a new thing

One of my friend’s favorite sayings is,
“God is doing a new thing!” 

After hearing this many times and knowing it was part of a verse, I looked it up and committed more if it to my memory bank.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

And then you start to notice same and very similar words are used in many more places. God has always been making something out of nothing, bringing life where there was death and flowing water even from rocks. Nothing is too hard for Him. He loves the impossible, the improbable and taking the foolish things to confound the wise. And many days – I’m confounded in ways that bring me even more AWE and WONDER at His great creativity!!

The Message version is fabulous here – verses 16-21
This is what God says,
    the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
    who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
    they lie down and then can’t get up;
    they’re snuffed out like so many candles:
“Forget about what’s happened;
    don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
    It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
    rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’
    —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
    rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
    the people I made especially for myself,
    a people custom-made to praise me.

I pray even this week, you will see God making a way where there seems no way and will recognize His hand at work in your life and relationships. He is so very generous and loves to give good gifts to His children! 

 

 

hope beams through

It has definitely been a unique season in my life. The gallery has been steadily moving forward. Definitely exciting for this blossoming downtown community and for us as local artists.

I remember times of prayer in the past years asking the Lord what to do with all of these paintings and Him sharing that a time and place would come for them.

We do need to step up to make many things happen in our lives, but there are also seasons we need to be patient with His timing.

I pray for you today…

May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
Psalm 20:4-5 ESV

framed and named

Fill ‘er Up

Solo Flight

In the midst of other things in life, I finished these local scenes for an upcoming exhibit. Hope you like the sneak peek. Portraits are not my forte but I do love to capture people and movement. The local Splash Pad is filled with both on a warm summer day! It was a treasure to watch, snap some photos and imagine how I could bring different things to life.

So often painters are asked, “How long does it take you?”

I often say, “Until it’s finished.”

Just like God’s work in our lives, it really depends. Some journeys are smoother than others.

The more detailed boy – went quickly. I had several photos of the water spray and none include the little girl in that position. I pieced three photos which all had her profile. Her face and head shape seemed wrong with each paint edit. A few days later, the head movement idea came and though difficult to get a pink ear to show in blond hair – it worked.

I think they will bring some great smiles to those viewing our “Art Around Town” showing at Zeeland’s Second Reformed Church. A great gallery space our Zeeland Artists group is thrilled to work with on this plein air project.

I pray you find some extra joy and exploration in your week!

scripture inspiration

A recent “assignment” was creating something from scripture. I had done a previous piece from Psalm 23 and as I was reading with them, another section brought a different picture to me. It was definitely impacting to let the watercolors flow and create this more abstract piece.

Psalm 23:5
You anoint my head with oil…

Also making me think of this –

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3

wonder of words

Do you ever have stray words come to your mind? They don’t relate to anything in the moment but you know you must pay attention. They are like invitations to explore, to dream and imagine where they will lead.

How about EXPECTANCY?
Google definition:  the state of thinking or hoping that something, especially something pleasant, will happen or be the case.

Not in a normal days conversation but makes you think further than the moment. I will hold on to expectancy through the coming days. I think it will bring something pleasant.

You might want to ask for a word…

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
    or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
    He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind.
Isaiah 40:27-31 The Message

under the surface

Let’s restart simple and fresh – more on what God’s been doing will come but here is a painting that I started during a healing service and felt many words from God as I worked on it at home. Let me know your thoughts….

Under the Surface – oil on canvas

It is actually hard to paint so many words and for people to read them but it felt right. For easier reading – here they are…

Long before the brush touches the canvas, the ideas and images are forming. Bringing them to life is not just a matter of skill but a matter of the heart and the soul. A journey into the unknown. A courageous step of faith to bring life to an empty canvas. Sharing an intimate look that leaves one vulnerable and exposed.  It must be done. The painting will come to life with one message but so many more are “under the surface” waiting to be discovered. We all have a story that needs to be shared with someone, somewhere. Now is the time to push aside the perceived limitations and rediscover the message you have not yet shared. You have all you need and what you have is what someone else is waiting for. Be brave. The canvas can’t be completed without you.

 

its coming

More is always coming!

A unique season here as I seem to be re-entering the “outside” art world. A month long exhibit for our art group is happening in a nearby city. A local business person has let us do quick weekend displays in his store. Since his space is not being fully utilized we asked about displaying art regularly. After some discussions, he has very graciously agreed. We are amazed at how its coming together!!

He is let us have the downtown front windows and has moved his hardware further back. Their framing area will remain in the space and we believe we will be a good compliment to each other and to the community.

I think we agreed on our window signage last night…

Hardware – Framing – Art
…the working studio of Zeeland Artists Collective

Set up is Dec 1 with a community event Dec 9-12.
That is a change that will keep you a bit busier!

back when I can…

cloudy to clear

cloudy to clear

Sunshine brings extra beauty to what some would call ordinary. A amazing day again for capturing images of the changing leaves. One of the things I paint in my head as I view them…

I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream. Vincent Van Gogh

Oh, brethren, be great believers! Little faith will bring your souls to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to you. C.H. Spurgeon

Thank you Lord for the slice of heaven You bring to us each day. Help us to see the moments with new clarity and not let them slip away…

like a river

Garden Flow

Sometimes you just need to go with the song in your head…

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Spafford

unexpected goodness

Glory Filled

A grand surprise for me was a long distance friend who blessed me with several of The Passion Translation books of the Bible. I’ve gone into hibernation with them!

The words are like adding honey to what is already so very sweet.
Taste and see…

Psalm 34
GOD’S GOODNESS
A song by King David composed after his escape from the king when he pretended to be insane

Lord! I’m bursting with joy over what you’ve done for me!
My lips are full of perpetual praise.
I’m boasting of you and all your works,
So let all who are discouraged take heart.
Join me everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together.
Let’s make him famous!
Let’s make his name glorious to all.
So listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress
And he answered me! He freed me from all my fears!
Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come.
Your faces will glisten with glory.
You’ll never wear that shame-face again.
When I had nothing – desperate and defeated,
I cried out to the Lord and he heard me,
Bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most.
The angels stooped down to listen as I prayed,
Encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape.
They will do this for everyone who fears God.
Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God.
Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives
To all who turn to hide themselves in him.
Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy!
For all who fear him will feast with plenty.
Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry,
But those who passionately pursue the Lord
Will never lack any good thing.
verses 1-10