Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Observing Transformation


Each painting offers an opportunity for growth and change. Changes in life are not always welcomed. However, it's great when it's a good change. Without stepping out and making the effort to change, we can at best observe transformation in others who are willing to change.

With this painting, the fox is in the woods is observing transformation. He sees the infant stage of the butterfly. Through the passage of time he sees changes. Until one day seeing the effort of the butterfly to push past the infant stage to a full grown adult stage. Then ultimately seeing the beauty of the butterfly take flight! "Oh, if only I could....fly." he may have thought.


 
 
 How often have we observed transformation in others and have been to frightened to change or given up? Life is full of changes, from birth to death. Romans 12:2 (Living Bible) says:  "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." A transformed or newness like this comes from our Creator Jesus. I realize that I need a power greater than myself to have a life consistently changed for the better. So I choose not only to "Observe Transformation", but also be transformed by the gift of the Holy Spirit to renew my heart daily.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Light Overcomes Darkness


At the Christian Arts Guild meeting, it was discussed that we could paint our testimony. Paint my testimony, what is my testimony? Different things came to my mind. When did this all start? It was something I would have to take further thought in and pray about.

Art has always been a part of my life. God was not. As a kid, even though I wondered about Him and prayed...He seemed so distant though. Wanting some control in my life, I embraced darkness as a teenager. Anything that had power and knowing I could attain it, that is what I pursued. A growing library filled my room of the 'dark arts'. Little did I know my lifestyle coupled with this was leading me down a very dark and dangerous path.


As a rebellious teen, my friend told me of her conversion to Christ. Her life changed for the better. She no longer feared death. I thought it interesting and decided to do the same. After all, what did I have to lose if it didn't work?

What happened next was truly a miracle. I looked at life so differently. It was like an illuminating light bulb clicked on in my mind and life. Life was looked at differently. Peace filled my heart! Since then it has never left. Fear and darkness, no longer rule my life. Being thankful for what I've been given and continuing in His grace fills my days. He is the 'lifter of my head.' Life can be very hard at times, so I'm grateful to my Creator who guides and helps me.

Light always overcomes darkness. We may not be able to see it at times, however that doesn't mean it's not true. Light illuminates our path but it is our choice to go towards it or not. I have chosen to walk towards it. I pray it's your choice as well.


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)