Wednesday, March 7, 2018

You Raise Me Up

Today, this happened.....
My first Bible journaling page!  This one features the Zentangle pattern 'featherfall.'  I think Zentangle will be showing up on several of my future pages, along with other art techniques.

Here's the short version of my story about this new venture in Bible journaling for me:

Sadly, I have left this blog unloved for far too long.  I had been considering closing it.  Since Zentangle is a form of paper craft, I felt I could combine it with my Paper Arts Cafe blog.  And while I have been working in my Zentangle journal, and creating tangled tiles, I have not posted my work here.  I had been struggling with my Bible reading lately.  I wasn't getting excited and inspired the way I used to.   And writing about it just seemed so forced, let alone posting on my blog about it.  While Zentangle helped me focus on my reading, it had started to become detached.  So I have been praying about it.  And praying.  Nothing.  Yet, I persisted.  Life happened, with an avalanche of life-changing, stressful events, consuming my time and energy, and even my health.    

Then there it was.  An email from Sandy Allnock, one of my favorite artists. I read about her new class, Seeing The Scriptures: Visual Interpretation of God's Word.  So, I checked it out.  I knew immediately that I just had to take that class!  I signed up, and am just finishing the first lesson.  This page is my 'homework' for this lesson.

I love reading the Bible, but this has really opened up for me a new way of gaining insights into God's Word, and of expressing it in my art.  The method Sandy teaches really helps me to dig deep, and actually enjoy doing it.  Her method helps me apply scriptures to my life...to actually see how God is working in his people, and in me.  And, it helps me apply that learning to my art, to sort of 'seal it in my heart' as I create.  I've never been so excited about reading scriptures.  And creating.  I can't wait to open my Bible every day, and get to work.

All of this to say, I'm back!  And I am keeping this blog!
I will continue to share my tangles and insights on this blog.  I will also share my Bible journaling tangled pages here.   I will also use my other art techniques (watercolor, pencils, markers, etc.) and share those pages on my  Paper Arts Cafe blog.  After making this decision, I realized that the blog's name, Tangled In The Word, is very literal now that I'm adding my tangles actually in my Bible!  God really is in the details, isn't he?!

The verse that inspired this page is from Isaiah, verse 40:31...
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." 

Although I had read that verse many times before, this time it gave me new insight into God's love and concern for me...and for all of his people.  We can do nothing on our own, but when we wait on the Lord, put our hope in him, he renews us.  He lifts us up.  And when the cares of this world overwhelm and stifle and bury us, he is our strength.  He pulls us out, and causes us to soar on wings like eagles.
  
These insights inspired my page today.  I wanted to draw an eagle, but my drawing skills leave much to be desired.  So, I went with a feather, and decided to use a Zentangle pattern on this page. 

I encourage you to check out Sandy's classes.  I also took her Bible Journaling basics class to learn about how to go about this new venture for me.  

Thanks so much for visiting, and for staying with me.  And thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement in the comments.

Blessings,


    

Sunday, March 13, 2016


"The Lord has done great things for us; 
we are glad indeed" 
Psalm 126:3

Glad indeed!  Today's readings remind us that we have been redeemed by Christ, and we have the promise of eternal life.  The Holy Spirit is in us, and the angels and saints are praying for us.  So many reasons to rejoice!

Let us find some time today to sit with the Lord and reflect on the great things he has done for us, for you and for me.   To praise and thank him for calling us to him.  To ask him to show us where he is leading us.   What steps can we take to allow Christ to take greater ownership of our lives?

"Jesus, hold me fast today as I pursue a fuller measure of your life in me."

Fifth Sunday of LentReading 1:  Isaiah 43:16-21Responsorial:  Psalm 126:1-6Reading 2:  Philippians 3:8-14Gospel:  John 8:1-11






Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Be Alert


Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me."   (Mt. 25:35-36)

I have a confession.  I was not feeling the whole Lent thing this year.  We are already into the first week of Lent, and I still had no clear idea of what I would do.   I am trying to follow the three practices of praying, fasting, and almsgiving, but something was missing.  I knew I could and wanted to do more to grow in my relationship with God this Lenten season. 

The lightbulb came on as I contemplated yesterday's reading from Matthew's gospel.  Service.  That is what this reading said to my heart.  That is what I will 'do' for Lent.  Service to others is how I will grow in my relationship with the Lord during these 40 days leading up to Easter.

I will fast seeking my own selfish desires before tending to the needs of the people God places in my path.

I will pray for those who experience poverty in all forms. 

I will give the gift of service to the hungry, imprisoned, naked, and strangers.

Fr. John Firpo, our parish pastor, spoke in his pre-lenten homily about the need for us to be on alert this lent.  He spoke of opening our eyes to the needs of those people around us.  I have been thinking about that, and how I need to be more alert to the many forms of poverty that exist in our midst, and how I can serve there.

There are so many people.....
     who hunger and thirst...  
     They need to be listened to.  They need to have a role to play in
     society, to feel important, valued, and affirmed.  They need to   
     know that they make a difference.
     who are imprisoned...
     They are imprisoned by their past, their reputation.  They are 
     imprisoned by addiction.  They are imprisoned by poor self
     worth.
     who are naked...
     They are vulnerable and hurt.
     who are strangers.
     They are alone, and fearful.  They long for human touch and    
     kindness.


"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
(Mt. 25:40)  

Jesus calls us to service.  Our baptism calls us to service.  By our baptism, we are called to imitate Jesus.  

The least are, indeed, in our midst.  We are compelled to serve them because of our baptism.  Because it is the right thing to do.  Because Jesus clearly calls us to serve.  And because through our service to those around us, we grow.

Be blessed,

      lynda

Monday, February 1, 2016

Be Prepared To Give An Answer


  

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect."         1st Peter 3:15


I came head-on with this verse when I was asked to speak at a Lenten retreat.  The topic was What My Faith Means To Me.  As I worked on my talk,  the word that kept coming to my mind was grace.    "Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will bring me home".......words that we hear so often when we sing the beloved song, Amazing Grace.

I grew up in a loving Catholic family.  Though not wealthy, we certainly did not go without.  We had food to eat, and a warm, safe home.  I learned about love by my parent's example, and was taught respect, humility, and responsibility.   I always had a deep respect and reverence for "church."  

As a young adult, my faith took a back burner to the busy-ness of career building and the other distractions of life. I stopped attending church, and gave little thought to my prayer life.  I still believed in God, but felt no real connection to my faith.   

It was when I married and moved hours away from the security of my family and home that God's grace touched my life and brought me back to him.  My husband and I began going to church, and over time became involved in our faith community.  We faced the pain of infertility and the struggles of adoption.  I lost both parents and only brother within a few short years of each other.  In his grace, Jesus was there through it all, comforting, supporting, giving me hope.  My faith became very important to me.  God was, and still is, my hope and salvation.

When I was a child, my faith was simple.  Things were black and white, concrete.  God was God, sin was sin.   As a mature Christian, my faith sometimes seems murky.  I struggle to reconcile issues with church politics and question some doctrine.  My opinions and my faith do not always coexist peacefully inside me.  Yet, in spite of my questioning, I still yearn to be close to God.  I still cling to the hope he has planted in my heart.  Simply put, I choose to believe.

My childhood faith, with its simple acceptance, has been planted firmly within me.  When my adult faith feels complicated by my frustrations, I go to the Father in prayer.  His grace reassures me, and in my heart and soul I know that God loves me, in spite of myself.

So, I make a choice.  Every day, regardless of my questions, I choose to keep my faith.    I choose to accept the joy and peace that my faith brings.  

At the end of the day, it is quite simple, really.  God's greatest commandment is to love him, and love our neighbor.  All the rest falls into place when I just rest in his love for me.  In his amazing grace, he sent his son to bear my sins, my doubts and frustrations.  He loves me that much.    By the grace that Jesus came to give me, I am assured that his Holy Spirit is with me always.

I love him because he first loved me. That's the bottom line.  Period. 


There is a lot to think about in this short verse from 1 Peter.   Have you ever wondered what you would say if someone asked you why you are a believer? 

Blessings,

lynda

In today's Zentangle I used Lazy Eights (Denielle Noe), Meringue (Kelley Kelly), Poke Leaf (Maria Thomas, W2 (Rick Rogers & Marie Thomas), and Squid (Rick Rogers & Marie Thomas).



  

Monday, August 10, 2015

A Grain Of Wheat


We have all heard the expression, God loves a cheerful giver.  Like so many sayings we hear today, this one comes from the Bible; in fact, it is in today's first reading.  
"Each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give.  You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give.  God loves the person who gives happily."  2 Corinthians 9:7

Today is the feast day of St. Lawrence, the arch-deacon of the Diocese of Rome in the year of Our Lord 258.  One of Lawrence's responsibilities as deacon was to proclaim the Word of God, look after the material goods of the Church, and to care for the poor.  

Christianity was an illegal religion in Rome at that time.  Pope Sixtus II was put under civil arrest, and martyred.  Lawrence knew the Empire would come after him next.  When the civil authorities of Rome demanded that Lawrence produce the treasure of the Church, he told them he would do so, but said he needed a couple of days to get it together.  He sought out the poor, widows and orphans, the blind and the lame, and the lepers.  He gathered the money he had, and even sold the sacred vessels of the Church, and he disbursed it all to them.

When the prefect came for the Church's money, Lawrence simply pointed to the crowd and said, "Here is the treasure of the Church."   The prefect did not understand what Lawrence was saying.  Neither did he understand how Lawrence spent his life in the service of these poor people.  On August 10th, four days after the death of the pope, Lawrence was martyred.  

This is a feast of generosity and joy and abundance.  What Saint Lawrence did was reflect the generosity and joy and abundance of God.  He understood that the wealth of the Church was in the way our lives touch the lives of others.  We see God's generosity to us in the Gospel today; that unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth, it remains a grain, but if it dies it produces much abundant fruit.  We are called to produce abundant fruit, good works for the kingdom of God.

As we reflect on the feast day of St. Lawrence, let us ask the Lord to give us the courage and strength to joyfully and abundantly proclaim the goodness of God.  Let us remember that his Church is not about material things or money, rather it is about how our lives are connected to the lives of others; about serving one another, particularly the poor. 

Be blessed,
     lynda

Note:  I was inspired for today's ZIA by Helen Williams, where I learned to tangle the wheat.


Thursday, August 6, 2015

The Perspective of Salvation

Have you ever heard a homily or sermon and felt that the preacher was speaking directly to you?  This Sunday, our Deacon spoke about the 'desert experiences' in our lives.  Those times we experience illness, death, dry periods, alienation, job loss, hopelessness.  He spoke of the grace of God coming into those situations.  Indeed, when I look back at those times in my own life, I can see that God was there, even though I was unaware of it at the time.  I can see, in retrospect, how he provided relief, help, encouragement, and support during those times.

Recently, my husband, Dan, and I have been enduring a prolonged period of desert experiences.  Dan's mom, who has been convalescing at home from a fall just nine months ago, fell again and broke her femur last week, requiring another hospitalization.  Rehab arrangements, meetings with staff and the social worker, phone calls, caring for Dan's handicapped brother, and so many other loose ends have been eating up our time and energy.  It is clear that some very difficult decisions need to be made now, as home is no longer safe for Dan's mom.   Dan is recovering himself from heart health issues.  Stress is at a high level for us now.

Deacon Dick's challenge to us this week is to be attentive to our desert experiences; to think about them and try to see them in perspective of our salvation.  When we are caught up in our situations, we cannot see beyond the problems and pain.  We do not see or feel God's provision.  We tend to turn inward and focus on our problem.  

When I think of my salvation, I can more easily put our current issues in their correct perspective.  I realize that it will not be like this forever.  I know that our time here is but a microscopic dot on the timeline of eternity.  God's grace brings me hope, and his blessings become more clear.   I can begin to see God's hand, working through circumstances, through people, and through the Holy Spirit during my prayer and reflection time.   We have friends who have graciously brought meals during Dan's heart procedure; others who have sent cards and call or visit, letting us know they are there for us.   Leaning on each other has brought us closer, as a couple and as a family.  We find joy in quiet moments together on the deck with a cup of coffee, and walking the boardwalk along the river, feeling renewed by the beauty and wonder of nature.  We turn to Jesus, and He is there, ever faithful, welcoming, and understanding.  

Yes, our problems are still there.  They often seem daunting, overwhelming.  Yet, with all of that comes the grace of God.  His love is magnified in our lives. 


"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory 
in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself 
restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
                                                                     1 Peter 5:10

Be blessed!
     lynda

Zentangle note:  Today's Zentangle tile features Circuital as the main tangle.  Also Lazy Eights, B'Tweed, Finery, Phuds, Striping.





Saturday, August 1, 2015

Our Call To Joy




Joy!

Joy is frequently mentioned in the Bible.  It is one of the Fruits of the Spirit, second only to love.  We sing songs about joy.  We celebrate occasions of joy; the birth of a long-awaited baby, an engagement or wedding, milestones, and victories.  Holidays are occasions for joy; Christmas proclaims "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"

Pope Francis's first apostolic exhortation is entitled The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium).  In it he elaborates on many of the thoughts and reflections we have been hearing from this joyful Pope.  He emanates a warmth and welcome through his actions; and an enthusiasm for his role as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the universal Church.  He brings a feeling of hope to a weary Church and cynical world. 

This Pope has a heart for evangelizing.  He has a solidly pastoral background, which comes through in his writing.  "An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people's daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others.  Evangelizers thus take on the "smell of the sheep" and the sheep are willing to hear their voice." (24)

Most importantly, Pope Francis's actions reflect his words.  He shows humility, compassion, inclusion, warmth, joy, and kindness as he interacts with people.  He goes about his business of sharing God's love with enthusiasm and pure joy, genuinely happy to be the hands and heart of Jesus to the poor, the neglected, the outcasts, and the disillusioned.   He teaches us, by the way he lives his own life, how to be joyful and how to share that joy with a hurting world.

Pope Francis, through his ministry, teaches us that the Gospel calls us to joy.   When things are going well, and our lives are rolling along smoothly, most of us find it easy to be contented, even joyful.  Yet, for myself, when my life gets complicated and difficult, and I'm feeling overwhelmed, confused, and hurt, I don't always want to hear that the answer is to 'keep the faith.'  To see my trial as a chance to grow.  The temptation to despair is part of my humanity.  But it helps to know that the difficulty is real, and that I am not alone.  It has been said that what you focus on, you give power to.  Pope Francis reminds us to keep our focus on the joy, not the pain.

The Gospels teach us about Jesus and his ministry.  The stories told by the apostles are filled with examples of Jesus's love.  They tell about Jesus teaching his disciples, and calling them to go out and spread the Good News, with joy.  This call extends to us, today.  

The joy of the Gospels is not something we should keep to ourselves.  We are called to go forth and share this Good News to others.  Jesus teaches us how in the Gospels.  Pope Francis models the precepts of Jesus with humility and joy.  He inspires me, indeed all of us, to do the same.

I am reading a book entitled, "Pope Francis And Our Call To Joy," written by Diane M. Houdek.  It is a mere 75 pages, but is filled with wisdom and hope.  I encourage everyone to read this book.  It may be just the jump-start we need to help us to be full of joy in the Lord, regardless of our circumstances.  And to share this joy and the good news with our neighbors.

"My brothers and sisters, be full of joy in the Lord."
Philippians 3:1

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Stars and Stripes


"First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.  Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.  This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth."  
1 Timothy 2:1-4

In just a few days,  we Americans will be celebrating our freedom on the 4th of July,  Independence Day.  People will gather for picnics and barbeques.  Fireworks will light up the skies around the country.  Patriotic songs will be sung in churches.   Prayers will be offered for our beloved country, and our country's leaders.

In the above reading, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy how to lead the church.  His very first instruction is to pray for all people.   The first assignment of the church is prayer.   Today's church continues to prioritize prayer.  We pray for our president and vice-president, and for our government and local officials.  We pray for a peaceful society, where we can worship and where respect and justice can flourish.

I am so very proud to be an American.  I believe we live in the greatest country on earth.  Yes, I sometimes disagree with decisions and actions from our officials.  But I do what I can.  I earnestly research candidates, and vote at elections.  I participate in signing petitions where I feel there is injustice.   Most importantly, I pray.  I pray that God will lead our president and congress members; that the Holy Spirit will guide and inspire them; and that citizens will do their part to help insure our country will remain our "sweet land of liberty."  

As I watch my grandchildren march in their school parades and children take part in patriotic assemblies this time of year, I think about what kind of country we will leave them.   Enlightened or ignorant, we do have a choice!  What choices can we make to help ensure America's future?

Won't you join me this week in praying for our country? 
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray...then I will hear from heaven."  II Chron. 7:14 

Be blessed,
     lynda

My zentangle tile today contains the tangle patterns meer, printemps, arukas, and aura knot.   



Friday, June 19, 2015

I Have Enough



"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."
 Matthew 6:21

I have an app on my ipad called PAYG (Pray As You Go).  Each day there is a 10-15 minute reflection on the reading of the day.  There is a reading of the scripture, along with music for meditation and reflection.  Then some thoughts and questions to think about.  I like it because it fits nicely into my day, and helps me keep up with the daily readings, no matter how hectic my day.  

Today's reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.  The music for reflection is from Bach's Cantata Number 82, Ich Habe Genug .
This beautiful selection echoes the words of Simeon.  "I Have Enough.  I have taken the savior, the hope of the Gentiles, into my arms."

I was thinking about why the writer of this reflection chose this music and Simeon's prayer to accompany today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew.  This prayer, which just says, 'I have you, Lord.  I have enough," is very beautiful in its simplicity and straightforwardness.  

Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.  But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."

It is right for us to bring our needs to God in prayer.  He is our Father, and wants us to lean on Him.  But sometimes it is good to realize, like Simeon, that we have all we need in God.  That our treasure is, indeed, in heaven.  I have you, Lord.  I have enough.

Here is the link to the Pray As You Go website, if you would like to try it.  www.pray-as-you-go.org .  Let me know what you think.  

Be blessed,
     lynda

Today's Zentangle tile uses the patterns Weave, Flux, and Poke Root.


Monday, June 15, 2015

A Lesson In Grace

Colossians 4:6  “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”













When my granddaughters spent the weekend a few weeks ago, four year old Kennedy watched intently as I knitted the final rows on a prayer shawl I was making.  As soon as the yarn and shawl were placed in the basket, she cozied up in my lap to finish watching a movie before bedtime.  Holding her little stuffed dog up for me to see, she asked if I could knit a blanket for him.  Well, of course this Nana was up for that task.  


This little granddaughter of ours loves super heroes. The bulk of her wardrobe consists of t-shirts with Spiderman, Ninja Turtles and other hero characters.   No princesses or ballerinas for her.  She will don the occasional dress, at her mom’s insistence, when the occasion calls for dressing up, but nothing flashy or ruffled or flouncy.  Plain and simple, and neutral in color.  So, it did not come as a surprise when she said she wanted her dog’s blanket to be black and blue.  

When we visited the following week, Kennedy asked if the blanket was finished.  Before I pulled the blanket from my knitting bag, I decided to tease her a little.  “It is almost done.  I will knit the last four rows today and you can watch.  You did say you wanted pink and white, didn’t you?,” I taunted. 

An almost imperceptible flash of disappointment crossed her face, but she was quick to catch herself, nodding in agreement.  Of course, I hastened to reveal the blue and black almost completed blanket, much to her relief and delight.   That tender moment, however, when she quickly masked her disappointment so as not to hurt my feelings, this little girl chose concern and kindness to me over expressing her disappointment.  

She chose......  

How often do I choose grace when my plans are interrupted?  When my expectations or needs are not met?   When someone has hurt me?   It does not come naturally.   It takes purposeful action.   It means not interrupting when my elderly neighbor tells me the same story over and over.  It is choosing forgiveness when someone I love disappoints or hurts me.  It is saying a prayer for the person in the car that pulls out in front of me.  It is being kind when I would rather lash out.

Choices.  

Grace.  

Natural?  No.  Easy?  Definitely not.  Not on our own, that is.  But with God’s help, we can learn to choose grace.      

By the way, Kennedy's middle name......is Grace.  

Be blessed,
     lynda

Thank you, Lord, for using the innocence of a child to remind me of your grace, which is perfect, and of which I am so unworthy.  Help me to show kindness and grace to others, as you have done to me.  Amen.

Kennedy writing a note to her dog, Dempsey.

I am entering this ZIA in the 30 Day Coloring Challenge on www.thedailymarker.blogspot.com .


Sunday, April 19, 2015

Being Part of the Miracle

"Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?  John 6:5

 John 6:1-15
Jesus didn't need Philip to tell him how they were going to feed the large crowd that had followed them.  He already knew what he was going to do. He knew the disciples were skeptical.  Rather than just taking care of the situation and performing his miracle, however, Jesus involved his disciples.  Philip saw the need; Andrew gathered the meager loaves and fishes from the boy; and the disciples told the people to sit down, and passed the loaves and gathered the leftovers.  The disciples were an important part of Jesus' miracle from start to finish.  He wanted the twelve to become familiar with the idea of performing miracles themselves.

The disciples gained confidence that day.  They learned to look at needs with eyes of compassion.  They learned to give Jesus their meager offerings, trusting him.  They learned to give thanks to God.  They learned to rely on the power of God, and to go forward to build the kingdom with confidence.

What can we learn from this story?  Do we realize that we are Jesus' disciples today, and that he wants to do the same thing for us?  Are we willing to become vessels of his grace in the world?

There are needy people all around us.  God is asking us to pay attention.  He is inviting us to join him in doing something about it.  If we listen for his direction and are willing to reach out in faith, we will see wonders.  We will be part of the miracle.

Be blessed,
     lynda

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Why Are You Amazed?



"Why are you amazed at this?"  Acts 3:12

The man who had been crippled from birth clings to Peter and John.  Those who saw Peter heal the man exclaim it to the gathering crowd.  Whispers.  Shouts.  People straining to see for themselves.  It's true, it's amazing!  He walks!

"Why are you amazed?" Peter asks.  All their lives these people have been proclaiming that God is a healer and deliverer.   So why, indeed, are they amazed to actually see God heal someone through the prayers of a group of believers?  Through someone like themselves?

As I think about this reading, I find that I am not so different.  There is often a gap between what I proclaim and what I actually count on in my life.  Sure, I pray for friends and family members.  I fervently ask for healing and restoration.  I know about God's healing power, his transforming love.  I think I am praying in faith.  Yet, when God sometimes intercedes and brings about a remarkable healing, I am surprised. Why, indeed, should I be amazed?   Isn't this what I asked for?

In his infinite wisdom and grace, God gives us so much more than we ask for...so much more than we even know to ask for.  God's healing goes much deeper than the physical.   He wants to restore us on a spiritual level.   He wants to unite us to himself and to each other.  There are many blessings beyond physical healing that God wants to give us.

So, how should we pray?   
  • We start, as Jesus did, with the people right in front of us.  Right here and now.  We pray for their needs, both physical and spiritual.  
  • We continue praying for them daily, until we see results.  We picture ourselves bringing these people to Jesus.  We are not merely making a wish; we are praying!  Through our faith we intercede.  But that is not all there is to it.   God hears our every prayer.   He responds.
  • We thank Jesus, even before we see anything happening.  We thank him for his work in their lives, and in ours.   
  • We say Amen!  Because we believe.   We trust in his power to act.
Help us, Lord, to open ourselves fully to your healing power.  Make us intercessors for those who need your healing, physically and spiritually.  Amaze us, Lord, with the grace of your love. 

Be blessed,
     lynda

Tangles used in this Zentangle tile are Meringue, Mooka, and Tipple.