My friend, Peggi, and I met in an online group a couple of years ago and realized we had a lot in common. We interacted quite a bit, but then we both got busy and lost touch for awhile.
A few months ago we reconnected and decided to have a Bible study together via weekly phone calls. Currently we are studying the fruit of the Spirit, and this past week the focus was joy. Peggi is an accomplished artist, and we both love artful expression.
Here is a lovely poured painting she gifted me:
We thought it would be fun to use art to enhance our study.
She did some paintings and I made a collage with found poetry. I worked on the collage for a few days, but I couldn’t seem to find the right words to use. So before finishing it I spent time outside sitting quietly and listening. Some thoughts from scriptures came to mind and I made a note of them on my phone.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 8:1 (NASB)
O, Lord, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed your splendor above the heavens!
I let those thoughts mull around in my mind for awhile thinking about the awesomeness of God, how He created us in His image, and how we can mirror that image in our lives. Then, as I looked through my collection of words from magazines, I was inspired to finish the collage with these words.
Find truth, hope and love
Rise and shine
Soar with joy
~gswright
Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday, #TeaAndWord, #BVNetworkParty
Thank you, Gayl, for always bringing so much JOY to my life! Your artwork, your words of wisdom & love, your poetry, and your insights into scripture never cease to bless me incredibly! I’m so thankful to God for the gift of YOU! I love you! Keep soaring with JOY! xo
Thank you so much, Peggi! I cherish our phone conversations and the encouragement you bring to me. 🙂 I’m also thankful for you! Many blessings to you with much love! xoxo
What a wonderful friendship, where you can share your love for art and the Savior.
I just learned about Michelle’s book recently, so I’ll go check out that review.
I’m so thankful God used my post last week to speak to hearts. I can’t say I have those truths down pat yet, but I need to remind myself of them frequently.
Thanks for your encouragement, Barbara! You know, we don’t have to have things down pat in order to help someone else. Sometimes our struggles help others see they are not alone. We all struggle, but God is so faithful. Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl,
I am always so glad when you let us in on your creative process! It’s so amazing to me how God weaves a word here, a thought there, even a glimpse from nature into your beautiful art journal pages. Truly it is as you say, “Found Poetry.” Reading your process helps me to understand that title more fully. And it makes me long for the Lord to bring more of that “Found Poetry” into my days and thoughts as well. Blessings to you as you bring more of God’s Joy for all of us to share in! Love & Hugs!
Dear Bettie,
As always, you give me such encouragement! Thank you for being here and for your beautiful friendship. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
I love it when you share your creativity. I have told myself I am not an artist, so I don’t dare try anything. You encourage me. Maree
Thanks so much, Maree Dee! I hope I encourage you to just try some art. Collage is not really that hard – just find picture in magazines or old books, etc., glue them on a notebook page and see what happens! 🙂 I know you can do it! 🙂
Blessings to you!
Thank you so much, Gayl, for hosting, for sharing your beautiful artwork, and for featuring my book review this week!
Have a wonderful 4th of July ! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! So glad to feature your review. It looks to be a great book. Blessings to you! Enjoy your 4th!
Just absolutely beautiful. Our Lord truly does beautiful things, in friendships, in art, in nature… Gayl, your heart is among the very beautiful things He has done.
Dear Shelby, thank you so much! You are always such an encouragement to me. You really are a bright light the way I see you encouraging others, too. Many blessings to you, dear friend! xoxo Love and hugs!
What a fun way to study the Bible with someone else!
Yes, it’s nice to find ways to enhance our studies. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Anita. Blessings to you!