The Abiding Life…

The abiding life...

 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”

While out at my favorite art store I grabbed 2 large canvas wraps some time ago. I brought them home and managed to keep them neatly wrapped in their packaging, stored in my sunroom. A few years ago, I had intentions to create a dedicated space in my home to read, pray and seek the Lord. This was because I noticed I began to be unsteady in my thoughts and heart. I knew I needed to get plugged in with God and  immediately I was led to our sunroom. As I cleared out this space. I noticed I still had the wraps stored there and became temporary window coverings for my privacy during my early morning time there. 

But something powerful happened. I entered that room each day while it was quiet and while twilight spilled into every corner of the room. While I prayed, the Lord, in His grace, gave me an image that propelled my heart to paint. But it was not as I once did. 

He was giving me steps to begin this piece. 

I came to this place at first because I was tired. And I needed rest. Without worry, without doubt and without disappointment. I started to notice daily when I left my time in prayer, I felt lighter. I could hear clearer and my eyes were opened to what the Lord.

I read John 5:15 over and more intentionally. Images of a tree and birds would flash in my mind while I meditated. At this point I felt led to retire my canvas as a window treatment and shift it to bear an image.

I felt led to outline the work with crayon. It’s not what I would usually do. It was like the Lord was leading me to listen and follow with a childlike wonder. Crayons are a basic run of the mill art supply. So I moved forward, lining the underpainting with my dull red crayon.

I kept hearing directions to use what I have. To use what is in my hand.

So, every inch of this piece was painted with materials that I have accumulated over the last few years of painting. I thought surely, I would need to go load back up at some point, but the underlying truth was clear - that I had enough. No vessel of paint within my reach was dried up and all the colors I needed - I had. 

The sunroom windows gave access to the daily ins and outs of birds that boasted the scripture’s urge for us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. This is how He reminded me of the care He has for them and that we are loved much more.

This painting has encouraged me. God helped me finish this. I entrusted him with process and with each layer of paint He never stopped unveiling his truth and his promises. 

Some of the most meaningful parts of my artwork happen quietly — in prayer, reflection, symbolism, and the moments God speaks during the creative process.

I’ve opened a small Patreon space for anyone who wants to experience more of the story behind the art.

Right now, the community includes deeper creative reflections, process screenshots, exclusive content, and downloadable art freebies as I continue building future offerings.

Your support genuinely helps me continue creating and sharing what’s been placed on my heart.

-Marquita