Fragrant Love

Every Spring it seems that God sends a small bouquet that suddenly appears and surprises me with a lovely sent. This little gift seems purer than anything I know. I wish that this Purity would permeate my being as I inhale the sweet perfume of God's presence that welcomes me this day. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 23, 2008

Losing Self

When I photograph or paint, it is as if I lose who I am; as if outside myself looking thorough a lens or watching my paintbrush dance. In some way this seems like training ground for holiness because by losing myself I can allow God to fill me and bring something good through me. I hope this is what comes through my work and that others can find joy in the paintings or photographs I take. Here is hoping that God's self shines through me. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 20, 2008

Going Fishing

It seems to me that when we fish for souls the only bait to use is peaceful love because anything else might be distasteful and just be spit out or cause one to flee. Let me fish with the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self control (Galatians 5). No wonder they are called fruits: they are sweet. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 17, 2008

Chains

Sometimes I feel wrapped up in chains of emotions that seem to tighten as I dwell on them. It is then that I ask Jesus to release me from my anxieties and protect my thoughts so I can be free to do what He intended me to do: today to be joyful and know that without Him I can do nothing. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 15, 2008

The Gate

Jesus tells us that he is the gate.

I saw this glass gate in Vancouver today along my way. The primary colours and design intrigued me. It looked like a gate I would like to enter. The ship with three pillars that could represent the trinity and supported by a white stripe of Divinity.

Instantly I was reminded of this Sunday's reading at church from John chapter three where Jesus is the shepherd and the door or gate; that I am saved through Him and that He came to give me life and have it abundantly.

Sometimes all I see is a herd of duties around me or no inspiration; feeling like a lost sheep. This is when I just have to look for the shepherd my lord. His gate is always before me. He was there for me on this day too and with abundant brightness. Thank you Jesus. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 14, 2008

Smooth Stones

Though I may crumble I know that even as a broken pebble with jagged edges I can be made smooth and soft all around with the constant flowing of God's grace which is like a river that rolls over rocks to make stones smooth. I just need to have the patience and let this happen in time. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 13, 2008

Eternal Eraser

It seems to me that God's forgiveness is like a lifetime supply of erasers and that we are forgiven over and over again. He is the Eternal Eraser.

May I remember to ask God to rub away what is not making my life into a beautiful picture and to be able to start anew with a clean white surface on which God can overwrite His Will.

Thy Kingdom come and help me erase the non-forgiveness in my own heart and thank you for the gift of Confession. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 12, 2008

The Cloud

It seems to me that God is like a cloud which brings rain to cleanse and refresh the soul and at the same time blows our sails in directions sometimes unexpected.

Then when the rays, like fine fishing line, are cast down through the dark cover it is as if God is fishing for souls to bring to Himself.

This is the hope that I have in him – that He will draw Himself to me and me to Him.

Come Holy Spirit come: come as a cloud, come as the wind, and come as a Divine Fisherman. Jane

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 08, 2008

Romancing the Heart

It is as if God romances my heart by embracing me with a warm sunrise, sending a gentle breeze like a tender kiss on my check, and closes the blinds with the security of the evening's sunset.

This beauty that surrounds me is like a romantic movie where God is the Divine Cinematographer which sets a stage that moves my heart to love. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on Apr 08, 2008