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Just yesterday I read a post of a gal who was complaining that people were going to church in clothes fit only for pajamas and slippers. She said it was disrespectful to God. My thought was this, “are you going to church to see Jesus or who isn’t up to your standards?” Followed by, “I wonder if these pajama wearers know that they will be sharing heaven with you?” I heeded, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” – Proverbs 18:2 and shut my mouth.

We went to a new church this morning. My hopes were bouyed as we entered as it resembled our home church. It was an older church and in an established neighborhood. Walking in, I noticed most were in their Sunday best and there were a lot of little ones and they populated the front section of pews. No the parents did not have them hidden away in the back - out of earshot of the congregation. The music started. No choir. No song leader. No hymnal. It sounded like someone was singing to Pandora radio Christian pop 40. Great songs to carry one throughout their daily tasks but something snuck into my thoughts of “its one of those churches.” The sermon began and it was interesting; how we have not just weathered the last 2000 years but been here in the midst of chaos after crisis illuminating the love of Jesus. The sermon was shortlived and Pastor began his lengthy advertisement of an upcoming night to hear an author come and speak on their personal story of being a gay Christian. And with the little blond toddler smiling at me, my mind wandered. I noticed the dads then. Lots of dads. All of them had a baby or toddler in their arms, taking them out, caregiving, the mostly moms sat. Interesting. It wasn’t a casual dad here or there, it was all of them that had children. It was… endearing… and odd. Isn’t that a sad notion to think? And an outward thought popped in… Stepford wives. I have no idea how that plays into this. The other thing that occurred was experiencing tremendous guilt for not being a good mom when my babies were little and picking such a bad bio dad. Then the Holy Spirit spoke up and said our lives were predetermined, that their grandpa filled in with earthly feels until Du found us and that God was their Father. Oh and guilt is a blow dealt by the evil one. Galatians 1:15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, The advertising finishes up. Collection happens. Now its time to prepare for Communion. There was no wine. Odd again. Communion celebrates the body and the blood. That matters to me. More Pandora songs play. And church is dismissed right on time.

Church shopping in our new area has begun. Last night we attended Ash Wednesday services in a town not to far from us. The church was originally built in 1906 - yay! my style! - and then rebuilt in 2007 and where beautiful it evoked the new and modern. Modern… new, not timeless, latest, present day, yah-da-yah-da… Uncertain now I walked to an empty pew, save a momma and her little girl at the other end, and looked about. The entrance hymn began and we were joined by two little boys who at last found their momma. Songs were sung that I have never heard before, children fidgeted, babies cried, I couldn’t hear the gospel readings, and I prayed. Well I tried. My thoughts were all over the place and kept going back to our last church of 20 some years, the Cathedral. Ancient. Original. Faith set in stone. Tissues always needed as my heart and soul was touched beyond this world. Children played, babies cried, but I never really “heard” them. Literally bumped by a child back to the present by a typical little one, I moved a bit to give him more room. Momma noticed. Shoot!! Now I am embarrassed that I embarrassed her. I suddenly felt old, very old. The kind of old that generates the “get off my lawn” persona. I saw it. I felt it. I prayed. I asked for help. And the Holy Spirit rose up and pinged my memory of once being a young momma taking two little ones to church paralleling the scenario that no liquid container is truly empty. There is always that last unpredictable drop that spills out regardless of how long you hold it upside down proving again that no one can fix normal. Children are children and the recycling container gets wet. And then we were asked to give the sign of peace to our neighbors and as I turned and smiled to momma, an even bigger smile peak out from behind her extending a little hand just as the grammy in me stepped over the crone and I said “well hi!!” and shook her hand. oh and yes we sure did get smudged! Everyone walked out looking like firefighters. lol! The ashes? Palms from the last Palm Sunday; blessed, burned and mixed with incense and holy water representing an outward sign of our repentance and accepting Christ’s forgiveness.

This is ArtOnTheOutskirts Studio and this is a collection of my stories and creations from my path while I walk with Jesus to His love and hope on and beyond the canvas. DENISE DAHLHEIMER, Artisan, , Author Creating Designs On and Beyond the Canvas Speaking from my soul in paint o n and beyond the canvas. Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I Know the plans I have for You' Declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." WELCOME to Art! On The Outskirts Studio! I am Denise and this is a collection of my stories and creations from my path while I walk with Jesus sharing His love and hope on and beyond the canvas. I strive to hear and see God better and He has brought me to start Art! on the Outskirts Studio. Since I launched this project, the blog has been thriving and quickly gained a loyal following. To see what I’ve been up to, browse my site, learn about my passions, and explore what excites and interests you. Follow along for the latest and greatest! Thanks for stopping by. If we do not meet here in this life, I hope to see you on the other side. Until then, blessings. This is me! About Search Results Testimony Contact Blogging My Stories Blog Shop My Facebook Page

SHOP BLOG EMAIL Discover Art! on the Outskirts Speaking from my soul... On and beyond the canvas. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him. John 8:29 Welcome to exploring Art! on the Outskirts Studio filled with my passions for learning and creating as I myself explore my path with unique and engaging content. I CHALLENGE YOU TO IGNITE YOUR SOUL WITH THE BLESSINGS OF JESUS I commune with the Holy Spirit to create unique and original heaven-inspired works based upon holy scripture from my studio, Art On The Outskirts, in Minnesota. Here I tell of the stories of my artistic observations from dream-to-realization to canvas works, art exhibitions, projects beyond the canvas, and more. My path in life is to expand the grace, the spiritual healing, and gained knowledge merging with creative expertise across all endeavors. I am committed to providing my clients with the best possible experience to know that God is good and here to help. It is my pleasure and blessing to coach, chat, and mentor those who wish to accelerate their walk in faith to be more for Jesus on their path. Thank you for your time. Denise Rand Dahlheimer Who Am I

Discover Art! on the Outskirts Welcome to my Art! on the Outskirts Studio blog and shop to view my very own passion projects filled with unique and engaging content. Explore my site and all that I have to offer; perhaps Art! on the Outskirts will ignite your own passions as well. BLOG My Testimony Speaking from my heart in paint. On and beyond the canvas.