Create

Two days ago I finished reading through the entire Bible. I decided to start reading it again but with a slightly different take. This time I'm trying to find Jesus in every verse. So, I started in Genesis one and verse one.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

There were two things that grabbed my attention in this verse.

1. "In the beginning" God was there. Before the beginning God was there. Before He even created anything, with sanctified imagination, I see God looking down through the ages at what this earth would become. I imagine Him seeing the fall of man, the first death, the first sacrifice, His death on the cross.....all the way to the Second Coming. I imagine Him thinking, "I want my people to have an opportunity to choose to love Me." He knew and saw all that in the beginning.

2. "God created the heavens and the earth." God created. I like that. He didn't just throw stuff together or let a couple objects smash together to form the earth. He created. He put thought into what He was about to do. Once again, I imagine God making a mental list beforehand of everything that would be good for His children and would bring them the most joy and happiness. I imagine Him planning out what needed creating first. But God created. He loved us so much, even before we existed, that He created the earth.

Thinking about Genesis 1:1 inspired me to draw a picture as well. :)

What's Important?

What is important to you? I do not mean your new iPhone or recent paycheck I mean what is really important.

Recently, I had to make a decision and it got me thinking, "I wonder what is important to me?"

"My computer."

"Wait, huh? My computer?"

That is not what I envisioned coming to my mind first. I spend a lot of time on the internet but surely I would have thought of something else a bit quicker. That surprise made me consider what aspects of my life have the longest lasting impact on me. It also caused me to think about who and what are most important.

"So what is really important?"

"God."

"My students."

"My family."

"My friends."

It is funny how easy it is to get confused! There is a Bible verse that says "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." It is my opinion that your heart will be with the things you judge most important. I will be the first to say I need to double check where my treasure is, double check what things I value as important.

"Lord, I ask that what You see as important I would see as important as well."

My Advice for You

Summer's Day 

We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love

-Superchick "We Live"

That's my advice for you today. Live! Try doing something new and different! Love! Tell your family or spouse that you love them! Forgive! Don't hold grudges- they ruin life. Never give up!  Take a break if you need to, ask for help but persevere! 

Here's a painting I did. 

More Sketches

I'll be completely honest- I haven't posted something in a really long time. My mind has been in a lot of places lately. I don't know if you've ever gotten into one of those periods of your life where you are wondering where to go and what to do next but that is kind of where I'm at right now. I've done a number of sketches lately and here are a few. The two crazy looking ones are from my imagination. Shortly explained: 1) I like to fish, I like to eat fish and I like to draw fish. 2) I like to draw random objects and designs altogether. 3) This is a woman from the Asian calendar hanging on my wall. 4) I was thinking about ice cream and was inspired to draw a rather interesting version of the well-known dessert.

Creativity

Abstract

Butterfly

    A streak of creativity hit me today! Enjoy! :)
I've been trying to create more pictures from imagination and these are some of the results.

Flowers...

Random Flowers

Always Grow

Looking back at this past year, how did you grow? How were you changed?

     I like to draw trees. Every tree is different with its twisted limbs, leafy foliage, strong roots and rough bark. Some trees even seem to have personality to me. The bent over, crooked trees seem wise, old and full of experience. The straight, stately trees seem proud, maybe even arrogant and the little saplings seem full of life and energy.  Each tree grows a little throughout the year. Maybe a little taller, a little wider or a little more damaged. Each year a storm may tear off a branch. Perhaps a name will be carved in its trunk.

     Yet the tree continues to grow, to blossom, to bear fruit, to rest and to grow again. Ever and always growing despite what goes on around it. Looking back at this past year, how did you grow? What were your successes or your failures? In this new year of 2013, I challenge you to grow closer to Christ. Live each day for Him no matter what goes on around you. But ever and always grow. A tree that doesn't grow is dead. The old year is behind you and new year is before you. Determine to grow into a closer likeness of Christ this year. 

Happy New Years! 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!! Remember that Christmas is about giving with no thought of receiving in return. :) Here is my very first painting in oil colors! It is also a gift for my next door neighbors!