There is a lot in the world around us and in our personal lives as well but we know we're anchored in love and in a God who is not asleep, but very aware and holding everything. And so one place where I find that to be true is to always go into nature. And so, as you well know, most of what I share from my art is nature-inspired.
Before we get into the painting that I have today, I just focused in on a few quotes that I wrote in a little
notebook that I have.
My soul can find no staircase to heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness. Michaelangelo
Emily Carr is a well-known British Columbia artist who has already passed away, but she writes,
When I go into nature, I stand at the threshold of the divine.
God is like a great breathing among the trees.
Thomas Merton: the gateway of Heaven is everywhere.
John Muir: nature is a mere reflecting the Creator.
So I'm going to take you into the Bible, the First Bible, which is Nature.
And we're gonna see what the spirit wants to share or light up for each one of us today.
So, first of all, we want to look at what we see. Just gaze at the whole image.
Notice the colors, the shapes the lines.
Perhaps there's a symbol in there?
That kind of is capturing your attention.
Maybe you're going to one place where your eye is lingering there.
Don't try to figure it out, just let it rest there.
You might even be avoiding a certain area.
And you may even, within your beings, just wonder like, what… what is there for me there?
And what I'm avoiding or resisting?
And what inspires me?
Where's the yes?
And let's talk about opening our heart and imagination which is a gift from God.
And take a second look.
Are there feelings that are coming up? Longings?
There might even be a memory that you're going back to.
Or hope that stirred.
So just simply be with that.
Let it keep rising up.
Slowly begin to notice what is being revealed in your seeing.
And through what you might be feeling.
What is the invitation in this moment right now in the day-to-day life you're living?
What is God calling you to do or to be?
Are any insights coming up?
Is there an invitation that's growing?