So I’ve been doing this new form of art called fluid art, and it’s super easy!! Now, if you look it up there is several different ways to do this, but most likely you won’t have the things lying around (unless you do have floetrol or silicone oil). Since I do not have those things, I just use simple acrylic paint, isopropyl alcohol, and cardboard (definitely use canvas if you have it). While I use old paint bottles to mix the paint and alcohol, having solo cups or old plastic cups work best!
All you have to do is choose 3 or 4 different colors (I always use white along with the colors) and pour some of each paint into different cups to prepare each color separately. We’ll then add alcohol to each color and stir to make it pretty thin and able to be poured. When each color is prepared, grab an additional cup and start to pour each color into it one at a time so it’s layered.
Now that your paint is ready to pour, you can either just pour it all at once or place your canvas upside down on the cup and flip it all over, keeping the cup firmly sealed against the canvas so that no paint escapes yet. You’ll want to give it a few second to let the paint settle, and then slowly lift the cup up so the color can start to escape. Move the cup around the center of the canvas, making sure to save a little in the cup to then pour on the corners (always tricky to get).
Now you’re ready to move the puddle you have on your canvas around so you fill all the space. Paint will go over the edge, so prepared to get a little messy, but I normally do mine over a bin so that I can collect it and re-pour if needed! Once you’re done and filled the canvas, and you can either let it dry normally or let it dry at an angle so it continues to move a little as it dries.
I hope this fills some time and allows even the non-artists to be a little creative! Comment any questions or leave an image of what you created!
While I’ve been trying to do a daily devotion everyday for people to read, I also want people to dive into the word themselves and hear the real truth directly from the source. It’s great to be able to read what other people have learned from reading, but nothing can be taken as the absolute truth other than the bible itself. And while it may be intimidating when looking at this giant book with small words, there is no right or wrong place to start. Maybe just some spots that are a little more entertaining than others! I myself struggled for years to get in a rhythm of reading and relied on a daily devotion that spoke truth to me all the time, so start with what your comfortable with.
Now I’ll start with how I read, but not necessarily what I’m suggesting for everyone ( I know 6 chapters can be a big commitment)! I like to get a variety so I take one from a different category of the bible. Theologians have come up with different categories for the type of books in the bible that go like this: Books of the Law (Gen. – Deut.), Books of History (Josh. – Esther), Books of Poetry (Job – Song of Sol.), Books of Prophecy (Isaiah – Malachi), Books of the Gospel (Matt. – Acts.), the Epistles (Rom. – Jude), and Apocalyptic (Revel.). I personally didn’t do exactly like this because I wasn’t aware of the exact grouping then, but you can if you want to be precise!
On day one, I started with a chapter from Genesis, Ruth, Psalms, Isaiah, Matthew, and Romans. Then it progressed from there to the books after that. The one reason I love this is because there is a lot of connections to be made from the Old and New Testaments. This gives you the opportunity to read about the original sacrificing of offerings for salvation, the prophets predicting the ultimate sacrifice, and God sending His son to die on a cross for us all in one day.
If you are looking for a chapter a day, I recommend first reading one of the gospels and going to the epistles after that. Becoming Christ like is one of the most important aspects of our Christian faith, and by reading about His life we learn how to become like Him. The epistles are also a good beginning place because it’s easy to connect what those say to our modern life and see how to share it with others.
For those of us who love stories, adding a chapter from Genesis/Exodus or Ruth-2nd Chronicles brings a little spice to your daily readings. I’m not saying ignore the prophets or books of the law but probably not the best place to start if you’ve had a hard time getting into the Word.
I’m not going to lie and say reading the bible is always glorious and revealing, but we read daily as a form of discipline and devotion. You honor God even with just one chapter and 5 minutes of your time.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!
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The Holy Spirit can be a touchy subject for many Christians because it’s automatically attached to this image of charismatic worship that is reserved for “those” Christians. If we are to believe in the triune nature of God though, that includes the somewhat mystical Holy Spirit. The concept of the Holy Spirit is fascinating to us I believe in the fact that God and Jesus were incarnations of the the triune God on the earth in the past, but the Holy Spirit is the present aspect of God in our world today. We believe God created the heavens and earth, walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve, became pillars of clouds and fire to direct the Israelites, provided manna and water from heaven, and entered the temple to communicate directly with the priests. We believe Jesus was the Son of God, born of a virgin, performed miracle after miracle, died on a cross for our sins, and rose again three days later. Yet, the idea that people may get prophecies, visions, dreams, speak in tongues, and hear from the Lord (pretty small in comparison if you ask me) seems unfathomable or crazy to many Christians. Why are Christians today so willing to believe that these big things happened then, but probably won’t happen now? Is there a connection between that and our connection with the present aspect of our God today? These are things I ask myself as I strive to improve my faith and grow deeper with the Lord. The only things we do know are truths are the words from the bible:
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
John 14:15-20
Here’s what we do know: Jesus knew and told us that another advocate was coming who would be with us forever. He even tells us that many would doubt because they can’t see or know him. Jesus also says that because the Spirit is in us, He will be in us, and therefore God will be in us. Which then brings me to what I find to be one of the most fascinating aspect of the Holy Spirit:
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.[c]14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
1st Corinthians 2:10-14
The Holy Spirit is like a giant networking system giving us insight into the the greatest mind of all! We are able to have a deep connection with our Father through it, as well as other Christians. The Holy Spirit inside of us knows are deepest thoughts and understands us better than anyone else, but it is also living and knowing every other Christian as well. That’s why God can use Christians to speak to one another and nudge them in someone’s direction to speak truth into their life.
I will never forget this moment in my life when God used someone to speak directly to me. Now people have told me visions and prophesied over me, but none came close to this. I was in college and there were many ups and downs for me, but, despite how I was feeling, I was known to smile and wave at everyone one. One day, I was so tired, angry and upset at others and God, and so sad that I didn’t want to smile at all. I remember thinking to myself specifically “Why does it even mater if I smile, who cares”. Not even 10 minutes later I was sitting, working on homework in the cafeteria, and someone I respected greatly as a God fearing woman came and sat down in front of me randomly. Now, I’m not good at remembering exact wording, but she told me that my joy does matter and that when I smile it effects other people. I was blown away and started crying immediately.
This is just a small example of how God uses the Holy Spirit inside of us. We still have free will though, so it is up to us to listen to the small voice inside of that tells us say this to that person or do that for them. We get the opportunity to be used by God, but He’ll go to someone else if we don’t respond.
So how do we gain access and hear from the Lord? How do we hear Him speak, see visions, and prophecy to others?…And my honest answer is I have no idea, and neither does anyone else! We automatically have the Holy Spirit inside of us when we become saved and believe in Christ , but that does not mean you will start speaking in tongues right away. I will say, having rolled with some pretty charismatic crowds, I have prayed about this a lot. What I’m about to say isn’t hard truth, but what I believe the Lord has told me.
Start with the fruit of the spirit! I am always convicted when I start asking to have visions, well what am I doing to further the fruit of the spirit inside of me? Now, obviously, the fruit of the spirit doesn’t seem as cool or flashy, but it’s just as important.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
These are characteristics that we can work on and pursue daily, but also still take strength from the Holy Spirit. Pray and ask for opportunities that you can use these. When you are faithful to present these attributes, the Lord will give you more responsibility and gifts to present. Now the first fruit that is listed, love, is also used when talking about spiritual gifts:
If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1st Corinthians 13:1-2
Everything we do should be out of love and without ulterior motive. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with hearing and seeing things that having love at the center guides you and motivates you.
Lastly, I want to point out that not every gift is for everyone:
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b]11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
1st Corinthians 12:4-11
While I understand some gifts seem cooler than others, we are not all blessed the same way, but we are all blessed. We are given them for one reason: furthering the kingdom of God. So pray to God, through the spirit inside of you, that He highlights the gifts He has placed in you. Pray that you are able to encourage and show light to someone in need. In everything, love first.
Passing slowly,
Passing fast.
Stretching on,
Over just like that.
Nothing is as it was,
When you look back at the past.
Our mind is a giant oxymoron,
Having two sediments for one thing.
It's terrible when you're in it,
But not so bad after the fact.
It was thrilling in the moment,
But kind of dull in memory.
Deeply in love and passionate one second,
Full of hate and depression the next.
Always happy and optimistic,
Until something makes you pessimistic.
So what is true,
And what is false?
If you can't even trust,
Your own self.
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13: 14-15
As we approach Easter Sunday, imagine yourself in Jesus’ shoes and entering the last week you have on earth. What would you do with that time?
The answer for Jesus was to wash His disciples feet (even the one about to betray Him). While this may seem weird to us today, the symbolism was that the teacher and master became the servant. In this passage Jesus is not so much calling us to wash each other’s feet, but to humble ourselves and serve one another. We are never guaranteed a tomorrow so we should live in a way makes the most of everyday. Jesus continues on with this:
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13: 34-35
Ask yourself this week, how can I become more like Christ and who can I serve today. I read this passage today, and I believe we should pray this over ourselves to give us the strength, patience, and love to become foot washers:
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e]10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
I started reading my bible today and wasn’t even reading these verses, but they were coming to me as truth that I myself had to hear and ones that apply to everyone. They are ones that give strength, encouragement, and purpose. This will be scripture heavy because I want to let His truth be heard. I’ll start with Philippians as it is fitting for this time:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
The Lord is near! In every moment, the Lord is near and able to be seen by searching for truth and goodness. This doesn’t come instinctively to everyone, and I was remind of Romans 12:
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
It is so easy to be brought down when we scroll through social media and watch the news, but the bible says do not be like the world! We can not be in tuned or know God’s will when we are reading posts instead of the actual bible. Renew your mind by diving into the Word daily, and then you can find the peace and answers that are talked about in Philippians.
Now something I have been struggling with is God’s purpose and will for my own life, even as I read His Word. This Psalm has been ringing in my ears the past few days as a reminder:
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
Psalm 139:13-17
This then led me to my absolute 2 favorite verses in the bible:
20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[h]21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Romans 9:20-21
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
As you can see, there is a lot of scripture on how much God values us, and how He made each one of us specific to His will for us. These are what I like to call feel good verses, and I normally hesitate to use them on their own, which is why I added Romans 12. As we walk alongside God, He is with us and for us. He knows what is best for us and the right timing. When we choose to turn away from God, we deviate from His plan and give up the peace and goodness that comes along with His presence.
Dash of Sunshine 