Sunday, May 19, 2019

Congratulations Graduates

"Graduation is a time to remember and a time to dream.
a time to look back and a time to reach forward, 
a time for songs of laughter and a time for tears of joy.
a time for letting go 
and a time for discovering 
hopes and dreams that are yet unborn,
a time to say good-bye to yesterday 
and a time to greet tomorrow with courage, 
a time for loving hearts to gather 
and a time to celebrate all that you are...

and all that you may become."

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Rejoice! He is Risen, indeed!!


"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living amount the dead?  He is not here; He has risen!"

Luke 24:1-6


Rejoice!  He is Risen, indeed!!

Thursday, April 18, 2019

On the Cross

"It was not about the noon, and darkness fell over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining.  And  the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  And Jesus, cried out with a loud voice, said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."  When he had said this, He breathed His last."

Luke 23: 44-46



Today we pause to remember your sacrificial love
That shone light into darkness
That bore life from such emptiness
That reveals hope out of devastation
That spoke truth through incrimination
That released freedom in spite of imprisonment
And brought us forgiveness instead of punishment.

Thank you that we can now walk in the light of your life, Hope, truth , freedom and forgiveness, 
This day and everyday.

www.lords-prayer-words.com

Saturday, April 13, 2019

"Triumphant Entry"

They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and He sat on them.  Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  And the crowds that went before Him and that followed Him were shouting

"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!"

Mathew 21:7-9




"Triumphant Entry" can't even begin to explain the energy and excitement in the crowd that day... the Savior they had waited for...for hundred, if not thousands of years had finally come!  
Just imagine how you would feel if you happened upon that scene an hour after Jesus had gone through... you missed it!   That pit in your stomach... you'd feel like you had just missed a once in a lifetime opportunity...




But that's not the way it is.  That is why we call it "The Good News"...you haven't missed it!  Over two thousand years later, you can still choose to follow Jesus an experience "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding."  Philippines 4-7a

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

This Old House

"Even though on the outside, it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace."

2 Corinthians 4:16


Today's my birthday and I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my life... past, present and future!  My heart is overwhelmed with all of the blessings of my life.

However... as birthdays come and go, we start to feel a little bit like this old house.  Our paint may be faded and worn, and we may have a shutter barely hangin on it's hinges.  Even our landscaping gets overgrown and the floorboards occasionally creak!

But we still rejoice with each new day because in Christ, we are brand new and His unfailing grace greets us with hope and promise!

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Beyond Comprehension


"For I will put water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground;  I will pour out may Spirit on your offfspring, and my blessings on your descendants."

Isaiah 44:3


Nowhere have I experience the power of mother nature like I have while visiting the Lower Falls in  The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park.  We hiked about a quarter mile down the switchbacks to the very top of the falls where the spray from the 300 foot drop hung in the air.  It was powerful.

Gods power is beyond my comprehension.  The beauty and majesty of His creation on this earth is beyond my comprehension. The miracle of birth and of love and of forgiveness is something that can only come from God.  But "beyond my comprehension" is just another way of describing faith.  I may not understand the how or why, but I know it to be true.

"The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. "
Hebrews 11:1



Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Challenges in Life


"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13




Recently my husband and I watched the Oscar winning documentary "Free Solo."  The story of Alex Honnold, the first person to climb the face of El Capitan without any ropes or safety net.  It was insane!  The athleticism, the focus and determination was beyond my comprehension.  

We will all face what seem to be insurmountable challenges in life, but we are never, ever without our safety net.  Jesus Christ is right there beside you always.   He is holding you up when you slip, guiding the way through the rocky crags and ravines all while shining His light on the path for you to follow. All we have to do is pay attention and follow His lead.   And isn't it wonderful that when we reach the summit, we can take a big breath, enjoy the view and praise Him for his unfailing love and protection through it all.  

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Show me The Way


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."

Proverbs 3:5-6


I don't know what I'd do without Google Maps!  When I think I know that ways, and yet find myself lost and confused, I just open the app on my phone and it will tell me wha tI need to do to get back on the right road.

We all consults books everyday... for pregnancy, for decorating, for a new recipe or for places to visit when we travel.   We have books for business and every imaginable hobby.  

But, The Book that has the best instruction for us is the Holy Bible.  I've learned so much by participating in Bible studies and I marvel that the stories and themes from Jesus' day to 3000 years ago are just as relevant to us today.  When I feel lost or confused, I know that The Bible will show me...
The way...the truth... and the life.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

For the Beauty of the Earth


"I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:1-2


"For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise."

This beautiful hymn was written in 1864 by Folliott Sandford Pierpoint when he was just 29 years old.  

Wherever you are today... in the mountains, in the office, at home or school... stop what you're doing and take a moment to look around at our magnificent planet called "earth" and thank God for the privilege of living here!

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Youth Mission Sunday at TWUMC



"For where two or three are gathered.in my name, there I am among them."

Matthew 18:20




"Everyone and everywhere was important to Jesus, so everyone and everywhere must be important to us."  
Rob Renfroe, pastor TWUMC

We have a very busy church!  At least 7 services on Sunday at various locations to fit everyones needs... bible studies, mission trips, choir, arts, support groups.  I could go on and on, but the thing I love most is that Missions is always a priority!  Whether it's building a house with Habitat just ten miles up the road, or building a church or hospital on another continent, ministering to those in prison, or meeting medical needs in Honduras, we are there to help.  As we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Youth are also a big part of our church... they are our future!  Today is Youth Missions Sunday and each year I am happy to contribute to their silent auction! 

The sketch above, and below will both be available to bid on today!    Check it out at The Woodlands United Methodist Church


"Follow Me"







Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Today is the first day of Spring!


"Consider how the lilies grow.  They do not labor or spin, yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, how much more will he clothes you, O you of little faith!"

Luke 12:27-28


Easter lilies will adorn our sanctuary on Easter morning, demonstrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.   
All of life has it's rhythms or seasons.  The tides go in and out and swell with the phases of the moon.  In winter, the earth lies dormant awaiting its regeneration, with flowers and fresh growth on the barren trees.  Bulbs that have laid dormant in the ground now for almost a year, pop up out of nowhere to remind us that Spring has finally arrived!

Our life has seasons too, and we can rest assured knowing that God, in His perfect plan will always care for us and meet our needs right where we are.  

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Happy St Patricks Day

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28: 19-20



I'm sure St. Patricks day conjures up some images in your head like it does mine...
Green Beer, Shamrocks, and a good reason to party!   
Since this day of celebration falls during lent, I thought it might be interesting to know...as Paul Harvey would say "the rest of the story."

No one is quite sure when he was born..  373 AD?  390 AD?
No one is quite sure where he was born..  the lowlands of Scotland, maybe Wales...but not Ireland!

He had a fairly average, unremarkable and not highly religious youth until he was 16 year old and then was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery.   There he herded sheep (sound familiar?) in northern Ireland, thinking this was punishment for his lack of faith.  Given the opportunity, six years later he escaped and returned home to his family, to live a more religious life!  Soon thereafter he had a dream of being called back to Ireland to tell the people about God.  Feeling unprepared for this, he studied at a monastery in France and 16 years later, with the blessings of the Pope, he returned to Ireland as a priest.  

For the next twenty years he travelled all over Ireland, baptizing people and establishing monasteries, schools and churches.  He used the shamrock, commonly found in the countryside to demonstrate the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit to the people he met along the way.  Perhaps they celebrated with green beer along the way too, no one is quite sure!  

He died on March 17th, 461 (or 478 depending on the birthdate) leaving behind an organized church and island of Christians.  This date has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since!

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

This little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine!

"You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all the houses.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  

Matthew 5:14




If there's a lighthouse nearby I always want to explore it!  This was true last summer when I visited Sweden.  This one located outside the village of Nar on the island Gotland, was a favorite!  It was built in 1872, to guide sailors safely into and out of the Baltic Sea.   

Like this, God will use his light to guide us into and out of the rough seas in our life.  Are our eyes open to seeing it, or do we think we know best?  Likewise, we can shine our light for others to see God's love through us.  Whose watching you?  Co-workers, grandchildren, neighbors??  

Reflecting on my first Lenten post on Ash Wednesday .... 
By being present, I am more open to understanding why and where God has placed me, and by being still and listening to the voice of the holy spirit within me, I am able to recognize what I am to do in this moment.

Here my prayer, Oh Lord, 
"Use me to shine your light into the darkest places of this world." 

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Follow Me

"Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him."

Luke 5:11




Can you imagine that?  They dropped everything and went.  One by one, Jesus chose twelve ordinary men, from various walks of life to follow him, to carry on the name of Jesus Christ. 

These guys weren't the richest in the neighborhood, or best looking, the politicians or the local celebrity... they were just regular people like you and me.   He asked them to leave their families and their livelihoods to continue his ministry and to be the hands and feet of Jesus going forward.

So I must ask myself... I am just and average person, leading a pretty average life.... 
What am I doing to advance His Kingdom?

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Being Still

"Be still and know that I am God"

Psalm 46:10



Being Still.  

Is that a challenge for you like it is for me?   It seems that in a world where multi-tasking is the norm, and a to-do list is getting longer each day,  I tend to run around in circles, but end up where I started... does that make sense??     But I know that being still is essential to my well being and my ability to connect with my inner-most soul and listen to God.  That is why I chose this verse for my first Lenten post.

This season of Lent is a time to make some new habits, and I am going to try to be more "present"... in the moment, without my thoughts or actions wandering to what's next.

This scene is from one of my favorite morning walks... a quarter mile from my house on the way to a neighborhood lake.  I've learned that when I start my day on a walk like this, my mind shifts from the tasks of the day to talking to God, I open my eyes to observing nature around me and His glorious works... birds singing, flowers blooming... my whole day is always better.  So, that's what I hope to do each day, knowing it will be good for my mind, body and spirit!


"Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

Psalm 143:8




Saturday, March 2, 2019

Upcoming Lenten Series begins this week

This Wednesday, we begin our season of Lent.  A time for reflection and renewal, and a time to focus on our relationship with Christ, our Savior.  

Now more than ever, I personally feel the need to reconnect, and go deeper in my commitment to Christian living.  In the busy-ness of life, I considered skipping these posts this year, with my excuse of  "to-do" lists and urgency of the day.... but that still quiet voice in me, urged me to continue and pour out, not just my art in watercolors and pen and ink, but my faith in the words I write and the scriptures that speak to me.  I hope they'll speak to you too!  

Beginning this week, on Ash Wednesday, I will post my 4th Lenten Series on my blog, and I hope you'll share them with others.  I'm repeating a few favorites from years past but most are brand new.   If you aren't already receiving them, please go to www.accentsinart.com and sign up to receive the e-mails direct to your inbox.   






Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Wedding Guest Book Idea

Like me, do you have your wedding guest book lost somewhere in the back of a drawer or closet??  
Here's an idea!!   


 This past September I posted a watercolor sketch I did of Olde Dobbin Station, just north of The Woodlands in Montgomery, TX ... the location for my clients daughters wedding that took place in December.   She had it matted and framed to be used as the "guest book" at the wedding!  An unconventional but fun and memorable way to remember a very special day!  



I always enjoy seeing where my art work goes after I deliver it to my client.... Thank you Stephanie for sharing!

Monday, January 28, 2019

South Memorial Christian Church in San Antonio


Last month I posted on social media 12 of the favorite churches I've sketched over the years for Christmas!  From the Grand Cathedrals in Europe to Log Cabin Chapels in the mountains, each with its own charm and beauty.  
Beauty on the outside is one thing, but I don't believe a church is judged by it's spires and buttresses, or the number of members in attendance.  It's the hearts of the people inside that give a church significance and make a difference in this world.  

This small church in San Antonio opened it's doors to my son-in-law during a difficult time in life and said "Come in, we will take care of you" expecting nothing in return... that's what church is.  Thank you to South Memorial Christian Church for making a difference in one families life back in 2008.   Your love and generosity is not forgotten.  

Monday, January 21, 2019

Craggy Pinnacle


Craggy Pinnacle on the Blue Ridge Parkway is just northeast of Asheville NC and one of the most spectacular views of the Smokey Mountains.   After a short hike through a forest of twisted birch trees, you come out to a terrace with a 360 degree view of the mountains.  This is the spot that my brother, Doug proposed to his wife Jane, in 2001!  I took these photo's 5 years ago with the hopes that one day I would do this sketch for them....and finally this year, I did! 



        


                   


Monday, January 14, 2019

A Family Tradition!




One of the best things about sketching is getting to know my clients and the stories that go with the homes I have sketched.  Over the past year or so, I've had the pleasure to work for Judy and Rob!  I have sketched all the homes that they have lived in from their first home in Sugar Land to their Hill Country retreat in Fredericksburg.  (see my posts from this past October!)  I've heard stories of holidays, basketball hoops and raising their daughters.  Now, their daughters are grown and have homes of their own so it was especially fun to do these sketches for them for Christmas presents this year!!  

Monday, January 7, 2019

Burs Kyrka, Gotland, Sweden


This past July, I spent 10 days in Sweden with my daughter and new grandson!  We enjoyed a full week on the island of Gotland exploring ancient ruins, Viking burial grounds and the old walled city of Visby.   Scattered across the countryside were dozens (93 still remaining) of ancient churches built primarily in the 13th Century.  

This one, just walking distance from where we were staying in the community of Burs, was my sketch for this years Christmas Card.  The steeples of each church are strategically spaced on the island so that from any place you  may be, you can see a steeple to help you find your way.  For me, the same is true today... if I'm feeling lost or confused about which direction I need to go, if I look for the steeple, I will find my way.   

Thank you all for following my blog posts... I've been a bit sporadic this past year when "life" got a bit crazy, but am excited for some new opportunities and trying out some new artsy ideas with you in 2019! 

Wishing all of you a Happy and Blessed New Year!