LOUISIANA FLOOD 2016

Sunday night we had a prayer service for those affected by the flooding in Louisiana, and my heart was breaking.  But God reminded me of 2 stories: Noah's Ark in the book of Genesis; and The Widow at Zarephath from 1 Kings 17.  They were the inspiration behind this painting I finished yesterday

"Louisiana Flood 2016" - by Jacqueline Landess - 8/26/16

1. Noah's Ark, because after the flood, God showed Noah a rainbow - a sign of His covenant with man to never again destroy the earth.

(Genesis 9:8-17)

2. The Widow at Zarephath because it's an amazing story of God's faithfulness and provision.  The widow had only a little flour and oil left, barely enough for one meal for herself and her son.  Elijah tells her that God will provide, but first, she needs to make him a small cake of bread, then she can make some for herself and son.  What should have lasted one meal for 2 people, lasted the 3 of them for many days

(1 Kings 17:7-16)

When we have very little left, it is so hard, sometimes painstakingly so, to give first to God. But I also know just how faithful God is in His blessings and provision for our lives when we are obedient to Him.

Like the body of Christ, the people of Louisiana are a resilient people.  And I am believing God, that even through all of this devastation, they will experience God's awesome power, presence, and provision.  May they see blessing upon blessing, need after need met, and tangibly feel the love and support of the body of Christ, as they once again begin on this journey of rebuilding.

P.S.  Ask yourself, ask God - Is there something I can do to help the flooding victims?  There are many charities around the United States as well as within the state of Louisiana that could use your help volunteering, your help financially or your help with donated items

Nice to meet you...

Hello friend of the future,

 

     My name's Jacqueline, but you can call me Jacky.  Let me tell you a little bit about my life.  I'm 36 and originally from South Australia.  I moved to the United States in 2003 to marry my wonderful husband, Loren.  The second best decision I ever made and I couldn't imagine my life without him.  I love chocolate and TV, writing and movies, photography and drinking copious amounts of coffee.  I have just started painting, which I find challenging, but at the same time, I'm excited by this newest creative endeavor. 

The other love of my life, my greatest love, is God.  I got saved at the age of 19, and for a few years I went hard and fast and deep.  I was hungry to learn, hungry to grow and anxious for my life to change. But there was a problem.  I was so focused on wanting to be the best Christian I could be, the best leader, the best speaker - by themselves, not bad things, but I had forgotten the most important part.  Relationship.  My relationship with God. I was relying on myself and trying to impress those around me, ignoring or forgetting the One that these things were supposed to glorify. I didn't realize that I needed to have a daily, on-going relationship with my savior.  I didn't know that I was supposed to rely on His strength, not my own, to accomplish the things He had called me to do.  And as you can probably imagine, it didn't take too long before I burnt out.  I fell into a deep depression, and instead of running into the Father's arms, I ran away.  I loved God, but I didn't want Him to see me like that.  So I spent the better part of 12 years mostly ignoring Him.

At the beginning of 2016, I had decided that I was sick and tired of the status quo of my life. I was tired of waiting for things to happen.  I wanted to invite in change.  So in the middle of winter, my very understanding husband with clippers in hand, shaved my head.  All of my lovely long hair, gone.  Quite frankly I couldn't believe that I did that, but I'm so glad that I did.  Little by little, as this year has progressed, so has my attitude.  And even though throughout all these years, God had never left me, I have rediscovered my love for Him.

I've discovered that my greatest source of joy and peace, had been patiently waiting all this time for me to make the CHOICE to come back to Him.  And the moment I made that decision, to rededicate my life to God, I didn't feel disappointment, or anger, or judgment from Him.  All I have felt, overwhelmingly, is loved.

So why "Worship Filled Life" you may ask?  I want everything that I do to be a reflection of Him.  The way I love my husband, my friends and my family - I want it to reflect the same love that the Father has for them.  The way that I treat strangers, I want it to reflect the way Jesus would've treated them.  When I draw and paint, I want it to glorify Him.  When I sing loudly, and praise and worship Him (even though it's occasionally off key), I want it to bring Him joy.  Whether I create something, interact with someone, or I just do the mundane things that go with daily life - I am choosing to do it all with a spirit of worship.

Well, that intro was a little longer than I had planned, so if you have made it all the way through, thank you!  You are welcome to come back anytime and check out what's new in this worship filled journey, that I call Life!