Fish out of water.... and much more

I had an amazing experience tonight.   I have blogged about the book "Speaking To The Heart" by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, that includes the scrapbook frames I made for Lia, Ellie and Zeke. Tonight there was a gathering that included some of the artists from that book.  Lynn very graciously invited me to attend and speak a bit about my "artwork".  I couldn't imagine what I would share and being surround by so many who are truly artists, was a bit intimidating.  I did feel like a fish out of water.  I was praying that Jesus would give me the exact message that I needed to share for this audience.  And, in the end, I shared something very different than I had planned.  When I sat down, I wondered why I was there.  When Lynn introduced me, she shared that I was the first person to introduce her to "prophetic art".  I had led a prophetic watercolor painting workshop that she had attended and it was the first time she experienced seeing a message in art. I was stunned.  I had one of those "hind sight" experiences of understanding how Jesus uses everything that we do.  Then, after the event ended and all of the people were milling about one of these amazing artists came up to me and expressed how I had inspired her to create a piece of art for her grandson.  She had never thought of asking Jesus for a prophetic word for her grandson.  I was able to pray with her to encourage her to know that destiny and to give her inspiration for the art piece.  These  two separate things confirmed to me, that Jesus was certainly the author of this event. 

As I was saying goodbye to Lynn and thanking her for this event, I was telling her about finding the "art" pictured above.   This paper had been crumbled in my nightstand drawer and I had just found it recently.  This is the first piece of watercolor prophetic art I ever did.  It was this picture that propelled me into doing the workshop that Lynn attended.  I hadn't really thought about how important this paper was.....that is, until tonight.   I think I will frame this and hang it where I can continue to see new and amazing things, through that artwork.  What do you see in this painting? I have a feeling that there are many different things being said in this painting. 

So this is my encouragement to you all.  Pick up some crayons, or colored pencils, or water colors and a piece of paper.   Put on some wonderful praise music.   Don't think or plan.  Just do.  Put that color on the page and let your mind go.  When you have filled up that paper, stop and ask Jesus what he is saying about this work of art.  You will be amazed at the results! 

Jesus, thank you, again for Lynn and this book "Speaking To The Heart".  Jesus, you are speaking to MY heart through this book in really amazing and wonderful ways. Continue to bless everyone who opens this book.  Help us all to be open to creating and expressing all that you are and give to us. Give us all courage to ask you for prophetic words, and inspiration to preserve those words in art.  Amen 

"Speaking to the Heart"

Over the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of thinking and praying about this book.   I have known Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, the author of this book,  for almost 33years!   I almost couldn't believe it when I started thinking about that.  That is a really long time.  I know it was that long because Gwen was a toddler and Doug was not yet born.   Lynn moved into my neighborhood and stopped by my house for a "craft sale" that another friend and I were having.  That year the "crafts" that I was making were mostly toys.   We had wooden dolls with clothes that attached with Velcro.  We made playmats for cars.  And also felt "books" that had lots of pieces to create various scenes. There was also several small dolls among other things.  It was a short lived "business", but really a lot of fun. Kind of the beginning of my interest in crafts and creating.   

Lynn is an amazing artist and author.   Over the years I have seen and read some of the books and art pieces and cards that she has created.   Lynn and I have had some really deep discussions about Jesus.  It has been such a joy to see how her relationship with Jesus has deepened and grown and enhanced her artwork.   She IS an artist!  I, on the other hand, am much more a "crafter". 

Which brings me to this book.   Lynn asked me to submit some "artwork" that I created for my grandchildren.   These "scrapbook" frames for Lia, Ellie and Zeke were birthed out of some very clear prophetic words that I received for them.  I have never really experienced "seeing" and "knowing" exactly what something is supposed to look like before it is actually completed.   But that is what happened with those frames.  A few days ago I completed the frame for Anna.  It was so satisfying.  I felt the completion of the series.  Soon I will share a picture of the final frame on this blog.

And now these three pieces of art are included in this book alongside some truly amazing artists.   I am humbled and awed at that fact.   I can see the hand of Jesus on this book.   It feels a lot like doing this blog.   Way beyond anything that I could do on my own.  The bigger thing is that there is a purpose that I don't understand fully.   What I do know is that there is a reason and I might not get it, but it is very real.  The book is available on Amazon and you will be blessed by the amazing art and stories contained in this book.  

Jesus, thank you for Lynn and her desire to follow your plan and destiny for her life.  Thank you for all of the artists represented in this book.   Bless them with continued inspiration and creativity.   Holy Spirit, would you get this book into the hands of people who most need to be encouraged by this message?  Thank you for divine connections and friendships.    Amen