Jesus on a Chain

Walking in the activity center where I used to work today, I am hugged on the leg and greeted by a small person, a cute face asking if I could walk him upstairs. I am busy talking to a teen artist telling me about how he is learning to airbrush and starting his own clothing line. The little guy runs off and I get to listen to a teen who, before, didn't have much motivation for his amazing artwork, now excited about cultivating his gift.

Just around the corner, a little boy with a gold chain comes up to give me a hug. I kneel down to ask him his name and come eye to eye with a person on a medallion on a chain. It looks to me like an Egyptian pharaoh. I ask him what it is, and he says, "Jesus." I ask him to tell me about Jesus, and with wide eyes, he says, "He turned water into wine!" "He parted the water." I ask him if he knew what Jesus thought about kids and told him the story about the disciples telling the kids to get away from Jesus; that they were bothering him. Jesus never was too busy and always had time for the little people thinking they were very special!
"Nuhuh, that's not true!" this little boy says indignantly. "Oh yes it is" I say as I get to tell him it's because kids are special. He is special.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 16:18

Carrying the Load

Today I happened to look down on the kitchen floor to what I thought was a spec of dirt. Well, dirt doesn't move and as I squatted down to get a closer look, what I saw made me think. A large ant was crawling, but couldn't crawl as fast because there was a piece of lint stuck to his back right leg. As I examined the ant, God reminded me that is how we are. We can carry around burdens that slow us down.
As a woman, I have often thought I have to do everything for everyone, which I am learning is just plain exhausting. I am learning, bit by bit, to take care and then care for what I can...not everything. Also, letting the little things be little things and not turn into bitterness, unforgiveness, regret, or anger. These are heavy burdens to carry! To have these buried landmines in my heart affects my health and the relationships with others around me. It's like a volcano and when I have talked with the person instead of ignoring things, I have found that over time, the relationships gradually improve as trust improves.
All that from a little ant. I love how God uses the everyday things..


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1


“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).

What's up with the RITZ?

Well, back in my home town here..in Illinois and I never remember RITZ crackers being so popular when I was a kid. Now, they are everywhere. This may not be funny to anyone else, but I said to myself, "If I see another box of RITZ crackers, I am going to create a blog post!"

Lo and behold, in the checkout line at Walmart,,,there it was RITZ! I mean, how many of these can you eat in the cold season? I have to admit, I do like them with cheese and summer sausage, but my sister and I were not raised on them. We were from a health food family, which I am grateful for now. I'm talking applesauce with pizza type of family. One vegetable or fruit with every meal and NO SODA!!

Anyway, back to the RITZ. I saw them on my family's dining room table for a straight  month, at Schnucks, in pantries, and at the front display at Walmart. I had to smile as I am just thankful for the little things; small crackers in a small town. 

Are you an artist?

Doing my normal walk through the neighborhood park the other day, I was stopped by an older man asking me if I was an artist. With a black tshirt and jeans, I think I looked like just a regular person, nothing particularly outstanding, I thought, that would identify me as an artist.

This man, G, then went on to say how he had just moved back to St Louis after getting into trouble, and trying to start his life over. He said he wanted to start a painting company and painted the murals for St Louis Center in the past. He then pulled a worn out thick Bible from a grocery bag he had sitting by him on the park bench. He said he's in his 60s and jusT starting life over and grateful to God for giving him another chance.
As I listened to him talk, it reminded me of how amazing it is that anyone can start over anytime and God is a God who is in the business of meeting us where we are. His optimistic outlook with no friends and no job but with alot of hope to start over was inspiring!

Now to Him who is able to do incredibly more than all we ask, hope, or imagine,  be glory and honor and power forever and ever, Amen.

It's Not The Same

Walking through the Loop the other day, I was stopped by a man with a cane and a cup asking for money. He talked about his story...his life..going to school as a young black male, and not having the same opportunities as other kids. He had to drop out of school to help his family. After having served in Vietnam, he came back with brain damage and was not able to find a job. He talked about having hope in Jesus, and then gave a me a hug. You never know who you are going to meet...everyone has a story.

ADULT ART PARTIES

READY TO HAVE A NIGHT OUT WITH YOUR GIRLFRIENDS 

OR A COUPLES NIGHT OUT?

Evening Art Parties.

No Experience Necessary, except a desire to HAVE FUN!

Jessica will have art samples of different styles and teach you painting techniques.

YOU provide the space and maybe some yummy snacks, and Jessica brings all the things you will need to express your creative side!

    

Get a group of friends together and create your own party!

ONLY $30 a person. If you get a group of 8 or more together, YOU, the host, get a free painting!

SO....

What are you waiting for? 

**Call Jessica at 805.402.1118 or email at jessicagushart@gmail.com to set up a party**

(All parties need at least 4 people)

FACE PAINTING

!CUSTOM FACE PAINTING!

      

ARE YOU HAVING A PARTY AND NEED SOME UNIQUE FACE PAINTING?

Let Jessica know your theme for a custom face painting party.

She is available to do any designs including tribal designs, glitter/jewel embellishments with designs, animals, and more!

Contact Jessica at 805.402.1118 to add some pizazz to your party.

(Jessica accepts cash only at a flat rate of $20 per hour +mileage costs; call for a quote)