Inspired by . . . my banner

Happy Independence day, everyone!

If you're celebrating in any way at all today chances are that the colors red, white and blue are part of your landscape. Although Flag Day is June 14, I think July 4th is the holiday we most associate with the Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the symbol of our nation.

I grew up during a time when we said the pledge of allegiance every morning before the start of our school day. I was taught the proper way to handle the flag, and what the stars and stripes meant. I was taught to honor and respect the symbol of our nation. This nation that so many have fought and died for so that we may remain free.

The American Flag is a symbol that is recognized all over the world. It is a symbol of our nation's principles. The colors of the flag have come to mean: white for purity and innocence. Red for hardiness and valor. Blue, the color of the Chief, for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Admittedly, there have been times in history when we Americans have failed to uphold the principles and beliefs of our nation both at home and abroad. As a result, there are places where the American flag is neither revered nor respected. Only our future actions as Americans and as a nation can change this.

Symbols are used in every facet of life, to educate and to convey ideas and beliefs. As our nation's symbol, the American Flag should encourage and inspired us to live out the ideals of our nation and ensure that these ideals are passed on to future generations.

You may have several banners or symbols in your life that represent certain principles to which you ascribe. Nearly every organization has a banner or flag of some kind.

If you're a believer there is a banner that represents our principles and beliefs as well. However, it may not be the banner you think. It's not the Christian flag or even the cross.

In the book of Exodus, after the first recorded war, Moses set up an altar and declared, Jehovah-Nissi -"The LORD is my banner!" (Ex 17:15)

The Lord Himself is our banner. Not only is He the banner under which victory is certain, but in Christ, God leads us in a perpetual victory parade!

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. (2Co 2:14)

The implication is clear, just as we as Americans should live our lives governed by the ideals of our nation, even more so, as Christians, ambassadors of Christ, parading under His banner, we should live our lives according to His word. 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal 2:20)

Yes, we will fail. And although people may not always extend grace to us when we do, God always will.

Perhaps when we look at the flag this week, when we spot the colors, red, white and blue, we'll be reminded of another, higher banner. And another, higher sacrifice. And be inspired to live by that faith.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends

Inspired by. . . symbols

Yes, I'm still here!

Last week was an eventful week. With many unexpected happenings.

I had hoped to share these pictures with you during Easter week. But that proved to be another eventful week, and I never found the time to edit the photos.

I'm not familiar with every culture that exists in this world. But it is probably safe to say that each culture, in some way, uses symbols to celebrate ideas and express what they believe.

I've been blessed to have been born into a family of creative people. My Nana and my aunt specifically are incredibly talented in the art of blowing and decorating eggs. Over the years, I've been gifted with, or inherited, many of their creations.

The first two are examples of blown eggs that have been cut in half and decorated inside.

This is one of my favorites. A whimsical expression of Spring with two ducklings fighting over a worm.

 

Textured with Kim's 'just stitched'

 

Here's a symbol I'm sure  you will recognize.

 

This technique is called quilling. An art form that involved rolling and shaping thin strips of paper.

Here's another example.

 

Textured with Kim's 'sun kissed'

 

Not all the eggs are decorated for Easter or spring. This one celebrates our Nation's independence.

 

Textured with Kim's 'annebelle'

A large '76 is displayed on the back side of this large goose egg.

My aunt is especially talented in the art of Pysanka. You may have heard or seen Ukrainian eggs? These are decorated using a wax-resist {batik} method. They are very detailed, symbolic and beautiful.

The rooster, a masculine symbol, denotes a rich married life and many children. The meander is for immortality, and flowers for wisdom. The color purple means royalty, faith and trust.

 

 

Stars, the giver of light and God's love toward mankind. The color red means happiness, hope and passion.

 

 

The 8-pointed star, the love of God for mankind. Pussy willows denote the coming of spring. Triangles represent the Holy Trinity. Pine needles symbolize health, stamina and eternal youth. The dark green color means bountifulness, hope, the victory of life after death, and truth.

 

 

Finally, another of my favorites. Butterflies represent the resurrection of Christ. The color pink denotes success and contentment.

 

 

I hope you've enjoyed my egg display and learning more about these symbols.

Symbols have been a part of our world since the beginning. Look around you. Perhaps there are some symbols there you haven't noticed before. What are they saying to you?

 

Have a wonder-filled day,

 

 

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