Lion of Judah

Loving this journey of Bible art journaling--decided to practice first (which is a first for me) on this lion before adding him to my Bible--I am pleased with how he turned out and now wish that I had done him originally in the Bible itself--don't know if I will be able to duplicate him.

Someone on Facebook commented that he had an almost human-like quality.  I had thought the same thing.  I did not plan it that way but was glad.

 Art journaling as a form of worship has been good for me so far--I started researching 'Lion of Judah' today and will continue to read about the significance of this.

Hope your days leading up to Christmas are blessed and relaxed with lots of holy meditation and worship time. It is worth it to take the time.

And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Bible Journaling

I got the idea for the above page from a Christmas card that we received.  I used pan watercolors and Precious Metals gold leafing.

The next two pictures are of the same page taken in low light and high light and at different times of the day.  The metallic paint makes it vary in color with the different light.  The scripture I used was a paraphrase from Psalm 73:25, 26, my very favorite passage of scripture because yes, at some point, my heart and my flesh will fail for sure but He is my strength and my portion forever.

I have just joined the Journaling Bible Community on Facebook and wanted to share a couple of pages that I have done artwork on in my Bible.

 I read and study the Bible on my computer (where I can easily adjust the size of type and get to study materials easily and quickly) so covering a whole page or some of the type is not a problem for me.

 This may or may not be something that you would be interested in but just thought I would throw it out there.

 I did purchase a single-column journaling Bible for this pursuit.

 Meditating on passages as I think and read through them (for the purpose of laying down a meaningful layout) makes me concentrate more deeply about God's Word.

It is one of my ways of meditating. I have done this in journals before but never in my Bible.

I'm excited about exploring God's Word more as I  do this.

Merry Christmas everybody!

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Examine My Longings

This morning as I was reading about the prodigal son I was struck with this:

--This story can be found in Luke 15:11-32--

Verse 16 says

And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.  (bolding mine)

Longing--really?--longing to be fed with the food reserved for the pigs?

What am I truly longing for this holiday season?

What is it that I have been thinking mainly about?

New furnishings?  New decor?  New car?  New jewelry?  Or maybe it's something much more simple and inexpensive but still not the best that I should be longing for.

When everything I need is right before me and I long for the things of this world?  Isaiah 55

Lord, examine my longings.  Help me to discard the ones that are not of you.

Change my perspective.

Help me know and cultivate the ones that have eternal value.

Lord, I want to long for a heart that is pure before You, to walk in your Holy Spirit so that the fruit of Your Spirit will be evident, to know and seek You with my whole heart.

All my longings lie open before you, Lord.   Psalm 38:9a

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Repentance and Fresh Forgiveness

It's been a long time since I've posted--too long. I've missed you.

 Was reading My Utmost devotional this morning by Oswald Chambers.

 He said this: "The old Puritans used to pray for “the gift of tears.” If you ever cease to understand the value of repentance, you allow yourself to remain in sin. Examine yourself to see if you have forgotten how to be truly repentant."

 That is what I am praying for this morning--a fresh touch from God's precious Holy Spirit--that I would see myself and my sin as God sees it--that I would be truly repentant and experience the fresh, clear conscience and holiness that comes from a pure heart--His holiness, not mine.

 Praying your Sabbath is full of Godly worship, repentance and fresh forgiveness.

 Praise God we have a Savior who understands the depths of our infirmities and provided a rescue for us.

 I want to always walk with Christ daily but I especially want God to prepare my heart during this Advent season--the season of longing, hoping, experiencing and worshiping.

 What a Savior. Oh, Hallelujah!

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Clap Your Hands

I love the scripture below. At this time of year with the trees all scarlet, burnished copper, cinnamon and orange, rustling in the late year winds, I can hear the applause.  I sense that all nature is bowing down before our awesome, bountiful God.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

The Last Smiles of a Late Dying Summer

It's kinda weird since we had such a mild summer this year, but it is hanging on for dear life.

 We have had very few days with a fall crispness in the air--today was 87 degrees and it is 80 right at the moment--almost 7 in the evening.

We still have hydrangeas trying to bloom with the emphasis on "trying."  But up until a couple of weeks ago, I was cutting bouquets like the one above.

I found the pitcher at an antique store/flea market this summer for $10.  I don't know much about pottery but thought it was a good buy and I love the looks of it.

The scarf is a gift from an artsy friend of mine--she had a one-woman batik showing some years ago in Ohio--she is an artist in every sense of the word and was the first person to make me think that I might be able to learn watercolor one day.

She used real fall leaves as the pattern for this scarf--love it and love her.

Hope your week is off to a great start.  Don't forget to count your blessings--I had a Bible teacher many, many years ago who encouraged us to keep a blessing board.  I encourage you to do the same.

Count your blessings--go ahead, name them one by one!

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Pictures edited in Lightroom

Used Kim Klassen's Print Module Triptech

What I Wish I Had Known..............

A repost from past pages--

Recently, I received an email from my daughter-in-law in anticipation of their first daughter's sixteenth birthday on September 14th.  It read:

"I had an idea to create a book for Katelyn with the topic being: “What I wish I had known at 16.” I only have so much to say, but thought it would be great to get wisdom from other ladies who have been a part of her life."

What follows is written to my granddaughter, Katelyn, on the event of her sixteenth birthday.

I wish I had known:

*That grandmothers aren't really old-fogeys--I wish I had known that their hearts feel like they are sixteen forever.

*The difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge and the wisdom to use it in a timely manner. 

*How important it is to keep a log of my life.

Corrie Ten Boom says, "Memories are not the key to the past but to the future." I would have journaled so much more.

*That gossip is anything (whether true or untrue) about a person that could bring them unhappiness, a pain in the heart, a feeling of rejection.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8

*It is important and wise to say good things at the proper time

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

*That an unjust word spoken about me or those close to me is like a darting swallow, seldom finding a place to rest.

Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. Proverbs 26:2

If you have never watched a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, make it a point to and this proverb will come alive for you.

*That everything that happens to me will work out for my good and God's glory, if I am following God's precepts.

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. Romans 8:28

It is our responsibility to know what it means to love God and to act upon that knowledge with wisdom from above. The Bible says if we love God, we will follow His commandments.

*And that even when I am not following His precepts, He can change ashes to beauty in the twinkling of an eye when I exhibit true repentance. 

Yes, there are consequences to pay for my actions, but true restoration awaits those with a repentant heart. 

*How important it is to follow His precepts in every thought, every word, every action of my life. 

*How important it is to allow only wholesome reading, listening and viewing material into my heart, my mind, my spirit.

*The joy of spending quality daily time alone with this great God of our Universe. 

*That it is okay to be me; to walk, to dance to the beat of a different drummer.

*That just because I am the only one standing up for a cause doesn't mean that cause is wrong.

And if you think one can't make a difference, take a look at this incredible photograph by Anita Robertson.

*That a gentle answer turns away wrath

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

*That mercy triumphs over judgment

.........and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12

My dear precious Katelyn,

We are so proud of you on so many levels; for your dedication to your education, your passion for God and missions, the way you stand up for what you think is right--your courage.

All of these are gifts that God has given you and you are choosing to use them in the right way.

But keep humility uppermost in mind, knowing that except for the grace and mercy of God any of us can make a wrong choice at any given moment.

That is why it is imperative to stay in God's Word, to seek Him daily and to acknowledge our total helplessness apart from Him.

This is but the tip of the iceberg of the things I wish I had known.

Always remember that God's mercies begin afresh every morning and ours should also.

When we can do this, we will have become a little more like our Savior and that should be our goal.

Happy 16th birthday. I can hardly believe these years have passed this fast.

All my love,
Mimi
September 14, 2010

P.S. We need to have another photography session and SOON!

When the Page is Bare...........

'I have nothing to say. I want to write but the words will not come. I will just put my pencil to this paper or my fingertip to the keyboard, my mind is blank as is the page. I am beginning to fully understand writer's block."

Some years ago when I was teaching creative writing and my students would complain that they had absolutely nothing to write about, no ideas would come, they felt totally helpless as far as writing was concerned.........  I would tell them just to START writing--just put your pencil to the paper and write anything even if they felt like it was the dumbest thing in the world--

In the first sentence in this post, I tried to follow my own advice and do exactly what I told them to do--and yes I am beginning to see "how weird they thought I was at the time."

The name of my blog is Elizabeth Dianne-The Pages of My Life--

The pages of my life are full right now--it is not empty--but getting anything down on paper for the past few months has been a struggle.  And I LOVE to write.

So until the writing comes easier I will just fill you in on a few details--

Our daughter-in-law, Traci, had surgery on Monday of this week and is doing beautifully--will get to go home today.  Her faith during this entire process of months of chemo and now surgery has continued to bloom, to bring glory to Christ, and to help sustain all the rest of us.  It has been glorious to watch.

Back in the early spring, I was having some real health challenges with my back--God has strengthened me and I am almost back to my "old normal."  I give Him all the praise and glory for that.

I am painting a lot more these days than I did for a while and that is a real blessing and source of joy for me.

One of the biggest thrills of my life lately came last week when we were in Tulsa visiting one of our sons and his family--my youngest grandson, 22 months, called me by name for the first time.  What a sweet, sweet sound and he said it over and over and over.  Even my husband (as jealous as he was--smile) said so.  If he said my name once, he said it a hundred times.  Thrilled my soul--

Hope your Wednesday is full of the knowledge of God and His blessings to us each day.  What a wonderful Father He is to us.

All my love,
Dianne

Psalm 28:7

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

And Having Done All--to Stand!

It's interesting to watch the seasons of our dogwood tree.  In spring it bursts forth with blossoms too beautiful to comprehend--much less try to describe.

Some have attempted to write legends about the dogwood blossom--comparing its beauty to the one most devastatingly beautiful event in history for the Christian--the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus.

In summer, it stands--not the most gorgeous of its seasons--but, it stands.  In Arkansas, the dogwood can endure temperatures that range from 115 degrees (summer before last) to 0 degrees and slightly below in the winter.

The pictures above were taken yesterday--our dogwood in Fall--the leaves all sun kissed with warmth and color.

I want to be like this dogwood--to bend with the winds of adversity--but not break--to flower when the season is right--to stand when things get hot--to go with the flow of the seasons of my life--to bring sun kissed warmth and glory to my magnificent Savior.

And having done all--to stand! Ephesians 6:13

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Pumpkins and Sunflowers

Water soluble oils!

also w.s. oils

 I love how watercolor paints itself--you give it just a suggestion and it does the rest--

watercolor and calligraphy

calligraphy is from Matthew 6

Wow! The days are passing so fast--it's crazy!

I have really been trying to get back into painting since we finished the redecorating project we had going for a while.  Here is a link to the dining room makeover.

I'm having so much fun and finding new freedom and confidence in creating.  One of the greatest hindrances to creating is FEAR--But, after all, it's just a sheet of watercolor paper, right?  Or a canvas!  The worst that can happen is that I tear it up and make place cards for the family for the holidays or tear it up PERIOD.  I don't think that would be the end of the world!

Hope your fall is special.  Our daughter-in-law is having surgery October 1.  Please say a prayer for her.  One of our granddaughters was in a horrible car accident but they came out with mostly scratches--and a few sprains here and there.  Praising God for his watch care.

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Linking up today with:

Savvy Southern Style

Falling Rains

Have you ever really thought about this verse? I've read it before but don't know that I had really dissected it until now. So what are the spring rains like where you live? Here in Arkansas we experience the gamut of differences in our spring rains.

At times I've happened to look out the window and notice that everything is wet--the soft, pitter patter of the gently falling droplets come into and out of my life with no sound at all.

At other times,  I hear the ping, ping of gently falling rain steadily making its presence known watering and feeding all within its reach.

I especially love the drumming of the steady, long term rain--the kind where I know I can reach for a good book, lay down on the sofa with my most comfy afghan, read a couple of hours and know that it will still be raining when I arise.

In this neck of the woods we also experience gale force winds that blow sheets of rain in an almost horizontal line--pounding, breaking, surging, engulfing everything in its path.

How has God come to you in the past?  Can you think of times when His love paralleled the rains I mentioned above?

How do you want Him to come to you today?

Father, come to each one of us as you see fit.  You know exactly just the  kind of watering we need.

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

Studying Hosea with shereadtruth.com.  This verse was from our study--I combined my calligraphy with some Iphoneography for the piece of artwork above--

Texture Tuesday, A Beautiful Birch Tree

This week's picture for Texture Tuesday is a shot of a beautiful birch tree my husband and I saw today as we were walking by the Arkansas and Maumelle Rivers. It was edited in Lightroom then brought to Photoshop where it was textured with Kim Klassen's Vintage Peel, multiply mode at 46%. The rest of the pictures are not textured--just edited with my own presets in Lightroom.

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

I'm also connecting with Life Through the Lens--

Weekend Worship

Hoping your weekend is filled with meaningful worship--sometimes the best kind is just being still and waiting before Him.

This morning when I was trying to put my thoughts and words away and let God speak to me, I found it hard but not impossible.  The result was a very precious time spent alone with Him--it didn't end up being as long as I wanted but the result might as well have been a day spent in His presence.

Sarah Young in Jesus Calling for August 29 describes it this way:

"By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence. This act of faith--waiting before working--is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness..............As you look to me for guidance I enable you to do less but accomplish more."

I have been away from my watercolor painting for several months as the house has been in disarray while we have done some redecorating.

We got it back together about a month ago and I was wanting to get back to it so badly but every day seemed to present obstacles.

It was this morning that I realized the last sentence from the above quote had materialized in my life.

I did this 9" x 12" painting yesterday afternoon.  It is kinda rough--takes a little practice to get back into the groove of watercolor but I am pleased and excited and ready to get started again.

I painted it fairly loose and then took it into Photoshop where I added some more details and a few more reflections in the water--and yes, the birds--.

I hope it is not too much like hers to be called my own, but I did look at a landscape done by Pat Weaver at pat.weaver.net for inspiration.  I love her loose way of painting.

Have a wonderful weekend and a great Labor Day or non Labor Day!

Much love,
Dianne

© ALL ART, PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT PROPERTY OF ELIZABETH DIANNE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2008-2014

connecting with: