Bringing him home



My creationMany times the ideas for paintings come to me in a dream. Recently I had a dream that I just couldn't get out of my mind. Jesus was in the sunset, and this is very close to the image that was in my dream. I used a photograph of mine of the sunset and digitally painted the images.

My creation

Usually, I write about my faith on MYDEVOTIONAL, but because it is Christmas and we celebrate the birth of our Lord, I thought I would share it with you today. I also recently began learning about music that is referred to as soaking music. It is melodies that bring that peace that only God can create.

My creation

I was rummaging around in old journals and MYDEVOTIONAL and I found something I wrote that fits this post:

forget-me-not crossThere is a place deep within my soul where the gift of creation lives, dreams kissed by images too enchanting to leave behind. When I awake from a deep slumber, the images of the night greet me and lead me to the canvas or pen and ink, I find that when I let go of my surroundings and the characters in my play, I find His presence waiting for me like an old best friend.

Spending time with Gods’ voice, I can retreat into the deepest part of my spirit. When I wander deeper still the muse of my heart gives birth to beautiful images, He is there and He always leads me to the window of my soul. That window is the entrance to heaven, where all beauty is born.

To be an artist is a gift, an ambassador to recording the images of Gods’ creation. When I am surrounded by the stillness and surrender to His will, I can capture the beauty I see, and create its’ memory. I wish I knew the path to Gods’ grace, so I could find my way whenever I pleased, so that I could create in the presence of His glory at my will. But being inspired is a gift painted by Gods’ Grace and given to us only when it is His will.

forget-me-not crossDeep within my suffering at times, He paints His beauty within my soul. As if He reminds me, you’re almost there, remember heaven awaits, your hope lies in your salvation. He whispers “I am with you always in your pain, using it to paint your life’s canvas and to write the poetry of your life.” I see myself sitting high on a mountain top, as Jesus stands by my side. I am seated at an easel as He points to something beautiful and instructs me to look beyond my circumstances and paint what I see.

Jesus-on-the-mountain-with-easel

Whether I paint what I see or place words on a page to recapture the beauty of the moment, He is with me, showing me the way, dancing with me as I try to find meaning in this life. There is a place deep within my soul where the gift of creation lives…but only my Savior can lead the way.

The music for this post is just one sample of this lovely soaking music called Friend Jesus. I have started spending time alone just listening to all kinds of soaking music, which comforts and renews my spirit.
Vee said...

Soaking music...had never heard of it until just now. Think I'll go soak a bit. Thank you, Karen. I love the images that you saw in your dream and have recreated so we can see them, too.

One Shabby Old House said...

Beautiful picture of our wonderful friend!!! Love the soaking music.
I think I shall go jump in and get all wet!
Merry Christmas
Hugs
Becky

Tara said...

KAren

Isn't this inspirational! Gorgeous!

Kathleen Grace said...

How did I not know you had a devotional blog!? I will certainly go have a look nowe, you have been such an inspiration to me in so many ways Karen:>) I love the music!

Unknown said...

Beautiful, just Beautiful.
The music and the pictures are breathtaking.
Merry Christmas,
Shirley

Charlie McGee said...

Dear Karen,
I think that God works in beautiful ways, and we never know when or how we might be blessing another person. Here it is almost 2 in the morning, and I've had a headache since about 6 this evening. I've been laying in bed, tossing and turning, and finally got up to come check on my blogging friends. I didn't even have the sound up on my laptop becuase I didn't want to wake my DH, but when I read the part about "soaking" music I had to listen. So, I've been sitting here "soaking" and "Praising", and I want to say thank you.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Charlie

Kathy said...

Dear Karen, one of the things I enjoy most is creative thought and how in creating, we glorify God. You have described it in such a beautiful, meaningful way. Thank you for your thoughts and your openness to His Spirit. Have a very blessed Christmas. ~Kathy

Anonymous said...

Karen, this is lovely. I have been a user of soaking music for many years. I just had never heard that term for it.

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

HI Karen I have also heard of soaking music(peaceful music that focuses on worship) love it....I also find that as I wander off to sleep...is when I get music in my head. I lead worship at church and often write music at night. I think your mind turns off and that is when God can speak! Loved your post today!
Blessings,
Debbie

CIELO said...

How lovely.... and inspiring...

Merry Christmas and warm wishes from our house to yours.

cielo

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