The Process

   We live in a society that wants it now, or maybe yesterday would be even better; we want it before we know we want it. But reality check, it doesn't happen that way. There's always the process. By definitions a process is: a systematic series of actions directed to some end. There are steps that have to be taken one at a time. Step one must come before step two or three. We want step 5 (let's say that's the end result) right away, but without a foundation, it will fall. We see that in building construction. You can't put the windows in without first building the house, from the foundation up. We see that over and over in life, step one, step two, step three, etc. Don't believe me? Try putting something together without instructions. It never fails, you try to put the last screw in, and everything falls apart.

   As of late, I've been revisiting art in my life. In High School and College it was my passion. In fact, I started out in College as an Art Major. I never thought I was good enough to make it professionally, but I wanted to teach art to others. But in the end, I dropped out of college (to attend Bible School) and never taught art, except for a few cartooning lessons to some homeschool kids in Mobridge. I frankly haven't picked up a paintbrush and dipped it into paint for over 40 years. Now I've painted a lot of walls, in all the houses I've lived in, but not painting on canvas. 

Step one, blocking it out

   
As I'm revisiting painting on canvas, I've been challenged by the process again. It's layer, after layer, after layer of painting to get that final piece. Frankly, in the middle, I've wanted to give up, because what I'm seeing is not how it is in my mind's eye. In one of my paintings, I actually went ahead and added detail to the eye, way before it was time to do so, to keep me focused on the final outcome. I wanted to know it could turn out right in the end. I was getting impatient with the process. Without the process, though, you won't get the end result.

Step two: blocking out the darks

Step three: adding midtones

Step 4: start adding details

   Just like in a painting, or a building, or learning to play an instrument, in life, we must take one step at a time. We know where we want to be, but you've got to start at the bottom layer and keep building each successive layer to get there. I'm so glad God doesn't give up on us. For He who has begun a good work in you shall carry it to completion. We are God's masterpiece, a new creation He has formed, and He's still patiently laying down one stroke of paint after another to get the final painting. So agree with God, and let Him have His perfect work IN you. He knows the final end, and how beautiful your life can be.  Keep going, and don't quit, He's working IN you, and loves you, and knows what a beautiful creation you are!!

Step 5: the finished work

Set the Table

Set the Table

 Psalms 23: 5 CSB

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

As I prepared the table early this morning for our Christmas meal at 1 pm. Resonating inside of me was the phrase, "Set the table." As a kid, I often hated hearing that said to me. A chore! As an adult, it was never ending, three times a day, till you could pass it off to one of the kids, and let them 'set the table.' Now a days, living alone, I rarely 'set the table,' like why bother? It's just me, eat out of the pan if I want to. Less dishes to wash. 

But today, there was an anticipation. There will be people around my table to share this Christmas meal. I won't be alone this meal, like most of my meals throughout the year. I could set the table. I could prepare, make it pretty, and hope everyone enjoys the time spent sharing the good food and stories that I'm sure will be passed around about favorite Christmas' past and present. 

Even while I was setting the table, I wasn't quite sure how my places to set, as a couple were gonna let me know later this morning if they could make it or not. I still prepared for them whether or not they come. I'd love to have them around my table today.

In Psalms 23 the good shepherd sets a table in the presence of our enemies. I hope today there's not enemies around your table, but there might still be other enemies. Sickness, loneliness, anxiety, sorrow... the list can go on and on. But Jesus is still setting a preparing a table for you. Join the meal, even if there is an enemy present in your life right now. He will anoint your head with oil and let your cup run over. I know anointing your head with oil might not make a lot of sense to our modern world, but with sheep or cattle, you anoint the head with 'oil' to keep off those things like lice, ticks an other things that make life miserable. Those little things in life that keep your minds being miserable. So come to the table take a dip in the oil, and let the cup of blessing overflow to you. There's a table set for you!

There's another table being set today. The one Jesus is preparing for us. The marriage supper of the Lamb. Will you show up for it? Will you be there? You don't want to miss this meal.

She Believed Mini Retreat at Buckstop Junction

 

Worship Leader and Speaker

Kelley Reuer

Keynote Speaker Brandi Waples

Unfolding Grace Ministry is excited to announce our 

She Believed Mini-Retreat to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 

at Buckstop Junction in Bismarck, ND.

This is a one-day event.  Registration (to pick up your name tag) starts at 8:30 am.  Fellowship and a continental breakfast will be available. Lunch is also provided.

At 9:00 am, we will begin the retreat.  The retreat will conclude around 5 pm.

Pastor Brandi Waples from Break Forth Bible Church , Dickinson, is our Keynote speaker, along with Kelley Reuer, who is our retreat leader, speaker, and worship leader.  

Your young daughters/granddaughters are welcome if they can enjoy a full day.  There are no children's services or childcare.

Dress is casual. 

Please fill out the online registration. Although you can come without registering, preregistration is greatly appreciated.  (Preregistration helps me know how much food to provide and also gets your name tag preprinted nicely. 😉)

Registration is $20.00.  You can register online with the QR code below or mail a check.  (Message me for address)  You can also copy and paste this URL code to get to the online registration.  Registration deadline is November 1st. 

https://forms.gle/ABXu9GcbHVW7RNaUA

A free-will offering will be received during the Retreat for the Speakers.

Thank you, and see you soon!!

Scan this QR code to register online.

No Crap, No Crop

 I was reading in my Bible this morning and came across this verse; 

"Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox." (Prov. 14: 4 NASB) 

For some reason, I wasn't getting the whole picture in my mind of what that actually means. I know it was saying you got to have the oxen to get the crop, but I thought there must be a little more. Then I read the same verse in the Passion Translation. 

"The only clean stable is an empty stable. So if you want the work of an ox and enjoy an abundant harvest, you'll have a mess or two to clean up." Prov. 14: 4 TPT

   Somehow, the picture became clear in my mind. No crap in the stall, no crop in the field. If you want to have that abundant crop, there's gonna be some crap to clean up to get it. I also saw that a great crop can come from where there's been a mess. That mess that stinks in your life can be the very thing that's going to bring an abundant crop of goodness in your life. What creates the stink in your life can be the very thing that gives you the strength to bring about an abundant, good crop. So don't despise the mess, just clean it up, and let it help fertilize your crop. God is great at turning your lemons into lemonade. Also, remember, No crap, No crop!