Things Are A'Happening...
/This has been an exciting two weeks. God has placed four sales and three gifts of paintings into my unfolding faith story. Wow.
I live at En Hakkore. Recently we have hosted a prophetic ministry camp. Those who attended were a great bunch of people who kept our accommodation wings buzzing with joyous laughter and rich conversation. All expressed gratitude for the way they were looked after at En Hakkore, for the rich faith time and personal growth they experienced during the camp activities, for words spoken over them and for words given them for others, and, not least, for the wonderful sense of God's nearness in this place.
Most of the folk took the time to visit our fledgling gallery - Selah Gallery. I'm one of the exhibitors there. As they viewed the paintings, photos and quilts on display, it was obvious that all were delighted with what they saw. Moreover, it was also clear that powerful impacts were being made on a few individuals. Laughter, tears, stunned silences, bodies stilled before images, and then the serious stuff: deeply moving stories awoken by what hung before them; unexpected reliving of experiences; instant recognition of a perfect gift for one in need; comfort in a painting that encapsulated and confirmed elements of faith trials and walks; acknowledgement of the wonderfully imaginative expressions of love given us by a Creator who cares, expressions that have been captured with brush and camera.
What a privilege it is to prepare paintings that God is willing to use to bless His people. As I spent time in the gallery with these beautiful believers, I have been very, very moved by what has been shared: sometimes with tears of my own, sometimes with moments of spiritual elation as I witness the moment HIS painting arrow hits a target. I try always to paint according to His prompting, trusting He has a purpose. So it has proved. For me, this is so affirming: God is real, God gives gifts, God knows - long before we do!
As those gifts and purchases travel home, may those who carry them be truly blessed by them. I hope they are a source of great pleasure and provide repeated opportunity for the recipients to tell their stories.
May these paintings also bring others to understand and enjoy the abundant blessings of a relationship with Jesus.
Stay safe and warm. Autumn is well upon us.
Such glorious colours!
R.P.