Friday, August 24, 2007

Work in progress ...

Proverbs 3: 5-6 (the Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.



work in progress • 16 x 12 • acrylic on deep cradled gessobord

Good morning, all! Here’s what I’ve been working on, painting-wise, this week ... still in progress ... an early morning view of our farmer neighbor’s yard, about half a mile down the road from us. This is another painting for my show at the LSU Medical Library here in Shreveport, Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. I’m working extra hard to get as many more large paintings finished as I can by the end of October, which is sneaking up fast! I can’t believe the summer is almost over ... lots of activity makes the time fly, doesn’t it?

I wanted to share that my 96-year-old grandmother was put into hospice care this week in San Antonio. A sad time because she will be missed, but a joyful time because we know she belongs to Jesus, and she is going home to be with Him. Grandma went from the nursing home to live at my aunt’s house, with a 24-hour hospice care nurse to help care for her.

My sister who lives in Long Beach, California, told me that ’way back when Grandma was 92 she said she was “ready to go!” She said, “I just don’t know why God doesn’t take me now – there’s nothing else I need to do here; all my work is done.” Well, maybe when she gets to heaven God will let her know why He kept her here for 4 more years!

Sorry my posts have been few a far between lately ... thanks to all of you who have been checking in!

I know I had the above Proverb in a previous post, but I’ve repeated it this morning because

a) it’s one of my very favorites

b) I need to read it often ... to keep reminding me! and

c) it goes right along with the reading I’m sharing today (which includes a poem and a prose passage) from my little 1884 book of devotionals:
“Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step is enough for me.”


– J. H. Newman


God only is holy; He alone knows how to lead His children in the paths of holiness. He knows every aspect of your soul, every thought of your heart, every secret of your character, its difficulties and hindrances; He knows how to mould you to His will, and lead you onwards to perfect sanctification; He knows exactly how each event, each trial, each temptation, will tell upon you, and He disposes all things accordingly. The consequences of this belief, if fully grasped, will influence your whole life. You will seek to give yourself up to God more and more unreservedly, asking nothing, refusing nothing, wishing nothing, but what He wills; not seeking to bring things about for yourself, taking all He sends joyfully, and believing the “one step” set before you to be enough for you. You will be confident that even though there are clouds around, and your way seems dark, He is directing all, and that what seems a hindrance will prove a blessing, since He wills it.

- Jean Nicholas Grou

3 comments:

Helen Read said...

Karen, I just found your blog and am so grateful! The devotional you posted really speaks to my heart this morning! Also, I want to let you know how much I admire your work!
It is always so good to "meet" other artists who are believers and willing to speak openly about their faith!
I've book marked you and will be back to visit again. Best wishes to you as you work on your home and prepare for the show in Nov.

Karen M Schmidt said...

Thanks so much, Helen, for your encouragement!

I just visited your blog and website and I really like your paintings, too! Especially the botanicals ... I’m a big fan of Georgia O’Keefe – your paintings are very reminiscent of her work. And your painted bowls are absolutely beautiful!

I heartily agree with what you say in your bio about how using our creative gifts honors God, our Creator, when intended for that purpose.

Very glad to meet you - keep up the good work!

Chelsea Conover said...

hey cousin Karen!
I sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much enjoyed talking with you at Grandma's memorial. Wasn't it fun talking with all the cousins? And it was a joy getting to meet your husband. I can't wait to get to know you better (probably through e-mail) so please send it to my husbands e-mail that I gave you. I really want my kids to see your house that I was telling to my kids. And my daughter will be sending her pictures to your e-mail when we get it. I told her you could really help her and critique her, (I guess kind of mentor her) and she was really excited!!! Well, need to get the kids moving toward bed. We went to two of the kids soccer game tonight and it was FREEZING!!! A bit different from the other day. Again, it was a real joy seeing you on Thursday. ]
Cousin Sharon