LIGHT 

“In the beginning, God created.” These are the first words of the Bible, before we know of His Divine Love, we are introduced to God as a great artist designing worlds. “And they The Gods said, Let there be LIGHT: and there was light. And The Gods saw the light, for it was bright; and they divided the light from the darkness.”  (Moses 2:1-25) 

When God  sculpted humanity out of the clay of the earth, God breathed life into his nostrils. We are all the art of God, created in His image, we carry within us the dust, light and breath of His making.

Light was our beginning. By using the direction of the sun, or the orientation of the stars, and the cycles of the moon, our ancestors used light to tell time or to chart courses and navigate their way.

Have you noticed the human eye is drawn to light. We can't help it. It just happens. Could it be because in the beginning our first body was light, as spirit children of God? Just think of it, we’ve come to this world to gain mortal bodies and experiences by encountering on our journey oppositions, darkness and light, faith and fear, joy and suffering. So, the Light drawing us in, is like a coming home to our Heavenly parents, our beginnings.  

In the scriptures we read, “That which is of God is light; and he that receives light, and continues in God, receives more light and that light grows brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

 And again, verily I say it unto you… that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you…”   -Doctrine & Covenants 50: 24

Jesus taught, “I am the LIGHT of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Jesus also calls us a light, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” He then invites us to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mat 5:14,16)

So, how do we create and increase “Light” and chase darkness from among us? What does this look like in our day to day choices, our surroundings we create and most importantly within our hearts? 

I invite you to look for the light of Christ, begin there. And let that light work in your heart creating more light, until it grows brighter and brighter. Remembering there is opposition in all things, and you will face darkness and sin. In those moments pray to God to ignite a spark of hope and look to our Great creator, He has promised His light will come to those who seek. 

May His light forever shine upon you is my prayer and hope,

Namaste

"I LOVE AND ACCEPT YOU _______ "

Change usually happens little by little. It's like watching a sunrise or sunset, slowing down to witness the display of colors, the light increasing or decreasing so gradually it seems as if time stands still, but if you are distracted or turn away you can miss the moment. Changing a habit takes daily line upon line, here a little, there a little. And just like the sunrise or sunset if we are distracted we can miss out. The beauty of this process of change is that "the sun will come out tomorrow" and we are given a new opportunity of beginning to try again.

Want changes in your life? Then you must change something you do daily- today! It is by the small and simple things that great things are created and change begins to happen. What you become is the result of what you do today. This law of creation is always at work like the rising and setting of the sun, and either we are growing and progressing or we are missing the moments being stuck or maybe even regressing in our progress. 

I want to share with you the simple yet powerful tool of daily mediation, my favorite is adding the mantra "I love and accept you ______"(insert your name) this has the power to change our hearts, and keeps our sight on the God's love, just the way we are in this moment, now. God's love is defined as charity which never fails us, love always wins. He sees us as who we can become, He knows our hearts and desires for us to become our best self, our divine self. "The curious paradox is that when I love and accept myself just as I am, then I can change..." let's begin there, have a seat, breath in "I love and accept you, _____" and look towards the SON, it will be glorious! 

"That which is of God is LIGHT; and he that receives light, and continues in God, receives more light; and that light grows brighter and brighter until the perfect day." Doctrine & Covenants 50:24

Attached is a link to some meditations I've created on SOUNDCLOUD.... enjoy! 

Mediation for Transformation and Change

https://soundcloud.com/judy-cooley/meditation-for-love-and-acceptance?in=judy-cooley/sets/meditations-by-judy-cooley&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

also I recommend the Small Seed Still app for Christian meditations.

Wishing You A Bright 2018!

Welcome in A New Year of Transformation and Change.

Have COURAGE.

Create a moment to relax and invite PEACE into your life.

Simply click this link for a 

Mediation for Transformation and Change

Namastay... 

Mediation for Transformation and Change

Merry Christmas!

May you discover Joy and Peace

in the small moments.

Namasty

Judy 

My gift to you: A Free download: Hope you enjoy

https://soundcloud.com/judy-cooley/meditation-for-peace-and-relaxation?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=email

"Daughters of Light"

"Daughters of Light"

Prints available at altusfineart.com

“I wanted to bring light and laughter today 

but I’m afraid I’ve lost it 

while running here in the storm.” 

-Judy Cooley

The story behind the painting

I have daughters who have battled eating disorders and anxiety. In this fight there have been times the adversary has clouded their memory of who  they are and whose they are. I painted this as a reminder that they are, I am, and we are all sons and daughters of a Loving Heavenly Father. Who sent His Only Begotten Son to be our Redeemer to light our way back home to Him. We are asked to reflect His light, seek His light to guide us, it's in His Light we grow and we find Hope. There will always be Light & Shadows, and Sunshine & Storms we have to decide where to walk. 

Through this journey as a mother the one thing I know for sure; 

His Light is Always on for us. I’ve seen it!

And I am grateful for the journey!

This painting is used by “Daughters of Light” a program of Life Changing Services to raise funds and awareness for Young Women with addictions.

P.S. My daughters are both doing so well- they reflect His brilliant light in their lives in so many ways!

"Stay By The Tree"

by Judy Cooley

This is one of my newest prints that Altus Art will be distributing.

I had a great experience creating this painting.

I was asked by Karen Broadhead if I could do a painting for "Mothers Who Know' A program of Life Changing Services. This is an online class for those who desire to stand strong in facing the opposition of our day, specializing in supporting mothers who have a child or spouse battling addiction or other unhealthy behaviors. She teaches these women that no matter the storms and trails they are facing- to stay at the tree- where we partake of the Saviors Love and Grace. Remain holding on tight to the Iron Rod which is the word of God. This is where healing and peace can be found. 

I have a testimony from my own life experiences, that I've found this peace and strength to sustain me. I am forever grateful for my Savior and the peace he promises. Thank you Madi Holt for sharing your beauty by being my model, and thank you Karen for giving me this honor and opportunity to create. It felt great to paint again!

Where are you along The Path that leads to the Tree of Life? 

 Are you holding on? Finding Joy?

 “… I partook of the fruit… it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.”  1 Nephi 8:12

"TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN TO YA!"

The 2016 Climb

"TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN TO YA!"

Erik, Megan, Charles and me on top of The Middle Teton 

“You can't reach a mountain top without friends to help you get there.” 

“A seeker ventures out to find beauty.

 When he is on the top of a mountain, 

he discovers that beauty is inside of his heart.” 

― Debasish Mridha

It's that time of year again! 

The Cooley Tradition to hike to the top of the Middle Teton. This year marked my 19th year to climb and Erik's 27th. 

It's amazing that we still find it challenging and thrilling! And keep going back year after after for more. 

It's a reminder to us that we can do hard things, and a great way to work those stick-to-ity muscles.

 It also renews my love for Erik because it's part of the glue that binds us together. 

It's also a very humbling and a spiritual journey for me because I always see and feel the evidence of God's love on the mountain. 

Also, there's nothing like sliding for miles and miles down a snow hill!