souldare

God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live.

(Deuteronomy 30:6 The Message)

Brother Lawrence made some fairly simple, yet profound statements about practicing the presence of GOD. The one that stood out to me this evening was this:

“That there needed neither art or science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only.”

The practice of coming to GOD with ART is not necessary for me to meet with Him, nor love Him. However, this practice slows me down, gives me time to contemplate, to see how things might come together.

I picked up a pile of mostly black and white designs and images. A few of the images had fairly montone color schemes, except for the girl under the umbrella. I started ripping and placing pieces of paper on the page, as is my habit.

As I glued scraps of paper down to cover some text, a shadow of a face emerged. That the face had a beard and mustache moved me towards sketching the face of Jesus, as it is often pictured in children’s books. I used the other images to create His tunic. On the opposite page, I surrounded the girl with blue toned rings. Then I added the Scripture from Hebrews 13:5.

I used Portfolio Oil Pastels to add the color and outlines.

Very different experience than yesterday. Here’s where the words of Brother Lawrence rang true for me, “there needed neither art or science for going to GOD,” and in a way GOD came to me through the ART experience.

This daily practice of collaging stirs up intrigue and surprises my soul. God cuts through my preconceived ideas and pours His love and grace into my aching heart, soothing my soul with His presence.

How does GOD intrigue you?

How has He surprised you through the ART of living?