Apologies and New Year

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.

Now! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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.

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.

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.

May your life this year be filled with much favor and many blessings!

Rhonda

Sparrows

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."— O.R. Melling

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.

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.

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.

Early Sunrise, Oil, 24x18
by Rhomy

Thank you for stopping by! I do enjoy reading your comments!

Reference: Matt. 10.29-31; Luke 12.6-7

How It Got It's Name

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."

I'll write more about her in future posts. Meanwhile I hope you enjoy the paintings I post.  I really appreciate your comments!