Blog

The quote goes: "And so we stand in HIS Presence, full of grace and mercy."
Not sitting.
Not lying prostrate.
It is an interesting thought, because two things are happening simultaneously-- we are seated in Christ(far above all principalities and powers), & at the same time "after you have done everything to stand, stand firm therefore (Ephesians 6)".
So basically, resting in His presence is standing in His presence. You can think of it on the surface or ruminate it awhile. It's not a new concept, but it's where my thoughts went this morning.
And what, you may ask, does the painting have to do with what I just wrote? Maybe nothing, except that it was done by resting, which happens to (according to what I just wrote) be very significant.

My first confession: this is my first ever blog entry. I just thought I'd try it and see whether the words come to the page or not. Sometimes songs are right at the edge of your lips, but until you open your mouth, nothing will ever be heard.

It's been awhile since I spoke about this dancer in the painting. She looks beautiful and balanced enough now, though not perfect. She came from a much more disproportionate beginning. Sometimes what I paint has difficulties to offer. What I mean is that what we see with our human heart is often painful or at the least, plain. Sometimes the plans that we have do not turn out as we anticipated. Maybe the colors are not true. Maybe things don't fit the page according to the dimensions of our dance. But keep going. Keep going. Keep going. This life did not come with any guarantees of anything other than trials and tough choices and difficulties. But when you dance, when you breathe in the music, when you realize you are royalty in the truest form, then the painting comes to life. Colors wave like banners in the heart of the universe. What I'm trying to say is that paintings are a process. Most of the time I don't know where I'm heading with the paint on the canvas until I begin, simply begin. It may be easier sometimes than at other times to find the color or the shape, but the process doesn't happen unless I am bold enough to unleash the movement it requires to begin.

That is why, dear friends, I am typing. No story will ever be heard if I don't begin to speak. Thank you for being a gracious listener.