Tulips For Morocco[/caption]
A few more layers, and the painting is finally where I think I want it. I could keep tweaking forever, but I need to be done, and simply let it be. I'm thankful for the opportunity to use my gifts to glorify Jesus, to bless others, and to further the kingdom, as this one will be auctioned off in a few weeks in support of loving the people of North Africa. (Can I just tell you how much lovelier this one is in person, than it is in this photo?)
Lord willing, I will be relaunching this blog with a new design, including a shop with this and other prints available for purchase...in time for Christmas. I'm super excited. This has been a LONG time coming, and I have hoped and desired to work professionally as an artist and writer for many many years. But truly...if the Lord is willing...and my excitement is tempered with the heart lesson I've learned again and again through the years:
God's timing is perfect. There is a season for everything. Be present in the season he has for you right where you are. He gives and takes away. Blessed Is the Name of the Lord. He blesses that we may be a blessing. Nothing is wasted, even when it feels like it. His callings are his enablings.
You see, there was a time when these truths sometimes felt true...and often did not. There was a time when I didn't know my own voice, in words or in artistic expression. There was a time when I was just too bound by fear, and not nearly confident enough in God's sovereignty.
And, on the other side of all the doubts, I now know...that it's all his. The words, the art, the kids, the house, the ministry, the idea of who I am. IT'S ALL FOR HIM.
I only create because his mercy found me to make much of Him.
I'm drawing close today, Day 15, to passing on the blessing...
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Drawing Close {31 Days of sketching and noting grace through drawing.}[/caption]
Join me everyday this month for the Drawing Close series.
Day 1: Drawing Close Intro Day 2: A Portrait Day 3: Parts of A Whole Day 4: Be Strong and Courageous Day 5: A World Where There Are Octobers {My Birthday} Day 6: Keep Moving Forward Day 7: Bearing Fruit Day 8: Capturing Life In Motion Day 9: Real (Uncomfortable) Hospitality Day 10: In Process, In Progress Day 11: Beginnings Day 12: Underpinnings Day 13: Rest In Him Day 14: The Mercy of Layers Day 15: Tulips For North Africa Day 16: Day 17: Day 18: Day 19: Day 20: Day 21: Day 22: Day 23: Day 24: Day 25: Day 26: Day 27: Day 28: Day 29: Day 30: Day 31