Did you know that brown is a colour that is associated with belonging. I’ve written about this before – the need to belong. A need for community. A need for relationship. We were never meant to be alone, but we were made for relationship. I am very content to have relationship with the one who feeds my soul, and cares for me on a holistic level.
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” ― C.S. Lewis
I’m just a simple girl that is passionate about being relevant and making a difference in this world.
World traveler, lover of bright sunny days, experiencing cultures, good friends and conversation. I love my God and love my family.
I don’t believe that I have the Truth, but that I have a relationship with Truth and want to be closer to Him.
Canadian, born and raised in Vancouver, BC. YWAMer since 2000 and have traveled and lived all over the world –Hong Kong, China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Germany, Argentina, Australia and The USA.
I moved to Brazil in 2002, married an awesome “Baiano”, Daniel, and we have two adorable kiddies, Caue and Hannah.
I am certified in fitness and nutrition and conducted physical conditioning classes while working with an arts and evangelism team and schools. I am also certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners).
"A God Coloured Girl in a Grey World" is my blog where I write articles based on my faith, post fitness routines, recipes and other health and wellness stuff. You can also check out a bit of my music at www.myspace.com/stacilys
View all posts by stacilys
62 thoughts on “The Vine”
I think the nurturing comes with spending time with my kids. It serves a few purposes, like finding out what is going on in their lives, but it also plants the seed so that they remember and nurture their families one day.
Definitely great ways to nurture connection. The very first institution established for the nurturing of relationships is the family.
I like how you mentioned ‘planting the seed’. I’m a biggie on being an example for my kids to follow. I fail EVERY SINGLE DAY, but I always make sure to say sorry and ask for forgiveness. I also think being present is very, but very important.
Thanks Rob for the comment.
🙂
The artwork is so beautiful, Staci and the poem is very emotional to me because it tells about the greatness of a human relationship with God and at the same time it reminds me of how so many people search for the relationship that will make them happy and don’t realize that first and most important relationship that we can have is with our Creator. When we have that, everything else falls into its right place. ❤
Thank you so much Sibella. What a great comment and observation. Yes, it’s so true. And what’s even more sad is that so many people believe that the faith we have is a ‘religion’. I love what Josh McDowell said, “Christianity is not a religion. Religion is humans trying to work their way to God through good works. Christianity is God coming to men and women through Jesus Christ. It’s all about relationship, isn’t it Sibella. I love that relationship. I will cling to it with all I’ve got and never let go. God help me to always remain in the vine.
And you are so right, when we have that relationship, everything else falls into its right place. Even when we can’t figure it all out, and don’t know the why’s and how’s of it all, we can be assured that we are the finite, in the hands of the infinite.
Have a wonderful evening and weekend Sibella.
🙂 ❤
Yes, religion is very far away from faith. Religion is doing things out of fear and faith is doing things out of love because God gave you a new heart and a new perspective.
Yes, it’s about relationship. We may stumble and we may fall but we get up stronger because we have a great God on our side and He is invincible.
Peace and Love to you and have a wonderful weekend too! Much LOVE! ❤
Thanks Sibella. Much love to you too, my friend.
🙂 ❤
Thanks my friend! ❤ 🙂
Always welcome.
🙂 ❤
🙂
Ohhhh, Staci, I love, love, love this one. The colors remind of harvest time (I’m not sure why) and the words echo of how we grow and how He harvests us for His work in His perfect time. Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much Kirsten. I’ve been meaning to do a piece on this topic for a while. Over a year actually. Finally got down to business and did it. hahaha.
I’m so glad this spoke to you.
Btw, how are the plans coming along for Australia?
🙂
This is such abeautiful message and post. I had no idea about brown sugnifying anything. Thanks for that. Well, I try to preach acceptance instead of tolerance necause they are two very different things. And Althoughm, I started my nlog to promote my writing, it has turned out I have been able to help when feel better about themselves with my philosophy. So, I hope to continue to do that. Loved this post.
Thank you so much lonelyauthor. I love your comment, specifically ” preach acceptance instead of tolerance necause they are two very different things.” I agree. It may seem as if they’re the same, but in fact they are totally different.
I think it’s wonderful that you have been able to help people through your blog. From what I’ve read, your attitude and behaviour toward life are outstanding, and I think they’re great.
Hope you do keep on doing that.
Thanks again.
🙂
Tolerance = I will put up with it. That is not what this world needs. Thanks for the compliment. I will do my best to spread words of love, acceptance, and positivity. Thanks. Great conversing with you.
I agree. You keep spreading the positivity lonelyauthor.
Have a great week.
🙂
Ohhhh, this comment didn’t show up in my notifications. Just saw it now Trini.
Thank you so so so much. You are such an encouragement to me.
🙂 ❤
Such an amazing and beautiful way to speak about the need to abide in Him! It is in His presence, we find the fullness of joy. It is there that He changes us. When we learn to make this our way of life, we find that he is our life line!
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you so much Rose. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. And yes, he is our lifeline.
Have a wonderful weekend.
🙂
Staci, “The Vine” is beautiful, filled with such charm and grace. I really like the sentiment that you’ve captured. The artwork is stunning and the background with a marvelous ochre color is beautiful, warm and inviting. Thank you for sharing, I didn’t know that brown was associated with belonging, quite fascinating. I love that you’ve included a C. S. Lewis quote, he’s another interesting fellow that also left the Church, only to return later. Wonderful post! Please have a fun Friday and a terrific weekend!
~ Mia 🙂
Thank you so much Mia. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this one. Oh yes, C.S. Lewis did leave his faith, but returned after much struggle. I love how his return to Christianity was based on intellect and reason, and not because of some emotional experience. Reminds me also of Josh McDowell (former agnostic), the author of ‘Evidence that Demands a Verdict’, and Francis Schaeffer, theologian, philosopher and the founder of the L’Abri study centres. Have you heard of them
Thank you once again Mia for your kind comment, and you also have a wonderful weekend.
🙂
Staci, you’re most welcome. I’m not familiar with Josh McDowell, I know of Francis Schaeffer, but there too my knowledge is limited. Thank you for these names, something to look up over the weekend. Thank you, I’m looking forward to Saturday and Sunday, please enjoy! ~ Mia 🙂
Ohhh, I hope you had a great weekend Mia. And please have a wonderful week.
🙂
Thank you, I did! Likewise, I hope you enjoyed your weekend, please have a wonderful week ahead as well! 🙂
Wonderful and inviting! Your artistry is applaudable in both words and colored thoughts, in images and concepts.
~ Dajena
Thank you so much Accidentally Inked.
Hahaha, oh yes, I can see why you would think that @I had this feeling that maybe this poem is going to be about purple. the purple girl will be coming along soon.
Have a beautiful weekend.
🙂
Thanks Charlie. Yea, who would have thought that brown would signify belonging. I found that out a little while back.
Have a great weekend. I’m sure you’re going to spend a good amount of it on the internet eh. Hahaha.
🙂
sure am going to spend quite a bit of time on the net, you too have a great weekend.
🙂
What a great picture and I love that, about the meaning and effect of brown. It’s certainly a grounding color, that of Earth and dirt. We ground one another in community. And because He made us holistically, He wants us to worship him holistically: Love the Lord your God with all your HEART…MIND…STRENGTH…
Hi Diana, so great to see you. How are you?
Thank you so much. Oh yes, I found out about brown and belonging a little while back when working on another art/poetry project.
Love the reference to ‘worshipping holistically’ (I know you like that word, don’t you? 🙂 ). That’s just it. There is no separation between the secular and the sacred. For those that follow God, all is sacred. Coram Deo, right?
🙂
WOW. That poem moved me so deeply. Just Wow. I guess it was something I needed to read. I needed it. Thank you so much for sharing it Staci. I will definitely be saving this quote to read it over and over. and your art complemented it so beautifully! 🙂
Ohhhh really? Thank you so much Zee. I am so pleased the it moved you deeply. And I’m so glad you enjoyed the art as well.
You have a great week sweetie.
🙂 ❤
Heyyyy, it’s been sooooo long. O was remembering this post today and decided to read that t to myself. I was scrolling through the comments and noticed you sent one that I never even saw. I’m so sorry for not responding before. And I’m super touched that it impacted you.
I sincerely hope you are doing well and that you are happy and healthy.
Have a great day 🤩
What does it mean if you have no desire to belong? Because in the “belonging” comes pain and heartache and you have had enough of that for more than one person. When it is so much easier just to have the Lord and no one else because He is always there, always faithful, always loving. I long for my mansion in the sky and the belonging that we will have in Heaven.
“in the “belonging” comes pain and heartache and you have had enough of that for more than one person.”
–I hear you Robyn. Relationships are definitely not easy. We are selfish people and want things our way, and of course that causes friction. Still though, we have this need for relationships. Sometimes they’re painful, but sometimes they’re amazing. Iron sharpens iron, right 😉
Have a great week.
🙂
Beautiful post, as usual. That poem is so sweet and romantic––full of passion and love. I didn’t know the color brown was associated with belonging. That’s very interesting. Brown reminds me of chocolate. That quote by C.S. Lewis is great! 😀 xx
Awww, thanks so much Vashti. Please forgive my delay in responding to your comment. It’s because I was away for about a week, with little access to internet.
I’m so glad you like the poem.
Love it @brown reminds me of chocolate. Ummmmmm, yummy. 🙂
I love that quote too.
Have a lovely week, my friend.
🙂 ❤
No problem Staci. I hope you had a good time. Have a fabulous week. 😀 xx
You too Vashti.
🙂
Classic!
Ur art forms are reconciliation of beauty and soul and admire how they bring abut of belongingness with them always.
These words, AWESOME….u rock :D…keep posting my friend 🙂
stacilys.wordpress.com 
I think the nurturing comes with spending time with my kids. It serves a few purposes, like finding out what is going on in their lives, but it also plants the seed so that they remember and nurture their families one day.
Definitely great ways to nurture connection. The very first institution established for the nurturing of relationships is the family.
I like how you mentioned ‘planting the seed’. I’m a biggie on being an example for my kids to follow. I fail EVERY SINGLE DAY, but I always make sure to say sorry and ask for forgiveness. I also think being present is very, but very important.
Thanks Rob for the comment.
🙂
I adore this one! Amazing and wonderful.
Awwww, thanks so much Wendy. I’m humbled by ‘adore’.
Please have an amazing rest of the day/evening.
🙂 ❤
The artwork is so beautiful, Staci and the poem is very emotional to me because it tells about the greatness of a human relationship with God and at the same time it reminds me of how so many people search for the relationship that will make them happy and don’t realize that first and most important relationship that we can have is with our Creator. When we have that, everything else falls into its right place. ❤
Thank you so much Sibella. What a great comment and observation. Yes, it’s so true. And what’s even more sad is that so many people believe that the faith we have is a ‘religion’. I love what Josh McDowell said, “Christianity is not a religion. Religion is humans trying to work their way to God through good works. Christianity is God coming to men and women through Jesus Christ. It’s all about relationship, isn’t it Sibella. I love that relationship. I will cling to it with all I’ve got and never let go. God help me to always remain in the vine.
And you are so right, when we have that relationship, everything else falls into its right place. Even when we can’t figure it all out, and don’t know the why’s and how’s of it all, we can be assured that we are the finite, in the hands of the infinite.
Have a wonderful evening and weekend Sibella.
🙂 ❤
Yes, religion is very far away from faith. Religion is doing things out of fear and faith is doing things out of love because God gave you a new heart and a new perspective.
Yes, it’s about relationship. We may stumble and we may fall but we get up stronger because we have a great God on our side and He is invincible.
Peace and Love to you and have a wonderful weekend too! Much LOVE! ❤
Thanks Sibella. Much love to you too, my friend.
🙂 ❤
Thanks my friend! ❤ 🙂
Always welcome.
🙂 ❤
🙂
Ohhhh, Staci, I love, love, love this one. The colors remind of harvest time (I’m not sure why) and the words echo of how we grow and how He harvests us for His work in His perfect time. Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much Kirsten. I’ve been meaning to do a piece on this topic for a while. Over a year actually. Finally got down to business and did it. hahaha.
I’m so glad this spoke to you.
Btw, how are the plans coming along for Australia?
🙂
Everything about this post is beautiful. Thanks, Staci.
Hi David, thank you so much. Have you ever heard/read that quote from C.S. Lewis? I love it.
🙂
This is such abeautiful message and post. I had no idea about brown sugnifying anything. Thanks for that. Well, I try to preach acceptance instead of tolerance necause they are two very different things. And Althoughm, I started my nlog to promote my writing, it has turned out I have been able to help when feel better about themselves with my philosophy. So, I hope to continue to do that. Loved this post.
Thank you so much lonelyauthor. I love your comment, specifically ” preach acceptance instead of tolerance necause they are two very different things.” I agree. It may seem as if they’re the same, but in fact they are totally different.
I think it’s wonderful that you have been able to help people through your blog. From what I’ve read, your attitude and behaviour toward life are outstanding, and I think they’re great.
Hope you do keep on doing that.
Thanks again.
🙂
Tolerance = I will put up with it. That is not what this world needs. Thanks for the compliment. I will do my best to spread words of love, acceptance, and positivity. Thanks. Great conversing with you.
I agree. You keep spreading the positivity lonelyauthor.
Have a great week.
🙂
This is so beautiful!!! 💖💖💖
Awwww, thank you so much Trini. So glad you like it.
🙂 ❤
Yes, especially her! 🌸🌸🌸🙋🏼🦄🌸🌸🌸
Ohhhh, this comment didn’t show up in my notifications. Just saw it now Trini.
Thank you so so so much. You are such an encouragement to me.
🙂 ❤
Such an amazing and beautiful way to speak about the need to abide in Him! It is in His presence, we find the fullness of joy. It is there that He changes us. When we learn to make this our way of life, we find that he is our life line!
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you so much Rose. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. And yes, he is our lifeline.
Have a wonderful weekend.
🙂
Enjoy your weekend as well
Staci, “The Vine” is beautiful, filled with such charm and grace. I really like the sentiment that you’ve captured. The artwork is stunning and the background with a marvelous ochre color is beautiful, warm and inviting. Thank you for sharing, I didn’t know that brown was associated with belonging, quite fascinating. I love that you’ve included a C. S. Lewis quote, he’s another interesting fellow that also left the Church, only to return later. Wonderful post! Please have a fun Friday and a terrific weekend!
~ Mia 🙂
Thank you so much Mia. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this one. Oh yes, C.S. Lewis did leave his faith, but returned after much struggle. I love how his return to Christianity was based on intellect and reason, and not because of some emotional experience. Reminds me also of Josh McDowell (former agnostic), the author of ‘Evidence that Demands a Verdict’, and Francis Schaeffer, theologian, philosopher and the founder of the L’Abri study centres. Have you heard of them
Thank you once again Mia for your kind comment, and you also have a wonderful weekend.
🙂
Staci, you’re most welcome. I’m not familiar with Josh McDowell, I know of Francis Schaeffer, but there too my knowledge is limited. Thank you for these names, something to look up over the weekend. Thank you, I’m looking forward to Saturday and Sunday, please enjoy! ~ Mia 🙂
Ohhh, I hope you had a great weekend Mia. And please have a wonderful week.
🙂
Thank you, I did! Likewise, I hope you enjoyed your weekend, please have a wonderful week ahead as well! 🙂
Wonderful and inviting! Your artistry is applaudable in both words and colored thoughts, in images and concepts.
~ Dajena
Thank you so much Dajena. What a nice comment. I’m so glad you like this one.
Have a wonderful weekend.
🙂
Loved it!
Likewise! Enjoy yours Staci!!
~ Dajena ❤
🙂 ❤
Beautiful picture!
By seeing the purple hair I had this feeling that maybe this poem is going to be about purple. XD
Thank you so much Accidentally Inked.
Hahaha, oh yes, I can see why you would think that @I had this feeling that maybe this poem is going to be about purple. the purple girl will be coming along soon.
Have a beautiful weekend.
🙂
Welcome. 🙂
Ahh can’t wait.I love purple!!
Thank you!
Awwww, thanks accidentally inked. I will make sure to make it my next girl then, in honour of you.
🙂 ❤
Have a great week. 🙂
Call me Inky. 🙄
Yay! 😀 Can’t wait!
The poem as always deep and moving, and the colour brown a sense of belonging? That´s a new one, but it sure makes sense what you say about it.
Thanks Charlie. Yea, who would have thought that brown would signify belonging. I found that out a little while back.
Have a great weekend. I’m sure you’re going to spend a good amount of it on the internet eh. Hahaha.
🙂
sure am going to spend quite a bit of time on the net, you too have a great weekend.
🙂
What a great picture and I love that, about the meaning and effect of brown. It’s certainly a grounding color, that of Earth and dirt. We ground one another in community. And because He made us holistically, He wants us to worship him holistically: Love the Lord your God with all your HEART…MIND…STRENGTH…
Hi Diana, so great to see you. How are you?
Thank you so much. Oh yes, I found out about brown and belonging a little while back when working on another art/poetry project.
Love the reference to ‘worshipping holistically’ (I know you like that word, don’t you? 🙂 ). That’s just it. There is no separation between the secular and the sacred. For those that follow God, all is sacred. Coram Deo, right?
🙂
Exactly!
love it!
Awwww, thank you so much Neha. So glad you ‘love’ it.
🙂 ❤
❤ ❤
WOW. That poem moved me so deeply. Just Wow. I guess it was something I needed to read. I needed it. Thank you so much for sharing it Staci. I will definitely be saving this quote to read it over and over. and your art complemented it so beautifully! 🙂
Ohhhh really? Thank you so much Zee. I am so pleased the it moved you deeply. And I’m so glad you enjoyed the art as well.
You have a great week sweetie.
🙂 ❤
Heyyyy, it’s been sooooo long. O was remembering this post today and decided to read that t to myself. I was scrolling through the comments and noticed you sent one that I never even saw. I’m so sorry for not responding before. And I’m super touched that it impacted you.
I sincerely hope you are doing well and that you are happy and healthy.
Have a great day 🤩
What does it mean if you have no desire to belong? Because in the “belonging” comes pain and heartache and you have had enough of that for more than one person. When it is so much easier just to have the Lord and no one else because He is always there, always faithful, always loving. I long for my mansion in the sky and the belonging that we will have in Heaven.
“in the “belonging” comes pain and heartache and you have had enough of that for more than one person.”
–I hear you Robyn. Relationships are definitely not easy. We are selfish people and want things our way, and of course that causes friction. Still though, we have this need for relationships. Sometimes they’re painful, but sometimes they’re amazing. Iron sharpens iron, right 😉
Have a great week.
🙂
Beautiful post, as usual. That poem is so sweet and romantic––full of passion and love. I didn’t know the color brown was associated with belonging. That’s very interesting. Brown reminds me of chocolate. That quote by C.S. Lewis is great! 😀 xx
Awww, thanks so much Vashti. Please forgive my delay in responding to your comment. It’s because I was away for about a week, with little access to internet.
I’m so glad you like the poem.
Love it @brown reminds me of chocolate. Ummmmmm, yummy. 🙂
I love that quote too.
Have a lovely week, my friend.
🙂 ❤
No problem Staci. I hope you had a good time. Have a fabulous week. 😀 xx
You too Vashti.
🙂
Classic!
Ur art forms are reconciliation of beauty and soul and admire how they bring abut of belongingness with them always.
These words, AWESOME….u rock :D…keep posting my friend 🙂
Awwwww, huge smile.
YOU rock Saaransh.
Thank you so, so, so, so much, my friend.
🙂
pleasure always 🙂