The Mortal Muses are posting daily prompts that relate to the Christmas season - words like Hope, Peace, Surprise. Photographers - real and wannabe - are encouraged to link a picture they feel best conveys that word. (There are some prizes involved to motivate participation during these busy days.)

Today's prompt is Joy. I knew immediately that I had to join the fun. This is my picture that is joy personified.

Joie de vivre

There is so much to learn from this shot. She was at my house to get some last minute tutoring on a 4-H project. It was hot and humid. She didn't bring a bathing suit. She was discouraged with her project and she was fighting homesickness.

But... she abandoned to joy! What a moment!

I came across a verse today in Jeremiah. The last part says "...and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord."(31:14)  All the seasonal angst over gifts and baking and projects suddenly seemed so pointless.The joy of life is not ever about what I do... it's about contentedly dwelling in God's goodness. The goodness of God that gave us Jesus, that forgives our sin, that enfolds us in His everlasting love.

What joy!

Merry Christmas!!

freeArt - It's in the mail

Yay!!

Even as I type, a piece of Guerrilla Art is finally finished, prayed over, and in the mailbox. Now it is up to the USPS to deliver the package by 12/19.

The required size (6x6) is larger than I usually make, so it was a challenge to fill the space. Last night, there was an "empty" spot that bothered me. This morning, I found the perfect filler - a piece of rusted wire from the disintegrating bundle.

So, "THANK YOU!" to Cloth Paper Scissors for an opportunity to grow... yet again.

Now, I must get working on Christmas cards!

Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58

The freeArt show

Yesterday was haircut day.

Beside having the whole day in the "big city" to get things done, that means I have Guerrilla art in my purse. It is a challenge to find a non-retail, well trafficked place to plant the "art" without getting caught, but that's half the fun.

So imagine how excited I was this morning to read the Cloth Paper Scissors announcement that they are having a "freeArt" sidewalk show in NYC this month.

Since they inspired my preoccupation with Guerrilla art, it seems that I should submit something to the show, right? All submissions have to be in their office by December 19... only 11 days to make and mail.

Yikes.

There are Christmas cards to finish, and gifts to buy, and food to cook, and S.S. lessons to prepare, and ... life to live... and I think I'm making excuses. That's at least a week to do at least one thing.

And... I could add New York to my list of states with Guerrilla art "drops"! Want to join the show? Go here to read all about it.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

2 Timothy 1:7

Scripture styles

My grandson's kindergarten class was working on their Bible verse together.

"Genesis 1:27. God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  Genesis 1:27"

After letting each of the children recite the verse by themselves, the teacher thinks her job is finished. However, Isaac, my grandson, has this great idea...

Ike:  "Mrs. ____, I can say the verse in opera."

Mrs ____: "Okay....? Go ahead."

Ike (standing as any serious opera singer would) proceeds to sing the entire verse in his best opera voice. As he sits down, another boy raises his hand.

Boy 2: "I can do it country!"

The stunned teacher listens as the country style version of Genesis 1:27 is shared with the class.

As soon as Boy 2 finishes his country-style Scripture, Ike offers the rock version.

By the time the rock version (complete with guitar motions) ends, Mrs. ____ has regained her composure and moves the class on to another subject.

He who sings opera.... or rock.

Which goes to show that... well.... it doesn't show anything, I suppose. But I'll bet that classroom of people will n-e-v-e-r forget Genesis 1:27!

Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Psalm 119:54