I stopped in at the art store, the time of the month to collect on any art sold.
I looked towards “my wall” and there they were, “all my girls”.
We talked of business being slow and of shoppers being a little scarce. I listened, and for a second drifted towards the pity place. I turned to leave and said ” See you soon.” Then stopped, turned back and she looked up from her work to hear me announce…
“It’s never been up to me, what happens with the paintings. I’ll keep painting and see where God takes them next.”
No reply from the shop owner just a nod that said “I know, Lisa. I know this because I know you.”
What I expect gets all messed up in the mix of what comes true. You’d not believe the number of angel paintings I’ve sold or given as gifts if I could recount . You might not believe either that God led me to love writing, rekindled two flames from tough times.
You might, no should believe there have been days marred by thoughts of others thinking I think too much of myself, my words, my canvas.
You would be correct. Certainly days that prideful and glorious expectation took all the joy away and made it prideful pursuit to sustain my worth instead of gentle and humble, happy revelation of what God could do through my hands and thoughts.
Yes, plenty of moments of “too much Lisa”, not enough Jesus.
So, he causes a pause in the fury of it all, the addiction of being praised and noticed.
I’ve learned to love the pause; I know it’s wisdom and wonder and wonderful.
That I’m writing and painting and waiting seems to be my place now, a slight lull, a place of a simmer.
So, I know, the embers are there and I’m expecting God will decide when and how the fires will burn, burn for Him.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
Linking up with others to write prompted by “expect” .
Lisa Anne Tindal 
Keep believing and know that when the time is right, God will help you realise your wishes. I know that He did so for me 🙂
(your neighbour at FMF)
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Thank you!
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I know, Lisa. I know this because I know you.
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🙂
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Lisa, I’m glad we are parked next to one another today at Kate’s (I’m in #7) – I find myself in a season (once again) of expectancy but yet… Beautiful art, beautiful words. Bearing fruit. xo
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Thank you
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I found this through another FMFer’s share on Twitter and got half way through and thought, this has to be for the FMF prompt. It’s an elegant expression of contentment in God’s abundance. Thanks for writing! — Laura (at #24)
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You’re in good company! But I did hear something from a wiser, more mature priest once. He said that if you’re not going to take the criticisms of others personally you can’t take the praise personally either. Still working on that myself. Maybe you’ll find it helpful too. And for the record, I really like the angel paintings.
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Thank you!
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Lisa, I understand. Since publishing some of my books last year, I have waited to see what the Lord has planned for them. They are HIs work, through my heart and hands, all for His glory.
I love the reference of Psalm 90:17. “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish Thou the work of our hands; yea, the work of hands, establish Thou it.” The work is His, the gift given to us, and produced through our hands, for His glory, our joy and the joy of others, when they discover it.
The work, the timing, and the results are all His. I pray His blessings as you continue to receive and to share with others. You are still young. Enjoy the process and you will be blessed.
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Thank you so much, Frances!
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The paintings are lovely. I like the different thoughts you expressed about a pause and a lull, yet you are still creating. You have the courage to keep creating, no matter the outcome. That verse seems to fit perfectly with the word, “confirm”.
Carry on 🙂
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Oh wow, thank you for the confirmation.
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