I had been yearning to do more art. Use my gifting to create.

I’ve been doing lots of inner healing work through listening prayer and Rockhouse. This year, I asked God what He called me, and He said, “Healer of Nations.” Immediately, I thought, “Surely not.” However, every time I’ve asked since, I’ve received the same answer. Recently, I’ve heard “art is a balm” and “art heals your heart.” Jordan encouraged me to “just start.” I don’t need to know where this leads or if it leads anywhere. God is asking for my obedience in a simple act.

Here’s me starting.

This week, I found myself viewing my art in a new light. I am really hard on my art, rarely share it (with anyone), and usually critique it to no end. This week, I realized that my art skills, although ever-growing, didn’t automatically improve just because I’m obeying God. But instead of seeing my art through a false identity where I compare my art to others, I saw my art the way God sees it, in my true identity. That slight switch gave me more confidence to create without critique, making the slight switch very significant.

I’m sharing these “artventures” for a couple of reasons. One, I want to hold myself accountable for doing art. It’s easy for me not to set up my watercolors. Two, sharing is caring. If God is teaching me something, I want to share it because that’s a part of my testimony and my witness for Him. With that being said, what I share will be thoughtfully shared. I believe that what is done quietly with God with no fanfare is what grows us the most, not the applause we get from whoever sees or hears. So the most intimate and special things, I will keep to myself, but I do believe some things are meant to be shared for the growth of others’ faith.

I was gifted a watercolor calendar where each month, I get to paint the image for that month. The first one was so fun, I can’t wait to do this once a month. It’s not too late to start! If you’re looking for a creative endeavor to paint this year, order yours today!

This week, I struggled with what to paint. I realized that what I paint doesn’t necessarily matter because God is already revealing to me false identities He wants to unburden me of. I started painting things that came to mind or were special to me, hence the tea cup from my Grandma, my love for Laura Ingalls, or even Gerty Goose. The act of sitting, painting, waiting for the colors to dry, and seeing the outcome is rewarding. It’s nice to slow down, focus, and make art.

Until next time.

xo, Lo