"The River of Life"

Isn't the beautiful painting for the blog amazing!!! Kenneth,the artist I told you about in my first post, painted this for me.  Over the phone, I described to Kenneth what I was wanting and he did the rest!!!  I will try to explain to you how I envision the river of life.  I believe that God's grace and life are like a river that flows from His throne into us.  This river of life flowing into us brings many blessings--- His love, grace, mercy, peace and forgiveness.  It is like a river on earth that flows, and everywhere the river flows and touches, the river brings life--to plants, trees, flowers and it also sustains life--life springs forth where the land is dry, barren and parched. Also, a river can be so powerful that it is a source for producing power-- electricity. So it is with God's river of life that flows into our hearts bringing life and sustaining life in us---His life. Sometimes, we are dry, barren and parched and in need of His life and light.  Also, we need our "power source", the Holy Spirit--His presence in us, to be able to do what He wants us to do and say what He wants us to say.  This amazing river of life that flows into us is meant to then flow out of us to others who are in need of the same love, grace, mercy and life from the Lord.  If nothing flows out of us, then we will be like the Dead Sea---everything flowing in, but nothing flowing out--or we will just sit and soak up all He gives and become "satisfied sponges." I believe all we have received from the Lord is to flow out of our innermost being to others.   One thing is for sure, none of us can make this happen or cause His life to flow out of us---He does it.  It is all by His GRACE--God doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.  He also does it His way and in His time---ususally when we least expect it and in ways we never thought He would--always reminding us that He is in control--not us!!  As I told Kenneth about the river of life, I then asked him to paint what he saw.  All I can say is "wow!!."  I believe this picture shows the glory around the throne and is just amazing.  Thank you Kenneth for blessing all of us by letting the gifts, that the Lord has given you, flow out to us.  As soon as Kenneth and I can get together, he has graciously allowed me to tell you his story.  He finished his time in prison in January, after being incarcerated for twenty years--half of his life.  You will be blessed by hearing his story.
Today, I believe that somehow, someway--probably when you least expect it-- you will experience His Grace Flowing out of you--- bringing His life and His light to those around you in desperate need of His touch.
Blessings!!!
Carolyn
Revelation 22:1--Next the angel showed me a pure river of water of life, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.