Ezekiel's Window

This piece of art is my (broad) interpretation of Ezekiel chapter 1. The text talks about Ezekiels vision of 4 winged creatures that rode in wheeled objects. The wheeled objects had eyes all around the rims. It says that!! I promise!! Check it out for yourself!

At any rate this is what I imagined it might have looked like had Ezekiel seen this through a window. My interpretation is a much tamer vision than the actual vision. Had I seen the same thing Ezekiel saw, I wouldn't have been able to describe it in such detail--'cause I would have fainted dead away in awe!!

Road Revival

Artist Statement: Bring me your rusted, your throw aways, your "what the heck is this thing," your "oh this is trash now," your "I have to dump this stuff," your broken, your older than dirt and I will make it into a piece of art that you will be amazed with. I will work my magic on your junk and turn it into art that you could never find anywhere else. And isn't this just what our Heavenly Father does for us...He takes us where He finds us--cast off, worn out, dirty, and broken, and He cleans us up and molds and shapes us into something beautiful and useful. He takes the ordinary and turns us into the extraordinary. He brings new life to us. So as a reflection of His love for us, I bring to you my "Road Revival Art".

The first set of pictures added here are of a piece called Elijah and the Raven. The raven is made out of tire tread and the insides of the wraps for hot coffee cups. Elijah is made from an old piece of rope, a twisted piece of metal, and "something" with a grid on it for his face. I stamped an image of a man's face on this "something", but it doesn't show well in the picture. The raven is bringing "food" to Elijah--these are "beads" that I made out of scraps of paper. The word definitions in the bottom left corner are adhered to skeleton leaves--which also don't show well in the photo. Hopefully, you get idea, even though the photo does not do the piece justice.

I seem to be having difficulty uploading pictures right now so will try more later.

On the Road AGAIN!

Finally the second piece is finished. Other than showing it to my DH, no one else has seen it--so I'm sharing it with all of you next!! This piece is also done on a 16x20 canvas covered by fabric. It is called "Precious in His Sight". The figures on each of the playing cards represents a child of a different race and class. I had a blast "styling" each child's hair! Jayleigh, there's even a copper curly head, just like you!! In fact, Jayleigh, I thought of you often while I was putting this one together.

The King, of course, represents our Heavenly Father, who with his huge "heart" loves all his children equally.

Perhaps it is unnecessary to point out the following (but I shall anyway!):

The four quadrants are red, yellow, black, and white.

The four rows are red, yellow, black, and white.

In each row, the "triangle" of paper on the cards is a variant of the color of the first card in the row.

I reserved the last row (higher ranking cards) for the "white" row because many whites "think" they are superior. But at the foot of the cross, in the shadow of His love, we are all truly equal. Each child is precious and worth more than all the treasure on earth.

You, dear friend, are precious in His sight!

Here are a few more pictures to show some of the details.

On the Road

No, it's not quite what you think. We really are at home. At least for a while.

I told you about the art explosion thing goin' on with me. Well...for several months I've been picking up road trash. You know, old metal bottle caps, wire, pieces of tire tread, etc.

And it has been in bags. or boxes. or piles.

Last week some of it got together in my brain. And I really like the way it turned out. It is done on a 16x20 canvas covered in fabric. So here it is:

I took it to church Wednesday night. It was interesting to see who "got it" and who didn't. Most men laughed. Although a few "got it".

Some women didn't get it either. At least they didn't laugh--they just said "Oh. That's nice."

But the ones who "got it" really liked it. So mostly I am encouraged. Because the picture is small compared to its actual size, it loses some of the detail. Those are wheel weights on the edges of the picture of the earth. The scripture on the card that goes in the pocket is John 3:16.

To those of you who "get it" I hope it brings a blessing to you.

Piece number 2 is already in the works.

Which "sun" do you hold?

Just a note about the picture at the top of my "new" blog. This past summer, E and I spent 3 weeks on a mission trip to Africa. Not all of me came back. I left part of my heart there. The country is beautiful. When we were there in late June early July, it was their winter. I would love to see their spring--I know it would be incredible.

We were in Zimbabwe at Nhowe mission. It is a mission our church supports. It has a hospital/medical facility and a school. The school also provides "home" to many orphans. Through our church, over 1700 orphans have been given food, clothing, and an opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The political situation and the resulting economic situation in Zimbabwe are grim to say the least. Even the school was running out of food in November. At this point, I'm not sure how the school is faring. I heard recently that over 1/4 of the population of the country has vacated. I weep when I think about the orphans who have no where to go...and no one to take them.

Back to the picture. We hiked up a large hill before sunrise one morning. The sunrise was incredible. A doctor friend of mine took this picture of me "holding" the rising sun in my hands. It is one of my favorites. The sun that rises and sets over Zimbabwe is the same sun that rises and sets here. It keeps me close. But, even more, when we hold the Son, we are so close than nothing can ever separate us.

God's richest blessings to all of you.

For I am convinced that my Savior loves me. -me

Horizon card collection

As promised, here are the pictures of the cards I created after watching the wonder of God's new day. The first is the original which shows the sunrise as I watched it. The rest are from other pictures in my mind of the view out my kitchen window. I created these with inks (direct to paper) and then stamped the tree images over the ink. This is a new process to me and I find it fascinating and wonderful to use. I am pleased with the results. And with such wonderful inspiration from what God has created...well, it just comes together well.

Surely you've heard about the little boy riding in a car with his dad, admiring the sunset:

Dad: Son, isn't that a beautiful sunset?

Son: Uh-huh, it is.

(Pause)

Son: And to think God did that left-handed!

Dad: What?

Son: God painted that left-handed.

(Dad considers this for awhile)

Dad: Why do you say He painted it left-handed?

Son: Well, the Bible tells us that Jesus is sitting on His right hand!

Re-entering Blogdom

Well.
Wow.
Almost two years. I'd even forgotten my password.
And still I have dial-up. *SIGH*
These past two years have been busy. Much has happened. Too much to catch up on all at once. But maybe gradually over a few posts I can give you some highlights.

But mostly I've just continued on. And as I re-enter this blogdom world, I must be careful not to let it take over. When you have dial-up, it can take up a LOT of time. So if any of you still happen to check to see if I'm here--and should you happen to comment--please know that I am delighted you have stopped by!! But know, also, that I may not reciprocate often--just because I am trying to limit my computer time.

One big thing that has happened for me in the last couple of years is an explosion of art in my soul. It screams to get out!! Last night it woke me at 3 a.m.--with the second in a series of mixed media art pictures (and the first is not yet complete!). I'll be posting some pictures of what I've been creating. They are a part of me. They are a gift from God. I hope they will bring some small bit of something to any who happen to view them here.

For those who have read my blog before...I think you will find my art reflects that same themes that my blog has always had--just now in a more visual form.

For instance....
Monday morning I stood at the kitchen window watching the sunrise. It was awesome. I stood there, drinking it in--like an excellent cup of coffee. But like the coffee....it doesn't last long. It changes...and fades...and turns into day. And then....I couldn't wait to get downstairs to put what I had witnessed onto paper. The result is a collection of 4 cards. I'll post the pictures later today.

For now, I'm off to the gym with my DH to play raquet-ball. If these ole' knees will let me....!

If you happen to find yourself visiting here as an old friend--thanks for coming back. If you're here as a new friend. Welcome.

As for me....

For I am convinced that my Savior loves me. -me

Communication & the Avacado Seed

I went to visit my sister today. We don't get to see each other very often, so it was a special treat. She took me to eat at Le Madeline for lunch--yummmmmmmm! I had a wonderful fresh spinach salad with salmon, bacon, pecans, and strawberries and then Creme brulee for dessert.

But even better than the food was the time spent with my sister. Of course we talked about our children. She was telling me about her 2 sons--both in college. A couple of her tales are worth repeating here.

Shirley had called her oldest son, Anthony, last weekend and talked to him at length. They discussed how classes were going, what he had been doing, the fact that he had called the dentist on his own, made an appointment and then went (quite an accomplishment for him). I'm sure they discussed finances and the weather. And who knows what else. Then they said their goodbye's.

Then she called her youngest son, Alden. She asked him what he was doing. I'm at Anthony's doing my laundry!! Had Anthony mentioned that Alden was there?? Nooooo! Shirley said this was an example of how well they all communicate!!!

I think this is about how well we communicate with and about God, too. We see our friends. We talk about a lot of things. Our jobs, our kids, our triumphs and defeats, our finances, the weather. But do we mention that God is at our house??? Or that He lives within us??? I know I'm not very good at communicating that. I do the best at it here in this blog. But I need to be better at communicating that in my day to day life!! God help me!

Now for the second tale. Sometime before Alden left for the fall semester, he took an avacado seed, stuck toothpicks in it and put it in a cup, and lovingly watered and cared for it. Then he left for college. Shirley became the caretaker of said avacado seed. She said she watered and cared for it fairly well, and it grew a root about an inch long. And then her life became hectic (she is a middle school orchestra teacher--need I say more?). She neglected the poor avacado seed. Alden asks about it when he calls. Further neglect results in the poor thing withering. In desperation, she takes it out into the backyard, plants it under a pine tree, and then totally forgets it.

Today, she is perusing the backyard and--WHAT IS THAT?????? A six inch stem has sprouted from the seed. She had been certain that it was hopeless.

How many times have we considered things to be hopeless. And how many times has God brought about a ressurrection. He brings new life to things that we consider dead. He breathes His breath upon them, and warmth and light and life return. I can see that so many times in my own life. Remembering those times are a great comfort to me. A source of confidence when life becomes troubled. Proof that He is Faithful. God is good. And He is able.

May God continue to grant you His richest blessings, and may you have all kinds of peace in believing.

In the world, but not of the world

Assemble the following simple items:

2 cups of water
black pepper
liquid soap

Sprinkle the pepper into both cups of water so that it covers the surface of the water.

Stick your finger into the first cup of water and pull it back out. What happened?

Now put just a drop of liquid soap into the second cup of water. Then put your finger into that cup and pull it back out. What happened this time?

After doing this, check the comments section of this post for the application of this little activity.

For the Lofve of a Child

Emerson and I went to see "Firewall" last night. About half way through the movie we had the following conversation:

Me: (Whispering in E's ear) I don't need to go to the Y tomorrow.
E: Huh?
Me: I don't need to go to the Y tomorrow.
E: Why not?
Me: My heart rate has been up for the last hour!!

Talk about a thriller. Whooo. Good movie.

I'll try not to tell you to much, but have to share a little bit.

Harrison Ford plays the good guy (of course!) and his wife and family have been taken hostage by this really evil guy. Harrison battles this guy continually in order to protect his children. In one particular poignant scene, it occurred to me that Harrison (I'm so bad with stage names) had a lot more to fight for. He was fighting for his children. The other guy was simply fighting for money. The love for one's children gives far more strength than the love of money.

And then I thought, that's how it is with God and Satan. God is fighting for His children, Satan is just fighting for power and wealth. No wonder God is victorious!! From before the creation, He knew there would be a battle for His children--and He put in place a plan that could not be defeated. He loved us so very much that He gave up His only Son that we might be saved.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

A Child's Perspective

Our son was praying with his 6 year old daughter. They prayed that everybody would be well, and that everybody would be saved so that no one would go to hell. After they finished praying the following conversation took place:

Kate: What's hell?
Daddy: Well, right now Jesus is up in heaven with God. But one day, He will come back to earth. All the people asleep in graves in the ground, and everybody alive and walking around on earth will see Him. And God will tell Jesus which people will get to go to heaven with Him and all the rest will go to a very bad place called hell.
Kate: WOW! Will it be badder than jail? My teacher went to jail once.

Oh, my. The things we learn in conversations with children!

And speaking of Jesus coming back. I sometimes teach our ladies Bible class on Wednesday evenings. We have been studying angels. Last Wednesday we were talking about how one single angel appeared to the shepherds, and how afraid they were. And then after the angel delivered his proclamation, the heavens opened and were filled with the heavenly host singing and praising God. WOW! Don't you know those shepherds were in awe then!

And how amazing it will be when Jesus comes again, with the sounding of the trumpet and the heavenly host coming with him. WOW!

"Will I stand in His presence, or to my knees will I fall,
Will I sing Hallelujah or will I be able to speak at all....."

Come, Lord Jesus!

Which Road Are You Taking?

Have you ever opened a box of nightcrawlers? The worms are all twisted together--wiggling every which way. And you can't really tell the difference between the beginning of one and the end of another.

Have you ever driven under one of those huge clover leaf highway interchanges? With roads going every direction and you can't really figure out which one goes where?

Have you ever thought about how alike the two things are? That occured to me today as we drove under a massive cloverleaf. Wow. You really have to be paying attention to make sure you get on the right road--and that you're going the right direction!! Sometimes it can be really confusing. Especially in Texas--they are the WORST about marking their roads!

And then I thought about how many choices we have in our lives. Shall I take this road, or this one? Where does this road lead? Will this one get me there any faster? And each life road has a different destination.

In all the roads of life that we have to choose from, there is one particular road. We are told that it is a wide road, and easy to travel on. And that lots of people travel on it. But the destination is destruction.

And then there is another road. One less traveled on. And we are told it is narrow. And oft times it has many potholes and "s" curves--sometimes gravel, sometimes dirt; and sometimes we find ourselves going the wrong way. But God always allows U-turns. And if we persevere to the end, the view will be incredible.

And by the way--there is a Road Map!

Antique Cabinet--top section 

Antique Cabinet--bottom section 

Antique Cabinet--doors and drawers 

Antique Cabinet--Restored! 

FINISHED!

It is finally finished!! And in my basement! I almost drove my husband over the edge, insisting that he get it moved inside. It came in at 10:00 night before last. The pictures don't quite do it justice--and how I wish I had taken a picture before I ever started!!! It was really just a heap of dark, dark brown broken pieces when I started. After Emerson got it moved in, he stepped back and said, "Well, I never would have believed it!" I'm not quite sure if he meant that the heap of pieces could ever be restored, or that I could actually do it. I did most of it by myself, but he helped with a few things.

I really am please with the way it turned out--oh, it still has flaws. Lots of old nail holes, burn marks on the top of the bottom part--they look like sorch marks from hot pans, the doors have some pieces that were broken and missing--some I replaced, some I just left. But as Emerson says, "You don't want it to look NEW." And so it doesn't.

It has the marks of service. It was well used. And sometimes abused. And it bears the marks of all of that. But now it has been restored. And believe me, it has a place of honor in my house--even though it's in the basement. I'll be keeping quilt fabrics, pieces of old quilts, thread, quilting tools, etc. in it. It seems fitting to store things in it that I hope will become heirlooms--and hope that it will itself become an heirloom.

Chirst is like that, you know. He came to earth to show the Father's love. And he was used. And abused (beyond what words can even describe). And He still bears the marks in His hands and his feet. He paid the price for us. But now, He has been restored to His rightful place at the Father's right hand.

"Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his diving privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbledhimself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated im to the place of highest honer and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:5-11

I've learned a lot from this old cabinet. It's a treasure. Take a look back and see what else I've written about it:

More Things Than Time
Crime Scene Investigation
Dusting Off my Life

A Real Dad

My daughter, Jayme, has had 2 "dads" who let her down--abandoned her, abused her. When Emerson and I got married she was 15 and was done calling anyone "Dad". She and Emerson have faced off on many occasions over various things, but he really is the only dad who is truly a "Dad" to her--who cares about her like a dad should.

Jayme and Neal have been going through many trials as of late. Last night, Emerson called Jayme just to encourage her. I happened to be sitting next to him, listening to his end of the conversation. He expressed his concern and his love for them--especially for her. He offered some good advice. And then,unsure of what to say and wanting to say the right things to her, he sort of stuttered and stammered a bit--but the emotion, the love, the care was obvious in his voice.

I talked to Jayme briefly after he ended his conversation with her. "Mom", she said, "Emerson was the SWEETEST ever!! He was trying to be a good Dad & he did it!!" The emotion and pleasure in her voice was as obvious as the love had been in his. That was a HUGE statement for her to make to me. I am very proud of Emerson, and I love him even more today than I did yesterday!!

Funny, it happens that way every day!

Blog Olympics

As a competitor in the Blog Olympics, it is my sworn duty to honor the two overall winners. Kudos to both Running2Ks & Uisce .

But I think the TRUE honors should go to Barbara as the brains behind the Olympics and Lazy Daisy for her AMAZING coverage.

It was a fun week! Lots of laughter tears!!

Thanks ladies!

Oh, to grace how great a debtor!

Do I see you, Lord, there in the faces of my family?
Do I hear you, Lord, as we lift our voices to you?
Do I really see your pain as you hang there on the cross?
Do I know who put those nails there?
Did I hear you say "Forgive them"?
Did you really mean it?
I'm not worthy of it.
You call it "grace".

Do you see me, Lord, as I kneel before your throne?
Do you hear me, Lord, as I praise your Holy name?
Did you feel me touch the hem of your garment, Lord?
Did you hear me whisper, "Thank you".
You are worthy.
You are worthy.
You are worthy!
Thank you for your grace!