Equestrian

"In Her Element"

8 X 10 on canvas panel

NFS

Never say never.  Just never say never.

Many of my subscribers know my story – that I didn’t even want or attempt to paint until 2009.  I have written pages and pages on this, but trust me when I say that I struggled with drawing stick figures.  THEN, upon learning that I had a little ability in this area, I said multiple times that, I would never even try to do portraits, which in reality, was quite laughable because that was not just a longshot – it was more like an impossibility.  (Just ask my teacher/mentor.)

So, fast forward through several attempts that ended in the round file, and here is my first portrait worthy of showing its face!  AND it will be hanging in the Arts Council's “Art in the City” exhibit begeinning June 9-30.  The opening reception is this Friday, June 10, 5:30-7:00 at 318 Main St., Evansville, IN - on the walkway.  Yes, that's an invite  :)

I have come to realize that we (me) are in a habit of politely and kindly telling God what we cannot do or will not do and FYI, pretty sure He frowns on that :)  Sometimes ……well, most of the time (me)……….I think there is a fear of failure that keeps us from forging into unknown territories.  And oh how we LOVE our comfort zones!  But when our fear super-cedes our yes, we miss out on God’s best.   (I think I heard that at church - Patrick Garcia.)

I just want to share that each of my prior attempts (failures) provided me with plenty of frustration, yet enough encouragement (“Don’t tell me I can’t do that!”) to face the next “blank canvas”.  I fail miserably in the perseverance department on multiple levels, but I feel God telling me, “HEY - Don’t tell me what your limitations are…….” for "I know the plans I have made for you, declares the Lord."   See Jeremiah 29:11-13

Be cognizant of opportunities God brings your way.  They may seem incidental, but they are not accidental.  Just try saying yes instead of never!  

P.S.  We would LOVE to hear your “yes” story!

Bearded Collie

   

 "Angel"

6" X 8" Oil on Linen Panel

NFS

Wayward path, warp speed, brunt force, prolonged pain …... all I could think of when I saw it coming!

Early in our marriage, my husband’s family occasionally engaged in a competitive holiday tournament of tetherball.  In case you’ve never had the pleasure, a sturdy iron pole is firmly anchored  at its base, and a rope attached to a medium size ball is suspended from the top of the pole.  The object is to be the first to wrap the rope around the pole by hitting the ball with your hand (uh, some people use their fist.) 

One day I was naïve enough to actually accept the challenge from my extremely competitive husband.  We played a friendly game for several minutes - which I realized later, was him letting me get comfortable.   Then, when I looked away for just a split second, in his odd sense of humor, he seized the moment and “spiked” the ball as hard as he could.  (Picture Greg in the volleyball game in Meet the Parents!)

Well, I had just enough time to partially duck out the path of the ball traveling in a wayward path at warp speed.  I may not be strong and athletic, but lucky for him, I can be quick.   (I will not go into my over-dramatization of this assault at this time.)  So, for a week, I sported a king-size bruise on my left shoulder, thereby displaying lovely colors of alizarin crimson, dioxazine violet, ultramarine blue….and eventually yellow ochre.  (Oh my gosh -  are you e-snickering???  You seriously have the same sense of humor?????)

Okay, fine.  I'm moving on..........look at that face!!!!  The precious little lady above is Angel - can't you almost see her halo?   She has been a loyal, faithful friend to her "mom" for many years.  From trials, tribulations, and celebrations, to spending simple quiet times at home, Angel has been her constant companion.

Sometimes life presents its own version of "tetherball" when struggles, opposition, and illness can threaten our very existence.  Remember, tho, that we are tethered to a sovereign, faithful, and loving God who knows just how long the rope is, and promises not only His love and presence, but His sovereignty.

Oh, and it sure helps to have an Angel in your life!!  

"When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

You will not drown,

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

You will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you. 

For I am the Lord, your God.”

                                                                                                                  Isaiah 43:2-3a

For Kari Jobe's emotional performance of "I Am Not Alone", click here:  https://youtu.be/bfveawSAHJA

Goose, Goose, Swan!!

"Goose....Goose....Swan!"

11" X 14" Oil on Canvas Panel 

He was lurking in the wooded shadows near Monet's bridge behind the quaint, historic New Harmony Inn.  It was late afternoon - the day after our daughters wedding.   Though sensing his movements, it was hard to identify a shape.  I anxiously wondered what was hiding in that area of barren brush and freshly fallen leaves - likely a goose?   Yeah, probably a goose.

Suddenly I heard a big splash as he majestically propelled his graceful body out of the darkness into the light, swiftly gliding on to the glittering sunlit waters.  The brilliant light both illuminated and intensified his color. This was no goose, but a beautiful swan!  The contrast of his shadowed, yet now hued areas against his white body was stunning.   I moved toward my camera, knowing that no photograph would ever capture the lively reverberation of energy that was playing out before me.

While we can appreciate the valiant efforts of our human attempt to reiterate something, there are some things that just have be experienced.  

When we answer Gods call from darkness into His light, we not only begin to reflect the Son, but even our dark places of sin, shame, and bondage become colorfully enlightened ..... in a way that demonstrates His incomparable transforming power and gives hope to those still lost in the shadows!  

"..He called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."

1 Peter 2:10 (ESV) 

Golden Retriever II

"The Invitation" 

8" X 8" Oil on Linen panel

I told him no at first ……even though that handsome irresistible grin seemed to be choosing me.  I had an artistic idea in my mind, and well, he just didn’t meet my expectations.  It would have been easier to just say yes.  But no, I knew best ....... really wasn't an option. 

Frustrated, I poured over my choices again and again.   I kept asking Lyn, his “mom”, to send more pictures, hoping I’d see just what I wanted!   As a last resort, I enlisted the help of my artist friend, Colleen, and my teacher, Chris.  They pointed out some things that made me take a step back and re-think the whole situation. 

It was humbling, but I realized I had been looking for the wrong thing – a serious, traditional regal pose -  a picture of perfection with all things right – the icon of "Golden Retriever-ville."  So, now with an open mind, I began to study all the views, to take time to really see him.   The more I studied him, the more my heart began to move.  This loveable big guy was inviting me on an adventure - to leave my worries behind …. to play like a child – to run free, to play catch and Frisbee, to roll in a pile of fall leaves.... to laugh til I cried, and to love til it hurt!  So, I gave him a big imaginary hug and I said YES!!  Meet Mort.

After his mom told me stories about him, I realized his personality matched what I was seeing and knew it was the story my painting was to tell.   Being the good-looking hunk that he was, you may not be surprised to learn that Mort loved to be told how handsome he was!  He had a bit of a sinful streak in him tho – he loved to steal.  Yeah, the socks right off your feet.  Of course he thought the ensuing chase was the best – so fun!!!  And he slept in the bathtub.......what??

I can’t believe I took so long to choose this reference photo.  I think the problem began with the fact that my mind was closed to anything other than what I had created in it – I was literally BLIND to my options.  That is, until someone helped me see things differently.   

You know, some decisions need to be made with our head; others with our heart.  And then there are those decisions that we may initially make with our heads….. that then, in turn, truly change our hearts and lives.

Many in Jesus’ day did not acknowledge Him as the answer to the prophesied Savior – a King.  And so they missed out – they overlooked Him because He wasn’t the picture they had in their minds.  Like many of us today, maybe you know about Him but often look right past him in a world of need, sin, and destruction – all in searching for answers that you imagine.   Maybe if we’d listen to that friend that is reaching out, take a closer look and study who He really is, BE WITH HIM, our hearts would recognize His invitation and accept it – to love and receive love, to forgive and receive forgiveness, to live in freedom!  Just say YES!!!

"...yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life..."

John 5:40   (ESV)

Yellow Lab

"Maizey"

8" X 8" oil on linen panel

NFS

I thought we were doing a good thing...choosing that cute playful bundle to bring into our family.  But wow – did she make this 60-ish year old empty-nester get up on her feet!  It was as if we suddenly “owned” a toddler!

About a year after our golden passed, we began to think about getting a new family pet.  If you know me at all, you've heard my frequent verbal expression of displeasure in Gabe’s overly abundant shedding, as well as the  house rule:  “Do not wear black to the Murrays! “  

So, in choosing our next family member, our thought processes went something like this:  Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever – same sweet, laid-back just-fold-in kind of temperament, short fur (as in less).   You see the logic, right?  Please say yes.  I know – you’d think two grown adults would have more sense than that.  Maybe it’s just that we believed what we wanted to believe because it was the one and only breed we could remotely agree on.

Well, suffice it to say – I love, love, love this dog.  But, Gabe she is NOT.  In no way are their personalities the same – well, to give her the benefit of the doubt – not yet, anyway.  I know I exaggerate a bit – ahem – but that little 5 pound piece of abundant energy with not one ounce of innate sense of right and wrong totally has totally consumed my life for her first year and a half.   (I can still hear my grandson in his little sing-song mimicking tone, thinking I wouldn’t hear him..…..”Maizey, Maizey, Maizey.”  Don't you love it!)

Feeling as if there were no hope and out of necessity to maintain my sanity, family relationships, and physical health, I took her to obedience training.   We immediately bonded when she began to respond to my commands.  And with each subsequent act of obedience came a treat.  Fast forward a year or so - I stand amazed at her response to positive training, and how it transformed her unmanageable and self-destructive spirit into one that willingly submits to her  “master” and loves living her life of obedience. 

There are so many parallels to our walk with Jesus that I find demonstrated in my  “Walk with Maizey.”  (So glad God “dumbs things down” for me!)  It begins with submitting our untamed, unsaved lives to His Authority, therein allowing Him to change us into His likeness, guiding us daily, and assuring our eternity.  When we align our hearts with His, we place ourselves into a position to be blessed  - the “treat” that results from obedience.

Oh and the rule about not wearing black to our home – sorry to say – still stands!

"....choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...."

Joshua 24: 15

          1.  Why do you believe what you believe? 

          2.  Who/What have you submitted yourself to – Who is your master??

          3.  How’s that workin for you?

Golden Retriever

"Gabe"

8" x 10" oil on linen panel

NFS

Loved having lunch with a special girlfriend the other day!  After catching up on our latest vacays and kid happenings, we got down to the place where our hearts really meet – what God is doing in our lives on a spiritual level.  She mentioned God had called her into a relationship with a friend who was raised in a dysfunctional family and now deals with the issue of being quite territorial and unable to trust in other relationships – even with God.

In contrast, I have another friend (yes, I have more than one!), who was blessed to have an earthly father that always lovingly took care of whatever need or dilemma she faced.  What a beautiful visual she has when trying to grasp who God is.  (He is that, but so much more!)

Well, we all have them – issues, I mean.  None of us were raised by perfect parents, but some of us do have an easier time in relating to God as a strong, loving and reliable heavenly Father because we have had that type of relationship with our own dads, or other role-model.  

This is Gabe, who shared our lives for 13 years. You may snicker or call it blasphemy, but if you have a canine family member living in your home, you will hopefully be able to relate!   Gabe was a near-perfect specimen.   He loved well and still is well-loved.  He even accompanied us on family vacations.  His only “fault”, however, was that he unintentionally adorned our home with a daily dusting of golden retriever fur!  In fact, those whose lives he “touched” always, always left with evidence of having been near him!  

In pondering for months what to write about him, his consistent character (and fur) always rose to the surface.   Within his limitations, he surpassed any human I know – almost always loving, almost always happy to see us and hang with us, almost always up when we were up and compassionate when we were down – and yes, even kinda protective.  In case you didn’t catch the repetition, he was ALMOST ALWAYS those things.  

Let it be known that God cannot adequately be compared to any other being.  But, blessed are those who have earthly reminders of who He is and the relationship He desires to have with each of us.   His faithfulness is always unending; His love always unconditional; His forgiveness always available!  

And those who call Him Savior and spend time with Him always bear His evidence!

“The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, 

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

maintaining love to thousands,

 and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” 

Exodus 34:6

 

"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