Ramadan has begun.

I took a nice, sweaty walk along the beach this morning with my new roommate, Jill. It is very quiet today, so I thought I'd learn about Ramadan a little. I am off to meetings soon, but here is what I have found so far.....

The holy month of Ramadan has begun for worldwide community of Muslims, who will be observing it with fasting, prayer and spend a large part of the days reading the holy book, Quran.

After the customary moon-sighting, Ramzan officially began with night long prayers held on Wednesday, Aug 11.

Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, is also known as the month of the Quran. This is due to the belief the holy book was given to the mankind during this month. The month is also meant to remind those who follow Islam of their duty as a Muslim by keeping away from worldly temptations to tame the mind and determination.

Those who observe Ramzan take food before dawn (suhur) and abstain from eating and drinking anything till they break their fast (iftar) at sundown.

While the weather across India is rather favourable for fasting as the monsoon and lower temperatures will keep away the risk of dehydration, the Muslim community in the Middle East are reeling under sweltering heat making it difficult for those who fast.(That's here!)

As per the Muslim calender, the holy month begins on Aug 12, 2010 and ends on Sep 10.
This year, Ramadan started comparatively earlier. However, there was some confusion over the exact starting date.
While Sunni Muslims began fasting at dawn Wednesday, Aug 11, Shi'ites are began Thursday, Aug 12, reported VoANews.

OneIndia News

What is that burning?

No clean air acts here. Is it hashish, marijuana or just trash? The
sun has set, the mo-peds have started circling, dogs are barking - one pack trying
to drown out another, and beach chatter is drifting up to my room.
Ramadan begins tomorrow.
Many have actually left to go to their home towns for the holiday. We can't
eat or drink in public beginning tomorrow, no gum-chewing in public,
no drinking water in public...even in one's car.

Tonight we had skinny hotdogs of beef, a mashed eggplant dish called
something like kaluuk, and we enjoyed a good handmade bread for dinner tonight. I forget
the name of the bread. See picture enclosed.

Tomorrow, we go to town and learn how to take public transportation on
our own. (We go in teams.) We should have quite the adventure with the
"grande" taxis. They are all white Mercedes, somewhat used and
tattered a bit.

Today I sacrificed an Italian sandal in order to kill one of our many
Les cockaraches...please see enclosed photo for proof. Not to worry - I did end up
taking and cleaning the shoe, so I still have the pair. For some odd
reason, my roommates look to me to eliminate these thugs. (I am probably exaggerating here...)
A second big one
died smack dab in front of the bathroom door upside down wriggling
with pain until the end. (I flushed him down the toilet, and I now have the totally
inaccurate reputation that I am fine with dealing with these ENORMOUS,
outerspace-like creatures.) I hate the crunching ...oh, never mind.

After dinner tonight, a renigade carload of us went to a cool ice
cream store run by a frenchman named Jean Phillipe. People had trouble
pronouncing his name when he came, so everyone calls him Jeff. Well,
Jeff runs a place called the Niki Niki and has the best handmade ice
cream! I got cafe flavor and saved a little for my coffee in the
morning.

The Niki, Niki is really a shack on the side of the road, but it is a nice one.
Getting anywhere is insane by car. With mopeds scooting in and out and cars forming their own lanes at any given time, one never knows what will happen! Fasten your seat belts and head into the fray. Just honk as you go.

Life sure is an adventure here!

Au revoir for tonight!

The Sun Is Rising

Here is an early morning view from out my bedroom window. The beach is just beyond this group of homes. The sun is just rising; fresh coffee brewing fills the beach air. Another day has begun in North Africa. I can't wait to learn, explore and enjoy! I will post the watercolor I did on the plane ride over to here later today.

This is where I just had my morning coffee! This is my rooftop near the beach. I just sat praying in such a beautiful corner of the world, and I am amazed at the simple beauty of the Atlantic from this side of it.


Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us,
we are his people,
the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

Where have the days flown by?

I took this photo in Seattle; it is a reflection of our little table. It was my creative effort for the day.
I have had a week off from making art as I prepare to go to my new job far away. I have also been sick and unmotivated. The 365 day challenge may be impossible to complete....certainly in 365 days. With my fever returning, I know art-making will not happen tonight. Tomorrow I learn some Adobe software products, so I hope to be creative throughout the day at my training. I haven't given up totally on the challenge...but it may take a creative turn....to be continued.

Baby Calvin

I spent the day with my dear, precious grandsons and their mommy and daddy. Katie took this picture for me to do a sketch. I reworked it a bit in iphoto. I just slipped into bed after picking Annie, my oldest, up from the airport, so, no drawing tonight.

I just love baby Calvin, and I am so blessed to know him. He is such a good baby, lots of smiles now! I look forward to introducing Annie to him! Thank you, Lord, for so many blessings!

Packing

Here is another shot from the Broadmoor Hotel. It was 95 degrees that day, and the pool was very inviting!

It is actually hot in here as well! Wow!
And yes, I am back to packing....then off to see those precious boys and their parents.

I have a story to share, but I'll try to jot it down later tonight. Packing art...does that count?

Prayer

Virginia and I had a beautiful day together. We enjoyed the fresh, Colorado Springs sunshine at the Broadmoor Hotel. It is a lovely hotel nestled below majestic mountains I don't know the names of. As we sat and took in the beauty, we both spotted a busy hummingbird in the bright, pink, flowery planter in front of us. I grabbed my camera and was able to snap a few pictures. I just marveled at God's artwork!

I went to Virginia's Bible study group tonight. It was really a nice time of her sharing her life with me. Her group was finishing up a study by Beth Moore, Pricilla Shirer and Kay Arthur. It was wonderful to hear what each of the ladies had been learning. Virginia shared how the concept of staying in one's own lane to run this race of life had been helpful to her. We can sure veer into other's "lanes". It made me pray and think to ask God to direct my steps in a way that does not veer from the course He has set for me.

We had a great time watching the last video of the series. What struck me was God has forgiven me for all my sins. I may sorrow over my sins, but I must trust that I am forgiven. I have asked Him for forgiveness, and He has freely given it. Others may hold my sins over my head, but they are not representing the truth about me. It was a good reminder.

We, also, each got a copy of a prayer Beth Moore had prayed for everyone, and I thought I'd put it down here. So, here goes part of it.

"God sends you from here with a fabulous gift. It's called the Rest of Faith. Unite the word of God with your lively faith, and you will find God's rest. Do not throw away your confidence, do not drift away. Even when you are in great suffering, remember this: your God is able to do immeasurably more than you could ever ask or imagine. The time is now, in the middle of your impossibility. Stop worshipping your problem. It's there only to let Jesus go beyond it. He is too big for your box.......Live to see His face."

There is more, but I am encouraged by these parts. Thanks, Virginia, for our sweet time together. I love you.

Following Jesus

I share with you today, my sermon notes from the very helpful sermon at Virginia's church. We went to Woodman Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs. I love her church because it has a huge visual arts ministry. Art is on the walls throughout the church.

The pastor preached on Luke 9: 57-64 when different people wanted to follow Jesus, but they had some conditions. They said, "Yeah, sure (without counting the cost), yes, but (first I have to do some other things) and yes, if (certain things happen) which are all ways of saying no.

Here is the sketch I drew during the sermon.

Virginia

I am having a peaceful, sweet reunion with my youngest daughter, Virginia. She is a delight to be with no matter what we do. Today we sat around the pool at her apartment complex. We also enjoyed blasting tunes in her car just like a 20 something does. I didn't think of packing even for a minute! What joy knowing my baby is well after her brain surgery.

As we were eating tonight, I sketched Virginia. I hope to do a few sketches of her during our visit. I am happy to be back on track making art today! Tomorrow, we hope to spend a little more time at that pool with Pike's Peak in the background.

"He" Said I Was Lazy

I had another big day of packing, so no art-making. I sorted art, but I don't think that really counts. Now, safely tucked in bed, I have no reserve energy, let alone creative energy. However, I do have a story to tell.

I went to my massage therapist at Massage Envy today. I have finally lifted the last of the book boxes, so I treated my back to a massage. When I say I am a teacher, it often opens up good conversation. The therapist shared about his difficulties in school because he is dyslexic. He didn't find out until he was an adult; while growing up, his parents just thought he was lazy. The thing that really grabbed at my heart was that my therapist would not refer to his dad as "dad". He only said, "He thought I was lazy, He said if I lived growing up when he had to, I wouldn't get away with such laziness." He went on sharing that "he" said none of his sons would amount to anything. I had to assume he meant his dad.

I have actually had that experience of not being able to use the term I should have for my close person due to trauma. So, I totally got why he couldn't say "dad". I started praying for him in my mind, and marveled at the wounds that were still there haunting the therapist. By the therapist telling his story, he was validating mine and my odd habit of not being able to use an intimate name.

He restored my back, and I encouraged him to advocate for his son when he is in school. It was a good session all around. I hope he can get healing for his heart. Please, Lord.

Who is Jesus?

I took this photo in upstate New York during my training session. I fiddled around with the color and cropping tonight just for the fun of it.

I had a tutoring session with the Bamboo pen today at the Apple store, and it was fun to see all it can do as far as digital expression. I hope to put down some drawings as soon as I am through packing.

Tonight, I was listening to a man speaking about Jesus. He was asking if Jesus was just some moral dead guy or really God. I like how he gets straight to the point. The speaker asks the tough question. Lots of people want to give Jesus the benefit of the doubt. Just like they get a little squeamish when they have to really criticize someone who is wrong, but, gosh, the guy is an awfully nice person.

Lots of people seem to be able to agree that Jesus is a nice person. A really good guy, a remarkable or amazing guy. However, when someone says He is God, well, that's crossing a line into scary waters, unscientific waters. The thing is, Jesus said he is God. Lots of people have doubted that, or flat out not believed it. But, we can't discount what He said about Himself.

So, is that "nice" or "moral" if He thinks He is God? Just a thought. If I say I am an artist, I really mean it, and I want to be taken seriously. I think Jesus wants to be taken seriously as well.

John the Baptist was a bit doubtful about Jesus' deity when he was imprisoned, which is actually encouraging to me. He had a "dark night of the soul" as many believers in Jesus have had. John's followers went to Jesus to ask if He really was God, the Savior of mankind. Jesus said, "Tell John about all the works I have done." He performed miracles, huge ones. You know, like raising people from the dead and giving sight to the blind.

I have witnessed many miracles as a follower of Jesus. My daughter's healing surgery from a brain tumor is a miracle. My soft heart is a miracle. The $16.00 lying in front of us when we prayed for it is a miracle. I have many life stories filled with miracles, the kind Jesus performs.

So, I think Jesus is an amazing man and an amazing God. Both. I have proof in my own heart and mind.

My thought for tonight: I could cry when I think of the humility of Jesus. He willingly lay down His life for each of us. You can call it obedience, you can call it fulfillment of justice, but I see it as supreme love and grace.

Portraits 101

I am practicing the 3/4 portrait face tonight. The distance between eyes is usually the size of the eye individually. I am making diagrams to be able to use in class. God has made us in such a specific and amazing way. A lot of art making has to do with finding proportions. After drawing portraits for a while, these proportions become internalized.

I am really looking forward to being a full-time art instructor. I hope to blog many of the projects we make and the fun we have. I hope to do portraiture in each grade I have. I hope to give the students courage to keep trying by using proportions a bit.

Summer Weeds

I am trying to post to my 365 day challenge blog via a my touch as the internet is down. I began a watercolor of some pretty summer weeds my grandsons and I picked on a hot afternoon walk. How I am going to put a picture on with the phone should be interesting! Let me try.

It was fun to get back to painting after so much packing. I am so blessed to be able to walk up to a piece of paper and enjoy drawing on it. I pray I encourage many others to try making art as well.

Thought for today: I did not think of language(and art)as the means to self-description. I thought of it as the door - a thousand opening doors! - past myself. I thought of it as the means to notice, to contemplate, to praise, and, thus, to come into power. - Mary Oliver, Blue Pastures

Back to Babies

I am back to helping with my grandchildren. This is a watercolor I painted when I was just getting back into the idea of painting again...a little before the 365 day challenge. I post it in honor of all moms with their little ones. Please understand you are blessed and favored as you care for them.

I am way too tired. Packing has taken its toll.

Luggage

While sorting through my worldly goods to fit into a couple of suitcases, I noticed I was tiring of owning stuff and going through it. Earlier today, I had commented to someone that I was just going to bag up the extra stuff and haul it to the street for trash. They seemed almost shocked! I remained firm that I could easily say goodbye to most of my stuff. (When I'm a very old person, will I really read this random book?)

Some of my stuff I pack is pleasant or funny or silly or beautiful. I pack some things because they make me feel loved and cozy; I pack my favorite quilt so I can see it each day and be comforted, so I can see something familiar and pretty as I tuck into bed in my new location. I pack a silly hat so I can smile when I get to my destination. I pack a pretty pink dress and a soft, lavender blue sweater because they make my eyes sparkle.

Packing my luggage always makes me think about the luggage we carry around inside. Inside, I carry some painful wounds that have been healed slowly, with the company of others over time. I also carry joyful memories of my children and grandchildren laughing. I carry a picture of little Caleb's smirk in my heart luggage.

I also have some less pleasant things packed, those of wrong things I have done. However, alongside these, I have God's grace and forgiveness nestled closely by. Nearby as well, I have sweet memories of loving friends tucked safely in my interior luggage.

Some of what is packed inside of me, I'd like to haul out to the street in a big, black, plastic bag. It doesn't seem to work that way. Instead, I think the Holy Spirit helps us look at our interior luggage and sift through what we should keep and what we should let go.

He gently helps us repent, sift, remove and heal. It is so much more slow and grace-filled than the rough bagging up and throwing out we might want to do to ourselves or each other and our stuff. In the end, I am so thankful for God's way, as He safely gets us to where we need to be.

Grace Map

My friends, Lupe and Tina, once shared with a group of women that we each have a grace map. It is a map of times when God used someone or something to grace us. Could we think of people in our lives who gave us love and unmerited favor as we were growing up or as adults? We weren't crazy, so we probably had some folks in our lives who God used to bless us. I really liked the idea of a physical map, like a drawing of sorts.

I thought back of the neighbor girl who was Catholic and gave me communion in her backyard before I had any idea what communion was. I thought of the lady who graciously took me out for driving lessons in her big pale green station wagon because my stepmom did not drive. And then there was the girlfriend who was brilliant, but always invited me, awkward and shy, over to play and laugh...easily winning at games like Yatzee, but helping me to learn along the way. Why did she befriend me? Grace. I thought of my aunt and uncle who took me in when things were very difficult at home when I was four.

Today, I thought of my grace map because friends kept coming by throughout the day, as if on cue, to help with moving out lots of stuff from my house. They freely packed, sorted, threw out, re-sorted and hauled away my worldly goods. Nika, a dear one, started the packing yesterday, and she brought lunch and love. Today, another friend, Jackie, brought lunch at just the right time, another, Karen, brought dinner. Each person was so kind to come by and help and give of themselves.

At the end of the day, a friend and I took a 2 mile walk, and I took some lovely pictures of hydrangeas. I thought of all my friends today, just as beautiful as the deep blues and yellows I found along the way on our summer walk. I came home happy and encouraged greatly by my memories of loving, faithful, God-ordained people along my own walk of grace today, and all my days.
All photography by M. di Tomasso.

See Jesus

He's always present. Even in upstate New York. This is a photo I took while out and about on our travels when not at meetings.

I like the contrast of lights and darks and the interesting window from another era. I was surprized by the Flannery O'Connor like photo of Jesus. The words under the photo are, "Love God our savior the Lord Jesus Christ."

Faithfulness

I have been thinking about the attribute of faithfulness. I think it means loyalty as well as loving, kindness toward the one you are being faithful to. However, I have known some people who have been faithful in abuse, but not loyal or loving and kind. I wouldn't say those people are faithful according to my definition. Maybe,
that is "consistency", but it is not faithfulness.

God is described as being faithful. He loves us no matter what with His faithful, loyal love. When He passed by Moses on Mt. Sinai, He proclaimed His attribute of faithfulness. If you want to "see" Him, you have to see His faithfulness. He proves He is faithful in the stars each night and the sun and moon each day.....although seeing the sun here is sketchy:-) Still, I know it is there, and more importantly, I know He is there.

Some promise to be faithful, and then abandon that promise quickly. I am sure there are a variety of reasons for this. The capacity for faithfulness just doesn't seem to be a part of that person. I have been blessed with a few who have been faithful in friendship. It feels comforting and good and peaceful when I think of these people. They remind me of how God is; He is actually the author of faithfulness.

I think He wants us to be faithful to Him. It must feel good to Him as well when we are faithful to him.

An acquaintance wondered why I had been upset with someone who was not faithful in marriage. It was only twenty minutes, I was told. Half hour at most. What the acquaintance isn't understanding is that the attribute of faithfulness just wasn't in the person, not for twenty minutes, not for a day, not for a life. There had been so many incidences of a lack of faithfulness, the stollen glances, the secret dinners, the clandestine rendezvous, the constant winking eye, the flirtatious comments toward others.

I hope to be faithful to God today, with His help. I won't do it perfectly, and sometimes not well, but, I am thankful He knows my heart. I am really thankful for His faithfulness, His gift of faithfulness in so many ways. Twenty or thirty minutes of infidelity is unfaithfulness to Him. He knows how it hurts a heart He has fashioned for faithfulness.

Gravity - and Grace

This picture I took in upstate NY reminds me of the contrast of gravity and grace. The beautiful window and the Rocky poster seemingly at odds with each other.

I'm feeling the gravity of life tonight. With making a job change, there comes all sorts of changes and waves of stabbing emotion. So many loose ends in life before the new adventure begins. So many goodbyes. And, then, as I am heading off to sleep, as the heat of the day is tossed aside by a sudden cool breeze, I remember I forgot Judy's birthday. Happy Birthday, Judy.

I feel like I am on a loom and am being woven into something beautiful, unique, one of a kind. However, the weaving seems messy and complicated to me. I know it is not so to the Weaver. I know grace is right here with me, as I feel the weight of my life of gravity, bank statements, hotel reservations and eye doctor appointments.

So, tonight I am drawing and sketching regular objects around the house just to keep putting one foot in front of the other with my personal art challenge. I got an SD card reader today with the help of two grandsons, so maybe I will post a few drawings tomorrow.

Katie and I spoke about how being a mother is such a creative process and takes so much energy on so many levels. I remember those days so clearly of rocking, singing to, nursing, hugging and cuddling my four daughters. It took so much of my creative passion and energy. I had to set "artmaking" aside during those days. I just could not do both.

I walked little Calvin around and around today, in the stroller and in my arms, and it wasn't half of all my daughter did for him today. Hats off to you, Katie. (I wondered if the walking counted toward the 5K training I am doing each day???) Well, I am just feeling the gravity of life tonight reminding my soul how amazing grace is that saved someone like me....and hoping for sleep.

Grandsons are such a blessing!

I am spending a few days with my very special boys, my three grandsons! I have much to do, but I just love time spent with them. They are each so different and fun in their own unique ways. Calvin is too young to chit-chat, but we enjoyed "exercising" by kicking our hands and feet into the air.

I was exhausted after a bit of this, and Calvin seemed so as well. The really funny thing is that Calvin fell sound asleep while Micah and Caleb were screaming with delight in the bath. I was holding Calvin right by the tub, and his brothers' shrill screaming and laughter lulled Calvin right to sleep! It was unbelievable, and both Katie and I shook our heads in wonder. Calvin feels at home and relaxed with his brothers right by his side!

I will make art after I put them to bed, but will have to post on the weekend due to technical difficulties. God is so kind to bless us with grandchildren.

My thought on creativity for today: " Of this there can be no question, creative work requires a loyalty as complete as the loyalty of water to the force of gravity. A person trudging through the wilderness of creation who does not know this, who does not swallow this, is lost. He who does not crave that place eternity should stay at home. Such a person is perfectly worthy, and useful, and even beautiful, but is not an artist. - Mary Oliver, Blue Pastures

Woman at the Well

I have been a little sporadic on the making of art with about 100 days to go. I hope to get back into my routine beginning today. With packing for another trip right before me, it is going to be work to weave it into my days.

I received an email with a painting of the woman at the well with the view being that of looking down on her as she spoke with Jesus as He sat at the well. I am going to try to draw/paint something to go with that passage of scripture. I will post later today, along with any new thoughts I may have.

Since returning from NY, I have seemed to have had my passion to make art lessen a bit. It is frustrating to me, and I make myself draw anyway. I am practicing my scales, I say to myself. God has gifted me with art, and I don't want to bury my talents, I say to my soul. Be still my restless soul, and rest in your Maker. Life crowds its way in, and the changes ahead warrant much new action.

I remember a quote from Mary Oliver about striving while making art, and it fills my mind. It is from her book, Blue Pastures. Here is the quote: " The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave it neither power nor time." artists need time and quiet space.....two things I am sorely lacking at the moment.

I'll see if I can post my drawing, but it will probably be happening at the end the week due to camera issues. Trust me; I am making art.

John 21

I collapsed into bed last night, having said goodbye to new, very special friends. I lay there thinking I had not posted any art for the day. The heat and multiple training sessions got the better of me. Plus, I took a several mile walk in the heat, and felt fairly sick afterwards. Walks in 90 degrees and humidity don't work with my AC loving body:-)

On the way to the airport, the driver gave me John 21 to think about. That, I did. I came home, via an all day plane trip, and read the whole chapter. The van driver's point was that Jesus was sitting on the shore waiting for the disciples with a fish dinner. Yet, He helped them catch a boatload of fish and invited them to His meal. We aren't told how He got the fish. He didn't need theirs, but He blessed them with tons of fish anyway, and fed them with His, fresh off a charcoal fire. He also invited them to love Him and feed His "sheep" - people all over the world.

It made me think how God uses each of us that love Him, including people like Peter who denied Him and wept over it. But, Peter ended up being an amazing witness of Jesus' love for people. Jesus invites us to be a part of what He is doing in loving others, It's kind of just like when He invited the first disciples to that fish fry over a charcoal fire. They were off fishing for fish, and Jesus redirected them in spite of any and all shortcomings. He didn't need their fish, but He wanted them.

I'll have to add a day or two onto my 365 day challenge due to yesterday's vacation day.

Here is a quick sketch.

Doodling

I was thinking about a mural today during the sessions on teaching ESL students. All the information was helpful, but my mind wandered to seeing if I could draw all the seaweed and shells, and then tuck the fish in at the end. It was fun to push myself in this way. I think the kids could do something like this with torn paper and paint. So hot here, but lots of good memories are being made. I am really enjoying everyone God has placed in my life right here at this conference.

Worship

Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. The Creator of the universe is worthy of all our praise, day and night. I am so thankful for life in His hands. Thank you, Lord for your tender mercies, faithfulness and lovingkindness. They are new each morning. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, bless the Lord, all that is within me, and bless His holy name.

This was a quick sketch from the morning session, and it is right in my Bible.

My thought for today: "Here is what I have discovered: Just before the Lord releases a new mantle for your life, He will often "dis-mantle" your old level of service. This dismantling is a good thing, for God is about the release you into greater conformity to Christ." - Francis Frangipane

Encouragement

I pray you have a friend who is an encouraging person, a minister of comfort and mercy no matter what the circumstance. Someone like Jesus in your life. Lord, help me to be a friend who re-presents Jesus in the lives of others. What a gift that is that we can be to each other.

My friend says to me, " Your soul finds rest in God alone, your rock and strong foundation, a fortress strong against your foes and you will not be shaken. your delight and your reward, your redeemer. Trust in Him completely. He will prove His mercy. Your King has crushed the curse of death. Everlasting, never failing." (Psalm 62.) My friend sits and listens, cries with me, lets me grieve and then get back up again in my time with the Lord's help. My friend prays for me.

Lord, help me to be that kind of friend.

Niagara Falls

Today we had a day off from the usual training sessions. After a fantastic church service together, we headed to the Falls for the fourth of July. It was sunny, blue skies and teaming with fellow tourists. The Canadian side was a little prettier with plantings and gardens. Still, there was plenty of time and room for lovely photos. My art for today will be a photograph.

The boat in the photo is called The Maiden in the Mist. I chose to walk on the Canadian side, but one friend went in the boat....along with thousands of others....450 at a time. Happy Birthday, USA!

Psalm 95

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

Mosaic

We broke up into small groups today to brainstorm how we would share a Biblical worldview in any given lesson. I chose a lesson teaching mosaic. I'd share how important each piece is for the whole, just like each child has great worth and value even though they are part of the whole of humanity. Each person, like each tile, is unique, special and necessary. Also, when we work in concert with one another, we make art, beauty, truth as a whole.

We worship God, our creator, when we acknowledge we are His artwork, and He is intentional in creating us and placing us in the time and space we are in. We may not be able to see the whole of God's plan, but we can trust that He, as master artist, values each person, or "tile" if you will, He has created.

Boats at Rest

Yesterday, I took a long walk to see some sights around my current location. It's very pastoral and pretty here. With Italian blue sky overhead, I had a brisk walk for nearly an hour. I really wanted to clear my head, think through some things and enjoy God's creation. I feel His presence when I look up and see that magnificent summer blue like only He can paint.

I came upon some boats lying near a tiny pond. For such a small pond, the reflections were magnificent. The really interesting thing was that when the sun went behind the clouds, the reflections were actually longer and brighter. It made me think. When things are "darker" in our own lives, we just might reflect God's love and grace in our lives more visibly if we are willing to trust Him. When all is well, He may be less obvious in my life. I know he is always there, but just maybe He is more evident in the dark times.

I like the idea that I can think of those boats and their reflections, and I can encourage myself to reflect my God and His love when times are tough. I can remember the sun going behind the clouds. Then those beautiful, long reflections in the water appeared. What a nice memory. Thank you, Lord.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I just began the watercolor of the boats tonight.I added the more finished one a couple of days later. (I finished the monkey drawing this morning, but put it on yesterday's blog.)

The Monkey and the Fish

It seems that a typhoon has temporarily stranded a monkey on an island. In a secure and protected place and waiting for the raging waters to recede, the monkey spots a fish struggling to swim against the current. It seems obvious to the monkey that the fish was in need of assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish. A tree precariously dangled over the very spot where the fish was struggling. At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on the limb, reached down and snatched the fish from the threatening waters. Immediately scurrying back to the safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on dry ground. For a few moments, the fish showed excitement, but soon settled into a peaceful rest.

Joy and satisfaction swelled inside the monkey. He had helped another creature and done it successfully.
- Anne Templeton Brownly

This was shared when we were discussing how we need to study a culture before we jump in and try to do things our way.

I thought it was real food for thought. I started a drawing in response, but will finish tomorrow.

I have decided to post the completed drawing because I went onto a watercolor today. Enjoy! - July 2, 2010

Summer Sunshine

This is a sharpie line drawing with watercolor pencil. I am very tired today, so I am just posting the art. It was done during one of the training sessions.
Blessings to all.

The Happy Couple

I have finished the drawing for the couple who live in Russia. I am so excited to give it to them with the scripture Russell selected to go with the drawing. I pray they are blessed and we keep in touch!

Fiancee

I have been working on a sketch for the gentleman from Moscow who I sketched earlier. He wants a sketch of his soon-to-be bride for a little present for her upon his return home. He is so dear when he is speaking about his fiancee. I was able to do this during a couple of training sessions this afternoon. Lots of laughs as we discussed the Briggs-Myers Inventory tests we had all taken.

So, here is a very special couple who will begin their life together very soon in Moscow. What really struck me was the two verses of scripture the gentleman gave me to put on the drawing. He has selected Proverbs 31:10 and the verse about he who finds a wife, finds a good thing for me to write on the art. He is so interested in treasuring his wife, and has conveyed to everyone how missed she is.

Quick Sketches

Here is a sketch I was able to do in 15 minutes. I am encouraged that my time is getting down! After I gave the sketch to this gentleman who lives in Russia, he asked if I would do a sketch of he and his fiancee. Of course, I replied. Now I have a new assignment and no time pressure. It is so encouraging to me to see how God leads one thing into the next as I am faithful to do what He puts before be each day.

My second sketch is of a woman I was seeing who was a part of a number of new friends hanging out for the evening. The window and flowers came to the sketch because of a funny story that unfolded during the course of the conversation. I decided to draw the whole figure, so I think that was good practice. Art is a way of re-presenting an idea, beauty, a person, God's handiwork, and even a funny story. This leads me to my thought for today.





My thought for today: God has called us, not only to represent Christ, but to actually re-present Christ as living in and through us. The world does not want to see another religion about a religious hero, it wants to see Jesus in us. -Francis Frangipane

Summer Daisies

I found these friendly daisies by the road near my hotel. I have brought some watercolor pencils, and I was able to paint and make this rather linear. Daisies are cheery to me. They have bright yellow faces looking up to heaven. They are white and yellow, very much colors of the beach, summer and bright, sunny days.

My thought for today: God's word is personal address, inviting, commanding, challenging, rebuking, judging, comforting, directing - but not forcing. Not coercing. We are given space and freedom to answer, to enter the conversation. - intro to the Message version of the Bible.

Portrait at JFK

I had fun today connecting with a middle school aged boy with autism. His mom was very open about the fact that he had autism, and he was doing quirky moves, especially with his mom. He'd throw stuff at her, etc. Turns out he loves to draw. So, I asked him to start drawing for me. He likes cartooning, and he made me several cartoons that were actually good. I could see he had good control and solid fine motor skills. So cool to see God's gifting in him!

My plane was really late to board, so I decided to get out the sketchpad and do a quick portrait of my new friend. What a nice interlude in the busy, hub-bub of JFK. I sensed his mom and I could connect easily. She had just returned from a vacation in London. She had that "just back from a European vacation" relaxed attitude.

I think if I do more of these portraits on the spot, I will add, "You are God's artwork" on the portrait before I hand it over. So, tonight, I celebrate connecting with this very special boy through drawing. Both of us love it!

My thought for tonight: There will be no "knights in shining armor" in God's kingdom; our armor will have many dings and dents. No, no perfect Hollywood heroes will ride to save the day; just wearied saints who look to God and, in weakness, find Christ's strength. This, indeed, is the essence of God's kingdom: divine greatness manifest in common people. - Francis Frangipane

Ironman and Grandsons

Ironman is really big with my grandson, Caleb. He sleeps with an Ironman action figure. So, for fun, today I sketched an Ironman cartoon, and he loved it. He put it right up on his fridge and told me I was a good artist. :-)

I don't know much about Ironman, and just recently found out there were two movies about Ironman. I believe my grandson only knows the cartoon version of Ironman. I didn't even know about the cartoon. Talk about me living in a bubble!

So, this one is for Caleb. By the way, he said God was stronger than Ironman. Good to know!

Calvin Joshua Sleeping

Since I played with my grandsons and walked Calvin for miles today, I am really tired. I just love baby Calvin Joshua. He even seemed to make eye contact with me and smile! He is a month old, so I am going to trust that was a real smile:-)

I am posting a quick sketch. It took maybe 1/2 hour and the cell phone camera doesn't have high resolution. But, here it is.

Also, my quote or thought for today - "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up."-Pablo Picasso

Lilies Continued

The purples are not showing up with my phone camera. I hope to get my camera tonight, and then I will re-post pictures of this watercolor. I enjoy negative space, and it reminds me of hardships and sorrows making goodness all the brighter when it occurs.

"When you have come to the edge of all the light that you know, and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly."-Patrick Overton

Consider the Lillies

Matthew 6:25-29
Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?

And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?

And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.

Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these.

I like this passage of scripture that describes God's intimacy with and care for us in the midst of our fears and toiling. Jesus is speaking the words in the passage, and He is showing us our heavenly Father's heart with His words. They should be soothing to our souls. Why aren't they always for me? I think some of my wrestling with anxiety has to do with timing. God has different timing than me.

Like when Moses didn't come down from the mountain right away. Timing. The people waiting for his return entertained their fears and made a calf of gold with which to cast their loyalty and fears. I think there is a lot in there about loyalty and betrayal and fear. We each have our flavors of fears that we need a big,loving God to help us with.

Well, back to lilies of the field....I will try to paint them adding the butterfly stamp and the verse.

The drawing took a while, so I will paint tomorrow. Here is the drawing.

Fishers of Men

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." which can be found in the Bible at Matthew 4:19. Chomno is visiting from Cambodia. He is a pastor, church planter, worker to remove sex trafficking in Cambodia, husband and father. I am meeting him this morning for the first time, but his hard work and stellar efforts precede our meeting.

Yesterday, I drew his adopted daughter. She is a girl who was to be sold for the sex industry. When I look at her sweet face, I am thankful she is not being destroyed like garbage in the sex trafficking industry. Today, I am drawing him with his fishing net he really uses in Cambodia. God has called Chomno to be a fisher of men. And women and little children. He has "caught" these precious people to be a part of their rescue. I am looking forward to meeting him!
Well, I had a lovely dinner with friends of Chomno. I really enjoy seeing what God is doing all over the world. His artwork, people, are on display in such a variety!
Wonderful time with kind friends.

Line one in Cambodian - I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19
and then - Jesus loves you.

Manna

"This is the little girl that Chomno and Kim recently adopted from a family in Phnom Penh to keep her from being sold. When he told us her name, I said, "Like bread from Heaven?" And he said, "Yes, she picked that name herself when she came to live with us." This little girl is absolutely full of joy. When she sings she raises her hands, and her whole countenance just beams." - My friend, Paula

I am attempting to draw her portrait today. She is a beautiful creation of God, rescued to live. Her story is "manna" for all of us who need a picture of hopeful life today.

http://www.cambodianhopeorganization.org is where you can find more information on all that is happening in the part of the world where Chomno and Kim are living.
Children are trafficked for the sex trade, for begging, to smuggle drugs and to provide cheap labour in neighbouring countries. CHO works namely in Poipet and other towns bordering with Thailand where child trafficking is a rapidly increasing problem.

Well, I had to stop for today:-)