Goodness

Goodness

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"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22

"...and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come," - Hebrews 6:5

Goodness. I use this word a lot. "Oh my goodness!" "Goodness gracious!" "Good gravy!!" (Okay, the last one doesn't fit exactly, but I love to say it, so go with me on this.)

Goodness is defined as "The state or quality of being good. Moral excellency; virtue. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity. Excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship. The best part of anything; essence; strength. A euphemism for God." **

I am periodically asked to donate paintings or teaching services for various fundraisers or charities. Although I considered it an honor to be asked, I recognize I need discernment on how and who I donate to. Which brings me to the "goodness" part.

As long as I've been a Christian, I don't make it a practice to share with people where I donate my resources, personally or professionally - that's between me and God. But today, I have a couple I'd like to draw your attention to:

"A Brighter Future for Children" - March 9th, Los Angeles, CA (www.chla.org/mark-taper-and-johnny-mercer-artists-program)

The Dream Builders Project is teaming up with Children's Hospital Los Angeles for a gala event on Thursday, March 9th. This one is near and dear to my heart, for two reasons: CHLA takes care of kids, and this event supports the Art Program at CHLA to give kids in their care a productive outlet to what's happening in their life.

"Where the Road Turns: Contemporary Art for Liberia" - March 10th, London, England (www.musicforliberia.com)

The group Music for Liberia has decided to broaden its reach and add visual arts to its musical roots with their first Art Exhibition at the Chelsea Theatre in London, England. Once again, this organization is reaching people and places (specifically children) that need advocacy. I won't be able to attend this event (this time), but hope you will consider checking them out and doing what you can help them and the their partners in Liberia.

Why did I single out these two? Primarily, because I felt lead to. The good things these organizations are doing is awe-inspiring!  I know there are many MANY more organizations out there doing incredible things for so many. And I wish I could support them all. But that's not my job; it's our job.

I believe we all are called to share the blessings we've been given. Whether the good gifts you've received are finances, talents or desire, YOU have an opportunity to give of yourself in some way, shape or form.

Sometimes, it's not easy to give away that which was hard-earned. But once you do it, it not only becomes easier, but your heart will be filled to overflowing and you'll want to do MORE. It's incredible the capacity we have to share kindness and goodness and love with those around us.

How are you sharing your goodness with others? In what ways are you stretching yourself in the area of generosity? If you read my last post (January 2017), I ended with my list of priorities, and this topic was among my top five. 

God is faithful and provides abundantly when we step out in faith and give. One of the fruits of the Spirit of God is goodness - I pray that this would inspire you to find ways to give, and give abundantly.

Seeking beauty in the everyday stuff of life with you, dear friends!

--Lyn

Featured Artwork: "Without Prejudice or Fear" (diptych) each panel: 24" x 48" x 1.5"

This piece will be up for auction at the "A Brighter Future for Children" event

 

** dictionary.com

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I love this painting, and the joy, possibilities, inspiration it conveys!!! Your reflections too move me to consider how Goodness & Godliness guide me in everyday and larger matters, besides. I guess they’re kind of synonymous: daily and larger matters, all one and the same when you really look at it. Reminds me of a dear neighbor I used to live near in rural Colorado who started her own bread business. All she knew was she wanted to make bread. To do that she had to have a “proper kitchen” to produce edible food for the public. She, her husband & kids then proceeded to convert one of their barns into a certified kitchen, piece by piece. It was dirty, tedious, lengthy, time-consuming work. Meanwhile, at nights and in-between moments, she kept working at her recipes, perfecting her work loaf by loaf, muffin by baguette by ficelle. A name came to her to call them: Heaven Scent Breads. Then, the idea to put quotes from the bible on the label after the name & ingredients of the bread. She had to figure out HOW to get her wares then out to the public she came up with the idea of farmers markets, even though she was shy, even though the idea was a bit overwhelming, even though the nearest one was an hour away. Eventually, all these things came to fruition, step by step. Today, she runs that farmers market. She’s been doing it so many years now that people come to her for direction, leadership and guidance. She’s still shy and extremely humble, but I see how much she’s accomplished through her faith and dedication to the goodness of God’s inspiration. I see parallels in your own journey, sweet sister, and am blown away by what lies in store for you. As always, the path is curvy and not so obvious ~ the difference between what we want and what we get is usually HUGE, but ever so much more rewarding on retrospect!! I’m so happy and delighted you are relishing, exploring, and unveiling the deep veins of Goodness that abide in every creature on this planet. Your art is a channel that allows others to experience this directly, intimately, whether they actively pursue and create art themselves or just choose to dwell and contemplate the mysteries and reveries that every great piece of art reveals. Thank you for this post, and for all that you do and share with this world. Lots of love, o
Ruth

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