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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Living Stones Mosaic

“Living Stones Mirage Stained Glass” © Donna Gonzalez

 

Would it surprise you at all if I told you that what you are looking at is not a painting of a large stained glass window but instead you are looking at one painted mosaic duplicated multiple times? Fifty-four times to be exact. Each mosaic piece is not haphazardly placed but purposefully, resulting in a consistent pattern which is a unified whole.

If one of the mosaic pieces could speak about itself it would tell you it thinks it is of no consequence whether or not it were in the painting…because what is it among so many other identical mosaic pieces? Quite insignificant hardly serving any purpose at all.

On the contrary if that mosaic piece wasn’t there, it would have a great impact on the entire composition. My painting would be incomplete without it. Because the entire pattern relies on each mosaic piece fitting alongside the next mosaic piece in order to achieve any kind of symmetry, unity or harmony. Not one mosaic piece can be placed at random. Hmmm…

Christians, though not identical to each other are born of the same Spirit. We are one in Christ and in that sense each of us are like a mosaic piece or as the bible says a living stone being built up into a building for God’s purpose I Peter 2:4-5 .  In Christ none of us are inconsequential in the Kingdom of God. All of us are His workmanship created to do a specific work Ephesians 2:10.  A Christian cannot say because they don’t have exactly the same work or gifting of the Holy Spirit as another that they are less qualified, insignificant or serve no purpose in His Body. I Corinthians 12:15-19

Have you noticed not all of the mosaic pieces create an optical illusion of rings in the painting? Would those mosaics be considered less important than the others? Just the opposite! Those pieces are crucial as they unify the entire artwork and serve to frame and support those mosaic pieces which do create the optical illusion. The illusion wouldn’t appear otherwise!

The optical illusion of rings is highlighted in black below and run throughout this mosaic. 

Screen Shot MirageOpticalIllusion

We do not come into this world unplanned by God nor are we place in His Body haphazardly. Just the opposite, the Lord Jesus knows us and puts us exactly where He determines us to be in His Body in a specific time in history and for a specific work to accomplish. When believers come together making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace something remarkable occurs Ephesians 4:3. Like the stained glass window made up of many pieces working together to create something beautiful, so do we and it’s pleasing in our eyes…and in His eyes.

Be blessed!

Donna

 

 

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Love Mosaic

“Love Mosaic”  © by Donna Gonzalez

 

February is here, for us Michiganders it usually means another 6 to 8 weeks more of wintery snow..ugh! But it’s also a time for cherishing your loved one(s) with love, affection, long stem roses, chocolates and candy in celebration of Valentine’s Day!

Some historians claim this holiday was the Church’s “Christianization” of the pagan Roman fertility and health festival Lupercalia, observed February 13-15th. It had its roots at least as far back as 44 BC.  However; did you know there really was a man by the name of Valentine?

Though there are several versions of his life, and it’s not historically clear which hagiography is most accurate, the story goes that Valentine (Latin Valentius) was a Christian priest and former bishop of several towns in Umbria Italy during the 3rd century of Rome under emperor Claudius II. Claudius had banned his soldiers from marrying as he thought single men made better soldiers due to not being hindered on the battlefield because of strong affections.

Despite the Emperor’s edit, Valentine continued to perform marriages of young soldiers who were in love in secret. The Emperor found out about this and had him arrested and imprisoned. Some accounts accredit Valentine in the healing of the jailer’s blind daughter others that he fell in love with her and wrote a card to her signing it, “Love, your Valentine.”

Other versions accredit Valentine in proselytizing many to the Christian faith, defied the Emperor by helping Christians escape the torture and persecution by the Romans, and unsuccessfully convince the Emperor to embrace Christianity. Claudius II refused commanding Valentine to either renounce his faith in Christ or to be beaten with clubs and beheaded. Valentine stayed true to his faith in Christ and was martyred on February 14, 269 AD. 

Which brings me to why I’m so excited to share with you about this beautiful artwork above entitled “Love Mosaic”. What you are looking at is an abstract mosaic artwork representing God’s love. It is made up of 16 individual mosaics put into this unique pattern and based upon I Corinthians 13:4-8: 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails…”

Iconography and hidden symbols:

A large cross in the center of the mosaic. 

 

Pairs of hearts each with its own reflected heart.

 

There are large “X”s and “O”s … 

 

and four smaller pairs of “Xs” and “Os”…

 

 

There are 2 pairs of smaller crosses originating from the horizontal crossbeam of the central cross and hearts, there’s many hearts in this mosaic!

 

 

Four small butterflies at the edges of the mosaic.

 

So…how does all of these hidden images within this mosaic relate to Valentine’s Day and I Corinthians 13:4-5? Much actually! There is so much richness in this mosaic!

We know that love originates from God our Father, the cross is where He demonstrated His great love.  

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I John 4:8

“We love because he first loved us.” I John 4:19

 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

The heart of course is the universal symbol of love, in this mosaic there are two pairs of large hearts connected to the horizontal crossbeam of the main cross. Each mirrored pair extending downward symbolizes God’s immense love towards us, and the upward pairs represents our hearts raised towards Heaven in gratitude for all He’s done for us. 

The large “X’s” and “O’s” represent God’s lovingkindness and compassion. The smaller ones represent our love towards each other. 

22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Jesus speaking… 27 “He  answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

The two smaller crosses represents the believer’s position in Christ. The hearts within the crosses symbolizes obedience to Jesus’ new command. 

20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Just as a butterfly is an entirely new creature beyond the lowly caterpillar, likewise when a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation for the forgiveness of sins, they are translated from death to life, from darkness into His glorious light. Those who’ve been transformed by God’s love are like the butterfly flying outwards beyond the painting, compelling others to be reconciled back to God. 

Jesus is speaking…. 24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” II Corinthians 5:17

20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” II Corinthians 5:20

Jesus paid an enormous price to secure our salvation. Like saint Valentine we too ought to love Christ beyond measure, beyond what anything this world has to offer, despite any suffering, hardships, or persecution and to remain faithful to Christ even unto death. 

11 “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11

We are commanded to love others the way He does, meaning with patience, kindness, without envy, without being boastful or prideful. We show our love by putting others needs first, and without getting easily angered. And like Jesus’ great loving-kindness in forgiving us and not counting our wrongs against us, likewise; we too are to show forgiveness to one another without keeping a record of how they have wronged us. 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails…”  I Corinthians 13:4-8. 

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day may our hearts and minds be renewed in Christ, to love others as He loves us.  May this post encourage and bless you in your walk with Christ!

-Donna

Below is a Slideshow of the hidden symbols in this mosaic artwork.

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet

                                “Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Mosaic” © by Donna Gonzalez

 

I hope all of you had a wonderful time with family and friends this Christmas!  Though Christmas Day was yesterday, the reason for this season is life changing for the individual as well as in the course of history.  It is also a way of life. And I hope this painting can help show that as it pertains to the significance of this Christmas season. 

The original mosaic for this painting was done in acrylic on an 8″x10″ canvas and has an effect added to it which makes each brushstroke and line of paint appear to glow.  The finished composition that you see above, however; is made up of 48 identical mosaics which when placed together creates this unique pattern. What is really cool is due to this intricate pattern it creates an optical illusion!  I love how this piece came out! The scripture verse is taken from Psalms 119:105 which holds a special meaning this Christmas season. 

Iconography: I’ve only highlighted a few here in pink, but throughout the entirety of this artwork are a series of yellow rectangles which depict tempo or movement. Not unlike a series of footsteps walking across a tiled floor. 

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Between the yellow squares are darker tiles that symbolize horizontal and vertical pathways. I’ve highlighted a couple of them here, and reduced the opacity so they are easier to see. Again these also run the entire length and width of the artwork. 

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In between each set of four footsteps are implied lines that form an elliptical shape which appears as an optical illusion, three are highlighted in red below. As you eyes scan the artwork they appear and disappear quickly. 

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So how does all of this fit in neatly with Psalm 119:105 and Christmas? Christmas is the season of joy, hope and gift giving that has it’s origins back to God Himself Who would give the greatest gift of all, His Son, the promise to not only the nation of Israel but to all of mankind. Isaiah 9:6 says:

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This promised Savior would be fulfilled hundreds of years later as transcribed by the Gospel writer Luke. The following is just part of what is often read during Christmas describing the account of Jesus’ birth:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

The Gospel writer John writes of Jesus entering the world:

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Later Jesus would described Himself as our light:

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

We look to Jesus the Word incarnate who’s very words are life, as He leads we follow in step with Him.

“105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

This is symbolized by the yellow footsteps in the painting. Just as a lamp brings light to a path for those in darkness, Jesus is our light. The darker tiles represent just how narrow that path is, so narrow it seems only two footsteps wide. We are called to walk in His footsteps.  Meaning we abide close to Him and do not wander away from the truth of God’s Word.  Jesus said:

 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.Matthew 7:13-14

The great glorious King Jesus left the splendors of Heaven, to be born in the most humble of means in a lost and dying world, lived a sinless life, healed the sick, raised the dead doing many good works to show the Father’s heart. He taught us how to love God and to love one another. He willingly took the punishment that was ours dying on a cross, rose to life triumphantly three days later having conquered sin, death and the grave, that we may know the forgiveness of sins, and walk in newness of life. Jesus, the greatest gift for all times, for all people, for all seasons. 

Oh…and that optical illusion…have you noticed in your Christian walk, sometimes in life there are many things that will vie for our attention, to get our eyes off of Jesus? To redirect our gaze onto seemingly more important things, or on petty things?

Just as that elliptical optical illusion shape is visible in your peripheral vision trying to distract your eyes off what is really important – the narrow path and the footsteps of our Lord; notice it appears at first as something worthwhile to look at, upon finally gazing on it one realizes it has disappeared – it’s nothing. Likewise those things that distract us off our narrow path are just an illusion, they cannot satisfy, nor offer true peace, nor last for eternity. 

May this post encourage and bless you!

-Donna

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – A Threefold Cord

                                                    “Threefold Cord”  © by Donna Gonzalez

                                                   

This painting is what I chose for a sister in the Lord who sent in her favorite bible verse that I had requested from friends in August of this year.  I painted this artwork last year. The composition is comprised of 80 painted mosaics neatly placed together to form this unique pattern.  The result is warm, inviting and quite pleasing to look at. And looks something like lace or latticework, of interwoven cords of yellow, orange, and red against a very deep burgundy that mimics a deep warm brown. Amazing how some very deep hues appear much different than its original color! 

The scripture for this painting comes from Ecclesiastes 4 verses 9-12:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” 

Old King Solomon was the wisest, most wealthiest of all the kings in Jerusalem in the era of which he lived and composed a lengthy discourse of his memoirs containing his experience, knowledge and wisdom which was granted to him. These six short sentences speak of the importance of having a good friend in one’s life, especially one that is beloved, trusted, and faithful.

A scripture that came to mind as I pondered over this artwork and its verse is:  “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Hmm…we’ll get to that in a moment.

It’s the title of this piece, taken from the last verse of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and the artwork’s pattern in relation to Proverbs 18:24 that I want to focus on. I’m not going to take it to the extreme, you may come to a different conclusion than I and that’s all right. There may be more scriptural truth here but this is what I noticed so far. 

Iconography: The orange cord meanders at a decorative pace horizontally, while the yellow cord runs vertically twisting every now and then. The red cord travels horizontally with slight undulation among the yellow and orange cords. The orange cord represents man, the yellow cord represents woman. The red cord represents Christ. 

So how does this pattern relate anything at all to Ecclesiastes 4:12 and Proverbs 18:24 you may ask? Well, a lot actually.  

Men and women as we already know are so different from one another and I’m not just referring to our gender.  Often, we don’t understand each other relationally or emotionally. Women are a complex mystery to men and likewise women can’t figure out why men do what they do and some conclude they must have come from another world. Yet despite our many differences both often become best of friends coming to the aid of each other.  Sometimes the result is of two lives desiring a lifelong faithful commitment to each other instituted by God in marriage. 

This is represented by the yellow and orange cords intersecting each other at two different angles, just as a man and a woman were not meant to be clones of each other identical in every way, but to have variances in our makeup, experiences, dreams, desires, talents, and ability. 

But notice there is also some space between the two cords. One cord doesn’t dominate or control the other, nor one cord crowd the other preventing the other from moving, neither do they create a tangled mess. Instead just the opposite occurs, both the yellow and orange cords harmonize with each other in lovely lacework pattern where each contributes. Without the yellow cord with its circles or triangles the pattern is incomplete, without the orange cord the pattern is also incomplete.

Now, in a painting an artist will deliberately position an object or a subject to be dominate, by creating that object or subject larger, or exaggerated, or more colorful, or separate from all the other things in the artwork to purposefully call attention to the viewer to look right here, because this is the most significant thing about this artwork. That object or subject is called the main focal point. All the other lesser elements within that painting will work to draw the viewer’s eye along towards the main focal point so the viewer really doesn’t pay much attention to the lesser objects or elements in that painting. That is called hierarchy in art, where there are degrees of rank and order among all the objects or subjects within a painting. 

Did you notice there is no hierarchy in this painting? Neither the yellow cord nor the orange cord stands out as the main hierarchical element in this artwork.  Both cords are equal, of the same tonality, shape and size, one doesn’t dominate the other by any differences in texture, size or position, other than the individual color there is nothing to suggest hierarchy. Both cords have their own unique style and color and each one’s movement in the artwork creates beauty. 

In marriage, both husband and wife are a unique creation in their God-given talents, attributes and in the gifting the Holy Spirit has imparted to each one. Both are to work alongside each other, not dominate each other, or oppress or abuse the other. Husband and wife are called to love one another dearly as Christ loves His Church, by showing reciprocal submission to each other out of mutual respect for one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21.  

The red cord represents Christ, who is the only One positionally and spiritually the Lord and Head over both the husband and wife, who joins them in marriage. The red cord weaves in close between the orange and yellow cords symbolizing Christ being very near to both husband and wife who is the Friend who sticks closer than any brother.

Notice the red cord isn’t ornate either, nor flamboyant, extravagant in color, or larger than any other element in the painting to even remotely suggests hierarchy. Is not that how our Lord Jesus is? Humble, never ostentatious. Though in reality Christ’s hierarchical position is the main focal point in a Christian marriage as both Lord and Head over the marriage and over each person within the marriage. 

Lastly, it is the red cord which makes the twofold cord into a threefold cord in the painting. Without Christ as the solid foundation in a marriage it can become broken and eventually destroyed through constant wear and tear of the storms in life; however, a threefold cord with Christ as the sure foundation in the marriage is much stronger and able to withstand all the storms of life.  

For those who are single, Christ still remains as your Friend who sticks closer than any brother. 

May you be encouraged by this post and remain strong in your faith!

-Donna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Sheep or Goat Which Are You?

                                          “Sheep or Goat Which Are You?  © by Donna Gonzalez

This acrylic painting is comprised of four mosaics. The symbolism of the three images hidden in this painting is sobering and in light of Matthew 25:31-46 gives one pause into serious self reflection.

Two of the images are superimposed on each other. No I didn’t purposely paint it that way, the images come forth only after they are put into a pattern. This particular pattern is only one of several possible patterns using this one particular mosaic painting. The other patterns from this mosaic aren’t so serious as this one!

The first hidden image is of a sheep’s head. The eyes are circled.  I’m impressed how the nose and ears really do look like a sheep’s nose and ears!

Hmm…We as believers are the sheep of His flock, with Jesus as our faithful Good Shepherd.   Sheep eat by grazing, meaning they prefer munching on grass that is low to the ground. The definition of graze means to feed on or to eat in small quantities of food at frequent but irregular intervals.  

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Hmm…Isn’t that what a true believer does? We spend time reading, studying the bible, fellowshipping with other Christians, spending quality time in the presence of Christ? We feast on the Word of God in small quantities frequently even if it means irregular intervals, like meditating on scriptures throughout the day, or listening to sermons or teaching on podcasts and radio as time allows. Deep calls unto deep, as we dig deeper in studying the bible, soaking up God presence and meditating on His words He reveals and teaches us more about Himself. 

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 

And the second hidden image is a goat’s head and is seen made up from the first image, as if it is on top of the first, but it’s really not a true “superimposed image”; rather, it is two mosaics mirrored side by side and the result is what you see. Just cover up half of the image and you’ll see one half of this mosaic is a mirror image of the other. 

Goathead

Now, I don’t have anything against sheep or goats, I like them both.  Nor would I take the analogy to it’s extreme. I’m just noticing the correlation between animal behavior and what scripture calls the ungodly, the unbelieving and false converts – goats. It is not a coincidence that God created each animal with particular attributes, I suppose there are even variances within individuals of the same species. I do think, however; God created sheep and goats with different specific behaviors in order to teach us some important truths. 

Goats are not flock minded rather they prefer to do things independently. They don’t graze instead they are browsers, meaning they often choose to select leaves, shrubs, vines, and weeds, often found at the tops of plants which are higher off the ground.

Hmm… In the world there are the ungodly and those who are unbelievers.  Some are not true believers at all but false converts. They pretend and may fool other Christians into thinking they are the real deal but they don’t fool God.  It is these who don’t want to spend any time feeding on the Word of God, spending time in prayer or in His presence. They can’t because they are not truly born again; they live obeying the flesh and its sinful desires. Without the Holy Spirit residing in them they have no desire to obey God’s word. If at chance they do read the bible or hear a sermon they simply browse through it selecting only those few scriptures of their liking mixing in new age word’s philosophies that tickle their ears which further draws them away from the truth. The rest of the bible they simply cannot accept or believe, they’d rather pursue worldliness not godliness. 

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46 

This mosaic composition also reminds me of another of Jesus’ sayings, a parable of the wheat and tares found in Matthew 13:24-30.

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”   Matthew 13:24-30

Again, I don’t have anything against wheat or tares, they are just plants doing what they were created to do. Nor would I take the analogy to it’s extreme. I’m just noticing the correlation between the two plants and what scripture calls those who are not the children of God – tares. It is not a coincidence that God created each plant with its particular attribute. I do think, however; God purposefully created both wheat and tares with specific attributes in order to teach us some important truths. 

Wheat and tares do happen to look very similar much more than say… sheep and goats; and it is during the harvest that one can finally determine between wheat and tare. Tares contain lots of tiny black seeds which when consumed makes one nauseous and sick, yet the fruit of the wheat is good and healthy.

Hmm….Jesus said we would know people by their fruit.  It is said the mature tare stalk stands ridged, unyielding when full with black seeds; whereas the wheat bends downward gracefully when it is full of kernels.

Hmm…We are to be a people whose lives show all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which include meekness and humility, all of which benefits others and pleases the Father. We are not to be prideful or haughty, nor treat the less fortunate with contempt and disdain by not helping them. Our entire lives, our attitude, our behavior and our words shouldn’t make others sick and nauseous to be around with. Neither should our thoughts or the meditations of our hearts displease our Father in Heaven. 

The third hidden image is this winged creature which resembles something like a bat. It can also symbolize how those who chose to live ungodly lives are under the influence of the evil one. 

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The way we live our lives now and the fruit we produce will be clearly evident to everyone on that Day.  What may have been concealed for a time from many is now evident to everyone, showing what side of Christ we really were on all along.  

In the meantime, we can choose to produce fruit that leads to death or leads to life.  Let us therefore, as pilgrims on a journey, strive to continue in abiding in the Holy Spirit making the most of our time here, urging others also to walk in holiness and obedience to Christ.

May this post encourage you to remain steadfast in your walk with Jesus Christ. 

-Donna

 

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – “Here am I, send Me!”

                                                  “Here am I, send Me!”  © by Donna Gonzalez

 

This acrylic painting is comprised of four mosaics set into a pattern, if it reminds you of the Peacock Cross Mosaic earlier it is because it’s the same painting; however, this is the second pattern. Often I’m able to find multiple patterns with just one mosaic painting, depending on how I flip and rotate each mosaic panel it can create a very different pattern. This one is just slightly different than the first pattern but oh that slight variance changes the whole symbolic iconography of this piece! Wow!

A bit of background before I dive into the iconography of this painting. A friend of mine is planting churches and I mentioned to him that an acrylic block with one of my artworks and a scripture of his choice would make a nice gift to the new pastor of that home church. He chose Isaiah 6:8 but he didn’t specify which of my artworks he wanted, and left that up to me.  I prayed and chose this artwork because I knew there needed to be a cross but didn’t know exactly how Isaiah 6:8 was going to work with it. We’ll was I  in for a delightful surprise! And it’s all God’s doing! 

It wasn’t until I intently looked at the pattern of this painting for a while that I noticed something I hadn’t seen before.  I had seen a couple of images before, but now there were more, which not only lends more interest but unbeknownst to me the Lord would show me how all of the hidden images really does fit perfectly into Isaiah 6:8! Glory to Jesus is all I can say because I didn’t make this up! Lol!

What I had always seen before was the cross and swords as shown below. 

Outline of Cross Screenshot

The two swords make up the crossbeam. 

Outline of Swords Screenshot

There are radiating arcs emanating from the center of the cross and…

Outline of PowerArc Screenshot

These unusual creepy ram-horned creatures with hands held up. I outlined their eyes.

Outline of Demons Backing Off

So how to put this all of this into perspective and what exactly is the message? Some of you bible scholars probably can already guess!  I see it as just another of God’s fingerprints, His hidden message in my artwork that He wants me to find and share with you. 

Iconography/Symbolism: 

The deep hues of blues and green represent living water that comes from Christ that wells up to eternal life within a believer. 

 “13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  John 4:13-14

Next to Jesus the cross is paramount in the Christian’s faith. The radiating arcs that originate from the center of the cross outward represents the saving power of God.

  “18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  I Corinthians 1:18

The swords within the crossbeam symbolizes the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. God’s words are not just merely words uttered but they are life. They are alive, active and are used in faith by prayer warriors to pull down the enemy’s strongholds. 

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

  17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:17

” For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

And I bet your wondering if there is a sword what is it used against? Where is the enemy? In the painting of course! Those creepy creatures that are backing off with hands held up! As Christians submit to God and resist the enemy of our souls, the devil must back off and flee – just like that image of the creature! Praise God! And we know we are more than conquerors over in this world and over the enemy’s attacks through Jesus Christ who loves us dearly. 

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  Romans 8:37

But how does it all fit in with Isaiah 6:8? 

Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, but he was afraid because he was a sinful man standing in the presence of a holy God. After his guilt was taken away from him by the seraph, Isaiah was now most eager to answer the Lord’s call and complete it. Likewise, the blood of Jesus takes away our sin makes us right before God’s presence because the cross continues to remind us it is the power of God for our salvation. 

Like Isaiah, Christians now have a duty to answer God’s call.  Just as the Father had sent His Son into the world to complete His Father’s will, likewise Jesus sends us out into the world to complete His work but that work is not without attacks from the enemy. But we are to take heart and not fear…

Because… unlike Isaiah, we are made more than conquerors because our enemy has been defeated at the cross. Even more we have at our disposal a very powerful weapon to destroy strongholds, to demolish onslaughts of the evil one, to demolish worldly arguments and pretensions that go counter to God.

 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”  Isaiah 6:8  

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  John 20:21

And isn’t all of this iconography and it’s symbolism exactly what an elder or pastor of a new church needs?  To be encouraged daily to drink deeply of Christ, to know the cross will be foolishness to those who are perishing but it is the power of God for salvation. To remain at peace in Jesus fully submitted, resisting the devil and taking the full armor of God and with the sword of the Spirit to wage spiritual war against the enemy’s tactics. To be able to say with Isaiah in faith, confidence and without any fear answering God’s call on their life, “Here am I, send me!”

Glory to Jesus!

-Donna 

 

 

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Tree of Life

                                                          “Tree of Life” © by Donna Gonzalez

 

I have to admit I do like patterns, they do seem to serve a purpose if only it is for its beauty. Take for instance this painting above, it is of four mosaics placed into a pattern. I tried a much different approach in painting this mosaic, as I wanted to see the movement of paint on the canvas.  Instead of painting it with a brush as I had in the past I applied a wet-on-wet paint technique which allowed the different colors to move and blend. I love the result!

The branching arms of colors of this abstract composition appear to be of a great tree and its reflection in a lake of still water. And yet this pattern is not unlike the feathery delicate dendritic pattern often seen in hoarfrost or the icy pattern seen on a frozen windshield. Is there something more to these dendritic patterns? I think there is!

Now, I’m no scientist by far, but seeing these patterns emerge from the painting gives me even greater inspiration to try this technique again. That’s what I think is so unique about these mosaics as the patterns come forth on their own without my intervention. Since these mosaics always create a pleasing pattern there must be some kind law or rule it is governed by. But what?

We see patterns everywhere in fabric designs, in nature, architecture and believe it or not they are even in the laws of math. Artists have used the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci sequence to create realism in their works. 

I teach an art course as well, and one of the videos I have my students watch is on fractals by Dr. Jason Lisle of the Institute of Creation Research.  Today my mind went back to this “Tree of Life” painting. I don’t fully understand how it happens. But I’m still musing about this pattern in light of what Dr. Jason Lisle’s says in his video and how God’s fingerprints are seen in my artworks just like His fingerprints are also seen in what He creates in nature.

It’s lengthy but a fascinating video entitled: “The Physical World Obeys God’s Math Fractals” by Calvary Chapel Quakertown. Dr. Jason Lisle explains in depth the discovery of the Mandelbrot set where a set of complex numbers exhibit a very elaborate never-ending complex set of patterns seen through increasing magnification. 

If you watch the entirety of the video you’ll have a deeper understanding how fractals in math and in nature though considered random at first in the end create an unparalleled beauty that can only be described as originating from an intelligent Designer  – God Himself. 

Now that is really cool!

-Donna

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Pennants, Flowers & Butterflies … Where?

                                          “Pennants, Flowers & Butterflies”  ©  by Donna Gonzalez

This acrylic mosaic painting is made up of one floral mosaic which is arranged into a specific pattern. The pattern is duplicated a dozen times with each layer positioned over the previous layer but offset slightly at an angle. The result is this dizzying random pattern.

It’s tedious to make an artwork like this because it takes many hours and requires a lot of patience…and coffee. Yet fun nonetheless.  But what makes this artwork so special is what is not seen. One has to wait patiently for the hidden images to emerge. And in this day and age waiting is an acquired virtue. It’s an optical illusion.

God’s fingerprints are once again seen in this artwork and it’s always amazing and humbling to me because paintings like this which at first glance appear to be a random mess of sequential patterns, without anything worth noticing; once deciphered will eventually serve a greater purpose and give glory to God. Now that is cool beans!

To see the hidden images in this artwork you’ll have to sit back and relax, cross your eyes staring at the center of the painting, [the lower image is larger and easier], adjust your focus a bit and you should slowly start to see rows of triangular pennants with flowers blinking all around, with tiny butterflies floating among the flowers as they “pop out”. Now I’d gladly draw a highlight around the hidden images to show you but doing so involves me crossing my eyes while using my mouse – not good! LOL!

Iconography: The rows of flag pennants is interesting, a pennant can be a military flag and aren’t Christians in God’s army? Is not the Father God also Lord God of Hosts?  A synonym for a pennant is a banner, and God’s banner over us is love. Song of Solomon 2:4

Flowers:  Matthew 6:28-30 There are several references to flowers in the bible, however; these flowers “blink” they quickly appear and disappear. James reminds us so does the wealth of the rich. James 1:10-11

Butterflies: Butterflies were once pudgy earthbound caterpillars, consuming and devouring all day long, yet they “die” and transform into an entirely new creature from the chrysalis, believers are made a new creature in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 5:17

So how to put this all into perspective? Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, a seemingly dizzying confusion, like the first glance at this artwork below, with many things vying for our attention, one can loose sight of what is really important, because there is no hierarchy no main element in this painting. In the midst of it all, it can be very hard to see the spiritual promises, God is hidden to us but He’s actually there we just have to refocus a bit. In Christ we are told not worry about anything. If He is truly Lord over our life, He is in control and will supply all that we need; even those things we’ve forgotten to ask or not aware of. Hardship in life can never remove the truth of His word, it may seem hidden but as in the painting below once you’ve seen the iconography you know it’s there.  Though tempting, we are commanded not to put our hope or trust in riches or materialism as these things are only temporary.  They can never compare to the true riches and promises we have in Christ Jesus.  As new creatures in Christ we soar above and beyond the old life, we don’t backslide into doing things the old way because of trials, confusion or persecution. Instead believers are to trust fully our Father is Lord of hosts, who loves us, fights for us and protect us. May God help us to dig deeper, see past the confusion, mess and deceitfulness of the world and refocus on the spiritual promises in Christ Jesus.

Be blessed!

-Donna

Pennants Flowers Butterflies
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Chi-Rho Newsletter – Jesus Christ Chief Cornerstone

 

                                    “Jesus Christ Chief Cornerstone” © by Donna Gonzalez

 

Yes, this month’s newsletter comes at the last day in April and what better way to wrap up this busy month than to begin again remembering Jesus as our Chief Cornerstone our sure foundation!

The painting above is of 16 mosaics put together to create a unique pattern, I did add a filter overlay which rendered the brushstrokes to look like neon light.  The finished composition reminded me of  I Peter 2:6.

As Christians celebrated Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday this month we were united with other believers around the world in memory of the glorious morning our Lord Jesus Christ triumphed over sin, death and the grave! Praise God! The disciples’ faith in Jesus was tried like never before when they witnessed the crucifixion and death of their beloved friend. And three days later it would be renewed stronger – rock solid – having seen first hand the Son of the Living God risen. What a  glorious moment!

This painting is special to me because it reminds me that I not only can I depend on Jesus as He is faithful in all things but I can also have my art ministry founded on Him as well. A cornerstone is “an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based upon.”  Exactly what Resurgent Art’s mission is dependent upon God and the importance of who Christ is while pointing others to Him, showing beauty all for His glory.   😀

 

Screen Shot 2017-04-30 at 11.48.38 PM

There is an optical illusion of X’s that are visible at a distance. It happens often in my paintings, I don’t know why this happens; but my daughter pointed out to me there’s either O’s or X’s in many of my works. Hmmm….maybe it’s a reminder how much Jesus loves all of us dearly? Just a thought! May your week be blessed my friend!

-Donna

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Chi-Rho Newsletter – New Creation

“New Creature Mosaic” © by Donna Gonzalez

 

It always amazes me when I paint a mosaic painting how often there are hidden symbols! It’s just another of His fingerprints! Praise God! Now, not every single mosaic I paint does this; but a lot do. This acrylic painting is one of them. It is composed of 16 identical mosaics which are placed together creating a unique pattern. I have no idea after painting the original mosaic what the end pattern will result in, nor can I see any hidden images, it’s only when they are all put together that the hidden images emerge.

Iconography: There are three rows of crosses starting at the very top going from left to right. The second cross in the first row is highlighted in blue below. There are two more rows; and each row overlaps a bit the previous one.  In between each crossbeam is a darker area that depending on your viewpoint becomes the spread wings of a butterfly flying vertically or horizontally. They are highlighted in yellow below. 

If you don’t see the crosses in this artwork come closer, you’re too far away. They will appear to “fade” and will disappear altogether the further you stand back.  It’s an optical illusion.

New Creature Red Screenshot with hidden images highlighted

The scripture that comes to mind regarding this painting is II Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  In this chapter St. Paul is encouraging the believers in the Corinth church.  Before we are born-again we are like the earth bound caterpillar busy about in sin and consumed with worldly things, and being consumed by them as well. Yet the moment we believe on Jesus for salvation the Holy Spirit works a miracle in us, like the caterpillar that must “die” to emerge from its chrysalis into a new creature. Likewise we “die” and are made a new creation in Christ Jesus represented by the butterfly.  Romans 6:11 says:  In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Likewise all those whom God foreknew; which by the way, is everyone ever conceived or will be conceived on this earth, He predestined to be conformed into His Son. Romans 8:28-30 says: 

“28 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. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

As Christians we must stay on our guard being ever vigilant to abide in Christ, like the butterfly in flight is always connected to the cross. When the focus of our life is no longer on Jesus and what He did for us on the cross, but instead becomes so focused on trials, worldly desires or someone or something else takes precedence over Jesus, we compromise our affection that further distances us from Him. One can easily lose sight of why they are here, forgetting who they are in Christ and what He has accomplished for them in His death and resurrection.

In doubt, one can become so discouraged thinking that Jesus has completely left them, analogous to looking at this artwork from afar and not seeing the cross anymore, in fact, stand far enough away and even the butterflies themselves will fade into the artwork while other areas of the pattern that were once not so noticeable now become prominent –  over the cross!  Feelings are very powerful and if not checked can make even the mature Christian begin to doubt His loving God and forget who they are in Christ Jesus. However; we like the Corinthian believers are told by St. Paul: For we live by faith, not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7

Yet, by returning the focus back onto the cross and drawing near to God, He draws near to us cleansing us from all sin. 1 John 1:7. The scarlet color of the artwork represents the shed blood of Christ powerful enough to wipe away all guilt and shame. Praise God for His great loving kindness towards us! 

As we reflect on why our Lord Jesus came to die for us during this Lenten season, let us so be encouraged that no matter how your life may have been up to now, no matter the mistakes, the guilt, the shame the sin, whoever you are, whatever you’ve done, because of His work on the cross we have the wonderful opportunity to be made new in Jesus.

May this artwork and this post bless and encourage you that you are greatly loved by God! Be blessed!

-Donna

Note: The following is for those of you reading who don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and want Him to forgive you of your sins and grant you eternal life which God offers. His desire is that you become born-again, become a new creation in Jesus. Read the scriptures below and pray to Jesus asking Him to save you and to forgive you of your sins. Jesus already knows everything about you, He already knows your heart just be honest with Him. There is no works, no good deeds, no sacrifice you can ever do on your part to save yourself. You must come to Jesus the Son of the Living God on His terms believing what He has said in the following scriptures. 

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:8-9

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” John 3:1-21

“9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7

If you called out to Jesus for salvation go to a bible believing church in your area and let them know you are a new believer in Jesus so that you may be baptized.  Prayer is simply you talking to God. Start reading the Gospel of John in the bible so that you understand more about Jesus and how He wants you to live. If you don’t have a bible click on any of the scripture hyperlinks they will take you the Biblegateway.com  website, an online bible database. God speaks to you through prayer and mostly through the bible. Email me to let me know you’ve became a new believer in Jesus so that I may rejoice with you!

Be blessed!

-Donna

 

 

 

 

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Fishers of Men or God’s Fingerprints…

“Fishers of Men” © by Donna Gonzalez

 

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine about how I create my works of art and that I pray during the whole process that God will use it to communicate His message. He encouraged me to consider sharing this with others how God communicates a biblical truth which is not at first seen in my artwork but later revealed.

The above artwork is entitled “Fishers of Men” and undoubtedly you may be thinking right now “huh?”  Well so did I until it was completed and shown to me!

This artwork, like many that I paint, is based upon an original acrylic painting of a mosaic on canvas. Afterwords I duplicate and rotate the individual mosaics and in the process a pattern will appear.  Not just one but several different patterns will emerge from this one mosaic painting. I don’t know how many patterns there are let alone what they will look like and sometimes adding an effect may change the entire look of the pattern.

Iconography: Starting at the top row in the middle of the artwork there appears what looks like a blue fishtail entering into the water.  (See blue highlight on image below) The fishtail is centered between two pairs of outward slanted dark pink box-shaped houses complete with triangular burgundy roofs, (highlighted in yellow) and a small door upon a small hill. Below that is another row of 5 pink-lavender slanted houses – with the third one being shorter (highlighted in pink).  There are 6 alternate rows one with a row of houses with a fishtail and one row with 5 houses.

FishersOfMen With Markup Screen Shot 2017-08-11 at 1.33.22 PM

When finished with this artwork I asked the Lord to show me just what He wanted to convey, because it just looked like a haphazard pattern of geometric shapes and hues of purples, dark blues and greens.  In prayer I was reminded of Matthew 4:19, looked it up and thought “huh?”. Then it became clearer to me what I was actually seeing and it all made sense! Now for the record, not once did that scripture ever occur to me nor was I thinking of houses or fishtails when making this composition.

And that is the awesome wonder of it all, God communicating His truth in patterns from this artwork! Letting Him put His fingerprints all over it however He wants. Praise God!

Now some may think I’m just trying to force what I want to think I see because I’m a Christian and I’m already predisposed to thinking that way. True I do ponder on the Lord, but in all honesty, I don’t go into a painting with a premeditated scripture and message already in my head, figuring that all out on canvas is a lot of work! I simply paint, manipulate it and the patterns just emerge.

Nor is it coincidence, luck or superstition because that would mean something else is in control, more powerful than God. And the funny thing is…He won’t even reveal to me what the pattern will be until it’s all finished! 😀 Jesus already knows what all the patterns and symbolisms will be, He knows the end from the beginning and I think He likes doing that. Proverbs 25:2 is appropriate: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” Indeed it is a blessing and a joy!

Jesus is speaking: 

19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

This artwork is a subtle reminder for all of us believers in Christ as we follow Him walking in different places, nations, cities, neighborhoods (rows of houses on hills) that He has called us to go forth with the Gospel to become fishers of men (fishtail), even within our families (center short houses under fishtail) and to go make disciples for Jesus! Glory to Jesus!

Be blessed!

-Donna