Temptations that Draw Me Away from Priorites

Temptations are all around us. How come so many of them come wrapped in chocolate! Now in the big picture I don't think this is one of the serious temptations. Though one I fall to to often....;)
This weeks Artful lent verse is  and asks us what keeps us from a relationship with God. This is were temptation comes in for me. Its in the for of the word  "priorities".

Week 2 for the Artful Lent Journal, Cherry Ashen Fargo  suggest that we prepare ourselves early on.To be armed with scripture verses that will protect us from the lies of the enemy and remind us of your purpose for following the leading of the Spirit to this place.     

"Go forward knowing that God will be there for you during this time. He will allow you to be tested but as you look to Him, He will strengthen you and provide you with a way of escape from your temptations. It may be challenging but it will be worth it! " Peter 5:10

I found myself thinking about the temptations that keep me from growing closer to God. Most of which have to do with time. In my artful lent piece I drew the path to God . All HIS natural beauty.Rays drawing the eye to the Holy Spirit. whom I need to listen for better. Along the way are what the devil tells me are my priorities. Time,my chores and responsibilities.Working with my kids on more homework than I can remember ever doing in my school years.Work and making money,chores like getting the yard work done. A bit of chocolate temptation and the all needed sleep so I can do it all over again.



All these things take me away from spending time in the word, in church and praying. I know if I spent the time doing these things all the rest would be better. So this week I am focusing on just that. God first. The rest will follow.

How will you put God first?

Drawing Nearer to God with Artful Lent

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

Psalms 145:18

2015 Lent is upon us. I am following and using Tamara Peterson's Artful Lent Journal prompts for my Twisted Line drawings (zentangle inspired) again this year.I found her a little over a week into lent last year and never did catch up. :(. I am determined and inspired to draw closer to the Lord through lent, through art. 
 Beginning our journey with ASH WEDNESDAY.

Ash Wednesday is the name given to the first day of the season of Lent, in which the Pastor applies ashes to the foreheads of Christians to signify an inner repentance. Anglo-Saxon abbot Aelfric (955-1020). In his Lives of the Saints, he writes, 

"We read in the books both in the Old Law and in the New that the men who repented of their sins bestrewed themselves with ashes and clothed their bodies with sackcloth. Now let us do this little at the beginning of our Lent that we strew ashes upon our heads to signify that we ought to repent of our sins during the Lenten fast."

And Tamara had this to say to get us thinking:"Today take some time to remember who created you and what you were created to do. Slow down and be in his presence, listen to what your creator has for you today and for this journey through Lent. Then dip your hand in the "ashes" and join Jesus on this journey to renew your love and commitment to follow what he has in store for you."

Verse inspiration: Ephesians 2:10

HIS hands of ashes here with LEAVES & SUN representing for me NEW LIFE and a NEW DAY  which HE offers us FREELY. This helps free me knowing I get another chance,another day to do it better with God's love for me.

May you be free to feel God's love though all you do.