Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

God Stories

This is a collection of sixty-two true stories from personal experience that will inspire the believer, as well as show a doubting world that God exists.

Stories tell how God rescues from danger, clears a storm for safe travel, makes money miraculously appear, sends angels to help, and answers prayer. You’ll discover the various ways God protects, provides, redeems, encourages, communicates, and delights those who are looking for Him. If that’s you, these stories will help you identify God’s miraculous presence in your own life.

These are His stories, and they are meant to be shared.  

 

Big Dipper, Big God

The Lord woke me at 4 AM, instructing me to look outside. Because of the previous hostility I encountered, I naturally assumed I was being warned of a danger lurking outside.

When I peeked through the shutters into the dark morning there was nothing to be afraid of. Instead, the Big Dipper constellation was low on the horizon looking larger than normal. I had never seen it in this position before. The Dipper, or scoop, was up at the top with the handle was arching downward. The end of the handle appeared to be resting on the land.

I grabbed my sketchpad and quickly doodled the scene in the dark. By the time I was finished sketching I could no longer see the Big Dipper. The sun began to rise and the early morning light hid the Dipper from view. It was interesting to see only a grey-blue sky knowing the Dipper was still there but no longer visible.

I was overwhelmed by God's kindness to wake me in time to see the spectacular sight before it disappeared. That small encounter was used to fill me with joy in a troublesome time. Even though the light quickly dispelled the darkness and hid the Dipper from view I knew it was still there. Likewise, God reminded me that He was still with me even though I couldn’t see Him. As the light of the sun drove away the darkness, so God by His ultimate power can drive away the dark deeds of the foolish.  

“Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.” Ecclesiastes 2:13

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” Psalm 112:4

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9

 

This is a story from my new book coming out soon, titled

"Meant To Be Shared - True Stories of God's Presence in the Life of an Ordinary Person." 

The book is a compilation of true stories where God made Himself known to me. It's my prayer these stories will encourage you in your faith and prove there's a loving God who is active in people's lives.

GIFT IN SECRET - God’s Word guides us

My boss was in a fowl mood all morning. I never saw him like this before; he was typically even-tempered. It wasn’t clear what the issue was. He had already yelled at several people who weren’t prepared for it. I avoided him by staying at my desk.

When it was time to go to lunch I went to my typical spot and read my Bible while I ate. I had been reading Proverbs so I continued where I last left off. In chapter 21, verse 14, I read,

“A gift given in secret subdues anger.”

I wondered if that could be applied to my boss. I left the café early and went to the nearest store seeking a gift to give him in secret to test the Proverb. The only thing that got my attention was a role of rainbow LifeSavers. They seemed like an insignificant gift, but it was the only thing that caught my attention, so I bought them. Quickly I went back to work to sneak them into his office before he returned from lunch. I sat my desk and waited.

When my boss entered his office he yelled out, this time in a joyful tone, “Who put these LifeSavers on my desk? Who knew these were my favorite!”

I didn’t know Lifesavers were his favorite, but apparently God did. I then knew why the LifeSavers made such an impression on me in the store. The Holy Spirit had led me to them. He knew exactly what gift would be the best, which one would subdue my boss’s anger.

He asked everyone who passed his office if they gave him the LifeSavers. He never asked me and I wasn’t going to tell him, it was meant to be a secret. Of course it isn’t anymore, but at the time, that colorful little gift cheered him up. He was like a little kid trying to figure out who knew what his favorite candy was and who gave them to him. As a result, I learned God’s Word is truly LifeSaving!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

This is a story from my new book coming out soon, titled

"Meant To Be Shared - True Stories of God's Presence in the Life of an Ordinary Person." 

The book is a compilation of true stories where God made Himself known to me. It's my prayer these stories will encourage you in your faith and prove there's a loving God who is active in people's lives.

TEA TIME - God Always Wins

An elderly woman at my church wanted to host a tea party at her house. The party was her way of thanking all the women at our church who helped her after her husband passed away. I offered to bring an assortment of teas and a large hot water pot for brewing.

She called me almost every day to ask how to set up the tables, what foods to prepare, and how to serve a large group. I suggested different options for her to choose from. This is when I learned she swore a lot, every sentence spoken with cuss words. It shocked me at first. I had never heard an elderly woman at church talk like that. The more I talked with her, the more it escalated, and the more uncomfortable I became. I no longer wanted to go to her tea party, but I couldn't back out, I was bringing the tea.

On the day of the tea party I was the first to arrive at her house. I left my purse locked in the car and carried in the tea, hot water pot, and my car keys. I set my keys on a tall stool at the end of the kitchen counter. It was warm inside so I took off my sweater and set it on the stool on top of my keys.  

As the guests arrived, the elderly woman gave tours of her home and art studio. I didn't know she was an artist so I followed the other guests down the hall. As she spoke about her house, her artwork, and family, she peppered her sentences with cuss words. I could tell the other women from my church were also uncomfortable. They each excused themselves from her studio until I alone was with her.

I had finally had enough of her cursing myself and asked her, "Why do you cuss all the time?"

To which she replied, "To shock the churchy ladies. I just want to shock them out of being such goody goods."

It was intentional? Remember, these are the ‘good' women who helped her after her husband died. That's when I realized the Spirit of God was not in her even though she went to church. Her actions were mean-spirited and unthankful. Repulsed by it, I planned to leave her tea party as soon as possible.

One guest arrived late and had a difficult time finding a place to park on the steep road next her house. She accidentally backed her car into a deep drainage ditch. I offered to call AAA to tow her out but my keys were no longer on the stool under my sweater. I needed my keys to unlock my car to get the AAA card in my purse. Since I was no help, someone else called a tow truck as I frantically looked elsewhere for my car keys. Unable to find my keys I second-guessed myself and thought I locked them in the car. After the tow truck driver pulled my friend's car out of the ditch he kindly unlocked my car. But searching my car and purse my keys were not in there.

I went back inside and sat at one of the small tables. I started to quietly pray asking God to help me find my keys. I felt God tell me He had taken my keys and hid them. I became angry and in my mind I started arguing with God. I told Him I was uncomfortable being there and wanted to leave as early as possible. I wanted to know why He took my keys. I felt like He was telling me, "I want you to wash her dishes." In my mind I argued back at that thought, "No, I don't want to, I want to leave. Don't make me wash her dishes." Another thought came to mind, "Wash her dishes or I won't give you your keys."

My friend across the table noticed I was upset and asked if I was all right. I told her I was arguing with God. Being a very Spiritual person, so replied, "God always wins." I knew she was right.

I don't recall much about the party, except the numerous times I got up to see if my keys were on the stool under my sweater. We ate, drank tea, and the elderly woman told stories about her late husband. As her guests began to leave, I wanted to leave too. I wanted to be at home with my kids, but there was something God wanted me to do first.

Checking one last time for my keys on the stool under my sweater without success, I began washing her dishes. She was busy clearing tables and removing table clothes. As I looked around, there was no one else there. No other women stayed to help her clean up afterward. I didn't blame them; they probably felt as I did. Seeing her clearing tables by herself made me feel sorry for her. She went to church, she heard the word of God, and she witnesses these women help her in her time of need. Yet she harbored a mean spirit towards them. Her mean spirit drove them off and left her alone.

With a load of table clothes in her arms, she came and stood next to me and asked, "Why are you washing my dishes?"

What came out of my mouth were not my own words, for I would have said something totally different. Instead, the Holy Spirit took control of my mouth and out came the words, "Because Jesus loves you."

She didn't reply but just walked away. I kept washing the dishes, and when I was finished, I found my keys under my sweater on the stool where I originally set them. I can’t explain how this happened, but I do know why. God had a message for the elderly woman. He wanted her to know He loved her.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

 

This is a story from my new book coming out soon, titled

"Meant To Be Shared - True Stories of God's Presence in the Life of an Ordinary Person." 

The book is a compilation of true stories where God made Himself known. It's my prayer these stories will encourage you in your faith or convince you there's a loving God who is active in people's lives.

 

A Gift In Secret

Happy Sunday everyone! Here's an inspirational Story from when I was working in an Architectural office in Los Angeles. 

My boss was in a fowl mood all morning. I had never seen him like this before. It wasn’t clear why he was upset. He had already yelled at several people who weren’t prepared for it. I avoided him by staying glued to my work at my desk.

When it was time to break for lunch I went to my typical spot and read my Bible while I ate. I had been reading Proverbs so I continued where I last left off. There I read, “A gift in secret subdues anger.” - Proverbs 21:14.

I wondered if that would work for my boss. I left the café early and headed for the nearest conscience store seeking what I might find to give in secret to test the Proverb. The only thing that got my attention was a role of rainbow LifeSavers. They seemed like a cheesy gift, but I couldn’t stop thinking about them, so I bought them and quickly went back to work to sneak them into his office and on his desk.

I returned to my desk and waited. Back in his office Andy yelled out, this time in a joyful tone, “LifeSavers! Who put these on my desk? These are my favorite!” He asked everyone who passed his office. He never asked me and I wasn’t about to tell him, it was meant to be a secret. Of course it isn’t anymore, but at the time, the gift in secret did subdue his anger. He was like a little kid trying to figure out who knew what his favorite candy was and who gave them to him, proving God’s Word is LifeSaving!

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Donuts with Grandma

My maternal Grandmother was the most instrumental in my belief in God. Not because of the things she said, but for the things she did. As a child when I stayed at her house for the weekend she made an effort to leave early on Sunday morning to stop at Winchell’s Doughnut Shop before church. The shop was long and narrow with small tables lined up against the wall on the right, and a long counter of donuts on the left. Typically one or two homeless-looking men sat at their own tables.

While I eyed the donuts, Grandma greeted the men sitting quietly at the tables. She would tell them that God loved them, and then ask if she could give them a ride to church. I can still see her in my mind’s eye pointing out the glass windows down the street in the direction she would gladly take them.

At first her actions shocked me. Grandma was an elegant woman. Her home was a dreamy cottage with frilly lampshades, beautifully upholstered furniture, and tailored curtains. She was always dressed well, her hair was always styled, with perfect make-up that brought out the cheerfulness in her face. Even her car, a turquoise Thunderbird, was impeccable.

It was inconceivable at my age that she would let an un-showered stranger in her car with us. But as I grew up I discovered she did this for each of her Grandchildren. While I thought I was about to receive the blessing of a donut, she was blessing me with things eternal. She was showing me how to love others and how to share the good news of God's salvation. That was her true character. Her willingness to yield to Christ pushed past the façade. Jesus through her greeted each stranger and offered them hope in the way of an invitation. As I stood there holding a doughnut wrapped in a napkin in one hand and an orange juice in the other, wearing a pretty dress she made for me, I was seeing Jesus through her.

My Grandmother’s acts have forever encouraged me, knowing the small interactions with others may actually be life changing for them. So I grab every opportunity to reveal God to others. It may be as simple as sharing with a Taco Bell drive thru employee that he is named after the first man God created; his name tag read, “ADAM.” His response, “Wow, I didn’t know that.”

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Mustard Seed Faith

Happy Sunday everyone! Here's a little painting inspired while studying Matthew with my Bible Study buddies. May God who created all that's pure and lovely increase your faith in Him, and grant you His abundant blessings this New Year.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and of all the seeds it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air find shelter in its branches." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:31-32‬

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Look Up, Luke 21:27-28

Happy Sunday!
Bible art illustration in my Amplified Bible.

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Sketching Scripture - The Four Soils

Happy Sunday everyone! I've been studying Matthew 13:1-23, the Parable of the Four Soils.  Sketching what I read often helps me see the message more clearly, and I became challenged by Jesus's teaching.

 

The thorns represent the false security of riches, glamour and fame, as well as the cares of this world. They are actually not a pleasant place to be.  It looks green with some lovely purple flowers, but the blossom's only purpose is to reseed more thorny brambles.  The things of this world look lovely, at first, but trying to survive in it becomes a struggle, where everything pure and lovely is choked out.  Illustrating it made it clear it's a tangled trap. I place I don't want to go.

Leaving the thorns for the open road seems like a way better place to be, but is has its drawbacks as well. Being exposed leaves one vulnerable. It's here Jesus explains how the birds, the enemy, Satan actually, steals whatever truths were given. The open road is where we are robbed of our joy.

Positioning oneself on the rocks looks like a better option. It's not in the thorns and it’s off the open path, but here whatever truths are taught can't take root in our hearts. Why, because it's on the sideline, not in the actual field.  It represents half-heartedness, not going all the way, approaching truth but not taking hold of it.  When difficulties arise, a hard heart soon looses hope and is filled with despair, easily giving up all it had believed at first.

Ultimately the only fruitful place to be is in the rich soil of God's love, where the seeds of His truths can take root deep within our hearts and lives.  It's here where our feet get muddy as the Holy Spirit waters us with His peace.  As we abide in Christ's care He surrounds us in His ever-loving protection, fills us with His hope, and causes us to live fruitful lives.

I'm not going to lie to you: it's not always going to be rosy in the fruitful field. The enemy of our souls will plant his weeds among us, the birds will hover overhead, and haters will cast their stones when they don't understand us. But Jesus understands us, and He loves us beyond all measure. There is no better place to be than in His care. When we fully trust and yield to His guidance, He causes His fruit to abound in and though us.  Then when the fruit that He planted in our hearts takes root, it reseeds in the lives of others.

May this illustration help you decide where you want to be.  Me, I'm choosing to cling to Jesus, the one who paid the ultimate price for my redemption.  It's not unreasonable to anticipate thorns, birds, or stones in my journey.  But God is bigger than my enemy, for greater is He who lives in me the he who lives in the world. 

All glory and honor be to God the Father and to Jesus His Son, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who made a way for us to be free.

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Meaning of the "Twelves Days Of Christmas" Song

There is one very interesting translation of the "12 Days of Christmas" dating back to England between 1558 and 1829 when Catholics were prohibited by law to practice their faith, in public or in private.  In other words, it was illegal to be Catholic until 1829 when Parliament emancipated them. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song was a coded message written as a memory aid to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith.  Since the song sounded like a nursery rhyme, authorities didn't suspect it and young Catholics could sing it without fear.  The song, in a sense, is an allegory with each of the gifts in the song representing something significant to the Bible.

The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."  The True Love repeated in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but to God himself.  The Me receiving each gift is the believing Christian.

The Partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus on the Cross.  A mother partridge will fake an injury to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She is even willing to die for them. The tree symbolizes the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve.  It also represents the cross from which Christ was sacrificed for our salvation.

The two turtle doves refers to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. 

The three French hens stand for faith, hope and love -- the three gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. 

Four calling birds refer to the four Apostles who wrote the Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Five golden rings represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. 

Six geese a-laying is the six days of creation. 

Seven swans a-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. 

Eight maids a-milking reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Ten lords a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments. 

Eleven pipers piping refers to the eleven faithful Apostles. 

Twelve drummers drumming were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostle's Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

May this bit of trivia bless you, as it demonstrates the creativity of those clinging to their faith even when doing so meant personal harm.  It inspired me to create a Christmas cad which I made available for you to share and encourage others. If you are interested in passing on the meaning of this song, please feel free to copy and paste the text into your own word file and make a cute flier to share.  Sorry the artwork is copyrighted so no permission is given to copy and share, but the good news is, I have the actual greeting cards in stock ready to send which contains all the artwork of each gift illustrated throughout. I would be thrilled if you would graciously pass one along.

At only $3.50, which includes a festive Holiday Tea infused with citrus, almonds, clove and cinnamon, it becomes a gift on its own.

Merry Christmas everyone! Abundant Blessing for a joyous New Year!

Kim

 

The Narrow Way

This week I did a personal word study in the Bible on all the verses that speak of "WAY." Webster defines "way" as: a road or path, a method of doing something.

The Psalms contain prayers asking God to lead in the way of everlasting, and teach the way of truth. Twice Proverbs instructs, "There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end is the way of death." Isaiah speaks of the way of the just. Jeremiah tells of one way. Jesus proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

To a multitude Jesus taught, "Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straightened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 Amplified Bible

My illustration was created with watercolor pencils, from a previous doodle I did in another study Bible. May it bless and encourage you to walk in the Way.

Between Feedings

While illustrating the miraculous feeding of the 5000 and the feeding of the 4000 recorded in Matthew 14:15-15:36, I discovered a treasure of references "to chew on" between the feedings regarding eating and bread.

Jesus miraculously feeds 5000 men, not including the women and children, with just two fish and five loaves of bread. In the middle of the night Jesus walks out on the water to His disciples struggling in the wave-tossed boat, eventually causing the wind to cease. When they reached the other side, immediately the people brought their sick begging Jesus to touch just the tassel of his rob, and all who did were healed.

According to my "Harmony of the Gospels" it's this crowd who Jesus teaches, "I AM the Bread of Life" (John 6:22-71). They want a sign from Jesus in order to believe Him, like the miracle of manna, bread from heaven, which they received from Moses. Jesus assures them that Moses didn't give them the bread from heaven, but His Father; saying, "For the bread of God is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."  "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I give for the life of the world is My flesh."

Scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem observing some of Jesus' disciples eating their bread with unwashed hands, question Jesus, accusing them of transgressing and violating the rules handed down by the elders of the past, that of not washing their hands before they eat. Jesus reprimands the Scribes and Pharisees for transgressing and violating the commandment of God. Did you catch that? The Pharisees argue about the commandments of men.  Jesus brings up their violations of breaking the commandment of God, that of not honoring your father and mother for the sake of the rules handed down by men, calling the Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites and blind guides. 

Jesus explains to His disciples the obvious: that which is eaten goes into the stomach is then eliminated.  But, "from out of the heart come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, lewdness, stinginess, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. These are the things that defiled a man; but eating with unwashed hands does not defiled a man."

Next, Jesus is approached by a Canaanite woman begging Him to heal of her demon possessed daughter.  They have a conversation where Jesus asks her, "Is it right to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs?" Her answer causes Jesus to commend her great faith and He heals her daughter.

Are you seeing this picture? Jesus reprimands the Jewish religious leaders calling them hypocrites, yet commends a non-Jewish woman as having great faith and blesses her.

The Pharisees accuse Jesus.  The woman believes Jesus.

Jesus has pity on the 4000 who remain.  Repeating the last miraculous feeding them with just seven loaves and a few fish, the scripture says, "And they all ate and were satisfied."

I believe Jesus is saying: it's not about when or how you wash your hands (man's traditions handed down), or the bread that was multiplied (the actual miracles that filled their stomachs), it’s about Jesus Himself.

It's all about Him. He is whom we seek. He gives life.

The struggle is exactly the same today.

Do we ignore God’s commandments for the sake of man's rules?

Or do we believe God and receive His Life-giving Bread, Jesus, and live?

 

This is just a paraphrase of the story, where the Holy Spirit caused me to notice the various mentions of bread while illustrating in my Bible, along with the challenge to live a life pleasing to Jesus.  I do not negate the vast teachings these passages have to offer, and I encourage you to read the text in its entirety found in Matthew 14:15-15:36, Mark 6:30-7:30 to discover what the Holy Spirit can teach you personally.

How to Become a Prosperous & Successful Business Woman

At my local bookstore I was browsing the clearance section when my eyes caught a glimpse of a book about how to be a successful and prosperous businesswoman. Picking it up I was disappointed at the vagueness of its contents, which explained why it was marked down. The truth is, God's word already tells us how to be prosperous and successful.

"This Book of the Law (the Bible) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." -Joshua 1:8.

Probably not the advice you were expecting?  Not sure if this is the approach you would take, or if putting God first changes anything, or that an all powerful and all knowing God can make your way prosperous? I challenge you to try it, to put God first, not like rubbing a Genie’s bottle, but in genuine practice seeking to know who He is and how vast His love is for you. How do I know this is true? This has been my business model since the day I stepped out on a hunch with only change in a jar, trusted God, and prayed.

A Small Stone

During the Easter message, Pastor Bob had each of us take a small stone from a basket that was passed through the rows. He encouraged us to live a resurrected life in the light and love of Christ, to let Jesus roll away the stones that cover our eyes and hearts. Not intending for us to keep our stones, he asked us to thank the Lord that He's moved the rocks out of our way, and then he asked us to lay our stones down at the cross, giving our stones to the One who carries our burdens, who makes them light, and gives us life.

Funny thing: I was waiting for my friend sitting next to me to take her rock up. I had other plans for mine. We glanced at each other once without a word. Then she leaned over and whispered, "I'm going to keep mine to remind me of the things that stand in my way."  Delighted I wasn't alone in my thought I told her, "I'm keeping mine too." But my plans were different. The rock I ended up with seemed perfect for an illustration that came to mind.

Mixed media, Watercolor and rock.

Watercolor: Kimberly Shaw 2015

Rock: God in the beginning

For His Own Glory

An inspirational old oak on one of the back roads near my home.

 

Holy Week

It's a few days till Easter, a powerful event where God demonstrated His great love for us. 

I have been overwhelmed this year, this season, at this moment, by God's deep love. 

It is endless, powerful, and immeasurable.

I was blessed with a Godly family heritage.

This is my childhood Bible given by my Grandmother. She typed and glued her testimony inside.  May it be a source of encouragement to lead you to an understanding of God's deep love for you and His great plan for your life.

Appreciation of the Mystery
Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

 

Field

"Field" acrylic on 8x10 canvas copyright Kimberly Shaw 2014

I quickly painted this last Spring as a background, planning to add more to it, but I think I knew it was finished at this stage. It reminds me of a time when my son could barely see out the back window from his car seat. He and I were on our way to NE Oceanside. Having passed the main part of town we came to a clearing. Brad raised his little arm, pointed out the car window, and exclaimed, "A field, mommy! A field!" I'll never forget that moment. Brad's name means, "a broad clearing." It was then God revealed He had a hand in influencing Brad's name which describes the character God gave him. Brad has always loved open spaces, and I love that about him. I don't have the heart to add more to this painting. It represents a memory I never want to forget, of Brad when he was little, and of God when He was big.

Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas Song

Because it's Christmas, a time for starting new traditions, I'm reposting this wonderful story because I've decided to start a new tradion this year based on the song (to be posted next...). In the mean time, enjoy reading the meaning of this charming song.

While there is some dispute over this translation of the song, tradition has it that in England, between 1558 and 1829, Catholics were prohibited by law to practice their faith in public or in private.  Until Parliament emancipated Catholics in England in 1829, it was illegal to be Catholic. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was a coded message written in England as a memory aid to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, authorities would not know that is was a religious song and young Catholics could sing it without fear of imprisonment.  The song is, in a sense, an allegory with each of the gifts in the song representing something significant to the Bible.

The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."  The "true love" repeated in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but to God himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to the believing Christian.

The Partridge in a pear tree refers to Jesus Christ upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy s predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the cross. 

The two turtle doves refers to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. 

The three French hens stand for faith, hope and love -- the three gifts of the Spirit that abide, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. 

Four calling birds refer to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Five golden rings represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. 

Six geese a-laying is the six days of creation. 

Seven swans a-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. 

Eight maids a-milking reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Ten lords a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments. 

Eleven pipers piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles. 

Twelve drummers drumming were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostle's Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

My Twelve Days of Christmas Teacup Greeting card is available for purchase at kimberlyshawgraphics.com and comes with a delicious Holiday tea, from Harney and Sons, tucked in the rim of the tea pot for your recipient to savor the warmth of Christmas.

Jupiter and the Moon

Watercolor by Kimberly Shaw Dec 20, 2013

I enjoy the night sky immensely and I almost missed this event if God had answered my prayer. It was a silly prayer.  I was tired and wanted to sleep. I went to bed early, about 8:30.  I typically sleep very well, but on December 18th sleep escaped me.  After an hour I shouted out loud, "God, I'm so tired I just want to sleep!"

A few minutes later a bright light from outside flooded my room.  A closer look revealed the full moon overhead and a bright star next to it.  A quick Google search told me it was Jupiter, which would be 2 degrees from the moon on Dec 18th at 9:30pm in the Pacific Northwest.  Even more amazing to me, personally, it was a cloudless night where it had been overcast all week. 

With my big coat over my PJ's, I stepped outside into the cold winter air to marvel at the wonder of God who, at the opportune time cleared the sky to show me His creation and kept me awake to see it.

Hath God Not Prommised

God hath not promised skies always blue,  Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know, Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;

He hath not told us we shall not bear, Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide, Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;

Never a mountain, rocky and steep, Never a river, turbid and deep.

But god hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the laborer, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

                                “God Hath Not Promised"  -Annie Johnson Flint

For Peace & Brotherhood

My son, at age 16, took a College English class.  He came home urging me to read his assignment, Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"  which was written to "Christian and Jewish brothers."

As a believer, it is one of the most powerful and moving letters I have ever read, especially in light of who it was writen to.  If you are compelled to read it, the link above takes you to an printable pdf of his six page letter.

This will be a sign to you

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” -Luke 2:8-14     Merry Christmas!

 

12 Days of Christmas

While there is some dispute over this translation of the song, tradition has it that in England, between 1558 and 1829, Catholics were prohibited by law to practice their faith in public or in private.  Until Parliament emancipated Catholics in England in 1829, it was illegal to be Catholic. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was a coded message written in England as a memory aid to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, authorities would not know that is was a religious song and young Catholics could sing it without fear of imprisonment.  The song is, in a sense, an allegory with each of the gifts in the song representing something significant to the Bible.

The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."  The "true love" repeated in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but to God himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to the believing Christian.

The Partridge in a pear tree refers to Jesus Christ upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy s predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the cross. 

The two turtle doves refers to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. 

The three French hens stand for faith, hope and love -- the three gifts of the Spirit that abide, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. 

Four calling birds refer to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Five golden rings represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. 

Six geese a-laying is the six days of creation. 

Seven swans a-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. 

Eight maids a-milking reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Ten lords a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments. 

Eleven pipers piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles. 

Twelve drummers drumming were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostle's Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

My Twelve Days of Christmas Teacup Greeting card is available for purchase at kimberlyshawgraphics.com and comes with a delicious Holiday tea, from Harney and Sons, tucked in the rim of the tea pot for your recipient to savor the warmth of Christmas.

The Miracle of Hanukkah

While I am not Jewish, I do love and appreciate the miracle God performed for the Jews who trusted Him against great odds.  About 2200 years ago, Greek kings reigning from Damascus ruled over the land of Judea and the Jewish people living there.  Antiochus Epiphanes, a Greco-Syrian king, forbid the Jewish people from praying to their God, practicing their customs, and studying their Torah.  He placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Jewish Holy Temple in Jerusalem forcing the Jews to worship the Greek god. 

In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. They fought against paganism and oppression. The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is the reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations. In one battle near Beit Horon, Judah's small army is intimidated by the size of the Greco-Syrian army and Judah tells the Jews to have faith that God is on their side:

But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said unto Judah: 'What? shall we be able, being a small company, to fight against so great and strong a multitude? ...' And Judah said: 'It is an easy thing for many to be shut up in the hands of a few, and there is no difference in the sight of Heaven to save by many or by few; for victory in battle standeth not in the multitude of an host, but strength is from Heaven. They come unto us in fullness of insolence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, for to spoil us; but we fight for our lives and our laws. And He Himself will discomfort them before our face; but as for you, be yet not afraid of them." (The First Book of Maccabees)

According to tradition, when the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple, they discovered that the Greco-Syrians had defiled the oil which was used for the Temple's menorah. Only one vat of purified oil remained. A miracle occurred when one day of oil burned for eight days. This is why the Hanukkah Menorah has eight candles (not including the shamash candle used to light the others) and why Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days.   Against great odds, after three years of fighting, the Maccabees succeeded to drive the Greco-Syrians out of Judea. Hanukkah proclaims the message of the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit." The Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, removing the Greek symbols and statues. When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they rededicated it. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev in 164 BCE, the Temple was purified and rededicated. Hanukkah began this year at sundown on Friday December 11th and continues until the 19th.  This history is taken from different sources, please feel free to share any other part of this story you know. I would also appreciate knowing any of your traditions when celebrating Hanukkah.

My Hanukkah Teacup Greeting card was fun and challenging to paint as I worked out the different ways to incorporate the Menorah, Dradle, Dove and the Jewish star.  It comes with kosher Jasmine tea from Harney & Sons Fine Teas.

Easter Prayer

  This illustration is from Dale Evan's Prayer Book for Children.  It reminds me of my childhood Easters, wearing a new dress my mom made, attending my Grandparent's church where my parents met, with all my Aunts, uncles, and cousins.  The old ladies always commented on how much we had grown.

I'll never forget the lady's lounge. It was a small room, with a big red velvet couch, which lead to the restroom.  It was always crowded with ladies consoling each other, asking for prayer, and encouraging one other.  This is where my Grandmothers would discuss scripture, sometimes even debate it.  From my point of view, as a little girl, God was always in the lady's lounge.

 

 

 

The Eleventh Hour

Last Wednesday I was so exhausted I went to bed before 9 pm.  At 11:11 on the digital clock I instantly woke back up. Wide awake, I got out of bed to get a drink of water and turn off the lights that had been left on downstairs.  When I went back to bed I couldn’t get to sleep, but had the nagging feeling I should pray for my children, my daughter in particular.  At 11:48 I felt pressed to get up and go back downstairs.

Just as I reached the bottom of the stairs I was startled by my 21 yr old daughter unlocking the door from outside.  I thought everyone was at home. I told her how I had just been urged to come down the stairs, and how coincidental it was that she was walking through the door at the exact same time I was there.  I then shared with her how odd it seemed that I woke up suddenly at 11:11. “That is weird,” she said. “Just as I left to come home I checked the time and it was 11:11.”  

Had I prayed her home? Was there a pressing need to intervene for something we are unaware of? Or is God simply drawing our relationship closer? It’s hard to say, but it’s evident to me God touched each of our lives at the exact same times.

If you have a "God" story you'd like to share, I would LOVE to hear it!!!

Most Interesting Person I Ever Met

As a girl when I stayed with my Grandma Lepp on weekends, she made an effort to leave early on Sunday morning to stop at the doughnut shop before church. While we waited in line, she would tell the homeless guys sitting at tables along the side wall that God loved them, and then ask if she could give them a ride to church just across the street.  At first her actions seemed so out of character. Her home, her dress, make-up (she was a Mary Kay Rep), and even her car were impeccable.  It was inconceivable she would let an un-showered stranger in her car.  But as I grew up, I discovered from my cousins that she did this for each of her Grand kids.  She modeled Christ to us, how to love others and how share the good news of God's salvation. That was her true character.  This little dish, which belonged to her, reminds me of holding a doughnut wrapped in a napkin in one hand and an orange juice in the other, wearing a pretty dress she made me, and seeing Jesus modeled through her life style as she reached out to others without prejudice.

WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING & INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE?

A Humbling Story

This post could also be titled, "Pride Goeth Before a Fall."  It's a God inspired lesson which I learned with a bit of pain.  I've discovered children really like this story. It must be the "glasses embedded into my face" part.

When I created this Nativity Teacup card for Christmas, I delayed painting it until the last moment.  I was over ambitious trying to watercolor 8 new cards in a short period of time, and after the 7th I was drained of ideas.  Exhausted from staying up late to meet my deadline, I went for a walk and prayed for God to give me an idea for a Christmas card.  He filled my mind with images of an angel, a star, shepherds on the teacup, sheep in a field on the saucer, the manger in the foreground, and shadows cast from the star.  Behind the teacup is the little town of Bethlehem.  With new excitement I began painting, and when I was finished I mounted it next to the other new cards, stepped back for a look, and proclaimed out loud (I was alone), "Wow! I'm amazing!!!"  Returning to my desk to clean up, feeling quite puffed up from my accomplishments, my over exuberant stride caused my foot to stumble abruptly on the leg of my desk, pitching me off balance, forcefully slamming my face onto the desktop. I can still remember how it felt with my glasses embedded into my cheek.

As I lay there catching my breath, God reminded me of, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18  Lesson learned!

Giving Thanks

This is one of my cards that was inspired by a REALLY BIG story.
 
I was in front of my house chatting with my neighbor, Susan, when another neighbor, Rebeca, walked over to say, Hello." Susan and I must have been talking about God, because all I can recall is Rebeca's asking us, "How do you know God is real?" After sharing verses from the Bible, Rebeca repeated, "But HOW do you know?" After sharing the story of Jesus, Rebeca asked again, "BUT, HOW do you know Jesus is the way to God, not Buddha, or Mohammad, or...."  she continued listing other religions.  Finally I told her what I did when I didn't know either. I said, "I figured that if Jesus was real and He was God, He was fully capable of proving it.  So, I asked Him to prove to me He was real, and He did."

"OK!" she said, "But it better be REALLY BIG!!!" and walked home.

A week later, after several headaches and confused speech, Rebeca was diagnosed with a brain tumor, rushed to the hospital and operated on shortly after.  She was told the surgery would cause impaired vision, hearing and speech. 

I was at the hospital 30 minutes after her surgery. I watched down the hall as her family wept with joy because Rebeca could see, hear and speak normally.

After Rebeca settled in at home I went to visit her.  She reminded me of the conversation we had in front of my house with Susan.  She told me she had made her peace with God before going into surgery, and if God was real, He could prove it to her by allowing her see, hear and speak after her tumor was removed.  That was the "REALLY BIG" way God proved to her He was real and Jesus was the way.

Filled with overwhelming thankfulness for how God revealed Himself to Rebeca, I painted this card.

I've made this "Give Thanks" Teacup greeting card available at kimberlyshawgraphics.com on SALE for $1.67 with a Cinnamon Spice tea bag tucked in the rim of the cup so you can generously share your thankfulness with others.

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4

Drop in the Bucket

In response to the events that took place in our nation last week, this verse kept running through my thoughts. 

"Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing." Isaiah 40:15

I imagined God holding a large galvanized farm bucket.  With his wrist, He's twirling the bucket as a drop of water rolls around the bottom.  I'm reminded that He is in control, and whenever He wants to roll our nation to the other side of the bucket, He can.