“King Lear,” Act I, Scene I (Detail), 1898, Edwin Austin Abbey. Image from the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
His motives are dark, insidious and mean,
he tempts us, he tricks us,
yet he’s not visibly seen.
He’s crafty, he’s clever,
who’d claim him a friend? Continue reading
“After the Ball,” (Detail), 1874, Alfred Stevens. Image from a page of the 2014 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
A mental image came to mind when I was singing praises during our worship time at a recent church service. I can’t quite remember now what it was in the songs that made me think of it; perhaps I was just feeling a little misunderstood and insecure that morning. We all have days and periods in our lives when we are just not at our best. When those times come, I feel anything but “all right.”
My faith in God and my eternal salvation are the most important things in the world to me..for without that hope, that truth, I am nothing. At the same time, I am in this world and I live my life uniquely. I interpret the world through my own vision, and what I see is filtered through the eyes of the abiding love that God showers upon me. Still, I don’t always make the right choices. I make mistakes everyday. Sometimes I feel so lost and so not knowing what to do…so not “all right.”
Whenever I feel vulnerable and insecure, the same mental image plays over in my mind; as if I am watching a movie. I am on a stage, like an actress playing the part of that moment in my life. I tremble as I peer out into the audience, until my eyes search out the familiar faces of my family and friends clapping, cheering me on and mouthing the words,”You’re doing fine!” and “We love you!” That same image played out in my mind on that Sunday morning, but the face that I saw in the audience was that of Jesus…and he said, “I love you no matter what. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. Abide in me and I will abide in you. For I have already paid the price. “Indeed, when I focus on these promises, it is then that I know, it’s all right.
“Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9
Peace,
Felecia
“First Steps,” graphite pencil drawing by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
There may be times when I am so afraid;
when I’ve become paralyzed with fear…
But, I am never alone.
There may be times when I have blown it;
when I’ve truly let myself down…
But, I am never alone.
There may be times when I feel lost;
when I cannot seem to find my way…
But I am never alone.
There may be times when it seems to me,
that God is no longer there,
But, this I know for certain…
it is during all of those times He is right by my side.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Life can present so many challenges that frighten us. Fear of the unknown, can cause so much anxiety that it can threaten to invade our very core. We need only to take a moment to look around us and realize that we never need to despair. God is greater than any obstacle that can force its way into our path, and He promises to be with us every step of our life’s journey. It’s up to us whether or not we choose to step out on our own, or invite Him to travel with us.
Peace and love,
Felecia
A Quote to Carry You January 20, 2014
“Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther KIng Jr.
When it comes to faith, one aspect of it that I value the most, is how it can spill over into the paths of others who choose to follow in the same direction…all you need is the courage to take the first step.
On this day that we’ve set aside to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I would like also to express my gratitude for his having the faith, courage and vision to step out and set into motion those things that he held dear. May we also strive to take these “first steps” of faith and climb to the top of the staircase…and beyond.
Peace,
Felecia
“Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau),” Detail, 1883-84, John Singer Sargent. Image from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
From behind the curtain,
With boldness and grace,
She glides onto the stage…
Awakening
“How Beautiful!” “Gorgeous!” “So elegant!”
The audience applauds her appearance.
“Is it me they speak of, and not someone else?”
Awakening
She opens her mouth; all eyes are upon her.
Her words soothe their ears like a song.
“What I have said, do they truly understand?”
Awakening
The last line is spoken; she begins to take a bow.
A tear forms in her eye.
“Is this all there is? Is this the end of the story?”
Awakening
Life can seem so empty when we expect too much.
Many times things are not what they seem.
Keep searching though, do not give up hope…
Seek the truth…for it is there your light shall beam…
Awakening
Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
A winter scape, photograph by Martin Watson
Thinking back over the events of the year that has just passed, the first phrase that popped into my head was “and the mirror cracked.” A strange saying yet not so far from the truth. As with every new year, I’d entered into it full of hope and excited anticipation. The days, the months, the seasons passed by so quickly. It seemed as soon as I settled into one thing, something else had already climbed over the horizon, and stared me right in the face. I know, I know, life is like that. We’ve never been promised that it would be easy…I’ve never expected that. Hmmm, now there’s a word, expectations…the real focus of my thoughts.
With a new year ahead of me, I am about to write a new chapter in my life’s journal. Continue reading
“Let There Be Light,” photograph by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)
I am always amazed at the splendor of God’s creation. This seems a strange topic to write about during the Christmas season, in the beginning?…creation?…really? But, oh how relevant it is, and the scripture verse referenced above says it all.
Most often when we think of Jesus Christ at Christmastime, we think of the little baby lying in a manger surrounded by his earthly parents, the angels, the shepherds, the sheep and other animals. It is interesting that both earthly and heavenly “created beings” were present at His birth. Who else in the history of mankind was welcomed into the world in such a way? Continue reading
“Flight Into Egypt,” (Detail), 1923, Henry Ossawa Tanner. Image from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
“And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping in the night watches over their flock. And, behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them; Fear not; for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ The Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)
I am listening to the grandeur and beauty of the music and lyrics of Handel’s Messiah this very moment as I write these words. Oh how it makes my heart swell with gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s greatest gift, which He bestowed upon all of mankind! Continue reading