Grow in Grace {Bible Art}

2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

As my mother used to say, “That’s a tall order.” To grow in grace, and to grow in knowledge of Christ…yep, tough challenge, but most certainly a worthwhile life goal.

I sketched the flowers and then painted with watercolor (InkTense Blocks). My Art Journaling Bible is from www.localchurchbiblepublishers.com and is the 400 Midsize Notetakers Bible (KJV, black leather binding).

#BibleArtJournaling #GrowinGrace #FaithArt #ScriptureArt #CreativeWorship #BibleArt #IllustratedFaith #InktenseBlocks

Sunshine {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

The Gratitude 52 Journal Prompt 12 is “Sunshine.” In the mood for simplicity, I used Distress Inks to depict a sunrise.

I am posting this on Easter Sunday, so today this reminds me of the many Easter Sunrise Services I attended through the years. I often think of Resurrection Sunday morning when I think of a spectacular sunrise.

These last few weeks in the Pacific Northwest have been so rainy. This afternoon, even after a very rainy Easter morning, there is bright sunshine. So, I’m very thankful for the sunshine today!

Another thought comes to mind today, when I see this image. My sister and I learned a song when we were in the children’s missions organization of our church:

“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam;
to shine for Him each day.
In every way try to please HIm,
at home, at school, at play.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam.
I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.”

Good life goal, actually!

#GratitudeJournal #G52Prompt12 #DistressInk #Sunshine #Easter #Sunbeam #FaithArt

He Cares for Me {Bible Art}

1 Peter 5:7 - "Casting all your cares on him; for he careth for you."

When this verse comes to mind, I can almost feel a physical relaxing, a lessening of stress, and a general feeling of well-being. The image that comes to my mind, to accompany this thought, is a puppy or a teddy bear (I know, I’m strange). I can’t draw a puppy, so this little teddy bear is a reminder of how I feel cared for when I think of the promise of this verse. The passage also reminds me that because He cares for me, I should cast all my cares on Him.

#IllustratedFaith #BibleArtJournaling #FaithArt #CreativeWorship #ScriptureArt #BibleArt #teddybears #HeCaresForMe

Surely Goodness and Mercy {Bible Art}

There are so many wonderful concepts found within the 23rd Psalm. For my Bible page, I decided to focus on a word in the last verse of the passage: mercy.

What a wonderful promise there, that goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, because “the Lord is my Shepherd.” Looking up the definition of “mercy,” I found this: “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”

So, yeah… for me to receive God’s compassion or forgiveness, when it is within His power to punish me…that’s mercy, and I love that promise.

#BibleArtJournaling #IllustratedFaith #FaithArt #ScriptureArt #watercolor #mercy #Psalm23

Winter is Past-Flowers Appear (Gratitude52 Art Journal} {BibleArt}

The prompt for my Gratitude52 Art Journal Challenge, Week 11: Sketch or illustrate your appreciation for spring flowers. I sketched and painted (NeoColor II Watercolor Crayons) the above piece. The next day I found a verse in Song of Solomon that I do not remember reading before (I have read it before, because I have read through the Bible more than once). It struck me as a page that I would like to illustrate in my Journaling Bible.

So, I used the idea from my Gratitude52 journal to do this page of Bible Art.

In the Pacific Northwest right now, I sure am looking forward to that promise of the rains being gone! But here are the spring flowers! Song of Solomon 2:11-12: "See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."

For me, the different seasons are so clearly from God. It’s like I need fresh reminders of His creation. I am particularly fond of spring. (Well, okay, I also love the fall.)

#BibleArtJournaling #spring #flowers #NeoColorIICrayons #sketchandpaint #Gratitude52ArtJournal #G52Prompt11 #BibleMarginalia #IllustratedFaith #ScriptureArt #FaithArt

More Than I Can Imagine {FaithArt}

Sometimes, even though my head and my heart know better, I feel like I have things to ask of God that are just too big. I almost think I should apologize for asking. This verse reminds me that God is able to do way more than anything I could even imagine, because HIS power is at work in me.  Nothing is too big for God. (I think I can hear Him saying, “So, ask away!”)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… – Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

#FaithArt #ScriptureArt #Ephesians #imagine #PowerOfGod #InktenseBlocks

GOD Created the Earth {Bible Art}

I am passionate about the truth that the heaven and the earth, and all that dwell therein, were all the intentional creation of God, and that it happened exactly as described in the first book of the Bible.

My passion is fueled by the passion of my son/pastor, who one time preached a message full of details about how everything in the Bible rests on the foundational truth of Genesis 1:1.

So, I enjoyed doing Bible Art on this first page of the Bible.

#BibleArtJournaling #FaithArt #ScriptureArt #IllustratedFaith #BibleArt

Study God’s Word {Bible Art}

Just a quick and simple illustration focusing on one of my favorite verses (since I love to study and learn), 2 Timothy 2:15:

#BibleArtJournaling #BibleArt #ScriptureArt #FaithArt #StudytheWord #IllustratedFaith #sketchandpaint #watercolor

Thankful for Clean Water {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

Just a quick post because the Type-A side of me requires that I do every single Gratitude 52 Journal challenge and that I post every single one. This one I opted to keep simple and basic, in keeping with the topic.

It is perhaps a reflection of how incredibly blessed I am that I rarely even think about being thankful for clean water. I think about being grateful for warmth, for shelter, for good food. But I have always been so far removed from having to worry about clean water that it simply does not enter my mind. So, I am glad that Jenny chose this as the Gratitude 52 challenge for this week. Clean water is a basic need and thankfully one I have never been without, but I do realize that this is not true for so many people.

Thanks for the reminder, Jenny, and I AM thankful for clean water. And as is true for every single blessing that is mine, I thank my Heavenly Father for it.

#Gratitude52Journal #GratitudeJournal #sketch #CleanWater #ArtJournal #SketchBook #Blessing

Passing Through {Bible Art}

I’m a temporary resident here!

“This world is not my home; I’m just passing through.” 
– Jim Reeves

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. – Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)

#IllustratedFaith #ScriptureArt #FaithArt #BibleArtJournaling #BibleArt #watercolor #sketchandpaint #VintageCampers

Beautiful Feet {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

This week’s prompt (#9) for the Gratitude 52 Art Journal Challenge is “Shoes on Your Feet.” I veered off topic a bit, because the first thing that came to my mnd was the passage in Isaiah 52:7 that describes the “beautiful feet” of “those who bring good news.”

This popped into my mind with the prompt about “feet” because my granddaughter is at this very moment in a gathering of select young people who are called to carry the Gospel to other countries, as they are beginning their preparation for international mission service.

So, rather than illustrating my gratitude for shoes on my feet, I illustrated my gratitude for my granddaughter’s willingnesss to use her “feet” to take the Good News to unreached people.

#Gratitude52Journal #G52Prompt9 #sketchandpaint #watercolor #BeautifulFeet #GoodNews #FaithArt #ScriptureArt

Recognizing God’s Voice-and Answering {Bible Art}

I love this story in the Old Testament about a young man who had been dedicated to God and was spending his growing-up years in the temple, with his mentor Eli. I am struck that Samuel is described as “ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli.” Here was a young man whose heart desired to serve God.

When God first called out to Samuel, it wasn’t clear to the young man that it was God’s voice. He ran to Eli and answered, “Here I am,” thinking the call was from Eli. When Eli realized that Samuel was actually hearing God’s voice (even though “the word of the Lord was rare in those days”), the wise old man told the young man that it was the Lord calling and to answer Him the next time He called . So, then when the Lord called again, Samuel answered, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”

I just think it would be awesome if my heart would always be in the “state” of desiring to serve God, so much so that I would always recognize His voice and would always answer, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:4-10 (ESV)
⁴ Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” ⁵ and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.

⁶ And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” ⁷ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

⁸ And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. ⁹ Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

¹⁰ And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

#BibleArtJournaling #FaithArt #ScriptureArt #watercolor

No Worries {Faith Art}

I am so ready for spring! Around the beginning of March, I start thinking about daffodils, one of my favorite signs of spring. They remind me of the Bible passage that tells me not to worry, because God takes care of the birds and the flowers, so how much more will He take care of me, His child!

Matthew 6:25-33
Do Not Be Anxious

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

#FaithArt #ScriptureArt #faith #DoNotWorry #sketchandpaint #watercolor #daffodils #ConsiderTheLilies

Role Model: Queen of Sheba {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

Prompt 8 for the Gratitude52 Art Journal challenge is Role Models. Coincidentally, I just purchased a book by Liz Curtis Higgs, It’s Good to be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba. Well, there you have it—what better role model…and what an admirable goal for life, frankly.

Being NOT SO MUCH an artist, this prompt of “role model” was challenging for me, indeed. Not thrilled with this art, but I do love the life goal that I remember, every time I look at my copy of Liz’s book! So, by illustrating it in my Gratitude Journal, the characteristics of this role model are reinforced in my heart. I desire to be…

BOLD

GRACIOUS

WISE

#GratitudeJournal #Gratitude52Community #LizCurtisHiggs #QueenofSheba #sketchandpaint #watercolor #wise #bold #gracious

A Strong Tower {Bible Art}

I like the image that came into my mind when I read yesterday’s You Version Bible Verse of the Day,

Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

Because I am a Believer, I have personal and direct access to the God of the Universe, He who created me. He is not only my Savior, but also my protector. Why do I so often forget to call upon the “name of the Lord,” when I KNOW that He IS a strong tower, and I am safe when I run to Him.

#BibleArt #BibleArtJournaling #FaithArt #ScriptureArt #sketch #watercolor #thenameoftheLord

Thankful for the Gift of Music

The prompt for the Gratitude 52 Journal this week is “Music: Sketch or illustrate your appreciation for the gift of music.”

My Mamo Wilson had a grand piano. When I was very small, I loved to sit at the piano and pretend I was like my Aunt Lucy, who had an incredible talent at the piano. When my mother would tell me to “Stop banging on the piano,” my Mamo would say, “Let her play.”

When I was 9, my family was visiting in a home that had a piano. I sat at the piano and someone helped me place my fingers on keys that I later knew to be C-E-G. I pressed down on the keys and thought it was the most beautiful sound in the world (LOVED 3-part harmony from that time forth!).

I begged my parents (who had no money, as my dad had just begun college to prepare for his ministry as a pastor, and there were four of us kids). But my mother arranged to get her piano (a Wurlitzer spinet) from her mother’s house. At 50 cents per lesson, I began, as a 5th grader. I continued with piano lessons, off and on, until I was a senior in high school, at which time I began giving lessons. I say “off and on” because when lack of money would dictate, I would have to stop taking lessons for a while. During those times, I went through my lesson books on my own.

This was Mother’s Wurlitzer. By this time (8th grade), I was playing for church and was using my allowance money to buy sheet music, like “He” (seen here, on the piano) for 60 cents. I still have that sheet music.

My wedding photographer recognized that piano was so much a part of my life that he suggested one of my bridal photos should be at the piano.

In the mid-70’s, I used money made from giving piano lessons to buy my first piano, a Wurlitzer. I still have it.

My most prized possession is my Yamaha Baby Grand Piano, a surprise Christmas gift from my husband in 2003.

I value the time I spend alone at the piano, but even more, the “singing around the piano,” quite often actually (what a blessing!), and always during our family Christmas.

Playing piano has always been at the core of who I am. It would take a book to write all about the role of music in my life, and down through the generations of my children and grandchildren. So, yes, I am truly thankful for the gift of music.

#Gratitude52Journal #GiftofMusic #BabyGrandPiano #sketch #watercolor

Hide OR Seek? {Bible Art}

In Rebekah Jones’ “Heaven is Calling” Bible Art Journaling Challenge (one challenge per month), the passage for Lesson 2 is Genesis 3. In her study, Rebekah focused on the point that God is calling. When I read the passage this time, I was struck by the irony of the question, “Where are you?” Obviously, God knew were Adam was. He wanted Adam to realize that he (Adam) was hiding from God. Why? Because of sin. The takeaway from this passage for me today is this: God always knows where I am, even when I am trying to hide from Him. He wants me to recognize that, and to seek him.

#BibleArtJournaling #InktenseBlocks #sketch #ScriptureArt #FaithArt #IllustratedFaith

Acts of Love

I have been crazy about Russell Ford since June 28, 1959. I was only 12. It’s true. I have never dated anyone else. He has been my Only Valentine for 56 years. Last September, we celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary.

We always remember each other, with cards at least, on Valentine’s Day. But this year, we would be in the middle of a four-day cross-country road trip. So I bought his card and hid it, hoping to find a time to give it to him when he wouldn’t feel bad that he didn’t remember it this year.

He beat me to it. As we were driving, he directed me to a place in the car where he had hidden this cute little teddy bear and beautiful card. I underestimated him! He’s just the best.

My Gratitude 52 Journal Prompt 6 was to sketch or illustrate my appreciation for acts of love that have been shown to me. For my response to the challenge, I sketched the Greatest Act of Love, that God gave His only Son to die for my sins.

It was a special Valentine’s Day!

#GratitudeJournal #G52Prompt6 #ArtJournal #SketchandPaint #watercolor #theGreatestLove #Valentine #MyOnlyValentine

Appreciation for Books {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

This week’s prompt (#G52Prompt5) is Books: Sketch or illustrate your appreciation for books! How has a certain book (or books) affected your life for the better?

Not thrilled with my “art” work here, finished it rather quickly, as I was driven by the desire to be caught up with the prompts (that’s me—and YAY, I did it!). Still, the sketch does illustrate my thoughts.

I have always loved books. In my fantasy world, I would own a book shop, complete with a little coffee shop in the corner, of course. From the time I can remember (first grade recollections), I have been smitten by books. I love the look, the feel, and the reading, of books. That’s one reason why I could never ONLY read books on an electronic device (I do that sometimes, but it’s almost a separate experience from…uh…READING).

Typically, I am reading a couple of books at one time, a fiction and a non-fiction. Right now I am reading a Christian fiction book on my iPad and am also reading some pages most days from Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces and Beth Moore’s Audacious. These two authors, my favorites, have such different styles; I love them, and am inspired by, both.

#Gratitude52Journal #Gratitude52Community #gratitude #books #annvoskamp #bethmoore #watercolor #sketch

Grateful for Shelter {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

For Gratitude 52: A Collaborative Sketchbook Project, Weekly Prompt #4 is: Shelter—Sketch or illustrate your thankfulness for a safe place to protect you from the elements.

Many times in the cold winters of Missouri, I think about how thankful I am to have a nice warm home. In fact, sometimes I’d just like to hibernate there and not come out until spring! I like the feeling that “home” is a warm, happy place in my heart.

#sketch #acrylicpaint #gratitude #GratitudeJournal #Gratitude52Community #ArtJournal

Thankful for Art {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

Gratitude52 Prompt 3: Sketch or illustrate your appreciation for the gift of self-expression.

I do not usually attempt to sketch “people,” but a couple of years ago I learned to sketch little creative girls, and this is a lot of fun for me. These little whimsical characters allow me to express my thoughts and feelings in a self-caricature sort of way (do I really look like this? of course not—I wish!).

Because I didn’t even attempt to do any form of art at all until about 3 years ago, I think I have an appreciation for the ability to express myself through this medium that I may not have understood had I been “doing art” my whole life. Still very much a beginner “artist,” it is truly something I appreciate, and it belongs in my Gratitude Journal for 2016!

#G52Prompt3 #sketch #watercolor #creativegirl #Gratitude52Community #art #selfexpression #thankful

Friends are Gifts {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

The prompt for Gratitude 52 Journal, Week 2 is “Friends are Gifts.” I chose a mixed media style for this page, using stamps and watercolor.

This verse is one of my daughter’s favorites.

“Two are better than one…if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

#G52Prompt2 #mixedmedia #gratitude #GratitudeJournal #watercolor #stamps #Gratitude52Community

Set Your Hope on a Good God {Bible Art}

My intentional/directed projects for 2016 include the Gratitude 52 Journal (one journal entry per week) and the new challenge series hosted by Rebekah R Jones, called “Heaven is Calling,” a monthly Bible art study/challenge.

This Bible part page is my response to Rebekah’s study for Week 1. It focuses on 1 Samuel 1:1-20. It is the story of Hannah, and her crying out to God to give her a child. I’ve always loved this story, and especially the part where her prayer is answered, and her response is to give that child back to God.

Part of Rebekah’s insight into this passage is this: “Perhaps you are in a season where God’s goodness is so near to you that you’re able to cheer this on without delay. But maybe you’re in a season where this is a painful topic. Maybe you even have found yourself in Hannah’s situation, crying out for a child of your own, or something else of great importance to you personally. Perhaps like I did, you need to adjust your perspective of how good God really is, so you’re in a greater position to receive God’s goodness in your life.”

#BibleArtJournaling #FaithArt #ScriptureArt #IllustratedFaith #hope #acrylicpaint

Thanks & Trust {Gratitude52 Art Journal}

After committing to respond to 52 weekly prompts for a Gratitude Journal in 2016, I finished the cover page and then an unexpected death in our family put me behind on projects.

The challenge prompt for week one was: “to help you stay inspired and thankful, draw or illustrate a favorite gratitude quote into your sketchbook.”

I chose to illustrate something I read in my quiet time, from a book by Ann Voskamp, 1000 Gifts Devotional. It seems a rather profound thought, that when we are thankful, it grows our trust. And the more trust we have, the more grateful we become—a symbiotic relationship that yields many benefits for the believer.

#AnnVoskamp #Gratitude52Community #G52Prompt1 #GratitudeJournal #sketchfrom scratch #watercolor #gratitude #trust

2016 Gratitude Art Journal

What a wonderful season with family, during the Christmas holidays! Still in the “afterglow,” really, but ready to move forward in the New Year.

One of my projects for 2016 will be a challenge to complete a weekly prompt with “gratitude” as the subject. So, my word for 2016 is GRATITUDE, and I will be posting art journal responses to prompts most weeks during the year.

This is my first page for the journal. I’m still not comfortable with free-hand lettering, but since it’s okay with me for it to look “free-hand,” I’m not stressed about it.

So, sketch and watercolor it is. I’m becoming dependent on the Inktense Watercolor Blocks, and that’s what I’ve used here. I have outlined all the penciled sketch with a Pitt Medium marker.

#Gratitude52Journal #Sketch #Watercolor #InktenseBlocks #2016Word

Whimsical Santa {Art Journal}

Just a little freehand sketch done in my altered book (an old copy of A Christmas Carol). I had not used acrylics in a while, so this one was almost like using a new medium. I’m afraid I’m becoming hopelessly attached to watercolor. The idea for this little character came from a piece of our Christmas wrapping paper.

The right-hand page has an interesting history of the character of Santa.

#AlteredBook #WhimsicalSanta #acrylic #sketch #SantaClaus

Winter Solstice

So, tomorrow is the Winter Solstice. This is Missouri. It should be cold and maybe even snowy. But, no, it’s 60-ish. Taking a break from the Christmas cooking, to sit on the deck with coffee. It’s just strange, honestly.

Little Christmas Bears {Art in Altered Book}

Just doing some sketching and painting in my old copy of A Christmas Carol that I have altered to use for Christmas art.

This idea came from one of my Christmas mugs. Not the greatest “art work,” I admit, but it makes me smile.

#AlteredBook #sketch #watercolor #ChristmasArt

Christmas With Siblings

We enjoyed a special time in our home, celebrating our annual Sibling Christmas.

Russell and me, Janene (sister) and her husband David (who is my husband's brother), Keith (brother) and his wife Michele

Always lots of time spent in the kitchen! Duh!

Stockings from Christmases at our grandparents (60+ years)

Just wanting to do something special for my brother this year, I commissioned a friend, Jenny Frith, to paint a pet portrait of Keith’s special Belle, who has been gone for a few years now. Jenny’s work is incredible, and I highly recommend her.

My siblings and our spouses always enjoy our special times together. Daddy has been gone since 1988, and Mother passed in 2013. Since it’s “just us,” it is even more important to us to get together, laugh, cry, eat, drink coffee, play family games, and remember. We are always remembering. The memories are good.

Shepherds Keeping Watch {Bible Art Journaling}

I have always loved the Christmas Story. When I was in third grade, I was chosen to recite the story from memory (yes, in public school…those were the days), from the KJV.

So, I particularly love hearing it and reading it from the King James Version, the version of my journaling Bible.

In 1978, I was privileged to visit The Holy Land, where we were taken to a hillside that would likely have been similar to the location of the shepherds on that wondrous night. After that, I loved the passage about those simple shepherds even more.

Sketched in my journaling Bible and watercolored with Inktense Blocks (permanent when dry).

#ChristmasArt #ScriptureArt #FaithArt #BibleArtJournaling #IllustratedFaith #Inktense

Promise of Rest {Bible Art Journaling}

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” – Hebrews 4:9-10

This is one of many passages that speak to one of my favorite topics: REST.

#myownsketch #BibleArtJournaling #ScriptureArt #FaithArt #IllustratedFaith #watercolor #rest #relax