My wife and I are celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow, November 1, 2011.
We began our anniversary celebrations early with a trip out west this past spring. A few of the places we visited are presented in the photographs posted below. My wife takes the pictures, some of which I use as references for my paintings. To me, she is the greatest travel photographer ever! She captures the essence of God's wonderful creation allowing us to recall often how much we are blessed by His handiwork.
We plan to keep on celebrating this life that He has given us, as two made one, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for as long as He allows.
May you all do likewise!
Creation Inspired: Letchworth State Park This New York State Park borders the Genesee River gorge on its east and west banks for nearly 20 miles. It has provided a lifetime of inspiration for many of my paintings. This scene is typical of the ridge farmland where it meets with the park.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Stressed into Beauty
The leaves are almost down and the winter season will soon be here, but I am not quite ready for that. So, I have changed the header to remind myself of warmer times when we traveled out west this past spring.
This painting was inspired by a visit to Arches National Park in Utah. Although the main attractions are the amazing rock formations, I also found an interest in the weathered wood of some of the trees. The weathering produced very dramatic textures in their trunks and branches.
People too show the weather of time and struggles in their lives. As with the trees, this can create a beauty that only "going through it" can produce. As we, who are believers can attest, being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ often comes through the trials of life, as we are lead by the Spirit, with an intentional obedience to do His will in all situations.
I hope your personal weathering continues to bring forth a true likeness of Christ in your soul to all those you meet.
This is a comment to myself. I must admit that while trying to upload the picture in the header, I ran into some "trials of life" with my computer and the blogger site. I must admit I didn't really have a Christ like attitude in this struggle. It came to my attention that I should be weathering better. Thank you Lord for this test. I pray that I have grown from it. Please pray for me, that I would grow to be more like Jesus. - George Richardson
This is a comment to myself. I must admit that while trying to upload the picture in the header, I ran into some "trials of life" with my computer and the blogger site. I must admit I didn't really have a Christ like attitude in this struggle. It came to my attention that I should be weathering better. Thank you Lord for this test. I pray that I have grown from it. Please pray for me, that I would grow to be more like Jesus. - George Richardson
Monday, October 24, 2011
We want to see Jesus
I believe that as one reads the Bible, and especially the New Testament, the image of Jesus will form in one's mind, not with lines or form, but by words of grace and truth; not to present one with an artist's likeness of Christ, but to offer a change to one's heart into the likeness of Christ.
Like other churches, we have a time of singing before the formal order of worship. We call it a time of "Praise and Worship," but recently we have added what we call "5 and Alive." This is an opportunity for volunteers to express, in just five words, a thought of praise or instruction. We have taken the idea from 1 Cor 14:19, where Paul would rather speak 5 intelligible words of instruction rather than a thousand no one would understand. So as a challenge to us all, we are now voicing just 5 words that may have been meaningful to someone during the week or a special phrase in the songs that we sing.
This past Sunday, this 5 word phrase, "we want to see Jesus" appeared in a chorus we sung entitled, "Open Our Eyes' by Bob Cull.
I hope that this might be the desire of your heart.
Like other churches, we have a time of singing before the formal order of worship. We call it a time of "Praise and Worship," but recently we have added what we call "5 and Alive." This is an opportunity for volunteers to express, in just five words, a thought of praise or instruction. We have taken the idea from 1 Cor 14:19, where Paul would rather speak 5 intelligible words of instruction rather than a thousand no one would understand. So as a challenge to us all, we are now voicing just 5 words that may have been meaningful to someone during the week or a special phrase in the songs that we sing.
This past Sunday, this 5 word phrase, "we want to see Jesus" appeared in a chorus we sung entitled, "Open Our Eyes' by Bob Cull.
I hope that this might be the desire of your heart.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thoughts on "Around the Bend"
I just wanted to share one more painting of the season before it is over.
Autumn at Letchworth State Park (N.Y.) has the gorge wrapped in a quilt of many colors weaved by the One who loves to display this beauty around every bend.
I did not, or haven't yet, written a poem to go with this painting.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Thoughts on "Marker 21"
As you start this week remember that you can do what you set out to do in the strength that resides in you as you put your trust in the Lord Jesus.
Biblically Inspired: Ephesians 3:14-21; Exodus 3:14'; John 15.5
Creation Inspired: Finger Lakes Trail at Letchworth State Park
This view is located on the east side of the park which is much less traveled than the blacktop roads on the west side. Time spent alone in creation revives one's strength while enjoying great vistas made by a Great God.
Marker 21
Through valley deep,
Your waters pass,
my soul recalls Your truth,
the One who heals and says, "I AM,"
strengthens me to know I can.
- George L. Richardson
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thoughts on "Meadow Life"
The leaves are falling fast. Enjoy! The painting above speaks about the Way.
Biblically Inspired: Romans 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; John 10:1-5
Creation Inspired: Nunda, New York
As with any park there are boundaries, but the beauty of creation has no limit. This area is not too far outside Letchworth State Park. God can proclaim His glory anywhere, draw us from any situation in life, and lead us into His Way everlasting.
Meadow Life
Invisible God, I see you.
Creation speaks divine.
Invisible God, I hear you.
Your Spirit whispers come,
Invisible God, I follow.
Your Son provides the way.
- George L. Richardson
Invisible God, I see you.
Creation speaks divine.
Invisible God, I hear you.
Your Spirit whispers come,
Invisible God, I follow.
Your Son provides the way.
- George L. Richardson
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Thoughts on "Created to Live"
The painting posted above was done initially because I felt that it was a neat place to visit especially in Fall, but it came to be more about where we are in any moment of life's journey and why.
Biblically Inspired: John 13:12-17; 17:22, 23
Creation Inspired: Letchworth State Park, New York
Creation Inspired: Letchworth State Park, New York
This railroad trestle was built and positioned by man to be used for his purpose, and the river and its beauty was created by God for His purpose.
Created to Live
I am blessed to be one of His servants,
united with Him by design,
created to live for His purpose,
content where I am within time.
- George L. Richardson
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thoughts on "A Moment"
The painting posted above is a result of a brief trip to the Adirondacks State Park in New York Sate. I hope that many of you are enjoying "A Moment" in the beauty of this season.
Biblically Inspired: Mat 6:33; Isaiah 55:6,7
Creation Inspired: Adirondacks State Park, New York
The many secluded lakes in this park offers a private showing of creation, for those who seek them out. These moments are also precious for seeking out the creator.
A Moment
If I should look, God provides the beauty.
When I seek Him, God provides the moment.
As I follow, God provides the way.
All I provide is praise!
- George L.Richardson
Saturday, October 8, 2011
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