Marked and Sealed

So I had this dream a while ago where I was just standing in worship, in the presence of God, and He and I were talking. He reached down and touched my chest with a finger that burned like clear fire. I wasn't conscious of myself until that moment when He touched me because all I could sense was Him. He started to trace His name on my chest and while He was tracing a fire started to stoke under my ribs. The name He traced was both a seal and a window into the furnace my chest had become.

This painting is a work in progress. I haven't painted the fire (within the writing) or even the backdrop because I honestly have no idea how to approach either right now. I'll post an image once it is done though.

I didn't want the genesis of this new season of artmaking to be comprised of self-portraits but this painting is appropriate for a good reason. My artwork previous to God's stirring in my life was an expression of disappointment with both myself and the world around me - my artwork always described a "lack". But, now with clear eyes and dropped burdens I'm living a life of adventure and freedom within the kingdom of God. With a corrected vision of God's character, of absolute love and power and dominion, all I can dream of painting are the visions He's giving me. None of them have to do with disappointment and the weight of loneliness. This image is appropriate for a beginning because it starts with His name marking me for His service.

I have a number of paintings I'd love to start but I need models to help me out... I'm not going to do another self-portrait anytime soon! If anyone is willing to pose for some photos for me I'd be eternally grateful. At present I'm in need of some willing souls...

Call me crazy if you will...

I got all excited for Christmas tonight because I was listening to this Sufjan Stevens Christmas song and reading through my journal from last Christmas, which was simultaneously one of the hardest and most deeply tender holidays in my history. I suggest you have this song Only at Christmas time playing while you read this post. In fact, I want you to listen to it at least once over and then read along with it playing in the background.

Now then, lets take a stroll outside in the crisp black night and watch the heavens stretch out like a velvet arm while the moon casts blue over the snow drifts. Can you hear your breath shatter crystals over the crunch of your boots? Don't you want to walk there hand in hand, glove in glove, with the one who loves you? Don't you want to wish Jesus Happy Birthday all over again? Don't you want to nuture Him in the manger of your chest for all eternity? Don't you want this tender moment to sustain...

Only at Christmas time...

There are moments, and then there are moments when time stops and I know I am home. I am in love. I am at home. It is Christmas in July.