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©Laurie Justus Pace Graphics One Design 2009"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8
The Painting: Different strokes for different folks. It was a laid back two day period working on this light impressionistic piece. This is a 24 x 24 inch canvas and I used Holbein Duo Oils in multiple layers. Most of the area is in wide brush, but parts are in a 1/4 inch brush.
The Thought: I was reading in 1 Peter when I came across this verse. Peter is sharing what is important for us in our lives, but taking it a step further is to realize what God has for us. This verse is a gentle verse speaking of open love. Our God is this and more. Our God is an awesome God.
God is tough and tender. Brings back thoughts of that child rearing book from the seventies "Tough Love". Our Father demands pretty high standards and has strict commandments on the book. When we do not follow through in His way and we go our way, which normally is not the right way, He shows us His tender mercy. He comforts us and He forgives us.
He wants us to toe the line...but when we don't, and we fall, He picks us up. He restores us in His love. This is the same mercy we should show those around us. Peter has pointed that out... to be unified in God's spirit and reflect to others our open heart and acceptance despite what wrongs others might do to us.
There is a time to be tough and a balance of mercy to be tender. God convicts and cleanses us. God corrects and comforts us. God forgives our failures and picks us up right. His mercy extends to all of us.
Today when you get grumpy and tough on folks, remember Peter's advice and God's teachings, and let the Holy Spirit shine out in you...
Laurie
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:1-6
Website, Laurie Justus Pace
Website, The Painted Pony
Blog, A Texas Contemporary Artist
Blog, Wonders of the Heart
Galleries:
Jackson, Wyoming – The Rare Gallery
Penn Yan, New York—Earthworks Art Gallery
The Village of Granville, Ohio—The Gillian Jones Gallery
Marble Falls, Texas – Patina of Marble Falls
Dallas, Texas—The Dutch Art Gallery
Atascadero, California – The Red Tree Gallery
El Dorado Hills, California—Our House Gallery
Hong Kong – SR Gallery
Erie, Colorado – The Daily Painters
Dallas,Texas – The Daily Painters of Texas
Centennial, Colorado—The Daily Painters Abstract
Organizations:
WAOW, Associate Member Women Artist Out West
OPA, Associate Member Oil Painters of America
AWS, American Watercolor Society
The Five Graces, 5Graces
Ask Art, Blue Book of Artists
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