Why Do I Love To Paint-Part 2?

I said I would post some pictures of my mom and dad painting.

I took me longer than a day or so. It was more like a week or so.

During that time we made a trip to see them.

Here is Mom working on an old service station/store.

It's got to be in Texas. There are bluebonnets.

Here's Dad working on the same painting.

They share the canvas now.

That is so precious to me. Daddy has always had an artistic flair.

I remember him painting and

donating countless signs for churches.

My mom had an easel set up in our garage where

she painted huge landscapes of majestic purple

mountains, tall pines, and log cabins.

Daddy actually went to school and received art training .

I think that he is the only one in this family

of artists that has an art education.

As you can see, he is wearing magnifying glasses.

Daddy just celebrated his 82nd birthday.

His eyesight is not what it used to be but that

doesn't stop him. He still creates and sells works of art.

He and my mom are a great team,

working together in so many ways.

One of the most precious things about my parents is that they
gave me the most awesome sense of what a relationship with
God is like. I have shared this with them before

but it bears repeating.

As I looked through the album of old photos I was
reminded once again what it was to be loved,

accepted, and encouraged. Just like my Father God,

they were and are interested and involved in

every detail of my life. That is a welcome thing now
but as a teenager I wasn't quite so excited

about them being so involved.

Looking back, I could see that we didn't have a lot

but I was never aware of any lack. Daddy always

provided for us. And just like Father God,

he was firm and fair in his discipline.

He used to say, "This hurts me more that it does you."
At the time, I didn't believe that but now I know

that was true. My relationship with my dad taught

me the security of the love of God

and also what it means to fear God.

I am not afraid of God but I sure do not want to

disappoint Him and I do not like trips
to the "Holy Ghost woodshed".

Been there, done that.

I have also learned about the character and

nature of God from my mom. She has taught me

what unconditional love looks like and feels like.

The times when I was and am so difficult

to love, she continued. And she never gives up

hoping and believing for God's best for her children,

her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.

What a blessing and great

hertiage that have given me.

I pray that I have that same impact

on my children and grandchildren

As it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived what God has prepared

for those who love him

but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things,

even the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 9-10