"Your Right Hand"

14" X 18" Oil on Linen Panel

NFS

This is Avery, with her mom, Nicole.  Along with her sister, Dylan, and cousin, Kennedy, she was one of the very precious flower girls in our son and daughter-in-law's wedding this past year (Mark and Teresa.)  The wedding was held at a beautiful location in St Simons Island, Georgia, hometown of the bride, under huge Spanish moss-draped live oak trees, waterside - complete with an unexpected playful dolphin "swim-by", perfectly timed!

The weather threatened a bit, but cleared as the procession of their large wedding party began.  Avery, at 2 years old, was a bit apprehensive about walking down the aisle at all, let alone with only her very capable 4 year old sister.  Since sometimes only a mom will do, Nicole came to the rescue.  Tho a bit shyly, Avery inched toward the altar as her mom's guidance gave her the comfort and courage she needed.  It wasn't so bad after all!!

What are you facing today that is evoking fear, anxiety, worry, concern?  What is keeping you from taking that step?  Perhaps the problem is who you're walking with.....

For I am the Lord, your God, 

Who takes hold of your right hand 

And says to you, 

   "Do not fear; I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

Photo reference:  Two Chics Photography

Snowshoes and Friendships

“Four Friends”

12" x 12" Oil on Canvas Panel

NFS

One very cold and snowy January several years ago, three of my best girlfriends and I decided to pack up the suburban and head to the northwoods.  I will never forget the pristine blanket of white that greeted us, and the huge snowflakes drifting down as their many facets twinkled from the reflection of a single street lamp.   We stood in awe upon our arrival.  Total silence – miles away from the cacophony of mass humanity.  Three deer – a doe with two fawns  - serenely made their way across the otherwise deserted road – right in front of us, as if we weren’t there.   It was a surreal event.

After a cozy meal together at a local supper club,  we drove down the winding fir-lined lane to the cabin.  As the moonlight proudly highlighted our surroundings, the scene appeared like a glittered Christmas card.  The warmth of the home's cherry stained logs seemed to embrace us as we quickly turned up the heat and built a fire in the stone fireplace.  Even Victor, the elk who presides over the hearth, was a welcoming presence.

All this began a week of many treasured memories: knitting, snowshoeing, long talks, bible study, laughter, picture taking, pajama day, gathering logs, food – of course - and more long talks!   It wasn’t so much what we did - it was about just being together, encountering new situations, growing our relationships with each other and with God, and strengthening the bond among us.

It was a trip that none of us will ever forget – forever etched in one of the “happy places” in our hearts.  With 20 inches of snow and temperatures dipping to 32 below zero, it was a trek totally out of our comfort zone.  An adventure.  

And yes – “Four Friends” left a little stronger after five days of “togetherness” than when they came – bolstered by a little extra dose of independence, having survived the extreme elements – alone in the woods - without men! 

I am reminded of scripture that the apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians.  I  have written it below as a prayer for all our friends:

“I have not stopped giving thanks for my friends and loved ones,

remembering them in my prayers.   I keep asking you, the God of our Lord

 Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may know You better.

 I pray also that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened in order that

 they may know the hope to which You have called them, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great

power for us who believe. 

                                                                                                              Eph. 1:16-21

The Main Event

"The Main Event"

8" x 10" Linen Panel

NFS

This is Bryson, little brother of God’s Masterpiece, Caylee (see May 2013 post.)  Happy first birthday to him…….and it’s time for his one-year old picture!!

Being the planners that they are, Bryson’s mom and Grammy began the search for the perfect coordinating family outfits months ago.  The date was carefully determined, their favorite photographer scheduled, and location strategically selected.  As time neared, their photographer had to cancel and they were left with Grammy - who knew just enough about photography to snap some shots on a very nice borrowed camera equipped with an “Auto” setting. 

Finally the day came and you can imagine the process of getting 3 small children, husband, and yourself dressed to look as if you had just stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine.  Mom had even thought to pack treats and drinks that would not muss their clothes.  Once in the car, the chaos was behind them – smooth sailing ahead – a fun family outing at the beach!  As they arrived, clouds began to roll in, the sun disappeared and gusty winds began to blow.  A bit deflated, they carefully trudged to their pre-chosen destination.  Suddenly, quite a distance from the car, Caylee had an issue that I won’t go in to, but let’s just say when little sister isn’t happy, no one is :)

While mom, dad and big brother were tending to the situation, little Bryson, who is normally the “main event”, chose to wander away from the scene and seek a bit of solitude.   As I pushed paint around on the canvas, I contemplated Bryson’s innocence and peacefulness, as well as the serenity of the scene. Because I knew of the chaos that we don’t see in this clip, God’s provision became evident.

In spite of all of their planning and attempt to control the outcome of their family photo shoot, God allowed a different story to unfold, yet it resulted in some great shots and lessons learned.  (Oh, did I mention that mom didn’t bring a change of clothing for Caylee?)

I am reminded that in spite of what is going on around us, Jesus offers us the invitation to withdraw from the flow of life, anywhere, anytime - to be with HIM - in His Word, in praise and thanksgiving, in prayer, and just listening.

“Here’s what I want you to do:  Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.  Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage.  The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.”

                                                                                    Matthew 6:6 (Taken from The Message)

Posture Matters

"POSTURE MATTERS"

11" X 14" oil on linen panel

Not For Sale

A few lessons I learned from the Garcia’s:

1.  They have darling children.  They are not just physically adorable, but they ACT adorable.  Not that our own weren't adorable, but I doubt I could have managed this pose with them when they were young, let alone even thought of it!

2.  The positioning of a subject within a composition is crucial to the success of the photo/painting.  For instance, this pose is much more interesting and says a lot more about the children than if they stood beside each other staring straight at the camera!  (Photographer is their very creative mom, Savannah.)

3.  Dad, Patrick, one of the pastors at our church, taught us a few weeks ago that Posture Matters, as he told of the pastoral team lying face down in submission to God, interceding for the names of the lost that the congregation had placed on ornaments hung in the sanctuary.  I love that visual.  Their position speaks of their awe and surrender to the only One who can truly change lives! 

Well, whether Patrick and Savannah ever tied these two thoughts together, I don't know.  But me …….and hopefully you……I see a triangle that mirrors God’s intended relationship with us.  As we bow to Him in humble surrender, placing ourselves in that vertical position, essentially “on our faces” before Him, a triangle emerges.  God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.  Complete.  At one in Him.  And don’t you love the idea of a Holy Kiss? 

 I know, I know, I know – this painting looks like fall.   But to me, it’s a .................

"picture of love that transcends all seasons"

 All because of one little baby in a manger.

“Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you;
 He is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

Yeah, Posture Matters all right.  Happy Birthday Jesus!

Late Bloomer Hydrangea

"Late Bloomer"

8" X 8" Oil on Panel

"Sharing"
8" X 10" Oil on panel

For those of you that think flowers can’t talk, well, you’d just better think again, as my mother would say.  While I had heard no audible words (thankfully), I’m telling you, she wouldn’t leave me alone.

She showed up about eight weeks ago.  Breathing a sigh of relief, I acknowledged her presence with a slight smile and a nod of my head, and I excitedly shared the news with my husband.   She was so late, we thought perhaps she, like many others, had fallen victim to our very harsh, recording setting winter.  

When spring emerged, we began to see whispers of green on her stems, but the ivy surrounding her remained a mess of intertwining brown vines.  Though she was slow to recover with stunted growth and absent foliage, it appeared she had survived! 

Endless Summer is her name  - a beautiful, normally prolific hydrangea bush that struts large pink, showy pom-poms against a mass of greens, ranging from very pale chartreuse to cool, dark blue-greens.

Our hope finally turned into reality as we watched a small mop of green grow into one single, yet strong cluster of bright pink and shoot straight up, towering over the top of the bush. She had survived the season’s yoke of oppression and burst forth into new life!  Her message, spoken only through her mere presence, remains loud and clear;

Even though we go through barren times – times where we feel in

chains, either circumstantial or self-imposed - there is hope for us captives as Jesus came to “set the us free, to release us from darkness, to grow us into oaks of righteousness, for the display of His splendor.” (Taken from Isaiah 61:1-3)

What is preventing us from being the prolific bearer of fruit that God created us to be?   It’s easier to remain a victim – blaming our circumstances, others, our limitations, the timing – any excuse not to own the problem.   Let’s surrender our “harsh winter” to Him, and allow Him to transform us into flourishing late bloomers – for the display of His splendor!

P.S.  I tried to paint the lone bloom within the context of our backyard setting, but it didn’t make a very interesting composition.   So, I used a reference from somewhere else, even though Endless Summer looked a lot like this one until just a few days ago!!!  I so appreciate her sharing her gifts!!!

  

Covered Bridge - Forgotten Place

"Forgotten Place"

11" X 14" Raymar Linen

NFS

When my cyber-friend, talented artist, writer, and photographer, Debbie Nolan (for a blessed treat, please visit her here!) posted my photo reference several months ago, I immediately knew I wanted to paint it.  For some reason, I am drawn to old wood structures – barns, covered bridges, cabins, doors, etc.  I love their imperfect textures, chipped paint and worn shapes.  They humbly boast scars from past experiences that subconsciously both intrigue and beckon me.  Oh, if we only knew!

When I asked Debbie for permission to paint this piece, she graciously said yes, and she also shared the fact that it hosts the carving of her and her husbands initials from years ago.  See – I knew it had a story!

Though this painting was a bit out of my comfort zone, it was actually quite a spiritual experience.  Throughout the process, the image spoke to me of God’s faithful promises – His love, guidance, protection, and deliverance.  For reasons I don’t need to share, I so wanted it to turn out!  Unfortunately, the depths of my motivation far exceeded my artistic efforts, yet I hope it will still speak to you…..

                                 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  

                                   He makes me lie down in green pastures,

                                   He leads me beside quiet waters,

                                   He restores my soul. 

                                   He guides me in paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.”

                                                                                                                      Psalm 23: 1-3

Feels Like Love!!

"Feels Like Love!"

6"X6" linen panel

Hey you – unconditionally loved by God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, spiritually hugged and never forgotten!  Just marinate in that for awhile this beautiful September morning.  Then, if you can, go for a walk, take a deep breath, feel the refreshing cool breeze blowing against your skin and through your hair.  Can you smell even the faintest hint of autumn? 

Look at all the ways God has blessed us with a beautiful habitat.  You know the first thing I notice is flowers, but let’s ponder a bit on the not so obvious – like all the different shapes, color, and density of trees.  Or look up and take notice of the sky – is it clear blue or adorned with perfectly positioned billowy white clouds?  Look a little closer - do you see any shapes you recognize?  So much to take in - feels like love, doesn’t it?

What else in your life feels like love?  Lunch with your besties, a heartfelt apology, family get-togethers, a surprise birthday party, a new baby, a fond memory, …….. or maybe a surprise visit in the form of a little blue mason jar filled with fresh cut flowers from your daughters work shower on your kitchen island when you got up one morning?    

One of our daughters is getting married this fall, and we have been blessed with family and friends graciously hosting and attending several bridal showers.  Every event has been beautiful, thoughtful, and generously gifted.  They have looked and felt like love.  It is with humble gratitude that we express our appreciation to all.

I am so glad that God thought of that noun ….verb….emotion.  And thankfully, it is His M.O. always.  

You are loved today!