Learning: Following God's Call

    I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. My mom still brags about how I would sit at the table completely occupied coloring for hours since I was just two. As I grew older my talent grew with me. I was often confused when people were amazed at my work because it came so naturally to me. And I still haven't quite grasped this but I have learned to embrace it. My drawings evolved in time from stick figures and animals, to copying cartoons, to more elaborate pieces now. I believe that there is always room to grow. That a piece is never finished. I believe that art affects everyone. That there is a certain connection between us when we experience it. And I also believe that there is a divine connection between the art we see, the way we convey it and the condition of our souls.
     Although I have not always been faithful in following God's call I am trying my best to live for him now. For a while I was hesitant to follow his direction even though I know I should. But since my time at OBU I have switched my major from Nursing to Graphic Design. And he has opened so many doors because of that obedience. I thank God for choosing to use me. For wanting to use me. I thank God alone for the talents he has given me more and more as I realize how few are blessed in such a way. There is no way I could have developed them on my own. And all that I ask is that Jesus be glorified in every work that I do.
     One opened door was an opportunity presented to me today. Today I was asked if I would be interested in painting during chapel soon! What an amazing opportunity! I do have to admit though that really don't feel equipped and each time I think about it I start to worry and freak out at the idea of so many people watching me. Until now my painting has been a personal act of worship and a way to get lost and focus on God alone. Live painting will be completely different because I will have to engage so many others in worship and get the piece done in a much quicker span of time.
     But I knew there were going to be big changes after I finally submitted to his will. Besides, God uses the humble and willing not necessarily the 'qualified' right? So I have started thinking of a few scenes I can use to illustrate the life of Jesus for chapel and I am asking God to give me the strength to be everything he has called me to be. I know that he will do great things! I am so blessed in all the ways he is choosing to use me to further his kingdom right now! This is just one step closer to becoming exactly who he wants me to be.

"God's kingdom is like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities.a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.  The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.'

Matthew 25:14-30