Old Guy

So was biking with Ellie at the waterfront and some old guy we went by said, " Make sure you keep up to your grandpa little girl!" I just kept riding...

Recent paintings

"When we behold the light and brightness of the sun, the golden edges of an evening cloud, or the beauteous bow, we behold the adumbrations of his glory and goodness; and the blue skies, of his mildness and gentleness..." Johnathan Edwards in Miscellanies

Glorify Him!

"As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name"


 lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/p/paul_baloche/#share

Sacred and Secular

J.I.Packer, in his book "A Quest for Godliness" writes in the first introductory chapter entitled "Why we need the Puritans" quote " There was for them no disjunction between sacred and secular; all creation, so far as they were concerned, was sacred, and all activities, of whatever kind, must be sanctified, that is, done to the glory of God." People often ask me, how do you integrate your Pastoral ministry with your art? As if the two were diametrically opposed. They are not. They are one in the same kind of ministry. Helping people see life from a different perspective. The division between the sacred and secular is artificial because the life lived for God touches everything we do. It sanctifies every creative act done by a believer who is filled with the spirit and seeking God. Thank God for this heritage left to us by the Puritans and the Dutch Neo-Calvinists.

painting

Finally got my art room done. Also got the house renos done. Did some painting today. Hoping to get out this week into the bush to do some on-site painting. Feel so rusty. It's been two years since I've picked up a brush. Yikes... Been reading the Puritan Walter Marshall on "The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification". Awesome read if you have time and patience and can understand Puritan era English. In other words It's been a trial for me. But worth it. Will post some quotes soon.

Cold

Oh man, the weather is getting cold and I feel like I am running out of days to get out and sketch. Time to bundle up and get out. Why not paint in the rain and cold? It's as much a part of the Northern Ontario ethos as anything. Thanks for everyone who is praying. Many days I sense the grace and mercy of God healing me. Reading lots of Puritans lately. Yum.

Sabbatical

So am now almost at the half way point in my 3 mo. Sabbatical. Done lots of work on the house and traveled a lot with family in August. Now working on setting up a studio at home so I can start painting. Need to get out some more and do more sketching and photography. Starting to daydream again and think creatively. A good sign. Have learned to be patient. Recovering from exhaustion takes time. Some Sunny days coming so I can't wait to go into the bush!