Laveda D. Rockford

As the new year approaches, I want to share this with you. My vision for the year 2020 is a threefold blessing. 2020 Vision Double Portion of Blessing  Forte to Suit May God grant these blessings to all who love Him as well as the knowledge to know how to use them as a blessing for others. 2020 Vision : To have 2020 vision and may it be right. Double Portion of Blessing : May a double portion of blessing be the inheritance. Forte to Suit : May forte suit the future in a Godly way. And yes, I’m not forty but, may God bless the forte that He bestowed upon me.  And while I’m talking about ability, I will share a few more photos of my stained-glass style painting. It still needs a little work but I hope to post the finished painting, with title, in the new year. Stained-Glass Style Painting Dec. 2019 Laveda D. Rockford Stained-Glass Style Painting Dec. 2019 Laveda D. Rockford Stained-Glass Style Painting Dec. 2019 Laveda D. Rockford Recent

12/25/19 I tried to finish my painting to post it on Christmas. However, the detail around the border is time consuming. I hope you enjoy this little Christmas story with a few photos of my painting. Enjoy! Stained-Glass Style Painting Dec. 2019 Laveda D. Rockford A CHILD IS BORN For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) In Psalm 68, David talks about the council ruling, a Jewish governing body, before their captivity and before the Sanhedrin came into existence. He sings about the princes of Judah in the everlasting. Stained-Glass Style Painting Dec. 2019 Laveda D. Rockford “Blessed be my Lord! Day by day He bear our burdens – the God of our salvation! Selah God is for us – a God of deliverance.” – Psalm 68:20-21(NKJV) “A Father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,

As Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, are celebrated around the world, I thought I would share this with you. The stained-glass style painting that I have been trying to complete before Christmas is an example of a Menorah.  Stained-Glass Style Painting Dec 2019 Laveda D. Rockford The buds have blossomed and entered into the everlasting kingdom of God. It is intended as a blessing for those who know that one day we will also be with the Lord in His mighty congregation. As we look forward to that day, keep praying for those who are in need. God bless you and may the Lord God above be gracious to you. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a blessed New Year to each of you! With Love, Laveda D. Rockford © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

This is a photo of the desk in my bedroom. As you can tell, I love to read and study the Word.  Laveda D. Rockford Christmas Season 2019 Since Christmas is coming quickly, I thought sending a reminder about it would be a great thing to say. Christmas is a time to stop and see how much God loves us. It still amazes me that He would save you and me through His son, Jesus Christ. For He knew the plans before. Before you and I could ever even imagine them. How could a little tiny baby save the world? He was the Lamb of God, unblemished, to take upon himself the sins of the world. He can save you from your sins and change your life, too! I hope that you will consider it and live a life worthy of what He did. #GodIsGood #SomethingGreater #faith #Strong © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford 

It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s going on in the secular world. Here is a friendly reminder: Tis the season…           To worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t let the secular world steal your worship!           To acknowledge His birth. Don’t let the secular world steal your acknowledgement!           To give thanks for all that He has done. Don’t let the secular world steal your thanks! It is the season where our thoughts should be on the most wonderful happening in the secular world. We are ambassadors of Christ, and we should always be a reflection of Him, especially this time of the year when we are celebrating His birth with the world. Praying for the hurting, lonely, broken, and destitute. May the joy of the Lord fill your hearts and minds even through a difficult time. Don’t let the secular world steal your joy or your faith or your happiness and, no matter what, always be kind. Kindness doesn’t hurt. You never know who is w

I have been trying to complete this painting before Christmas. It means so much to me since it represents my representation of Revelation 4:4, 4:10, and 19:12. Stained-Glass Style Painting December 2019 Laveda D. Rockford There has been a lot of speculation concerning the twenty-four elders in the book of Revelation. Most theologians agree that the original twelve are the Old Testament Patriarchs, the sons of Jacob. The remaining twelve are thought to be the Disciples of Jesus. Stained-Glass Style Painting December 2019 Laveda D. Rockford Most of us agree that Judas, the traitor, is not included in the latter twelve. Some have said that it is the man, Matthias, introduced in Acts 1:26. None of us are sure who is chosen to sit around the throne, but I have to say that the Apostle Paul, who was chosen by Christ Himself to write a large portion of the New Testament through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, might be included with the eleven. Stained-Glass Style Pain

Here’s another photo of my stained-glass style painting.  Stained-Glass Style Painting by Laveda D. Rockford It was my intention to paint the bright and morning star, and what it might look like. He is the creator of the universe and has the ability to give you peace. He gives mercy and love. He wears many crowns. Wow, what a wonderful thing to know the one who is the King of Kings. #TheKingOfKings #JesusChrist #God #Creator #Peace #Mercy #Love #painting #oilpainting #LavedaDRockford #author #writer © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

Here is an update of my stained-glass window style painting.  Almond blossoms are one the most beautiful flowers. Trying to perfect the distinct colors while keeping a stained-glass style of painting is not easy. Oh, but what fun it is!  Thanks for allowing me these few seconds of your time to read my post. Love ya! Have a blessed evening! #LavedaDRockford #painting #oilpainting © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

I don’t know about you, but the best gifts that I have ever received were the kind that someone put thought and/or talent into. Making your own gifts for those you love is a wonderful way of telling them that you were thinking of them ahead of time. It’s always fun to make Christmas gifts for family. Here is a sneak peek of one of the gifts that I have been working on. #Christmas #gift #surprise The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the best, but I'm talking about gifts from one person to another. I would love to hear a story about the best gift that you have ever received. Please leave a comment below. Thank you, love you, and have a blessed day!  © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

Thanksgiving is a time when we gather together and give thanks for our blessings. The first Thanksgiving in America was celebrating the harvest and a union of new found friends. The years had been trying but they found a moment to give thanks. Most of us pray before our Thanksgiving meal. When things are good, we pray - when things are bad, we pray.  While we gather with family and friends this week, remember to give thanks for what God has done for you and that we live in a free country where we can worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit... With prayer, worship, and thanksgiving. "was the principle to begin thanksgiving in prayer." Nehemiah 11:17b © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford #HappyThanksgivingDay #GivingThanks #God #Jesus #love   #family

I have been working on my painting and with everything going on in the world, I would like to share this with you. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. – Revelation 19:12 (KJV) His eyes are like a flame of fire, and many royal crowns are on His head. He has a name written that no one knows except Himself. – Revelation 19:12 (TLV) New Painting Laveda D. Rockford November 2019 Do you ever wonder what Heaven is like? In the Bible there are many passages describing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is one of my favorite verses. This is Him coming to judge the world. Are you ready? I pray that each of you look into your heart and find that Christ lives there. He is the most amazing, the most Righteous, and the most magnificent! We will not have to live in this fallen world forever. God loved us enough to send His only begotten Son. It is God’s love for us! #Praise #Love #Encour

I am sharing a few more photos that show the progress of my painting and I will share a little more information about it in this post. New Painting: Untitled Laveda D. Rockford Nov. 2019 I chose red Tulips because red is my favorite color and has been since I was a very young girl. I chose Tulips because of their form and breadth. These benefits are wonderful when painting a picture that has depth. New Painting: Untitled Laveda D. Rockford Nov. 2019 The little white flowers are from the Rock Plant section in The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers . New Painting: Untitled  Laveda D. Rockford Nov. 2019 Why did I choose a rock plant, you ask? Well, the Rock of Ages is always on my mind and… it just seemed appropriate. This stained-glass window style painting is a lot of fun to do. And this makes me happy.  New Painting: Untitled  Laveda D. Rockford Nov. 2019 I hope your day is happy, I hope your tears are sta

I started a new painting style  that I have never done before.  It is a little more difficult because I am painting on an antique mirror that does not have the silver coating. The silver coating must have disintegrated over time. So, this new painting will be seen  from  both sides, which makes it more difficult but challenging! I am always up for a  challenge.  November 2019 New Painting Laveda D. Rockford November 2019 New Painting Laveda D. Rockford November 2019 New Painting Laveda D. Rockford At times, I hesitate before painting not wanting to make a mistake. But, I'm certain we all hesitate every once in a while. I know that some of you are having a difficult time.  My prayers are for all of you.  God bless!    © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

The Case of the Black Pearl Ring Yahreh was kidnapped and is being held in a building downtown. The team was briefed and is ready to help Wade get his son back. Cindy, Wade, and the team are on their way. Gina, Wade's wife, is supposed to be at the Command Center. They will soon find out how well she follows orders. Until then, here is an excerpt of the team getting into position. Screenplay Excerpt: *** FS The team is quiet, reserved, each in their own thoughts. Cindy from the front seat breaks the silence. CINDY: “Check your mics and ear pieces.” Communication is confirmed by the time they arrive at their destination, two blocks from the target area. FS The team get out of the SUV type vehicle and gather their equipment. CINDY: “I’m certain you read through the report and you know the whereabouts of a few thugs watching the area. Don’t let them see you. If you have to, arrest them and take over their section, acting as them if need be. If

Prophecy given many years ago, Fulfilled before our very eyes, For man cannot live on wishful thinking, The purchase of property with deed besides. And He said, I am the LORD, is there anything too hard for Me? "They will be My people, and I will be their God." - Jeremiah 32:38 Don't live without the Word. Live each day with confidence. #truth #prophecy #fulfilled #Jeremiah #Godisgood © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

I would like to introduce my newest painting, Seventeen . I hope you like it. God bless and have a blessed day.  #LavedaDRockford #author #writer #painting #oilpainting #oilpaintingoncanvas SEVENTEEN Oil Painting Laveda D. Rockford SEVENTEEN Oil Painting Laveda D. Rockford Laveda D. Rockford © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

Thinking of the beauty that shines forth among the peoples,  whose thoughts are on other things. When a time long ago was ordained, And a man knew what was to come. A time when things were changing, A time when things were done. A time for perfection, A time that rose the Sun. © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

As you know I have been working on a new painting. I haven't had much time to paint, but  I thought it would be nice to share this update with you.  New Painting Update Laveda D. Rockford October 2019 Don't you just love the method and detail it takes to achieve a beautiful scene? If you're an artist, I know you understand what I'm saying. During the process I question my vision, but it always seems to come out the way it should.  I enjoy the challenge. Fancy how it works that way. All glory to God.  Let me know what you think about it. Please leave a comment below. Love ya! © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

I've heard many say that the simple things are the most important. And then  there is this... May your day be merry,  And your day be bright.  May His light shine upon you,  And never be slight.  May you learn from glory to glory. May you learn from morning to night,  May you always be shining  especially bright. God bless you and yours. © 2019 Laveda D. Rockford

Have you ever heard someone say something terrible about their self? Do you know someone who just doesn't feel adequate?   If they only knew the battle waged for them, they would know how much God loves them and then they would understand their worth. #Innocence #GodLovesYou #JesusSaves + My Twitter post on 10/18/19:  If you read the post and watched the video, it was well worth the brutality.  #WinningSoulsForChrist   It's a good day.

In The Case Of The Black Pearl Ring , Yahreh is kidnapped. The kidnapper, Renner Snide, who everyone calls King, is trying to convince an already suspicious Samata to care for him. The Case Of The Black Pearl Ring Screenplay Samata's Suspicious *** TWO-SHOT SAMATA’S LIVING ROOM King was trying hard to convince Samata that it would be fine for her to take care of Yahreh for a few days while he found another place for him to live. He was holding her tight, smooth talking while kissing the corner of her mouth because she turned away from him. KING: “Come on, Samata. It’ll only be a few days and I have guys all around this building.” Samata turned and looked at him trying to get out of his embrace. SAMATA: “King, you’re not telling me something. And that tells me that somethin’s not right.” KING: “I’ve got it under control.” TWO-SHOT CAMERA MOVING King said walking behind her as she walked to the kitchen. She picked up a glass, walked over to t

I am sharing this photo because I have been very busy since moving back to Missouri. It is of a beautiful specimen with white flower buds that gradually turn into soft pink flowers swirling above the leaves of this Sedum. #Sedum #beautiful #autumn #flowers

Like a Butterfly who emerged to begin a new life, your life is renewable. For through Christ all things are possible! #butterfly #possible #Christ #breathe #anew

Charles T. Bourland is a not-so-distant cousin of mine. He would tell me stories about his time while at NASA. I remember him telling me about a special request from a southern man who loved Georgia BBQ. In The Astronaut’s Cookbook ,  that Charles co-authored with Gregory L. Vogt, you can read the full story as well as many other outer space tales. Needless to say, that southern young man ate Georgia BBQ in space. The best thing about some of those stories are that I didn’t have to read about them, Charles told me in his joyous, interesting way. I could tell that he loved working for NASA. The Astronaut's Cookbook by Charles T. Bourland and Gregory L. Vogt While I was thinking about him, I had the urge to walk outside and look up at the vast, southern Missouri sky. I saw Orion and then looked for the Big Dipper scanning the sky as stars disappeared through the haze in the atmosphere around the moon. I pause,… then wonder if Charles, as a young boy, looked up at thes