tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74752933245382030572024-03-13T00:23:42.018-07:00The Merry FoxThe Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-7906544654185539012012-01-26T13:31:00.000-08:002012-01-26T13:31:55.700-08:00TIME PASSING BY<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Oh, time is passing so quickly! It seems the more I put my focus in one area, the less I am able to do in others. Of course, my main focus is to draw closer to God and study is one of the ways I am doing that. Prayer is the second way. I have created a page of Bible verses that support prayers of healing, abundance, etc. so that I can draw upon them quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I am at the stage of life where I should have free time and I do! Too much me thinks! I know when working, getting children off to school, and household duties were abound, I managed to get it all done. The lack of a time table - of a deadline - has created procrastination withering motivation and creativity. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Perhaps this is a dry time, one that purposefully releases me from responsibility so that I do have the time for study and prayer. I haven't abandoned all, I still do laundry and cook and sweep, I even pick up a paint brush occasionally! I feel that as I study God's words I will eventually develop the criteria He wants me to have to fulfill His purpose for me in my art.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by...</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Rhonda</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-49247543115361267562012-01-12T13:08:00.001-08:002012-01-12T13:08:42.944-08:00Sorry, but blogspot isn't letting me respond to posters right now.The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-69939569928292323142012-01-10T07:42:00.000-08:002012-01-10T07:42:04.098-08:00Apologies and New Year<span style="font-size: large;">First I want to apologize to my readers for dropping out. I do have a good explanation! I fell helping my hubby put insulation in our attic hitting my head. It caused a concussion and I could not be on the computer or watch tv for any length of time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't make resolutions, do you? I used to years ago. It was tradition after all! Then I found that as the time passed, I either forgot them or felt bad for not keeping them. I punished myself by my own thoughts. I looked over my rules to discover that I was leaving the most important things out; living and having fun and joy in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus came that we might have life and live it more abundantly. He came that we might be saved by His Grace not by laws. Of course being in His grace doesn't mean we abandon rules - that would lead to chaos. But it does mean that in Him we can have joy in all things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have adapted a word for this year: FOCUS. Focus on His word. Focus on loving others as He has loved me. As long as I focus on Him, all will be well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May your life this year be filled with much favor and many blessings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rhonda</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-13599787828126476022011-11-22T11:58:00.001-08:002011-11-22T12:07:35.047-08:00The Elusive Blue Bird of (my) Happiness<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before writing today, I apologize to those readers who
frequent my blog. I have two reasons for not keeping up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One, is that I fell doing house maintenance
and got a mild concussion. If you haven’t had a mild concussion, you might not
realize that mild doesn’t mean gentle! Headaches, wooziness, and a few other
symptoms kept me away from bright lights, phones, computers and loud noises.
The second, is that I may write this blog, but the words are “given” to me. I
don’t know if they are words from God or from one of his angels – but I do know
that I am not a writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I typically
answer questions with yes or no, and rarely do I elaborate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t being given those words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is why I believe this: I had felt God
was telling me to do something, and I kept questioning it. Is this really God
telling me, or is it my own disappointment in the event. It isn’t costing me
much and, hmmm, yes my pride wanted to show off my work. See God gave me my
talents, and I wasn’t using them the way He wanted me to. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, the rest of the story of the elusive blue bird. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Past readers will remember that I received a
fine camera, with a 30x zoom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that
camera, I felt I could capture all kinds of wonderful pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live on a small lake of 5-8 acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now around here that is a manmade lake. I
would have called it a large pond. Anyway, we get lots of ducks, Canadian geese
and occasionally a blue heron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ahh, that
is my elusive blue bird! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My first attempt to capture that bird on film, he (or she)
hid behind a tree and all I captured was the head. As I crept closer trying to
get a better angle, up he flew across the pond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t able to get any closer with my zoom, and he blended into the
background.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">A second attempt, two weeks later, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to snap from my deck doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking that all I had to do was zoom in, I
managed to get a close up photo of two wonderful deck posts of my railing and the heron
sandwiched in between hopelessly blurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t get a second shot, because he rose up and was quickly hidden
by the leaves on the trees. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I have to add this so you realize how I have tried to
capture this wonderful creature!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look
out my dining room window and, yes, I believe it is back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurriedly I get my camera, turn it on, and
zoom it in. I creep out the porch door, silently pushing open the screen door.
Raising my camera and focusing in, I realize that what I have seen is not the
blue heron – but a small branch that has had leaves fall on it in such a way as
to give it a head and body if looking from a distance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Oh well! Perhaps I had better stick with my paint brush!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHKH-vU3zJE/Tsv_URHu5FI/AAAAAAAAAk4/U-kLz0a6818/s1600/Reelfoot+walk+w+egret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHKH-vU3zJE/Tsv_URHu5FI/AAAAAAAAAk4/U-kLz0a6818/s320/Reelfoot+walk+w+egret.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">May you be blessed this Thanksgiving as you bless others!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Rhonda</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-30169863263378123022011-10-26T13:18:00.000-07:002011-10-26T13:18:42.555-07:00Still Here! Just taking a break!Hi all, <br />
First, I want to thank each and every one of you for your comments. I do appreciate them! And each gives me more to think about!!<br />
<br />
I have been unable to write any posts lately - but will be back to at least weekly posts soon. Please stick around!!<br />
<br />
Thank you!<br />
RhondaThe Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-84324547015881931442011-09-20T06:50:00.000-07:002011-09-20T06:50:53.987-07:00The Purpose of Life<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">We hear people talking and asking, we read books to
understand what life is about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we
have a purpose on this earth? Do we die when that purpose is fulfilled? Some
suggest we are meaningless creatures, a product of reproduction. (To that I
totally disagree!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I believe that our purpose in life is to love and honor God
by serving Him, keeping His commandments, and being a witness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That by doing what we know as our purpose, we
will also be an example to others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">But how do we serve Him? I cannot take Him a cup of coffee,
as I would my spouse. I can however give a prayer of thanks that I am able to
have the hot cup of coffee and that I have a spouse to joyfully give a cup. I
can give the tired waitress an encouraging smile and greeting, as well as a
monetary tip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can show patience when
the checkout line doesn’t seem to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How many ways can you think of to show a kindness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, I also believe that there is a hidden purpose that
we are not to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not to try to
find it; because, if we found it we would become prideful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only completed as a by-product of
honoring and serving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN-WA15Pv6s/TniZe0A_SQI/AAAAAAAAAkU/bCI8PXzNjdo/s1600/Butterflies+in+Flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN-WA15Pv6s/TniZe0A_SQI/AAAAAAAAAkU/bCI8PXzNjdo/s320/Butterflies+in+Flight.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterflies in Flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following my mother’s stroke, we were visited by a Nun from
the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conversation led to
this statement by her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she
prays “for the people whose lives I touch, and for those who touch mine”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For we may not know whose lives we touch, it
might be the person at the next table, or behind us in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, we may not know the person who has set
an example that we see, but need to thank.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today I thank you for reading my tidbits, for
those of you who leave comments. May you go in peace and with God’s blessings.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rhonda</span></span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-14444705734398388112011-09-10T15:31:00.000-07:002011-09-10T15:31:14.172-07:00Remembering 9/11<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanking all the responders to 9/11 and to all who dedicate their lives to the service of others. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkzJOGSxYB0/TmvkMj3WtrI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/-cw24uE0REg/s1600/Dedicated+to+those+who+serve+BM.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkzJOGSxYB0/TmvkMj3WtrI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/-cw24uE0REg/s640/Dedicated+to+those+who+serve+BM.bmp" width="478" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lifting Prayers for all the people of our country who have been touched by this tragedy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rhonda</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-57767432307109375442011-08-18T18:06:00.000-07:002011-08-18T18:06:10.590-07:00Joy and Fun<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">This week would have been a birthday celebration for my grandmother. Although she went to our Father several years ago, she was almost 100 then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think what all she must have seen through all those years. She was born before 1900.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those new to my blog won’t know that I named this blog after her. Mary Fox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I remember most about her was how much she showed her love for the Lord and for those around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved to sing the old gospels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She played the harmonica and in her earlier years played both piano and organ in church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a piano at home also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of her (and mine) favorite activities was playing harmonica and all the grandkids danced a do-si-do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I played last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to refresh myself and wake up my creativity. I created my very first collage! I painted the background on a canvas with acrylic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With diluted acrylic and inks, I created my papers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When dry, I “found” the various forms among the paper abstracts, tore them out and pasted them on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh! What fun I had!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UufRYuGooNY/Tk22Djqwp5I/AAAAAAAAAj8/3Y-TH0hvNhA/s1600/Iris+Collage+P8180024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UufRYuGooNY/Tk22Djqwp5I/AAAAAAAAAj8/3Y-TH0hvNhA/s320/Iris+Collage+P8180024.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris Collage<br />
18 x 14<br />
(c)2011 Rhomy<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I think everyone needs to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To allow ourselves complete trust in God so that we can be a child whatever our age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like my grandmother!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed and funfilled day!</span></span></o:p></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-90931994450326933532011-08-07T10:36:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:36:34.749-07:00Sparrows<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you come to the edge of all that you know, you must believe one of two things: either there will be ground to stand on, or you will be given wings to fly."</span></span>— O.R. Melling<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">My previous posts on birds could not be complete without mentioning sparrows. As with cardinals, the male is the more colorful. He directs attention away from the female.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">In human life, the male has usually been the one most positioned in the limelight. Economics and wars have challenged that position, bringing more women into the workforce. While my husband and I are equal partners in our marriage and decision making; I like that he is considered the head of the household. It is he who answers the door to unexpected knocks. It is he who warms up my car so I don't have to sit in the cold. And, it is he who comforts me when I am distressed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We also have a heavenly father who comforts us. Jesus compares us to sparrows when he says we are worth more than sparrows, yet not one sparrow shall fall without our Father's knowledge. Therefore, we are to have no fear, that God is aware of each one of us and of the plans that He has for us.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFDq2XtC2tY/Tj7MCGiUznI/AAAAAAAAAjc/nD1oJjSKDkQ/s1600/Early+Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFDq2XtC2tY/Tj7MCGiUznI/AAAAAAAAAjc/nD1oJjSKDkQ/s320/Early+Sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early Sunrise, Oil, 24x18<br />
by Rhomy<br />
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</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by! I do enjoy reading your comments!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reference: Matt. 10.29-31; Luke 12.6-7</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-43808694523333701362011-07-29T08:34:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:39:03.892-07:00More Bird Stories<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Last week I spoke about our redbirds. This week I want to tell some more bird stories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">It is so amazing to watch nature as it takes care of itself. We have had an abundance of tiny frogs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Living near a small lake increases our wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I was surprised to see a hawk on the ground under one of our Leyland Cypress trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose it was after the frogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me of a few years ago when we also had an overabundance of frogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My DH saw an owl perched on the post of our deck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came every morning for a few days and then was gone, and so were the frogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only got one glance at him but he was majestic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Speaking of my DH – one day at work he stepped outside for fresh air. Evidently there was a bird’s nest nearby. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The male flew in front of DH and proceeded to walk about in a circle as if he had a broken wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was protecting his mate and possibly offspring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remained until DH went back inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Am I enamored with God’s nature? Absolutely! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Today I want to share a work in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is titled: Jesus – the same today as yesterday. Jesus is sitting upon a rock surrounded by youngsters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you see today is 3 of the children – a boy who had gone fishing, a girl with a basket of apples and another boy with an untied red sneaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is painted on a cypress knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been painting these for several years but stopped and now am “seeing” the images again to paint. I use the bumps, gnarls, and overall shape to determine what is painted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See my post</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">A Day of Learning on June 3, 2011 for another example of a painted knee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-091c4RywcAQ/TjLSHjq0nwI/AAAAAAAAAjU/W533kCqzY_A/s1600/Same+today+as+yesterday+CK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-091c4RywcAQ/TjLSHjq0nwI/AAAAAAAAAjU/W533kCqzY_A/s400/Same+today+as+yesterday+CK.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Thank you for coming by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope my words lift your spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Have a blessed day – and please leave a comment!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-66467959308703986402011-07-22T07:46:00.000-07:002011-07-22T07:48:36.754-07:00Redbirds Make Good Model<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As an artist I often watch nature for images to paint. We have a family of Cardinals who have been with us a long time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first noticed them when they robbed the dry dog food we had set out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a Lab and an Australian Shepherd and neither were concerned with the birds taking their food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose both dogs knew the birds would take little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, we have set out birdfeed year-round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had always put out feed during winter when ice and snow covered everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I have watched them I noticed some facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The male takes care of the female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been so wonderful to see how the male and female relate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The male will fly down either to the food or a nearby area making sure the coast is clear for the female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes he retrieves the food and feeds it to the female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen the male hop among the branches to be sure the way was safe for the female to feed the young. Once I saw 3 females land on our deck, the male went to the food and gave it to one female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then fed the other two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if these two were their offspring or visitors as the two looked almost as large as the female. </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo: Cardinal in tree with snow" height="300" src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/004/cache/cardinal_489_600x450.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p>Photo from:</o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/cardinal/<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">While watching I compared them to human behavior and what a great model they make to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So caring for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t this a great example of following Christ? Loving and caring for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching over them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since I don’t have a painting of Cardinals right now to share and our temps have been in the 110 heat index, I thought I would share a painting to visualize some coolness!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y2lAB9nn-I/TimMUIrWALI/AAAAAAAAAjM/5lNOLyx7Pf4/s1600/Card+Icy+Mountain+by+Rhomy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y2lAB9nn-I/TimMUIrWALI/AAAAAAAAAjM/5lNOLyx7Pf4/s400/Card+Icy+Mountain+by+Rhomy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed day!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-56443751483420597782011-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:002011-07-16T07:26:46.641-07:00Procrastination<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even though I enjoy painting I find that I put off doing it. Sometimes I let guilt that I should be doing something more productive or dutiful get in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is just an emotional feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most times I don’t have the something else to do. So instead of facing that feeling and trying to delve into it, or being more disciplined, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself playing cards or mahjong on the computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And sometimes I find myself surfing the net looking for the special inspiration I think I need. Often, I have items stacked that I plan to paint “someday”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not right now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is holding me back?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe it is that I don’t feel I deserve the happiness I receive through painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I think that my paintings should be a source of income, and then I would have the “right” to spend time doing it. Maybe I am just not appreciating the talent God has given me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are a lot of “maybe’s” in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you letting the maybe’s get in your way of enjoying God’s gifts to you? Do you feel you don’t deserve happiness? Ask God in your heart today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Him be your shining inspiration!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTqPXlHIXno/TiGfL0WZrOI/AAAAAAAAAjE/LqaQcfEDjCE/s1600/At+the+Forest%2527s+Edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTqPXlHIXno/TiGfL0WZrOI/AAAAAAAAAjE/LqaQcfEDjCE/s320/At+the+Forest%2527s+Edge.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-19016330214015151732011-07-01T10:56:00.000-07:002011-07-01T10:56:52.441-07:00Apart into a Desert Place<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"> </v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And he said unto them, come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. Mark 6:31<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">This week has been rather stressful. Not unpleasantly so, just a lot to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing I have been trying to do is to put my MIL’s computer on DSL instead of dial-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this will help her be on line easier and she will enjoy being on the computer so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been checking off and on to see when this would be available in her area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent about 5 hours one day helping her connect the units she received from her ISP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I didn’t mention that she lives about 5 hours away from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we were doing this over the phone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I spent another 3 hours the next day on the phone, while we both were on Facebook so that I could help her become acquainted with the location of where to post, what the difference between home and profile were, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure there will be more days of being on the phone and navigating Facebook, but I don’t mind. I am so happy that she will get the enjoyment of seeing everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">The rest of the week was pretty much spent on errands, but required frequent trips to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pretty much a home-body and like to put all my errands into one trip if possible! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, I was ready to find my desert place – a place of solitude and quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">I am blessed with several areas to find my solitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the deck overlooking the small lake surrounded by lots of trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dogs will come for petting but that is soothing and as enjoyable for me as it is for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite place is my studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a bedroom suite we built on for my mom when she came to live with us following her stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she went to live with the Lord, I created a studio there. (She would love that!) I have a recliner that I curl up in to read or study art books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have 3 tables on which to paint as well as a standing easel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I get in the painting mode, all else is forgotten!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBrwtEYKxU/Tg4JWMLP6mI/AAAAAAAAAic/qMs38Rdty70/s1600/Sunset+ala+BillAlexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBrwtEYKxU/Tg4JWMLP6mI/AAAAAAAAAic/qMs38Rdty70/s320/Sunset+ala+BillAlexander.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Find your quiet place and rest a while!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And have a safe and happy Fourth!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"> </span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-58489045400629337522011-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:002011-06-18T09:06:34.114-07:00Happy Father's Day<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday is to be celebrated as Father’s Day. Just as we daily thank our fathers, we also daily thank our Heavenly Father. But let’s make Sunday a special time for prayers. What a wonderful time to also thank our Heavenly Father. Our earthly fathers are not perfect and make mistakes, however, our Heavenly Father never gives up on us. He is with us forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I am discouraged, Lord, let me never give up hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“May the God of hope fill you with all job and peace as you trust in Him – Romans 15:13 NIV”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Let me not be ashamed of my hope - Psalm 119:116”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“For we are saved by hope - Romans 8:24”</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fIjd6QChS0/TfzMautH3gI/AAAAAAAAAiU/IPZl9B9FC_U/s1600/Sunset+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fIjd6QChS0/TfzMautH3gI/AAAAAAAAAiU/IPZl9B9FC_U/s400/Sunset+path.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In all things help me trust, Lord, Your promises and the plans you have for me. For my job is to do the possible and trust God will do the impossible. “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed day! And thanks for stopping by!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-66135977843008000002011-06-12T08:08:00.000-07:002011-06-12T08:08:50.417-07:00Signs of Summer<span style="font-size: large;">Most people watch for robins for signs of Spring. I watch for hummingbirds and dragonflies for signs of summer. Something about the size of these little creatures delight me. Also, I am delighted to see the lightning bugs! They sparkle the night. Butterflies are so delicate and have such wonderful colors. God made creatures great and small, but how much more I enjoy the small ones!</span> <br />
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</div><div align="center">BUTTERFLIES IN FLIGHT </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc5lwjx2cXw/TfTVg-khZ8I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/MY3V9SuEbcE/s1600/March+2006+017_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc5lwjx2cXw/TfTVg-khZ8I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/MY3V9SuEbcE/s320/March+2006+017_edited.jpg" t8="true" width="257" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a Blessed Day!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-72571983215529292872011-06-04T10:05:00.000-07:002011-06-04T10:05:23.851-07:00A Day Of Learning<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Some days I seem to have everything at my fingertips; and then there are those other days when nothing seems to go my way. Those latter days are what I call my day of learning. I try to reason through the day and figure out my reaction to those obstacles. Am I being stubborn, unforgiving, or self-centered? God allows obstacles to strengthen our faith in Him. But, in order for our faith to become strong, we have to work through our problems and our reaction to them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Anything that we want to accomplish is achieved the same way, by working our way through it. Whether it is saving money, losing weight, or trying a new technique in painting, we have to plan our process and take the steps to fulfillment.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Here is a cypress knee I have painted. Cypress trees grow in a lake near here created by the backflow of the Mississippi in the 1811 earthquake. The knees are knobby growths that spring up from the roots and are called knees. Special license must be obtained to cut the knees. Then the knees have to have the bark peeled, cleaned and sanded to be ready for one's imagination to unfold. This is a penguin family.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAQ9ryRcCac/Tepj2Ww1ilI/AAAAAAAAAiM/05wJm2xES3s/s1600/Penguin+family+edited+2.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAQ9ryRcCac/Tepj2Ww1ilI/AAAAAAAAAiM/05wJm2xES3s/s400/Penguin+family+edited+2.JPG.jpg" t8="true" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">The father is looking upward, the mother looking downward at their offspring. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">I also post on Tuesdays at <a href="http://passionforpaintingguild.blogspot.com/">A Passion for Painting</a></span> <span style="color: blue;">giving tips and techniques on painting. Check out the site for other artists that belong to this guild.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thank you for visiting. I look forward to your comments. Have a blessed day!</span></div>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-34680248600550647842011-05-27T08:18:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:17:27.342-07:00WHAT A TESTIMONY OF FAITH<span style="font-size: large;">The past few weeks have not been easy for some people. In fact, as you know from news, the storms have wreaked havoc with losses of property and lives. Joplin-ites have shown a wonderful testimony of faith that should be shown on every news channel and spoken from every preacher's mouth. The scenes I have seen of people pulling together to help each other speaks volumes of their faith. Only one who has experienced such a deep loss could feel their pain. Yet I see victory in their efforts and of those who have responded to give them aid.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y1mhB5_y7A/Td-_ubCNReI/AAAAAAAAAiE/HGRR4aRPqG0/s1600/Red+Tulips+in+Red+Vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y1mhB5_y7A/Td-_ubCNReI/AAAAAAAAAiE/HGRR4aRPqG0/s400/Red+Tulips+in+Red+Vase.jpg" t8="true" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">How often do we allow the inconveniences of life interfere with our faith? If we allow minor disruptions to cast doubt, what would we do in a situation described above? Or, in spite of despair, do we continue to trust God? Only you can answer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be Blessed!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-18235793231280010202011-05-22T10:24:00.000-07:002011-05-27T09:26:21.431-07:00SEEING THINGS DIFFERENTLY<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">As an artist I often see what isn't there, until I have painted it. Much as someone may stare at the clouds and see images, I <em>see </em>what isn't yet on the canvas. Sometimes what I see isn't what actually gets painted! Maybe it is that I try to see too much or that the image I conceive is beyond my ability to paint.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I thought of this as I looked out my window and saw these trees. I saw a shape that my husband didn't see even though I tried to point it out to him. He said we see things differently. Here is a photo of the trees. Do you see an animal head? I saw it and when the wind blew the whole head and neck seemed to react going back and forth. It didn't break the shape!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8TtDRP47kE/TdlCBgTx-GI/AAAAAAAAAiA/MV6LlPCPR9E/s1600/P5200008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8TtDRP47kE/TdlCBgTx-GI/AAAAAAAAAiA/MV6LlPCPR9E/s320/P5200008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">The image is in the center of the photo. Yes, those are Christmas lights still up in May. :) We call them party lights, they are white and blue and create a soft glow. Try this image: (click on images to enlarge)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9MqZk-CkL0/Tdk-D9IQsYI/AAAAAAAAAh0/hbjcbO1KZrs/s1600/P5200009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9MqZk-CkL0/Tdk-D9IQsYI/AAAAAAAAAh0/hbjcbO1KZrs/s320/P5200009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">My highlighting efforts didn't show up much, but the head is outlined with a circle.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Sometimes what I see in my own work as imperfections, such as too bright, too dark, not the right shape, others see as a nice highlight, the dark balances the light, and just as in nature there is no perfect shape.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGuR-wQbq_4/Tdk9jTOvqpI/AAAAAAAAAhw/uJaWbGTZssQ/s1600/P5200013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGuR-wQbq_4/Tdk9jTOvqpI/AAAAAAAAAhw/uJaWbGTZssQ/s320/P5200013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">This abstract of flowers isn't exactly what I had envisioned. Sorry for the glare, I took the photo at night and needed the flash.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">In life, events aren't exactly as we plan either. God has our life planned and we don't always see the overall picture. He doesn't let us know what is ahead. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">He doesn't judge by outward appearances</span> <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">either. He knows our heart. He sees things differently!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;">PS: I don't always know what I am going to post, until I get a "Hint". So bear with me as I try to post on Friday - but sometimes I don't see the message!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by, I hope I give you something to think about each week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">God Bless You!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-14577171809340571572011-05-14T08:53:00.000-07:002011-05-14T08:53:32.995-07:00Learning the Wrong Lesson<span style="font-size: large;">Khalil Gibran wrote he who has not looked on sorrow will never see joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It takes a rainfall to see a rainbow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have had a lot of rain and a few storms in my life. And because my faith wasn’t as strong, I lost joy along the way. Some of it was due to lack of expectation. If I didn’t get my hopes up too high, I didn’t fall as hard when it rained. In other words, I let the fear of disappointment rob me of expecting joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To put in terms of art, I became rather monotone. No brights and no darks. Rather a muddy and dull composition if I had put that on canvas. Yet, I didn’t recognize that in my life. My happy days could have been much brighter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fear Not. I wonder how many times that appears in the Bible. God spoke it, Jesus spoke it and certainly the angels spoke it. Now when I awaken my thoughts are ‘it is going to be a great day!’ Certainly any day in the Lord is a great day. Fear Not: Whatever befalls I know God is going to see me through it. He saw me through the rain and storms even when I didn’t trust He was there. Although I was saved as a child, I didn’t learn to study the Bible. I didn’t know that God was truly a Father who cared about His children. I thought it was only about going to heaven when you died. Slowly I have studied more, read various authors, and learned much. I am going to continue to do so. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaY9F6FmzhM/Tc6k-obtBOI/AAAAAAAAAhI/OtOhwz7z2I4/s1600/Sunbeams+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaY9F6FmzhM/Tc6k-obtBOI/AAAAAAAAAhI/OtOhwz7z2I4/s400/Sunbeams+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope everyone experienced a Happy Mothers' Day. I took time off to renew my spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so happy to see my followers and I hope you do get as much reading my thoughts, as I do posting them. Thank you! Have a blessed day!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-8626774354977826872011-04-30T10:54:00.000-07:002011-04-30T10:54:27.905-07:00DAILY BREAD<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How often food is mentioned in the Bible. Moses and his people were given manna to sustain themselves in the desert, but told to only gather what would be eaten that day. Jesus turns water into wine. And barrels are filled with oil. Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about food and drink. Jesus takes the small loaves and fish and feeds multitudes. Jesus shares bread with his disciples before his being crucified. What about, “man does not live by bread alone.”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TpelCy0yZo/TbxMDMQodOI/AAAAAAAAAhA/M3crh1jCUH4/s1600/COPPER+POT+AND+FRUIT%252C+FRAMED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TpelCy0yZo/TbxMDMQodOI/AAAAAAAAAhA/M3crh1jCUH4/s320/COPPER+POT+AND+FRUIT%252C+FRAMED.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yet does bread have other meanings? Of course it did for the Lord’s Supper. But how do we apply it in our daily lives? I don’t think we are meant to sit idly by and expect to be fed, clothed, or housed. The disciples were on a mission to spread God’s word – that was their occupation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am reading Elisabeth Elliot, author of God’s Guidance, A Slow & Certain Light, with Study Guide. It is a study on the Lord’s Prayer. How many times have we recited this model of prayer, yet be immune to its meaning? Do we even think about it, or is it something we have memorized and repeat without thought. When we petition Him for bread, we are acknowledging that God is our provider of all things. In her book, she “likes to picture the Lord handing me a platter at the beginning of each new day. On it are the things he has chosen as best for me, and my prayer for daily bread is answered. My part is to receive whatever he gives. Guidance for a decision that need not be final until next Wednesday may require one small move or commitment today. I accept that and act on it without haggling with God because he has not yet granted me all the information I’m itching for. Perhaps patience is his gift of bread for today, or quietness, or the gift of uncertainty, that I may rest in his love, confident that when the time is ripe, the guidance will be clear.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Certainly a more thoughtful interpretation than I had given it. How about you? What are your thoughts? I write to express my thoughts, but I do appreciate hearing from you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-70929791010995772542011-04-23T09:24:00.000-07:002011-04-23T09:24:12.740-07:00HAPPY EASTER<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Wishing you many blessings this Easter. I'll be meditating on God's will for me. I hope you will do the same. Is it enough for Him to know that the desire of my heart is to serve him? </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">No art today- nothing can compare with His Glory.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by.</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-2778022360443093772011-04-15T11:17:00.000-07:002011-04-15T11:17:59.399-07:00How It Got It's Name<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">The Merry Fox, that is. It is named after my grandmother. Her name was Mary Alice, we called her Mama Alice. She was born before 1900 and lived to be almost 100. She was a very pleasant woman who enjoyed playing the harmonica while the grandkids "square-danced". She came from a family of pastors and preachers. She played the piano and organ for her church. She also endured many hard times. However, she remained faithful and true in spirit. Her favorite saying was "Trust in Jesus and obey and He will lead you all the way."</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8VmX6O1XCk/TaiKvtkIygI/AAAAAAAAAgw/EviJ0o_7X-4/s1600/Candle%252C+bread+and+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8VmX6O1XCk/TaiKvtkIygI/AAAAAAAAAgw/EviJ0o_7X-4/s320/Candle%252C+bread+and+cup.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I'll write more about her in future posts. Meanwhile I hope you enjoy the paintings I post. I really appreciate your comments!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-49791958600060980032011-04-08T10:55:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:13:27.258-07:00Spring is a Wonderful Time of the Year<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">How I love Spring! The new growth of leaves on the trees hides the bareness of winter. Lawns sprout up with wild flowers -- wild violets, Easter flowers, little buttercups, tiny little daisies -- yes I know some call these weeds especially when in the lawn, but to me they represent the newness and freshness of the Spring. God's promises of what is to come. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Dogwoods are blooming. The magnolia is beginning to show buds. The red maple is shining and showcasing its blooms. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Some say that when Spring is in the air, so is love. My love for my family is always present. And so is my love for God. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYiastfbvKI/TZ9LngO4-II/AAAAAAAAAgs/mVYZdo7TTRk/s1600/watercolor+of+birch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYiastfbvKI/TZ9LngO4-II/AAAAAAAAAgs/mVYZdo7TTRk/s320/watercolor+of+birch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">A watercolor I painted. I hope you enjoy my small messages and my paintings!</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Have a great day!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7475293324538203057.post-57972753524018759382011-04-01T08:07:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:11:58.669-07:00God's Gift to You<span style="font-size: large;">Many of us know the saying "Your talent is God's gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to Him." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is art my "talent", or is it my desire? Maybe my talent was to be a good mother and wife. Maybe my talent lies in my bookkeeping skills that keep my bills paid, or spotting good "sales" that keep my bills low.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't these all talents? Does one talent pre-empt another?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What if you feel your talent isn't appreciated by others? Does that mean you have no talent in that area? NO! Being appreciated by others is a good feeling, but is that honoring God? Using all of your talents is honoring God. That's all. It is between you and Him. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_8pJOxGq8E/SOpzutD4_jI/AAAAAAAAAUc/2swSSEjYoZI/s1600/angel+with+heart+wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_8pJOxGq8E/SOpzutD4_jI/AAAAAAAAAUc/2swSSEjYoZI/s320/angel+with+heart+wings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let all of your talents shine! God Bless You!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Before making any decision, stop and think with this little word, HALT, especially if you are feeling stressed out, hungry, angry, lonely or tired. It is easy to allow our emotions to affect our decision-making and often that is not good! It has really helped me in the past and present.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Actually, I really am a homebody. And, now, most of my decision making involves what to make my husband and myself for supper and more importantly <strong>what color do I paint next!! </strong>I love to experiment and am always looking for more ways to dabble.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Yesterday I accepted an invitation to go photo-shooting with a friend. We drove about photographing buildings, trees and whatever hit our fancy. It was a great outing! And really put me in the mood to paint!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2-ls9atCZqA/TVL8RaDlN4I/AAAAAAAAAfw/l_8vlIKYtC4/s1600/P2090015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2-ls9atCZqA/TVL8RaDlN4I/AAAAAAAAAfw/l_8vlIKYtC4/s320/P2090015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Here is an old barn that I did on location on one of our earlier jaunts!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Thanks for stopping by - Have a great week and do some exploring!!</span>The Merry Fox by Rhomy Fine Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683423581393085451noreply@blogger.com5