Waiting: Comfort in the Light 3/25/13

It took me writing on my calendar that I'd make a piece of artwork tonight to make this happen.  I decided to make another watercolor mixed with pen/ink:

Words of encouragement for one resting in God's love from the Psalms:

Our soul waits for the Lord; 

he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him,

because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you. 

(Psalm 33:20-22, ESV)

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light do we see light. 

(Psalm 36:7-9, ESV)

Wrestling with God 1/20/13

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

(Genesis 32:24-28 ESV)

The Bleeding Woman 1/15/13

This woman is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  She must have been an outcast from society for her affliction.  She must have not only suffered physically, but also emotionally and spiritually as those around her shunned her and prevented her from entering places of worship.  However, she knew who her savior was and how he could heal her and she had the boldness to reach out and touch him, which must have been considered improper.  Jesus responded by saying it was her faith that made her well.  She didn't have to touch him, but that act demonstrated her inner belief, despite her years of discouragement.  Jesus cared enough for her to stop in the midst of a busy crowd, on his way to save someone else from dying, to talk to her.

"And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well."

(Matthew 9:20-22 ESV)

Lifter of My Head 1/8/13

My, my, it's been a long time.  It's so easy to fall out of habits.  As I think about the last several months, I know that I need to start drawing again.  Along with that, I've begun a plan to reread the entire bible this year.  It would seem that both of these things are appropriate New Year's resolutions.  I've felt the lack of them.

This drawing is inspired by Psalm 3:

"O LORD, how many are my foes!

Many are rising against me;

many are saying of my soul,

there is no salvation for him in God. Selah

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cried aloud to the LORD,

and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah"

(Psalm 3:1-4 ESV)

The Dove 8/20/12

"Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.  And I say, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest." Psalm 55:5-6

"He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark.  And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf.  So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth." Genesis 8:10-11

Heart of Flesh 7/25/12

"And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them.  

I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,  

that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them.  

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God."  

Ezekiel 11:19-20

These Things I Remember 7/23/12

So it's been a long time since I've made a piece of artwork.  I think about it almost everyday.  Part of the reason was I recently gone on a 3 week trip to China.  The trip involved some sweet time with a good friend of mine who lives in Henan, some sight-seeing, adventure, and interactions with people, culture, and history.  The trip also challenged me in ways that I'm still figuring out.

As you can imagine, I took a ton of photos.  This piece was inspired by one of my photographs.  I've also been thinking about trying other mediums lately, so I decided to give watercolor a chance.  I can't remember the last time I used watercolor.  Probably High School.  So I don't claim that this is an exemplary watercolor, but I enjoyed doing something different.  I think I may do more after this.

Here's the photo:

And here's my painting/drawing:

"My soul thirsts for God, 

for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?  

My tears have been my food day and night, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

'Where is your God?' 

These things I remember, 

as I pour out my soul: 

how I would go with the throng 

and lead them in procession to the house of God 

with glad shouts and songs of praise, 

a multitude keeping festival." 

Psalm 42:2-4 ESV