This was my first attempt at “she art”. I have to say, this page didn’t end up how I thought it would be, but I guess that goes with the theme of it, so I decided to leave it be. I also realize that as I am starting to post art journal pages, they are hugely personal to me, so this is kind of unsettling for me (writing this post is actually kind of terrifying for me right now). But I figured that once in awhile, you have to do something that scares you. How else will you grow?
One of the biggest lessons I have been learning the past decade is that I am OK as is, imperfections and flaws and all. I am a child of God, saved by grace. Even the Bible is filled with the most imperfect people, and God has a greater purpose than what we can imagine (1 Cor. 1:18-31).
Which is quite the encouragement, because when I am faced with a something that makes me feel nervous and inadequate… whether it be a relationship, a teaching moment, a sharing opportunity, a difficult situation, a particular ministry… I am reminded that God uses all of me. Nothing is put to waste. Not even my shortcomings.
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Cor. 12:7-10)
I am definitely not without my own life-thorns, but they have given me the opportunities to grow and transform into who I am today. And they regularly remind me of God’s glory, in my life.
Video:
Supplies:
Dylusions spray inks, various stencils, various stamps, Liquidex light molding paste, Liquidex acrylic inks, old book paper, Recollections paper pad, white gel pen, Faber Castell Pitt pens, Faber Castell Pitt big brush pens, Stazon ink, Archival ink, Claudine Hellmuth studio paints, Jenni Bowlin paint dabbers, Ranger Glue ‘n Seal
What an encouragement this is to me. Today God has used you, to touch me, a complete stranger but a sister in Christ. Thank you for the gentle reminder that in my weakness HE makes me strong.
Shelly
Thanks for sharing Ruth! They say that “iron shapens iron” but I think it’s our rough edges are needed to help smooth things like a file does. Hooray for our imperfections and rough edges! God uses all of the tools in His tool box for His purpose.
Thank you, Ruth, for reminding me that God and His grace is sufficient.
And thank you for sharing your art.
Ruth, you are such an inspiration to me. I too art journal, although I feel I am the worst by far, lol. I have watched art video after art video, and I have tried so hard, but still, I’m not so good. I think a five year old is better than I am, lol. But I thank you for the Bible verses in your artwork and your words of encouragement. It inspires me to keep going with my art journaling when I’ve wanted to sell all my paints and quit. His strength IS made perfect in weakness. Thank you so much! God bless you.
awww peggy! so glad this could be encouraging for you! i totally hear you about being frustrated. i personally struggle with focusing more on the end product than the process, and sometimes this art journal thing is a process for me. the end product can be absolute crap, but if the process of it brought me closer to God, then it is the most beautiful thing in the world and well worth it. <3