A Paradox in Poetry and Art

Enough

© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers

Poetry is expressed from where I am, where I have been, and where I am going. I write the poem as an expression of human nature and spiritual longing. Throughout time, spirit and verbal expression have moved man.
At times I write poetry after reading scripture, at times when I am pondering, rolling over my need for expression.  I painted an Art Parable titled "Enough" and after reading Isaiah 54, I saw a paradox in my poem of 2013 and my painting in 2004.

Isaiah 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.

I don't believe another can tell you when you are full. There is a satiety point for all.
As you partake in consuming, only you can say when you are full.
Whether you have need of filling or have had enough.
My point is..EAT until you are full.

~Debbie



I Long For You

I long for you
For you to fill my emptiness
To wash away the fullness of that which pains me
To remove the bloat of "everydayness"
The incessant fluff of "nothingness"
Nothing that really matters

I long for you
To open my eyes to new possibilities in a wide place
A place of pure air
A large place where I can breathe
Enlarge my understanding Lord
I long for you

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers







**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Freely Receive, Freely Give

1/2 Hearted Obedience

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Today decide.  Who will YOU serve?  We are to have singleness of heart toward our Redeemer.
All we have and all we are is due Him.  He has paid in Full our Redemption. 
There is a fear in those gathered in mankind of a usurpation. Those that have, which is all, are fearful that someone will take their place.  Rightfully so. For someone has. Jesus Christ has taken and borne our transgressions away.
Men of flesh and bone fear failure.  We cling to our gifts with soulful remorse, knowing and acknowledging little of the value given that is to be shared in this world.
We strive to hang on to our gifting, instead of letting go.  Our heart of pride recognizes the gift within, but quickly shuts the box and ties the bow as though we have not seen His glory.
What are we thinking? What are we doing?
We carefully guard our perceived value, intending to be paid well...for that which we have been freely given. That which was Paid in Full.

We are His children.  A witness of a faithful God in a lost, deceived and dying world.
No man knows the day or the hour of His return.  Be found faithful, be diligent.  He gave all for you and I.  Can we give less? Consider John 10:10.

A house divided can not stand.  We are the tabernacle of God.  The Lord calls us to wholeness in Him. Work and give, while it is yet day.  John 9:4, Matthew 21:28-45

~Debbie



Matthew 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Revelation 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Isaiah 45:13  I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

Behold the Man, The Word Became Flesh

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

Hebrews 9:11-14  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot  to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Acts 15:16-17  After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.



**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Do Not Whisper

My oldest grand-daughter and I were sitting at her small table having a snack, sharing a moment.
Sometimes during these moments of sweet fellowship with my grand-daughter I tend to speak softly, almost conspiratorially.
But this time as I spoke she said "Don't whisper" and I asked "Why?"
To which she replied, "Don't whisper, because I love you!"
I smiled and said "Alright, I love you too. I won't whisper."
She was so serious about her request that I prayerfully considered our interaction during our meal together.
As I thought about it, the Lord brought the scriptures in Matthew 10:27 and Matthew 5:14 to my mind.

So... I am not whispering.
We are a city set on a hill. Let us shine.
What God whispers in our ear, we preach from the housetops!

Do not whisper, because He loves us.
~Debbie


Matthew 21:15-16
Matthew 10:26-27
Matthew 5:14-16
Psalm 8:1-9

Click on the scripture references to see the entire scripture.



All writing,poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers.  All Rights Reserved. Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scriptures from King James Version.

Prayer-Do Not Let Go

Life Line-The Word and Blood of Jesus Christ,

Do Not Let Go

© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers

Prayer: My need to remember that God, who holds all things in His capable hands is holding me and all that concerns me by His Word.     ~Debbie Turner Chavers





War Room the movie is being released to the public today. Beautiful movie, I recommend it. My family and I saw it at the theatre and will be buying a copy for home viewing.  Make an investment in movies with a positive message.

~Debbie



**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Lights

Be a Light, He Went That Way

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Whether the time of His Coming tarries or is upon us quickly, we are to labor in the fields until then.
What is your gift?  Where is your talent?  Is it hidden? If so, pull yourself and it from under the bushel and out of the valley. 
The rest of us NEED you.  Show up.  This is not a dress rehearsal, the stage is set and the curtain has torn. The morning star has risen and we wait for His return.

Do not let the world, a religious or politically correct mindset, or wolves extinguish your light. SHINE.

Read Daniel 12:3

Jesus said...
Matthew 5:14-16  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

~Debbie

Revelation 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.  I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.


We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others.  A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but a "city set upon a hill," he is not to be a candle under a bushel, but a candle in a candlestick, giving light to all.
~Spurgeon



**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

 All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible. www.biblegateway.com 

IGWN

Twitter feed @ArtParables: My new tweet, email, or text reply for 2016 and beyond!
#IGWN (In God's Word Now). Given to me as I studied for The Importance of a Name..
http://debbiechavers.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-importance-of-name.html

Pick it up ..if it reasonates with you. IGWN.. Let everyone know what is a priority for your New Year!

~Debbie




**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

 All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

The Importance of a Name

The importance of a name...

When I was younger I was put in school under an assumed name to protect me from an abusive parent, my natural dad. My mom did this to protect my sister and I.
When I became an adult I dropped my alias name and started using my legal birth last name ( maiden name) which is Turner.
It was part of my journey toward wholeness to reclaim my birth name in the natural.
To take steps to move from the shadows of fear, to trust and walking in the light of God's provision.
Regardless of our history, there was no mistake about the family we were born into.

God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Luke 1
God chose our mother and families also.
Before we were born there was a plan for us.
God does not make mistakes. Psalm 139

Names are important.
Names can define our image of who we are in life and our possibilities in this life.
If you will receive it, God will give you a new name.

We have been granted the ability to live our lives under the power and authority of His name, the name that our Father has bestowed upon us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

To take a name is life changing.
Throughout history and scripture we can see the importance of names.
From Genesis to Revelation there are so many examples of natural names being replaced with a new name.
Each time scripture shows God pronouncing a new name given, it is life changing for the recipient as well as the world.
Life changing.
New creation, life changing.
Luke 1:31 You shall call his name JESUS.

Part of my identity in Christ is to be a turner or one who points others to Jesus Christ.
The irony did not escape me that my birth name was previously hidden.
Wickedness always tries to steal, kill, and destroy. John 10:10
To take that which God has given you.

Be careful of the names that you allow others to attach to you through their words or actions toward you.
God has redeemed you, he has called you, anointed and appointed you.
He knows you by name.
His name is given, you are His.
Do not allow an alias to define you.
Child of God.
Claim your name.

~Debbie


Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Psalm 139:1-24

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white rainment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.




**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.


 All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible. you can resource the scripture given at http://biblegateway.com

Memorial Poem: When You Think of Me

Mark Chavers

1961-2015

Even now, it is still difficult to write this, to say out loud that a dear brother and brother-in-law has left this life to be with Jesus forever more. We as his family are comforted knowing he is safely in heaven, yet miss his unique input in all our lives.  Mark's oldest daughter, Heather Chavers James has written a poem to share with our families as we had the first of many holidays without his ridiculous sense of humor.  We all lend a unique perspective of life during our lifetime.  Mark's ability to make my husband laugh was a gift. A gift of agreement between two brothers on the ridiculousness of life and living.
I grieve the loss of this bond between my husband and his younger brother, but I thank God for the fellowship of fights wrestled through, arguments settled and laughter that rang sweet and true.

~Debbie

               

When You Think of Me

written by Heather Chavers James

A Memorial Poem for her Daddy

Each year as the holiday season nears,

I know that you’ll think of me and struggle through tears.

Please don’t be overwhelmed with grief,

May your sorrow and sadness only be brief.

Remember me as you feel the wind blow,

And early at dawn when the roosters crow.

May the aroma of fresh coffee remind you of me,

Along with the morning dew on the fig tree.

As the sun shimmers down on the garden at noon,

Know that the gift I was given, didn’t happen too soon.

In the evening as fireflies dance through the trees,

Never forget our battles are won on our knees.

Let the glistening stars on the water at night,

Reassure your heart that all of this is right.

Quiet your soul. Listen. Be still.

Your Father is waiting to make your aching heart filled.

After all of my struggle and fighting to be,

I finally accepted the love He was offering me.

I am covered in His feathers, under His wings I found rest.

He kept His promise to me, all I had to do was say yes.

This bird is crafted from a shirt that I used to wear.

May it bring you comfort and make this burden easier to bear.

Please perch this bird high in your tree each year,

As you reminisce on our memories, may they keep me near.

Each time that you notice it, think of me.

Know that I’m loved, I rest, and I’m finally free. 

** If you click on the picture title you will be redirected to its website.

All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible which can be accessed online http://biblegateway.com Click on these links http://artparables

Do You Have A Ready Mind?

Hear and Obey

© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers

Matthew 11:15

Mark 7:16

Luke 9:35

Water-Man series

Acts 17
Different people and groups and how they receive the Word. 

When Paul spoke to the Jews in Thessalonica, he reasoned with them out of the scriptures for 3 sabbath days. My mind immediately grabs the word sabbath, which to me equals rest. Grace means rest to me also, a rest from my own effort to save myself. I can not. You can not. But we can facilitate the learning process of our relationship with God by having a ready mind.

Acts 17 says some believed, some did not. In Thessalonica, the ones who did not believe had envy, gathered a group of lewd fellows of the baser sort and started trouble. They all heard the same reasoning's of Paul's preaching. Yet received different results due to mind set.
Only you can change your mind.

In Berea, Acts 17:11-12 we see mind set again. If you have ears to hear, you can hear what the Spirit of God is saying. Verse 11-12 says, These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed: also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Only you can change your mind, your ready mind to receive the truth of God's word.

I am reminded of Paul in Romans 7 and Romans 8 and Paul's ready mind to accept the rest of grace yet the reasoning of the law tried to bring him under the dominion of his flesh.

Romans 7 ends with his declaration in verses 24 - O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

We are more than conquerors when we rely on Jesus and His finished work for us.

Romans 8:4-7 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

When you hear the Word of God, be prepared to listen with all readiness of mind and you WILL find Him. Seek Him and you will find Him.

~Debbie

**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Paid in Full

Love is a gift. Not a debt.
~ Debbie Turner Chavers


Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law




**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
 All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

< JESUS >

In Christ, Christ In Me

© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers

Recently, I was asked to share my testimony and so I am posting a part of it.  As with any person we all have a history of life lived, before Christ.
The entire world does, on a timeline of history, they call it BC.

But for me, Jesus birth, death and resurrection impacted me personally, not just historically. The facts of who I was and what I did before Christ are inconsequential. Suffice to say..I was a sinner.
A past life of living without the true WAY.
But now in God's eyes, my past is dead, buried, and my sins are gone. Deleted, erased.
I was what is referred to as a good person, a well meaning person.
A sinner.
A better than you a and worse than you, sinner.
A Sinner- a rebellious one who refused to acknowledge the Creator in thought or deed. One who conceptualized my ability to live and die in my own way. To walk out my life in my own way.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Hebrews 8:12  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 10:16-17 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

But then Jesus became the center of me, filling in the less than and more than concept of me.
A new creation In Christ is now my identity.

I am now and can be everything He desires of me and manifests through and in me of himself.
This can be true for you as well as me.
No matter what I put on the back of or front of this equation.  Jesus must be the center. 
You and I and our abilities are less than until everything in and about us, meets and manifests "His more than."

~Debbie Turner Chavers
ABC- A Simple Salvation prayer



Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengtheneth me.

John 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Before Christ my self efforts were..
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

All of John 3--ye must be born again.
Ephesians 3:16-21





**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible. Bible Gateway is a great resource.

Prayer Persistence

Isaiah 42:7 Art Parable
Close-up of Eyes
© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Matthew 20:29-34  
And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
And, behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pray..Persist in prayer. Their persistence was rewarded as they ignored the crowd and sought the Lord. 
Our persistence is rewarded also. 
I once was spiritually blind and the Lord had compassion on me as well.
There are many types of blindness.  
Do not give up. 
Keep persisting.

I noted that they were leaving Jericho, what once had been a walled city. Unbelief can be like a walled city.
I noted they were by a wayside. 
If you have not chosen Jesus as your Savior, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, you also, are on the wayside. (John 14:6)
I noted that their persistence and verbal recognition of Jesus caused him to stand still.
Amazing.
Jesus knows when we are trying to get his attention.
Ignore the opposition, call louder, more persistent, keep calling on the Lord. 

Their cries of recognition were as a prayer. And Jesus answered, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
I also noted that when their cries were answered, they followed him.
Yet in his compassion, he heard and healed them ...before they followed.
It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

New Testament...
His goodness passed by, stopped, and granted their request to see. Think of that! 

Old Testament...
Remember Moses, he asked to see also in Exodus 33:19-23
And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shalt not be seen.

Jesus is our intercessor. Look at the favor and the beauty of the gift given. The Rock of our salvation , Jesus said if we see him we have seen the Father. Jesus is the Rock on which we are able to be hid in and rest on. Our Healer, blind eyes opener, Savior. We are covered. Opened eyes still see Him.

~Debbie


John 14:9 ...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; ...

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For further study consideration -John 5:31-47



**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. 

All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Resting In Faith

God Sees Us Naked

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

Isaiah 61:10

Hebrews 4:13

I studied Hebrews 4 this morning, here are my journal notes from my study. The key scripture that popped off the page and started me pondering and writing was...

Hebrews 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.


Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said,
Hebrews 4:6  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 4 spoke to my heart of Rest, that we are commanded to rest in him. Faith in God and his Son was the root of resting. The Israelites could not rest because they did not have faith.
We fall out of resting when we give ourselves over to unbelief.

Faith believes God.
Faith trusts God.
Faith in him covers us and wraps us in our robe of righteousness.

It causes us to stand, resting in faith.  Even as we stand in our spiritual armour we understand by faith that we are naked and defenseless without him. Our faith acknowledges that without him we have no armour, no robe of righteousness.
Indeed we are naked.
As we meditate on him and his accomplished work, his finished work, we can rest in him. He came and did his Father's will. see John 17:4

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Do you hear him? Are you resting in him? Our work is to focus on him, his word, his finished work.  We have been given faith to rest, believe in him.
He has your back! He has provided armor for your front and a robe for your resting.
By his Spirit we can now come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. I see this image of a small child in the bosom of the Father.                   He who rules the universe comforts, loves and provides for that child. That child is you and I.  
By faith come and rest.  His arms are opened wide.    

~Debbie


Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Isaiah 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a brideroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

For consideration and further study...2 Corinthians 5; Ephesians 6:10-18;
A snack...2 Corinthians 5:3 If be so that being clothed we shall not be found naked.







**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers
All Rights Reserved.
Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com
Protected by US and International copyright laws.
Scripture references from King James bible

Art Parable- Isaiah 42:7

         Art Parable-Isaiah 42:7

    © 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Jesus came to set the captives free. His word brings understanding and opens our eyes to the truth. If you are in a prison of lies and darkness, God has sent forth His Son, Jesus Christ to deliver you and set you free.  The prison walls are lies that have been erected in our minds and are removed stone by stone as God's Spirit and Word replace the lies of the enemy. The stones that are written on have Isaiah 42:7 printed on them to represent that God's word replaces lies and brings freedom and reveals light to those imprisoned by lies.

Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

In 2 Corinthians 4:3 it shows the condition of an unredeemed mind.  It states "But if the gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:5  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus The Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

God loves YOU with an everlasting love.  He does not want you to sit in darkness, but to come out of darkness into His glorious light.

Here are a few more scriptures for you to consider:
Matthew 4:16
Luke 1:79
John 12:46
Acts 26:18
1 Peter 2:9

~Debbie



All art, writing, poetry, posts, and photography, copyright © 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Scripture references taken from the King James bible. If you would like to listen to a bible story... http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers  

Cast Your Cares

Cast Your Cares
© 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers
1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Casting all my care.  I have heard this  scripture many times over the years but was recently shown its meaning in a different manner.  Life tends to try to weigh us down with a net of cares.  Everyone has a care of some sort or a multitude of cares.  God never meant us to be weighed down with care.  JESUS warned us to take no thought for tomorrow in a worrisome way.  On some days it is a struggle to obey this admonition.  When I was shown this art parable by the Lord, I was having one of those days.
I was discouraged and feeling overwhelmed by many things that only God could fix.  Each way I examined the care, the more impossible it appeared and so I became discouraged.

The Holy Spirit, as He often does, reminded me of God's word found in 1 Peter 5:7.  As the scripture came to my attention, I agreed with the Lord and said out loud, "Lord, I cast all my care on you, because you said you care for me."  As I said this, I saw a net of  words, my cares, being cast into a brilliant light in front of me.  As the net of words fell into the light, they disintegrated. POOF! As though they had never existed.
The painting "Cast Your Cares"  contains several written cares: children, age, bills, parents, health, addictions, sins, fears, and money.  As those and others are cast into the light of His word they lose power to strip you of your peace.  His peace which passes understanding. Agree with God, cast your care, for surely He careth for you.

~Debbie



Matthew 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 36:9  For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.

Luke 1:79  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.





All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

1/2 Hearted Obedience



1/2 -Hearted Obedience
© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

I see this as a double image of the Water-man. There is a form of half-hearted obedience that causes that which needs to be done to not be done. Mainly our total submission to the Way and plan of God.

So many times scripture reference the heart as the seat of emotion and functioning like the mind. I painted a darker blue line from the very enlarged heart from the head to emphasize the division and a type of blood line from the heart to the feet. I faded out the arms because it is hard to be truly productive when the other members are larger or are more dominant than necessary.

Our emotions, heart, and our mind need to agree and focus on God's word.
Otherwise the thing that is needed usually is not accomplished.
We become half hearted in our endeavors and in our obedience .
Jesus stayed His course, He finished what He came to do here on earth for our salvation.
We also have a purpose while on this earth.

As I studied I saw the initial sketch as "A heart with 4 legs". Each set of feet going in a different direction.
Below is my initial journal entry drawing.
God has ordered our footsteps.
We must focus, watch and pray so that we will be stable in Christ Jesus and finish the work that God has given to us.



My initial journal entry
© Debbie Turner Chavers

~Debbie


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Ye Must Be Born Again



Ye Must Be Born Again
© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers


I see Jesus throughout His written word. Chew on, digest the many word pictures He gives us to consider in His word. Jesus is "the Way" the Door", and without Him we have and know nothing as we should.

~Debbie



There are 3 verses in the scripture that use "born again"

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3: 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.


John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.


Biblical usage notes on... Born Again and See

Born again-

1. to produce again, be born again, born anew
2. metaph. thoroughly to have one's mind changed so that he lives a new life and one conformed to the will of God


See-
1) to see
  a) to perceive with the eyes
   b) to perceive by any of the senses
   c) to perceive, notice, discern, discover
   d) to see

1) i.e. to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything

2) to pay attention, observe

3) to see about something

   a) i.e. to ascertain what must be done about it

4) to inspect, examine

5) to look at, behold

   e) to experience any state or condition

   f) to see i.e. have an interview with, to visit


2) to know
   a) to know of anything
   b) to know, i.e. get knowledge of, understand, perceive

      1) of any fact

      2) the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning

      3) to know how, to be skilled in

   c) to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to (1Th. 5:12)




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com   Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Genesis Chapter 1-2, And God Said Let There Be

And God Said, Let There Be
© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers

Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

As you read the bible it is important to remember "And God said, Let there be"

Life can seem out of control, but if you keep your mind settled on God's word, you will be reminded that there is no small detail that goes unnoticed by our Creator, from a blade of grass to the hair on your head.
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Be strengthened and encouraged, the God of all creation, loves you with an everlasting love. You are safe in His Hand. He brought all things into being. Consider God's hand. It is not shortened that it can not save. No matter how far gone...He can reach you.

He is the Creator of heaven and earth, He speaks and it is so. Agree with Him.

John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:


I want you to consider ...

Acts 17:24-26 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.

ABC- A Simple Salvation Prayer
~Debbie


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

In Christ, Christ in Me



In Christ, Christ in Me
© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers


Do you know that as a disciple/child of God that Jesus is in you, and you are in Jesus the Christ, the anointed one? I painted this Water-man as light and fire to represent the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, the risen, resurrected Christ. The triple imaged Water-man is a representation of Jesus, us, and Jesus in us.


It encourages me to think on the fact that Jesus lives in me and that I am in Him. As I serve God, rest in God, live in God. In Christ, Christ in me. Surrounded on all sides by God's love.
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Romans 8:10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I thought this was beautiful.. a verse from the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 33:12 [And] of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; [and the LORD] shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.


~Debbie



All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Hear and Obey

Hear and Obey
©  2011 Debbie Turner Chavers

Are you listening to the voice of the Lord? Has the sin of disobedience stuffed your ears?

When I was young, people would say "Take the cotton out of your ears."
In my painting of the Art Parable, "Hear and Obey", the cotton ball in the Water-man's ear represents willful disobedience.

You can choose to hear and obey God's word.
If you have stopped your ears from hearing the word of the Lord, remove the cotton of disobedience.
Open your ears to receive God's good word for and to you.

Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.


~Debbie







**Strongs concordance gave these meanings in context with the word ear in scripture

(a) of the physical organ, e.g., Luke 4:21; Acts 7:57; in Act 11:22, in the plural with akouo, "to hear," lit., "was heard into the ears of someone," i.e., came to the knowledge of; similarly, in the singular, Matthew 10:27, in familiar private conversation; in James 5:4 the phrase is used with eiserchomai, "to enter into;" in Luke 1:44, with ginomai, "to become, to come;" in Luke 12:3, with lalein, "to speak" and pros, "to;"

(b)metaphorically, of the faculty of perceiving with the mind, understanding and knowing, Matthew 13:16; frequently with akouo, "to hear," e.g., Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Revelation. 2 and 3, at the close of each of the messages to the churches; in Matthew 13:15; Act 28:27, with bareos, "heavily," of being slow to understand and obey; with a negative in Mark 8:18; Romans 11:8; in Luke 9:44 the lit. meaning is "put those words into your ears," i.e., take them into your mind and keep them there; in Acts 7:51 it is used with aperitmetos, "uncircumcised."

As seeing is metaphorically associated with conviction, so hearing is with obedience (hupakoe, lit., "hearing under;" the Eng., "obedience" is etymologically "hearing over against," i.e., with response in the hearer).




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Dance of Trust

Dance of Trust
© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers

During this past summer I wrote a journal entry titled " Dance of Trust". I wondered why I wrote this and asked God what it meant soon after. Later I was reading several of my journal entries and God showed me, the art parable which I have painted called "Dance of Trust."

I saw someone being taught to dance similar to learning the Box Step. Being led through the steps patiently, one step at a time.

Repeated until the student can dance successfully. Repeated until the student is able to teach another the dance.

I am learning to dance as I lean on His Word, study His word, and my one on one time in His presence.

I can see Jesus holding my hands, instructing me in this dance called my life. To learn , I must let Him lead, and I must follow His lead to learn this "Dance of Trust."

Join me
~Debbie


Isaiah 28: 9-12 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.

For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.





All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Choices

" Choices"
copyright © 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

I painted this picture many years ago after reflecting on the scripture in Joshua 24:15
Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.


Every day a person is given the opportunity to choose whom they will serve. As I thought on this scripture I was standing at my kitchen sink washing dishes early one morning and this was the image I saw in my mind.
There is a door and a path that leads to the light and there is a path and a door into darkness.
I am asking you to choose the Light, Jesus Christ.


John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
If you look at the painting you will see that the lit side is narrower than the broad path to destruction. The young man stands betwixt the two choices and I have painted him turned to the light.

Matthew 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


God loves you very much, do not hesitate, today is the day to choose life.
~Debbie Turner Chavers

© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers








All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/. Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Life Line- The Word and Blood of Jesus Christ, Do Not Let Go

Life Line-The Word and Blood of Jesus Christ, Do Not Let Go
copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers

Proverbs 4:13  Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.

The red rope represents the blood and the Word of God, it has Jesus, Proverbs 4:13 written in it and Do not let go.
No matter what you may face. God has promised to be with His children. Hold tightly unto His word. Regardless of apparent darkness, His Word, Jesus Christ, the light of the world will sustain you.


Do not let go of His Word.

Get in agreement with God and His Word. Say what He says. Do not let go of His Word.
Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the application of His word, He will sustain you.

~Debbie



Here are more scriptures to consider.
Revelation 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

Matthew 26:28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Revelation 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Revelation 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.





All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Are You Thirsty?



Are You Thirsty? 
copyright © 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers



John 7:37   In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.


John 4:14   But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Did you hear Him? If you are thirsty for living water, accept what He is so willingly offering you.
Life everlasting. Are you thirsty?

~Debbie




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone

"Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone "
copyright © 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers

Luke 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Jesus suffered many things while here on the earth. After 40 days of being tempted by the devil, he was hungry.

I love to eat on my screened back porch during warm weather. One day as I was enjoying lunch at my small bistro table, I decided to read some of God's word as I ate my lunch. The afternoon sun was shining across my hand as I lifted the fork to my mouth. I saw my hand and fork as a shadow across the pages I was reading at that time and I heard this scripture in my heart.

Daily as we interact with the Lord, He speaks to us in our everyday life. Look around you and your situation. What is He speaking to you in His word. Take the time to feed at His table.

I have never left hungry.
~Debbie

© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers






All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep

" Feed my Lambs, Feed my Sheep"
copyright © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers.

In the painting the blue represents the water(sea of Tiberius), the loaf and the grain represents the written Word. The red bowl, represents Jesus Christ's shed blood.

Close-up of grain with scriptures.


Mark 1:16,17,18  Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

In the scriptures of John 21, Jesus reminds his disciples (children) of their first job. Simon Peter and many of the disciples were fisherman.
Jesus, gently reminded Simon Peter of what he was to be doing. He asked Simon Peter three times "lovest thou me?" Simon Peter had denied Christ three times and when Jesus returned after His resurrection He gave him the opportunity to confess his love for Him these three times.

After Jesus was crucified they returned to fishing.
Simon Peter was to be a fisher of men not a fisherman.


~Debbie Turner Chavers

© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers







All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.