Dinner for One

Dinner For One is a 16x20 oil on canvas

I'm different from most people in that I don't mind eating alone. I enjoy that time to read, catch up on emails or just watch people. 

I found this Longhorn steer grazing on a property near Willow, TX.  He was relaxed, unfazed by me and focused on chewing the grass.

There is something comforting about watching cattle chewing cud. Cud, for you city folks, is when a portion of food is regurgitated to be chewed again. For cattle and other animals, chewing cud is beneficial to their diets. It seems as if cattle are more relaxed and happy when they chew cud. This painting reminds me of one of my favorite verses:

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it both day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8 NIV). 

When we meditate on scripture, we chew on it, roll it around in our minds and let it penetrate our hearts. Meditating on scripture will relax and refresh us from all the crazy things happening in our world. When I go to bed, I like to listen to scripture on my IPhone (YouVersion). It keeps me from worrying and more centered on the Lord. Take some time with your Bible by reading it, meditating on it and letting God's truth soak into your heart.

The Hill Country

Bluebonnets in Bastrop, TX

A couple of weeks ago, Dedo and I made our periodic trek to the Texas Hill Country.  The spring is the best time to go because the countryside is bursting with blooming bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and hundreds of other flowers.  I take pictures with my trusty IPhone and use them to compose paintings.  I've always loved to paint Texas landscapes. You will see these pictures as paintings soon. 

I recently decided to start selling my artwork.  It's always tough for artists to know when the work is good enough to sell.  Based on the advice of my art friends, they say go for it.  

Several of my paintings are displayed at The Willow Cottage in downtown Grapevine, TX (326 S. Main St.)  I'm working on a website to display my paintings as well.  I've excited to give 10% of the proceeds to an organization called Taylor's Gift.  Todd Storch and his organization promote organ donation.  Follow them on   Twitter and Facebook.  

   

Longhorns grazing near Willow, TX.I am 

I am in the process of making several key decisions that will greatly affect my life.  My prayer (and hopefully your prayer) is to follow God's discernment and wisdom as I make these life-changing decisions. I'll let you know when it's appropriate.  In the meantime, I pray that you are well and following after God.

Texas Barn

During my annual photo trip to the Hill Country, I shot a pic of this barn around the Llano area. I love the contrasting colors that an old tin and metal barn can produce. Even the dry grass has color in it.       

There are hundreds of old, boarded-up barns, cattle pens and ranch houses around Texas. The ranching and farming business has been rough because of the economy and drought. It's sad to see these buildings in a state of disrepair.  

Sometimes, I feel like one of these old buildings.  When I get worn down by difficulties in life, I feel run-down , out of touch and worthless.  

The Apostle Paul's advice to the Colossian Christians helps put difficult times in perspective. He reminds them to "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to one peace.  And be thankful." (Col. 3:15)

Even in it's run-down condition, this barn has beauty to it. God feels the same about us.  He sees our value and beauty even when we don't. We need to be thankful for difficulty in order to understand the peace that God gives us. If you're going through a tough time, hang in there. You are a beautiful creation to God,

Texas Barn is a 9x12 watercolor on 140 lb paper.