Forward into Community

Here is the finished painting I started during finals week, before Christmas. As I said in the previous post about this painting my original intent was to portray the promise that we are never alone throughout any stage in our lives. That God places people in our lives to walk alongside us through every season whether we see them or not at the time. Placing my trust in Him rather than the fears I have about what is to come.

"For I hold you by your right hand - I, the LORD your God. And I say to you,'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you."
Isaiah 41:13

 Though as the last few months have gone by I think God had other plans for what He wanted me to understand about this work which center around.... community. The last few years have been a struggle for me to understand the importance of community and fellowship with other believers. It has been hard for me to trust that other believers will help me to better understand the character of God, and provide support and love that bring about encouragement in faith. But Christ has just begun to chissel away at my fear and hurt in this area, slowly pulling away the barriers around my heart, and providing me with His protection.

"The heartfelt counsil of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."
Proverbs 27:9 NLT

"As iorn sharpens iorn, so a friend sharpens a friend."
Proverbs 27:17 NLT

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will recieve mercy."
Proverbs 28:13 NLT

So I want to take a minute and thank freinds and family for their grace, patience, and support.Without you there is so much I would never have learned about myself and about Jesus. I am unbelievably thankful for your prayers and the battle we have done together. This one goes out to you, the greatest of blessings!

All my love,
Carliann

Flying Forward 12x12" © 2013

"His Eye is on the Sparrow"

"His Eye is on the Sparrow" 2.5x3.5" © 2013

This small ATC is a test run for a larger painting that a friend is asking me to paint for a prayer room in her house of eight college girls. As I was thought about my friend’s request I was thinking about what I wanted them to know and see as they go to pray in this room. All I could think of is that Jesus loves, cares, and wants to speak freedom into their lives. Understanding these women I knew that the piece also needed scriptural backing. The first thing that popped in my head was the hymn His Eye is on the Sparrow, and the New Testament verses about the God watching over sparrows. 

I also decided I wanted to have the bird flying as an expression of god wanting them to live to their potential and take risks for Him. Knowing that He will ultimately pick them up and be there for them no matter what happens. 

For the larger painting I think I will do several sparrows in many different positions, to show the different places in our walk with Christ. I have really enjoyed this little painting and have had quiet an ordeal with him. I almost threw out the whole thing and started over many times. I made mistake after mistake on this tiny portrait, which i think brings out the meaning even more. Each time I wanted to give up God gave me another chance to make him more beautiful, and with greater depth than I had planned. I want to leave you with the lyrics to the hymn and the verses that fuel the meaning and inspiration of this piece.

"I long yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your alter, O LORD of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God!"

Psalm 84: 3-4 NLT

"What is the price of two sparrows- one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without the Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are much more valuable to God that a whole flock of sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

 His Eye is on the Sparrow - Hymn

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,

I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain