Troubles Without Number

Psalm 40:11 states, "O Lord...may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me." This computer problem has been a hassle. I had all my art ready for my daughter to enter for me while I was on vacation, but a power outage ruined my computer and I wound up taking it with me on vacation and having my son-in-law fix it for me. Seems like sometimes things just don't go our way in life. We have to resort to Plans B, C, or D when things go wrong. When I took things into perspective, this was a very minor set back in my life. So many other things go wrong to so many other people that I felt ashamed to think this was so horrible. I'm so grateful I have a wonderful family (many of whom we saw on our vacation), a wonderful husband, and a great and glorious God. I'm not going to "sweat the small stuff" (to borrow a recent book title) when I have so much going for me. Thank the Lord.

This art was made on a watercolor paper base (2 1/2" x 3 1/2"). I used newspaper words for the background, a copied image tinted with watercolor pencils and I stippled the edges with paint.

Major Shut Down

Romans 8:28-"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." I had a major computer shut down after a power outage two days ago. I'll be out of commission until Labor Day weekeend. We're going on a week's vacation and I had planned for my daughter to post my daily entries, but...we'll have to wait. God's blessings for your week.

Instruction and Knowledge

"Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold," Proverbs 8:10.
Riches can disappear in a flash, but knowledge lasts until you have no brain power. Interestingly, the Proverbs were written by King Solomon, the wisest and most wealthy man alive in those days, yet he saw that riches meant nothing without instruction and knowledge.

I used a playing card as the base, painted it, adhered ephemera, tinted the photo with colored pencils, etched in gel medium and dry brushed with gold paint. I used part of a book binding for the label and wrote the word with a Micron pen.

The Guard

Psalm 141:3--"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."
Wow! Did this verse grab me! I had just downloaded some new pictures from a seller and here was a guard. Now, to put it all together. I really need to take heed of this scripture as my lips seem to do their own thing much of the time. This needs to be my prayer every day!

I used a playing card (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") for the base, cut ephemera to fit, added a brass heart lock and drew a key in the guard's hand. The door actually opens and closes on this poor prisoner. I used a strip of sheer ribbon as the hinge.

The Lord Delights

Psalm 147:11 states that "the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." The word fear means to revere, but sometimes I just fear him. Some of the things I do and have done deserve punishment and I don't deserve to have him delighted in me. My only hope is that His unfailing love will sustain me and that my asking His forgiveness will give me another chance to prove my love for Him.

I used a ratty old book cover for this art. I added a copied image and assorted ephemera. I etched some designs in matte gel medium and hightlighted them and the book decoration with gold paint. I added some pearls from an old necklace, some ribbon, tulle, scrim and an artificial floral stem for the hanger.

As For Me and My House

We make choices every day. What will your choice be today?
Joshua demanded that the people of Israel make a choice to either serve the pagan gods of the land or the one true God of Israel. He, as leader of his house, declared, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15. Who are we serving today?

I made this 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" card for the weekly challenge using this verse in my "Art In The Word" Yahoo Group. This is a group of like-minded women who love the Lord and declare His glory through their art. I enjoy being a member of this group and maybe you would too. God gifted His followers to use their talents for Him.

I used ephemera photographed from magazines and altered digitally, paint, matte gel medium and a cellophane transparency of my ancestors.

Near Me

Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentle spirit be know to all men. The Lord is near." Wow, do I need this verse! Many times gentleness is far from me. Ask my husband. I want to be gentle and loving, understanding and patient but sometimes these things live in another world--a world far away from me. When I remember that the Lord is near, I call on Him to fill me with the gentleness I need, but, unfortunately, I don't call often enough and I let my way be done instead of the Lord's. I think the picture of the little girl looks gentle. It looks like she's asking the Lord to be near her. I found that the words of this old song fit this thought. Interestingly, the second stanza had the word "tarry" underneath the first stanza's "near me." The Lord does "tarry," an 1800's word for "stay," with us. Some days I don't know why He would want to stay with me but I'm glad He does. The same would go for my husband.

I used a playing card, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2," for the base. I painted the background, added old lace, a copied photo, other paper ephemera including old music, buttons, ribbon, measuring tape and I etched a little rose in gel medium and tinted it with paint.

When The Storm Sweeps By

Proverbs 10:25--"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." Yes, you may the only one standing. Sometimes the storms of life are overwhelming to the point of destruction. All around you, you see others failing in their walk, wilting from the pressures of life, giving in to the temptation to turn away from God, and finding other things in this world to take the place of the Living Lord. Will we be the only ones standing? I hope so.

This is a fiber art quilt I made for my nephew for his wedding last weekend. It measures about 9" x 11" and is constructed from clipped yarn lain on muslin, covered with tulle, basted, then quilted and embroidered. I used a black binding and mounted it on an artist's frame. It took about 8 hours to complete but I like the results and he did too. He had placed his order last summer when he saw one I had made for my mother-in-law (his grandma.) I don't do many of these anymore, but I think I may be inspired from this one.

Longing

Psalm 119:131-132 "I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me."
Do you find yourself in a longing mode with an empty feeling--a yearning-for-something- else-attitude?
Maybe that feeling is the hole in your heart waiting to be filled with the living Lord. Seek His word. Find his compassion, peace and strength by asking. Seek His wisdom for all your ways. Don't hide from Him, seek Him out. Long for Him! You won't be disappointed.

This card base is watercolor paper measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", the usual Artist Trading Card format. I used ribbon, faux pearls, buttons, a leaf skeleton, copied image, gel medium, finger nail polish, ink and paint.

Being Heard

2 Chronicles 30:27 "The priests and Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place."
The priests and Levites had been away from God for so long that God had not blessed them by hearing them when they prayed. When Hezakiah, the king, decided everyone should return to the true God, the priests and Levites returned and prayed and God listened. If you feel your prayers are not going above the ceiling, dedicate your heart to God totally and return to Him wholeheartedly and He will return to you. Remember, we're the ones who walk away.

This playing card-sized art was collaged on a watercolor paper base. I used assorted ephemera and etched a strip in gel medium and outlined the edge of the card with gold paint.

Got Breath? Praise!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. PRAISE THE LORD." Psalm 150:6
It's interesting that this is the last verse in the Book of Psalms. It's a reminder to me that as long as I last here on earth, praise for God should be on my lips--no matter what. This Psalm is full of references to instruments (another reason I like it), but its what is within us that praises God, not what contraptions we use. It interests me, too, that "everything that has breath" should praise God. I wonder??? How do animals praise God? I'll have to look into that one.

This 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" card was created on pre-decorated card stock onto which I added paper ephemera, gel protection, color from pencils and paint.

All God's Angels

Hebrews 1:6 "When God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God's angels worship him.' " Angels should not receive our worship. They were created to worship God and his Son, Jesus, as are we. This little "angel" looked so peaceful and awed. I can just image God walking into its presence and this little one looking on adoringly. I must keep my focus on the adoration of God and His Son and allow angels to have their proper place, ministering servants of God.
This card (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") is a trading card that has been painted and collaged with paper ephemera. I etched in gel medium and used glitter pens to fancy up the butterflies.

And The Two Shall Be As One

My nephew got married today. This is how I saw him and his new wife as they left the sanctuary. He doesn't seem old enough to be married even though he is 24. They made a cute couple. Now he has someone besides himself for which to care and I'm confident he'll do well.
Ephesians 5:31 states: "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."
I used a trading card as the base (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") and added paint, paper ephemera and etched in gel medium. I then dry brushed and printed with gesso.

Harvest Banquet

"On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet...," Isaiah 25:6. What a joy to not have to diet in heaven! I made this card for my Christian Mixed Media Yahoo Group, Art In The Word. If you are a Christian artist you might want to check out this new group on Yahoo.
I will be gone from the computer for a day or two--the next post will be late Saturday evening, August 11. Blessings all!

This card's base is a trading card measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2." I used paiant, paper, and glitter glue. I etched in gel medium and dry brushed.

I Hide Myself In You

Psalm143:9-10: "Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." We can't hide FROM God, so why don't we hide IN God? There are enemies all around us in this world. We constantly are battling the evil plans of the prince of this world. Our lives are training grounds for learning the will of God and if we are hidden in Him those worldly things are put aside so we can focus on His plans.

The base of this art is a trading card onto which I painted, collaged and etched in gel. It measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2."

My Thoughts

" 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,' " Isaiah 55:8-9. All the thinking in the world cannot explain why God does what He does. We may think we understand, but we have just scratched the surface. God will many times reveal His word to us when we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit will guide us into good works, Jesus reveals His life and mission to us so we can follow Him--but understanding it all now is not meant for us. I also have to be careful not to fill my head with every thought imaginable so that there are no thoughts for God. How foolish of me to do that.

I used a trading card as the base, painted, collaged, gelled, etched and dry brushed. It measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2."

Terror of Night

Psalm 91:5 states: "You will not fear the terror of night." I don't know why. Here I am an adult and sometimes I still get afraid of the dark in the middle of the night in my own home. Sometimes the terror of the night is even in the middle of the day. What causes this? Too many horror movies? suspense stories? newscasts? real life? Who knows. I think the evil one has his hand in this. When he can convince me that I don't have a Saviour who takes care of all my needs, I get afraid. When I call on the name of Jesus and pray for calm and peace, He provides it every time--every time I trust that He will.

The Garden

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.... I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:1,2 and 5. Lavender is everywhere in this part of the country. I planted a couple of plants this year, late, and hope they bear the woodsy aroma of lavender for us next year. So many times my plants die because I don't water, feed or prune them. I'm so unlike the heavenly gardner who actually cares for his garden. Notice the "branches" part of these verses. We are absolutely useless without our attachment to the vine. We need the living water, heavenly manna and pruning our Heavenly Father gives us. How blessed to be part of his garden.

This was the first fiber art quilt I made. I put clipped yarn on muslin, covered it with tulle, pinned and machine quilted it. Other hand embroidery was added for detail. It measures 9" x 9." It now resides in a Bed and Breakfast in Canada.

Grace

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast," Ephesians 2:8-9. Grace is a gift. All we need to do is accept it and open our hearts to it in faith believing that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. Accepting is the only work we need to do. All else comes from love.

This is made on a playing card base, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2," and is decorated with paper images, paint, and matte gel medium.

Guard My Heart

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life," Proverbs 4:23. So many times I let my heart do the leading. Everytime I do that it gets wounded. Oh, that I would be in control of my heart, my emotions, then I would think clearly and discern what's going on.
I got my feelings hurt today and my intentions were good. Sometimes people are just doing their job and I get in the way. It took a long time and a long talk with God to put things in perspective. I wasn't wrong in what I did. I was a scapegoat--someone to whom one could be the authority. Everything's fine, but I'll be careful from now on not to assume authority and not get in that particular situation again.

The base of this art is a playing card on which I painted, collaged and etched.

Encouragement

I asked my pastor's wife if there was something about which I could pray. She mentioned "encouragement." Our pastor is doing very well but he's having to work through the intense pain of surgery again after just 6 weeks of having his last surgery. I can't even begin to imagine what they must be enduring. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11. "...encourage one another and build each other up." I hope I did that today. Maybe I said or did something that was encouraging. That needs to be a goal for every day.

This little card was one of the first ATCs I made. The picture is not good because it was taken with an inadequate camera last year, but I remembered making this and it fits today's theme. I used a playing card for the base and assorted ephemera and computer generated lettering, stickers and a stamp to decorate it.

CELEBRATE LIFE!

It was a joy to do something fun today. I am bouyed by how well my pastor is doing after his surgery. Though he has a long way to go, God has blessed him today by allowing him to improve. It's time to CELEBRATE! "Then all the people went...to celebrate with great joy." Nehemiah 8:12.

This is an ATC/ACEO (Artist Trading Card/Art Card Editions and Originals) measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". The base is a playing card and I used a German text, handwriting, copy of photo, other ephemera, book binding, matte gel medium, paint and gesso. I etched a design in the gel medium and dry brushed with gesso.