Big Ben

 

Big Ben Clock Tower -- 5 X 7 Sepia Pen and Ink on Parchment

 

Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower shown, rather, it is the name given to the bell inside.  This tower, officially named Elizabeth Tower, stands beside the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster along the River Thames in London.  For more than 150 years, the tower has served as an icon for the city of London and the United Kingdom as a whole.  The iconic representation remains so strong that often when one sees the tower, one thinks "London".  When London is mentioned, many think Big Ben.

Such icons are all around us.  The glow of two golden arches alerts us that McDonald's is near, the Statue of Liberty represents a nation's freedom, a picture of Michael Jordan turns the mind to basketball. 

What about you and me?  Is it possible that we represent something more? a family? a business? a broader culture? or perhaps something of the eternal?  When others see us, do they see a love that represents a greater kingdom ruled by a God who in very essence is love?

Jesus Washing Disciples' Feet



Jesus Washing Disciples' Feet -- 11 x 14 acrylic (Based on Rembrandt etching)

In a culture emphasizing success, achievement, climbing the corporate ladder, wealth and prosperity, we often need the reminder that profundity is found in simplicity, effectiveness might come through being more than doing, and the most dynamic power usually spreads through meekness and humility.  When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He demonstrated leadership through serving and power through love.  What would this world look like if we truly would "go and do likewise?"

Considering Lilies

Lilies on Black -- 11 x 14 oil on acrylic

 



Beauty exists all around us.  A colorful sunset, a bright rainbow after a storm, the autumn leaf colors, a deer eating quietly in the field, all serve to remind us of the ways in which the ethereal mysteriously enters our ephemeral surroundings.  Jesus encouraged his students to "consider the lilies," reflect upon the beauty that God created, and to know how much more He would care for them.  Today, take a look at the beauty that surrounds you and remember how precious you are to our loving and caring God.

 

For more on this topic, please click the link entitled "Destinatum" to the right. 



The Value of Time



 



Clock and Apple -- 14 x 17 Charcoal

This art deco clock belonged to my wife's Grandpa, Ralph.  Within a couple years prior to his death, he and I were sitting in the backyard one beautiful summer day.  At the time, he was sensing that his life was coming to a close.  I asked him if he was ready, if things were right with God and others.  He proceeded to tell a story. 

While serving as a military police officer during World War II, one day, he was leading a convoy on his motorcycle.  The other MP road quickly from the back to the front of the convoy offering to take the lead for a time.  Ralph took his place at the back.  After a short time, the vehicles came to a quick stop.  Ralph sped to the front of the line to see what was holding them up.  Upon reaching the front, he saw that a bomb had exploded, killing the friend with whom he had just changed places.  As Grandpa Ralph reflected on that painful day, years later he realized that he was allowed more time on this earth, time to get married, raise a family, hold his first grandchild.  He was thankful to God and thankful for family, friends, and experiences along the way.

In a couple places, the Apostle Paul reminds us to live wisely and "redeem the time."  This drawing reminds me of the value of time, the brevity of life, and the need to make the most of every opportunity. 

Bodleian Library



Bodleian Library -- 9 x 12 Pen and Ink with Watercolor

Bodleian Library -- 3 x 5 Pen and Ink Sketch



 

The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, England opened in 1602, but incorporated libraries begun in the early fourteenth century.  Currently, it houses more than 11 million printed items spanning the millennia.

 

One day, I was looking through a collection of 18th and 19th Century letters in the special collections.  Carefully flipping through these hand written letters, in beautiful calligraphy I saw the signatures of famous historic figures like George Washington, William Cowper, Thomas Paine, Charles Dickens, Percy Shelley, John Wesley, William Wilberforce, and many others.  Often, we feel disconnected from history, separated by time, distance, and culture.  Holding these letters in my hand reminded me of a deep and real connection with the past.  We are all a part of a broader story, an unfolding narrative of Divine involvement in the physical universe.  Where is your fit within the greater story?

 

An ancient Hebrew proverb states, "the mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge."

 



Bodleian Library -- 5 x 7 Quick Sketch in Acrylic

Serenity Bridge

Serenity Bridge -- Oil on Canvas 11X14, 2002

“How are you?”

 

“Busy!  How ‘bout you?  Are you keeping busy?”

 

 Does this conversation sound familiar?  If so, it is likely time to pull away from the busyness and find that place of serenity and rest.

 

This scene is a later remake of one of my earliest paintings.  The peaceful setting can be found along a quiet walkway just outside of Gatlinburg Tennessee on the way to Cades Cove.  When I look at this painting, the memories of that day come rushing back.  I can almost hear the gentle rustling of the leaves, the quiet trickle of the river, and the squirrels foraging nearby.  I remember the contrasting feel of the cool breeze with the warm sun shining through the trees.

 

Standing on the rocks in the middle of the stream, the water seemed symbolically to carry a steady flow of God’s blessing around me as I recounted my college experience (having just graduated), my new marriage (as I was on my honeymoon), and the anticipation of moving out of state for seminary.  I couldn’t help but thank God because of the goodness of life.

 

When the stream of life gets a little more turbulent, this painting still takes me to that place of serenity and gratitude as I now recount the goodness of God.