I didn't have much to say about foody indulgences as there's nothing in particular that we obsess about once December arrives! So I went with what's new this year and my hopes for the future.
TFL!
Bernie x
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Sunday, 10 December 2017
Journal Your Christmas 2017
9th December 2017
I didn't have much to say about foody indulgences as there's nothing in particular that we obsess about once December arrives! So I went with what's new this year and my hopes for the future.
TFL!
Bernie x
I didn't have much to say about foody indulgences as there's nothing in particular that we obsess about once December arrives! So I went with what's new this year and my hopes for the future.
TFL!
Bernie x
Sunday, 3 December 2017
Journal Your Christmas 2017
2nd December 2017
Christmas preparation.
It sometimes seems that anybody mentioning Christmas preparation before December 24th is frowned upon and judged, especially by the more religious types!
Personally, I think, living in the real world, that Christmas is going to be a time of greater expenditure, no matter how minimal that side of things is kept, and certain items appearing in the shops before December 1st is a good thing, especially for those amongst us with less resources. Rather than adding pressure to buy more, it seems to ease the pressure.
Anyway, we have decided that those people needn't affect our enjoyment and preparation for a time that is to be all about loving others and caring, in line with our faith! The more that 'spirit of Christmas' - which includes people thinking more about how they live their faith lives - that abounds all year round, the better in our view!
TFL!
Bernie x
Christmas preparation.
It sometimes seems that anybody mentioning Christmas preparation before December 24th is frowned upon and judged, especially by the more religious types!
Personally, I think, living in the real world, that Christmas is going to be a time of greater expenditure, no matter how minimal that side of things is kept, and certain items appearing in the shops before December 1st is a good thing, especially for those amongst us with less resources. Rather than adding pressure to buy more, it seems to ease the pressure.
Anyway, we have decided that those people needn't affect our enjoyment and preparation for a time that is to be all about loving others and caring, in line with our faith! The more that 'spirit of Christmas' - which includes people thinking more about how they live their faith lives - that abounds all year round, the better in our view!
TFL!
Bernie x
Saturday, 17 June 2017
Refuge
"The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned." Ps. 34:22
TFL!
Bernie x
TFL!
Bernie x
Monday, 24 April 2017
A New Beginning...?
With this piece came the firm conviction of my Faith Art path moving forwards. It will mean revamping my Artboja site and stepping up and showing my light well and truly to the world! I'm ready!
Title: No Longer Loved?
This was inspired somewhat subconsciously by readings I am ploughing through at present! One is by Jane Williams, Approaching Easter, the other, by Brother Ramon and Simon Barrington-Ward, Praying the Jesus Prayer Together. I hadn't even realised when I read the individual chapters in each stage of each book, but they were actually saying the same things!
Often, our view of love is all about feelings and sentiment, and when we feel we are no longer loved, we look for things to make us feel that emotional need. We want that feeling of excitement.
But the love God has for us is more than that. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."
God's love for us is this wish to see us completely fulfilled, walking with him and with others, and so drawing in others to this family of believers. A family of people who know they are so special to God.
When we feel so loved, we can help others realise they too are so loved. As we come to know that love, we long to become what we truly are and to take that into the world, to others. Taking God's light into the darkness.
In my piece, the woman feels she is no longer loved. Reminiscent of Jesus and his crown of thorns, placed upon him by others, she wears a 'veil' of hard, scratchy twigs and leaves that seem to signify her unworthiness, as placed upon her by others and felt deeply.
Yet dotted within those twigs are little white flowers - little beacons of light. Perhaps all is not lost after all?
Although there seems so much darkness around her, a darkness that contains hard, painful thoughts, feelings and emotions, a darkness that surrounds and envelops her, touching her very body, there is also light. That light also touches her, heals, and gives hope for the future. She realises that although she may suffer now, this will pass and she will be made whole again by His love.
TFL!
Bernie x
Title: No Longer Loved?
This was inspired somewhat subconsciously by readings I am ploughing through at present! One is by Jane Williams, Approaching Easter, the other, by Brother Ramon and Simon Barrington-Ward, Praying the Jesus Prayer Together. I hadn't even realised when I read the individual chapters in each stage of each book, but they were actually saying the same things!
Often, our view of love is all about feelings and sentiment, and when we feel we are no longer loved, we look for things to make us feel that emotional need. We want that feeling of excitement.
But the love God has for us is more than that. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."
God's love for us is this wish to see us completely fulfilled, walking with him and with others, and so drawing in others to this family of believers. A family of people who know they are so special to God.
When we feel so loved, we can help others realise they too are so loved. As we come to know that love, we long to become what we truly are and to take that into the world, to others. Taking God's light into the darkness.
In my piece, the woman feels she is no longer loved. Reminiscent of Jesus and his crown of thorns, placed upon him by others, she wears a 'veil' of hard, scratchy twigs and leaves that seem to signify her unworthiness, as placed upon her by others and felt deeply.
Yet dotted within those twigs are little white flowers - little beacons of light. Perhaps all is not lost after all?
Although there seems so much darkness around her, a darkness that contains hard, painful thoughts, feelings and emotions, a darkness that surrounds and envelops her, touching her very body, there is also light. That light also touches her, heals, and gives hope for the future. She realises that although she may suffer now, this will pass and she will be made whole again by His love.
TFL!
Bernie x
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
Lent 2017 - Day 37
6th April 2017
Forgot to upload this one on the day! Based on that day's reading: Psalm 121, it's called Look to the Mountains.
I didn't have a particular end image in mind when I created this. There are 6 photos involved in making up this piece, as well as lots of brushwork and textures! I really enjoyed myself working on this!
TFL!
Bernie x
Forgot to upload this one on the day! Based on that day's reading: Psalm 121, it's called Look to the Mountains.
I didn't have a particular end image in mind when I created this. There are 6 photos involved in making up this piece, as well as lots of brushwork and textures! I really enjoyed myself working on this!
TFL!
Bernie x
Saturday, 18 March 2017
Lent 2017 - 18th March
Saturday 18th March
One of my readings for today was Revelation 3:20-22: Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they will eat with me.
Originally I had the idea of a person in despair sitting at a table laid with food, just waiting. But that didn't come together! The image of the lady sitting in her window, head down, hugging her knees, as if distraught really called to me! So I went with that.
Somehow a male God just didn't have the right feel for this piece, so I went with 'controversial' and opted for the female God (perhaps a subconscious nod to the international call for women priests in the Roman Catholic Church!?!). Whatever, we are all made in the likeness of God, even women lol, so it is what it is :)
So, She is waiting 'outside' for the door to be opened, and the young woman is gently touched by the light (and colour) of the Holy Spirit - she will open that door!
I tried giving the piece a more painterly feel, which I liked, but I preferred the somewhat harder feel to the piece, for its theme. I also LOVE this in b&w but wanted to use the colour to represent the Spirit and God's touch upon us in all circumstances, no matter our failings. We have only to look up and we will see Him.
TFL!
Bernie x
One of my readings for today was Revelation 3:20-22: Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they will eat with me.
Originally I had the idea of a person in despair sitting at a table laid with food, just waiting. But that didn't come together! The image of the lady sitting in her window, head down, hugging her knees, as if distraught really called to me! So I went with that.
Somehow a male God just didn't have the right feel for this piece, so I went with 'controversial' and opted for the female God (perhaps a subconscious nod to the international call for women priests in the Roman Catholic Church!?!). Whatever, we are all made in the likeness of God, even women lol, so it is what it is :)
So, She is waiting 'outside' for the door to be opened, and the young woman is gently touched by the light (and colour) of the Holy Spirit - she will open that door!
I tried giving the piece a more painterly feel, which I liked, but I preferred the somewhat harder feel to the piece, for its theme. I also LOVE this in b&w but wanted to use the colour to represent the Spirit and God's touch upon us in all circumstances, no matter our failings. We have only to look up and we will see Him.
TFL!
Bernie x
Sunday, 5 March 2017
Lent 2017 - Day 1 - 1st March
Ash Wednesday, Lent Day 1 - 1st March
I decided this year not to attempt to create a piece of art every day of Lent, but to just create as and when.
I woke up this morning with this image so clear in my mind! Then I got up and started my Lenten readings which was about almsgiving, prayer and fasting being done in secret, as Our Father, who is in secret, who sees in secret, will reward us. One of the questions for consideration was 'am I happy to have God see all that I do?'
I started wondering about the image I'd had in my head first thing and if it could relate to the readings for the day. I saw a huge elephant, towering over a little man. At first, I was thinking small :) about the 'elephant in the room' - how everyone sees and knows what is going on in our parish and the destruction being caused yet nobody is willing to talk about it.
Then I decided the difference in sizes must be more relevant. Could it represent the enormity of God in comparison to man? I read again the first writing in one of my Lenten books. it says: "I maintain that God - out of the abundance of divine relational life, not any need for us - desires humans into existence for the sake of friendship. This thesis may sound strange because it runs counter to much teaching about God. To be honest, I questioned it myself when I first began to think it through. But over the years, as my own relationship with God has deepened and I have listened to people talk about how God relates to them, I have become convinced that the best analogy for the relationship God wants with us is friendship." (William A Barry, SJ)
This made more sense! Mankind thinks himself all-powerful, in control, so often, even in little things, but there is always the One, more powerful, who does not trample us down, but who watches over us, abides with us.
So I tried to portray the image I'd had and give a feeling that the elephant has the might and the power within this situation and yet stands peacefully watching over the man. Gentle love, yet strong.
The man bows his head, recognising the differences, the power and accepting the light that the elephant brings towards him in his darkness.
As to why an elephant, I've no idea lol! Perhaps just for the representation of the differences in control and power and to illustrate the unexpected peace and love being brought to the situation, when the exact opposite would be expected? Who knows, lol, but I wanted to make this piece as close to what I had in my mind when I awoke.
(This piece is composed of at least 7 photos, with numerous textures applied, some brushwork, filters, and creative lighting!)
TFL!
Bernie x
I decided this year not to attempt to create a piece of art every day of Lent, but to just create as and when.
I woke up this morning with this image so clear in my mind! Then I got up and started my Lenten readings which was about almsgiving, prayer and fasting being done in secret, as Our Father, who is in secret, who sees in secret, will reward us. One of the questions for consideration was 'am I happy to have God see all that I do?'
I started wondering about the image I'd had in my head first thing and if it could relate to the readings for the day. I saw a huge elephant, towering over a little man. At first, I was thinking small :) about the 'elephant in the room' - how everyone sees and knows what is going on in our parish and the destruction being caused yet nobody is willing to talk about it.
Then I decided the difference in sizes must be more relevant. Could it represent the enormity of God in comparison to man? I read again the first writing in one of my Lenten books. it says: "I maintain that God - out of the abundance of divine relational life, not any need for us - desires humans into existence for the sake of friendship. This thesis may sound strange because it runs counter to much teaching about God. To be honest, I questioned it myself when I first began to think it through. But over the years, as my own relationship with God has deepened and I have listened to people talk about how God relates to them, I have become convinced that the best analogy for the relationship God wants with us is friendship." (William A Barry, SJ)
This made more sense! Mankind thinks himself all-powerful, in control, so often, even in little things, but there is always the One, more powerful, who does not trample us down, but who watches over us, abides with us.
So I tried to portray the image I'd had and give a feeling that the elephant has the might and the power within this situation and yet stands peacefully watching over the man. Gentle love, yet strong.
The man bows his head, recognising the differences, the power and accepting the light that the elephant brings towards him in his darkness.
As to why an elephant, I've no idea lol! Perhaps just for the representation of the differences in control and power and to illustrate the unexpected peace and love being brought to the situation, when the exact opposite would be expected? Who knows, lol, but I wanted to make this piece as close to what I had in my mind when I awoke.
(This piece is composed of at least 7 photos, with numerous textures applied, some brushwork, filters, and creative lighting!)
TFL!
Bernie x
Thursday, 2 February 2017
Daily Scripture Writing - Day 2
2nd February 2017
Luke 1:76-79 - “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
TFL!
Bernie x
Luke 1:76-79 - “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
TFL!
Bernie x
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Photo Artistry Course Inspiration
Inspired by Session 14 of my PhotoArtistry Course, I created this out of a need for some light and brightness, some colour, in the world at present.
I saw some art online that inspired me and so created this! Titled 'Called Out of Darkness', there are a lot of emotions tied up in this piece!
Social media has exploded with reaction to President Trump's words and actions and so much of that is pretty hard going. There seems to be so much darkness within that atmosphere, but also so much darkness still to come. Like clinging tendrils, the darkness pulls us in, and it would be so easy to be swallowed up by it. Thankfully there is light! The light of Faith! The gentle cords of light prevent the darkness taking hold and gradually bring the lady more and more fully into the light. Feeling free, she dances and overcomes!
TFL!
Bernie x
I saw some art online that inspired me and so created this! Titled 'Called Out of Darkness', there are a lot of emotions tied up in this piece!
Social media has exploded with reaction to President Trump's words and actions and so much of that is pretty hard going. There seems to be so much darkness within that atmosphere, but also so much darkness still to come. Like clinging tendrils, the darkness pulls us in, and it would be so easy to be swallowed up by it. Thankfully there is light! The light of Faith! The gentle cords of light prevent the darkness taking hold and gradually bring the lady more and more fully into the light. Feeling free, she dances and overcomes!
TFL!
Bernie x
Friday, 13 January 2017
My Corner Online - Themed Thursday Challenge Catch Up
Themed Thursday Challenges Set 2, no. 26 - Confident. I'm catching up still!
These words seemed appropriate in the circumstances and considering what is being done to my elderly Mother and me by people (clergy and laity) within the Roman Catholic Church.
TFL!
These words seemed appropriate in the circumstances and considering what is being done to my elderly Mother and me by people (clergy and laity) within the Roman Catholic Church.
TFL!
Thursday, 12 January 2017
My Corner Online Themed Thursday Challenge (catch ups)
Themed Thursday challenge (still catching up!) - Set 2, no 25 - Read
TFL!
Bernie x
TFL!
Bernie x
Sunday, 25 December 2016
Advent 2016 - Day 28, 24th December
Advent Day 28
Words are taken from the Advent hymn When The Angel Came To Mary
TFL!
Bernie x
Words are taken from the Advent hymn When The Angel Came To Mary
TFL!
Bernie x
Sunday, 18 December 2016
Advent 2016 - Day 22 - 18th December
Advent Day 22
Words taken from the Advent hymn Now Watch For God's Coming and tied in nicely with my readings for today.
TFL!
Bernie x
Words taken from the Advent hymn Now Watch For God's Coming and tied in nicely with my readings for today.
TFL!
Bernie x
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Advent 2016 - Day 19, 15th December
Advent Day 19
I wanted an image to reflect the glory of God, and a snowflake seemed apt and rather perfect! Quiet, unassuming, each one unique and yet together...
I loved these words which say it all really..."...the endless repetition of an ordinary miracle.” Orhan Pamuk.
TFL!
Bernie x
I wanted an image to reflect the glory of God, and a snowflake seemed apt and rather perfect! Quiet, unassuming, each one unique and yet together...
I loved these words which say it all really..."...the endless repetition of an ordinary miracle.” Orhan Pamuk.
TFL!
Bernie x
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Advent 2016, 7th December, Day 11
Advent Day 11
Today's piece is based on the Advent hymn Wake, Awake.
TFL!
Bernie x
Today's piece is based on the Advent hymn Wake, Awake.
TFL!
Bernie x
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Advent 2016, 6th December, Day 10
Advent Day 10
This piece was based on words from the Advent hymn O Comfort My People, which fitted in nicely with the readings for today. I did take a little artistic license with the order of the words to get the feel and message I wanted in the space available!
TFL!
Bernie x
This piece was based on words from the Advent hymn O Comfort My People, which fitted in nicely with the readings for today. I did take a little artistic license with the order of the words to get the feel and message I wanted in the space available!
TFL!
Bernie x
Monday, 5 December 2016
Advent 2016, 5th December, Day 9
Advent Day 9
Based on the Advent hymn O Come, Divine Messiah. There were so many beautiful words in this hymn but I narrowed it down to these! After celebrating my eldest daughter's 20th Birthday yesterday, thoughts are definitely back fully on the coming days. Remembering my 56-hour labour yesterday definitely made me grateful for the place and time in which I live. I'm sure, in days gone by, my daughter may well not have lived.
TFL!
Bernie x
Based on the Advent hymn O Come, Divine Messiah. There were so many beautiful words in this hymn but I narrowed it down to these! After celebrating my eldest daughter's 20th Birthday yesterday, thoughts are definitely back fully on the coming days. Remembering my 56-hour labour yesterday definitely made me grateful for the place and time in which I live. I'm sure, in days gone by, my daughter may well not have lived.
TFL!
Bernie x
Friday, 2 December 2016
Advent 2016, 2nd December, Day 6
Advent Day 6
The readings for today led me to the Advent hymn Hail To The Lord's Anointed. Hadn't envisioned an image like this, but this is what appeared lol!
TFL!
Bernie x
The readings for today led me to the Advent hymn Hail To The Lord's Anointed. Hadn't envisioned an image like this, but this is what appeared lol!
TFL!
Bernie x
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Advent 2016 - 1st December, Day 5
Advent Day 5
This is the refrain from the Advent hymn Lord Emmanuel, Come that I mentioned previously...here's the link again in case you don't know it (you need to turn the volume up LOUD!!).... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmcQHjpgvg
TFL!
Bernie x
This is the refrain from the Advent hymn Lord Emmanuel, Come that I mentioned previously...here's the link again in case you don't know it (you need to turn the volume up LOUD!!).... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmcQHjpgvg
TFL!
Bernie x
Sunday, 27 November 2016
Advent 2016 - 27th November, Day 1
Advent 2016, Day 1
I'm thinking my art project this year will be to create pieces based on lines of Advent/Christmas Carols that inspire me. So, this is the first!
I'm thinking my art project this year will be to create pieces based on lines of Advent/Christmas Carols that inspire me. So, this is the first!
It seems to me there are so many dark clouds' in life now...internationally, nationally, locally, in our own lives and in the lives of others . It would be so easy to just withdraw from it all - withdraw from reading and learning; withdraw from caring; withdraw from trying to help. We need the Hope, the Light to walk towards this Advent and in doing so, in hoping and pressing on, our spirits really will be cheered!
TFL!
Bernie x
TFL!
Bernie x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)