Fine Art by Corey Couturier

Fine Art by Corey Couturier

What Brings Lasting Change?

When I was in my early 20's, from time to time I would run out of money.(lol)  I was living with my dad at the time in a small town in Northern Montana called Havre, and I was working part time cleaning a bar at night.  Needless to say, I wasn't making much money.  And so, it became a habit of mine when I needed money, I would go into my dad's bedroom and steal money from his change basket( a basket where he would collect the change left over from the day). 

Well, one day my dad called me into the living room, and he questioned me if I was taking money from his change.  And I replied, "Yes."  He promptly chastised me by telling me that money was not mine for the taking.  He said it was his money and I did not have the right to take it.  And then I walked away with a bad attitude.  I thought to myself, "He's got all this money and I have nothing, and he's upset that I take a little money from his change basket?"  And so my bad attitude towards my dad continued, even though he was giving me a free place to live, and paid for most of our food.  Looking back, I can see that I was soooo ungrateful.  Yes, I stopped stealing from him, but my heart had grown hard against him.  This is the kind of repentance that comes from judgment.  Yes, we may stop the bad things we are doing, but it's only because we got caught.  It does nothing to improve our relationship with God.  If anything, it makes it worse.

Finally, when Christmas time came, my attitude was still on the negative side.  My parents were divorced and my idea of having a great life had turned into a vapor.  I never knew who to spend Christmas with, because whoever I was with, mom or dad, I always felt guilty that I wasn't with the other one.  But this particular year, I had figured to spend Christmas day with one and Christmas eve with the other.  Now don't ask me which, because I just can't remember all the details.  I'm really not a detail person.lol.  I do remember, though, I was with Dad, as he asked me if I wanted my Christmas present.  I said, "Yes".  I had no idea what he got me.  He went into his room and brought out all his change he was saving, over a hundred dollars worth, and he gave it to me, as if to say, "Corey, I love you more than this money."

Something happened to my heart when he did that.  I went to my bedroom and wept before the LORD.  My dad won my heart that night, through his kindness to me.  No, I didn't deserve it, and I can't really explain what happened.  But the change was real, and I never wanted to steal from my dad after that happened.  My heart had changed.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  God showed us kindness through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.  God was telling us that we were important to Him.  We weren't just little ants to be tortured and stepped upon, or used as pawns in some evil little game.  No!!  Just the opposite.  His desire has always been to win our hearts, not our mere obedience.  It's the kindness of God that leads to repentance--true repentance that lasts for a lifetime.

It was after Peter had made the big catch of fish that he fell at Jesus' feet in repentance.  It was after the jailer found out that none of the prisoners had escaped, that he and his whole household were saved.  Remember, Jesus preached the Good News!!!  God loves us!!!!!  We are important to Him!!!

Blessings my friends!!

Corey

God, You Are Real!

The Butterfly effect.
When I was in 3rd grade and still pondering about life(lol), I encountered the most wonderful thing that I will never forget in my memory. Yes, to many it may seem small and insignificant, but to me it still is as real as the day it happened so man years ago. In Northern Montana, where I was born and raised, my Dad was hired by a local mission to do some carpentry work on the mission. And so, every weekend we would drive up to this mission, which was on the Indian Reservation, to do some work. There was a beautiful canyon that led through the mountains, which had a creek running through it. Sheer cliffs defined the canyon on both sides. But me, being a 3rd grader, never thought about such lofty things, but instead on that particular day, focused on the one butterfly that fluttered through the area. I tried and tried to catch it, and all my efforts amounted to nothing.  But, in my desperation, I spoke to God: "God, if you are real, I pray you will help me catch this butterfly." It seemed like such an insignificant prayer, but to me as a 3rd grader, it was very real indeed, and so much so that I still remember it so many years later. What happened next was truly amazing and was my first recollection in my mind that God Truly was Real, because no longer than 5 minutes later than I prayed that prayer, that that little butterfly I was chasing to no avail, came and gently landed on the back of my hand, as if to say, "Yes, Corey, I am real, and I want to be the center of your life." And I said to God, "Now I know You are Real!"

Hold Me Tight, God!

The Joy of Praise by Corey Couturier 20012  www.coreycouturier.com 

When I was little, if I was running around too much and misbehaving at my grandparent's house, instead of sending me to "Time Out" or spanking me, my Grandpa would pick me up and hold me tightly in his arms.  I would squirm and fight, trying to get away, trying to get my freedom, to no avail.  He would just keep holding me as my tears of frustration poured from my eyes.  And finally, after all that drama of fighting for my freedom, I would eventually get wore out, stop fighting, and fall asleep in my grandpa's arms.

I think that's how God is sometimes.  If he sees us getting out of control, he will scoop us up and hold us really tight.  He loves us way too much just to let us go out and destroy ourselves.  And yes, we fight and squirm, trying to break free.  But finally, when we are wore out with fighting against God, we can just surrender, and fall asleep in his loving arms. 

We must remember, as Christians and followers of Christ, our relationship with God has changed.  Before, we were outside the family, but now we are a part of God's household, and He deals with us differently than He did before.  His love for us is sooo great, and He's not just going to let us do anything we please.  No, he's a good Father, attentive to his kids.  He hears us when we cry, when we are in pain, when we make mistakes.  He's never mean or cruel, and His motives are always pure and good.  The best place to be is right in his arms.

The Joy of Praise

http://coreycouturier.com/the-joy-of-praise/

Here it is! I started this piece at the "Growing in the Supernatural" Conference with Patricia King and XP Media. Finished it last night! It is a Mixed Media piece on a Gallery Wrap Canvas measuring 30"W by 40"H by 1 1/2" D. — at The Joy of Praise

God's Timing. Your Season to Bloom!

Some flowers bloom early in the spring, like tulips and daffodils and crocus. They are soo gorgeous! Other flowers bloom mid-season, and still others bloom in the fall like chrysanthemums. Each kind of flower has it's own unique beauty, and it's own special time to bloom. Never get discouraged when others are blooming all around you, and you are not. It's just not your time yet. God has a time for you to bloom. So, in the meantime, rejoice in your future, because it will be glorious and bright if you keep trusting in God.

and remember,

You were designed with Greatness in Mind!!
Blessings!
Corey Couturier