I was given the opportunity of creating two pieces of art for a friends' two boys. More specifically for their paleontology-themed room. Adding their initials, this is what I came up with:

Mandy

Genesis 1:26 says, "God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'" I believe that this is saying that we are to care for Gods creatures with kindness and respect. In caring for animals we begin to develop a great love for them. We learn about their personalities and little quirks. They have an insatiable ability to bring immense happiness brightens the darkest of times. When a pet is with you for so long they become a part of the family. The hardest part of having a pet is when it comes down to letting them go. A week ago we had to say goodbye to my sister Sarah's dog Mandy. About twelve years ago I went with Sarah to the humane society where she picked out this scrawny, little, white, poodle-like pup. At first Mandy didn't know what to make of my chair, but soon graduated to view it and my lap as a place of safety for her. Yes, I can honestly say that I have many fond memories of Mandy May. Thank you Lord for all of your Creation. 

The Dream

About three years ago I had an interesting, yet profound dream. It has taken me these three years to put into words what I saw. I was laying on a beach on my back. I was staring at a baby that had a striking resemblance to me. I recall making funny faces at the child who was giggling, which caused me to laugh. I remember looking to my left to see my uncle David smiling with a sparkle in his eyes. As I glance a small distance away I see my grandma Stauber walking barefoot in the sand. A light blanket of water flows up to touch her feet. This simple sensation seemed to bring her the  greatest of happiness, for her distinct laughter filled the salty air.  I have had the three years to ponder what my dream may symbolize. Because our God is so wonderfully personable and infinitely creative, He often uses dreams to speak to us. I don't claim to be an expert on the interpretation of dreams, but it could be a picture of what Heaven may be like. Even in my sleep I hold onto the hope, through Christ, of sharing in the relationship with our Creator.

Pain is joy?

Recently I went into the hospital for an abscess on my foot. My first thoughts were directed at God saying, "Anything else Lord?! I can't stand or walk, I require help to go to the bathroom and to shower. My body hurts, sometimes to the point of tears. What else am I to endure?! Does my seemingly-forever suffering have no bounds?" The progression of my disease is inevitable; there's no denying that, but my frustrations tend to have a 5 minute shelf-life. After frustration, comes sadness, then acceptance and, finally, joy. Some may think or say, "Joy? What joy? How could a person have joy dealing with so much struggle and pain?" I have not acquired the taste for wine yet, but the process of making it is fascinating to me. The soil for the vine must be a dry environment with minimal irrigation. With conditions like these the vine is left to struggle, which intensifies the flavor, thus making a better wine. I believe we are the vine and suffering is the dried soil and limited water. God allows the struggles to strengthen our flavor. We are no longer a simple seed with little experience and a lot to grow. We are a beautiful wine full of depth and character; able to share its flavor and origins with others

Get back appendicitis!

The 21st of August I turned 27. You would think that a persons birthday would yield a number of cards with beautiful and kind words, special dinner and maybe a few gifts. I received appendicitis, needle pokes and any number of unpleasantness that I will shield my readers from. Well one gift I did not expect was an extremely fast recovery. One might question God saying, "Why are you doing this to me?" I don't make it a habit to sugar-coat things; sometimes life just flat out stinks. Hardship is like the forging of a sword. In order to make the sword strong enough, it must go through extreme fire, pounding of metal against metal and then put into water. Then the process is repeated until the blade is ready for battle. We never enjoy hardship nor would we ever voluntarily ask for it. I often wonder if I had been given the choice, would I decide to be confined to a wheelchair or have the ability to walk? Would I have the same perspective? Hardship isn't what God "does" to us, it's what God "allows" us to go through so that we are strengthened in our walk with Him. Then He can use us to build His kingdom. Amen!

Joy trumps sadness

No one, except The Lord, is certain exactly when our lives will come to an end. Now, my friends, before you call me Mr. Morbid, I'd like to to elaborate. Though death may be more eminent in my life, God has blessed me with a unique perspective. Last week, I was sitting in the backyard. The warmth of the sun gently kissed my face. A light breeze made the leaves blow in the wind, as if they were waving hello. Not five feet in front of me, the honey-bees busily went about their work spreading pollen. All of a sudden I was over whelmed with sadness and, at the same time, a feeling of great joy. God created such a marvelous world filled with vibrant colors, wonderful creatures and vast galaxies. I was saddened at the thought of leaving my family, friends and beautiful surroundings. On the other hand, I was joyful because I know that heaven will be better than my puny little mind could even imagine.

Original artist

As I sat in the sun today, I couldn't help but wonder what a joy it was for God to create a world full of beautiful and majestic surroundings. I like to imagine our Creator is an artist painting on a canvas the different animals, plants, water and skylines. My friends, as you are out enjoying the summer, I encourage you to reflect on just how amazing and how personable God is.