10:3. Like me, you may be surprised by the words that fill in these blanks: 

“. . .so that they may worship me.”

The big reason “why” the LORD wanted His people to be freed is repeated 6 times in these verses. His wants His people to be free so that they can worship Him.

We are freed so we may give the LORD our worship.

I’m not freed so I can brag about my freedom or be set loose to do whatever I want. I’m freed in order to offer unhindered praise to the God who delivered me, to bow before Him with thanks and gratitude for His greatness and mercy.

Lately, I’ve been struggling with an area in my life that’s been a constant source of emotional pain for over 40 years. Like the Israelites in Egypt, I’ve been crying out to God to be freed from this burden. These words in Exodus remind me that when the deliverance comes- and I am certain it will- it will do so for one reason: so that I can worship my LORD more deeply and completely.

The Pondering Palette: How could it change the way you pray for deliverance and freedom if you keep in mind the LORD’s reason for freeing you in the first place?

A few years ago I was hanging an art exhibit that seemed to take FOREVER.

That’s because I had to make not one, but two trips back home for essential items I needed.

Now, when I have an art exhibit to hang, one of the things I take along with me is a simple little basket filled with items that are helpful to get my show up and running.

I call it my “Art Exhibit Basket” (OK, the name’s not too creative) here’s what I include:

• tags for paintings
• “sticky tack” (to attach signs to wall without damaging surface)
• paper towels 
• glass cleaner
• artist’s tape
• regular tape
• pliers
• pencil, pen, and black Sharpie marker
• hammer & hooks (if you’ll be hanging with nails- most places don’t allow this)
• business cards (I always leave some at the exhibit)

Here’s a close up:

If you’ve got an exhibit coming up, try making a checklist of things like this that will help you get your exhibit up and running. Assemble the items and take them with you to the exhibit space.

Believe me, it’s a lot more efficient than driving back and forth from your studio when you’re trying to get your exhibit up!

The Pondering Palette: Is there anything else you would add to an Art Exhibit Basket?

Here’s one from the great state of Texas I finished recently…

I just wish I could be with everybody on Christmas morning to see their faces when they open the gift!

What I love about creating home portraits is a lot deeper than making a pretty painting— it’s sharing in someone’s life story.

I have been so deeply blessed over the years by the stories people share with me about their special home or the reason they’re giving a home portrait as a gift. Whether it’s in celebration of a life achievement, cherishing a place where special life memories were made, or relishing the memory of a beloved family member, the stories I get to hear are poignant and powerful.

These little paintings have enabled me to share laughter, tears, and prayers with friends and strangers. Makes me feel so honored, blessed, and wanting to shout: Thank you, LORD, for the gift of this part of my life’s work!

The Pondering Palette: What part of your work makes you feel especially blessed? How have you shared in someone’s life story lately?

I fell in love with those books.

From the time I received these two classic devotionals, the Scriptures and insights on them by Charles Haddon Spurgeon have blessed me beyond measure. When my original paperbacks fell apart, I replaced them with one book compiling the two volumes. It’s called “Morning and Evening.” When I wore the stuffing out of that one, my sweet daughter had it rebound for me- it now sports a purple cover, no less- and she had my name engraved on the front.

The "re-bound" edition from my sweet girl!

Right now, I’m reading Spurgeon’s biography. It’s an amazing story of a boy brought up in humble beginnings in the countryside of England. The LORD used Charles to draw people around the world to Himself in a powerful way. (Long before the internet.) I’m just one woman who still finds great blessing in Spurgeon’s devotional writings over a hundred years after he penned them.

Part of Spurgeon’s appeal to me is his exquisite use of simple yet deep word pictures to describe the depths of God’s beauty and character.

Here’s a taste of what I’m talking about from today’s evening reading by Spurgeon. (Yes, it’s just after 9 a.m. and this is the evening reading, but I just had to read ahead!)

Scripture: “You, O, God, provided from Your goodness for the poor.” Psalm 68:10

All God’s gifts are prepared in advance and reserved for wants forseen. … A traveler journeying across a desert may pitch the tent only to find that some essentials were not brought along. “Ah!” says the traveler, “I did not forsee this. If I could start this journey over I would bring these necessary items.” But God has foreknowledge of all that His wandering children require. And when those needs arise, the supplies are ready. … You are poor and needy, but He knows your need and has the exact blessing you require.

Have you ever gone on a trip and forgotten something? I have. My entire packed suitcase was left sitting on the bedroom floor one time… and I didn’t realize it until we were 3 states away! I can SO relate to what Spurgeon says.

O, how I needed to be reminded today that I can rest in God’s perfect timing and provision when I’ve been wallowing lately in the very words, “If I could start this journey over I would…”

What a beautiful picture Spurgeon helps me see that when there’s something I’ve forgotten or have not anticipated, God has gone before me. He already knows all about it AND possesses the exact the provisions I need. When need arises, He provides from His goodness for me. Wow!

If you’re looking for a devotional book as a Christmas gift for someone you love, I highly recommend this classic by Spurgeon.

I encourage you to “shop local”, but if you can’t find a copy nearby, click on the link below. There, you’ll see a regular book size on the left and tan/blue travel size version on the right (be warned, this one is not large print). Click on the version you prefer and you’ll be directed to my ministry Amazon a-store** where you may order a copy. 

Here’s the link:  Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. 

I hope this devotional book blesses you and your loved ones as much as it has blessed me!

**Shopping at the WisdomInWatercolor Amazon a-store is much like entering a store at your local mall to make a purchase. The retailer- in this case, WisdomInWatercolor- gets a small commission off the sale. Your purchases in our a-store help support this ministry. Thanks!

“How can we help busy women form meaningful, Christ-centered connections with one another?”

That was the question several women’s ministry leaders pondered together at a leadership lunch last week. As we talked about creative ways to set the stage for women to build supportive relationships with one another, it reminded me of the seed of a great idea I’d seen at a church in Austin, TX. It may be something that your women’s group might want to try as you plan for the upcoming year.

Connection Event: Surprise Suppers

Here’s how it works: Several hostesses are enlisted to prepare and serve a simple supper for 5 to 7 women. It’s held in the hostess’ home on a designated evening that’s Surprise Supper night.

Attendees sign up in advance to participate in Surprise Supper night, with a registration deadline several days prior to the evening so that an adequate number of hostess homes are prepared. (If a woman is reluctant to attend alone or wants to bring a guest, the option of signing up with a friend to take part in the evening can be helpful. Those who sign up together go to the same host home for dinner.)

Women meet at the church at 6:00 on the evening of the event to receive instructions, including directions to the home where they’re going for dinner.

Supper groups may be determined by either randomly drawing names the evening of the event or pre-assigning women to a home. (Pre-assignments may be shared with hostesses or may be kept as a surprise to both the hostess and her guests.)

When participants gather at the church at 6:00, attendees receive a card that says something like this:  Welcome to Surprise Supper! You are going to 123 Smithton Street (map included). The phone number is 123-4567 if you need additional instructions. Supper starts at 6:30. See you there!

• Women going to the same location may want the option to carpool from the church to the host home.
• This event may be free or a small donation for the hostess (to defray the cost of the food) may be requested.  
• There’s no agenda other than sharing a meal and having conversation that builds connections between women. 

Romans 12:13b simply says: “Practice hospitality.”

Surprise Supper is a creative approach to help women practice and participate in the gift of hospitality. In the process, they get to experience meaningful, Christ-centered connections in an intimate, in-home setting.

I’d love to hear if your group gives this a try. . . and of any creative twists you add to the event!

A little piano piece has poured out of me over the last few days in tribute to my dear friend, Donna Thompson.  Just click here to listen: Longing (Tribute to Donna) (…or wait until the end of the post where I repeat the link.)  I hope it blesses you as you read the story and see the photos below…

One year ago yesterday, my sweet friend Donna stepped over from earth to heaven . . . I’m so grateful to the LORD for letting me know her!  She loved life more than anybody I’ve ever known and lived it to the fullest, spreading joy and collecting friends along the way.

Her courage during her fiery trial with cancer was awe inspiring. Her gifts of hospitality and humor were absolutely amazing.

We had so much in common. Donna and I both:

• came from a family of 5 with 3 girls (the girls even shared the same three names, all starting with D, in both our families)
• had a husband in ministry (we were in the “staff wives club”)
• were lovers of Jesus
• were lovers of music, especially singing
• play piano (although she was WAY, WAY, WAY better than I will ever be)  
• liked arts and crafts (we taught kids in an art camp for 7 summers in our back yards)
• loved Bible study
• enjoyed decorating our homes
• loved our families
• relished Southern Living

At lunch on the day she helped my team of friends decorate for my daughter's wedding.

I could go on and on about all of our “common denominators”. I just know she was a special “life friend” like none other. She was like a sister (from another mother) to me and I miss her like crazy.

Her early departure for heaven has left me with a longing for the day we will sing together side by side once again.  Only then, we will both be in the presence of Jesus. What a day that will be!!!  

This Thanksgiving week, I thank the LORD for blessing me with a one in a million kind of friend like Donna, for giving me the piano to express my feelings, and, most of all, for promising to be close to the brokenhearted. 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.- Psalm 34:18

The holidays can stir sorrows in our hearts. If you are feeling brokenhearted this week over a loss, please know that the LORD is close to you and He loves you.

Please let me know if I can pray for you.

Once again, here’s the link to the song: Longing (Tribute to Donna)