Changes - A New Leaf

It has been such a long time since I put brush to canvas.  This painting represents the change that is going on in my life right now and the beauty of possibility within that change.  I've heard it said that God loves His children too much to let them stay the same.  I do believe He likes to see us grow and move forward.  Stagnancy is never good.  I suppose that's one of the reasons I have enjoyed teaching for as long as I have - each day is filled with new challenges, new material, and new lessons for both teacher and students.  My change at the end of this school year is to begin pursuing both my writing and my art full time.  I am ecstatic, frightened, energized, and I feel like a new student at the first day of class.  This is life class.  And like my students I find myself wondering if the "teacher" will be kind, strict, forgiving.  I'm wondering if she'll have a sense of humor. I'm wondering about the new friends I'll meet and the adventures I'll have.  I am a student again.  

This last year has taught me that there is much listening I need to do.  I have a long way to go.  I feel as if I've left the close companionship of Christ to venture out on my own.  I'm ready to be a student there as well.  I'm so thankful that while I change, and need changing, He never does.  He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  His love never fades or grows weary.  He never gets impatient with His students.  He applauds our efforts, cheers our successes, celebrates each tiny victory from a glance His way when it's needed to a blessing shared, a life changed, or a comfort given. And His correction is gentle.  What a teacher. What a Savior.    

Blessings!

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26  NIV

The Sitter

This is one that makes me feel peaceful. I loved this fat, round little body on the original photo. I was pleased with how the fence turned out. It was a lot of fun to do. I was happy with how the underpainting shows through on his little head as well. It adds a pinkish glow to the blue around his eyes. I'm sure there is much that could be said regarding my technique. I welcome the critiques from those with experience! Being a novice it felt like a bit of a success...at least at this stage of the game for me. What is it about birds, though? I continue to be captivated by the little guys. I'm not a bird watcher. I don't have the patience to sit and wait for them like those out in the field. I give total respect to those who wait, watch, and take the pictures. I had planned to link the photographer when I posted, but when I checked my original photo copy I couldn't find a signature on it as some photos have. I googled but got discouraged after page 30. Regardless, here's a little verse for your day...for those of us who are completely worry - prone. Sometimes you have to hear it more than once to let it sink in. Blessings!

8 x 8

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important thatn food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27