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.