Breathe and Trust in Jesus...

Cloud reflection of breathing and trusting in Jesus

This photo I recently took reminds me of breathing. Of quieting the outside noise and taking

big,

even,

deep breaths...

When life feels heavy and complicated and loud, we can step outside and see something in God's creation that reminds us of His simple command to us...to trust Him. And in that place of trusting, sometimes it is just as simple as this...breathing. In and out. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.

Sometimes our breaths come in and out effortlessly.

Sometimes our breathing is labored and we need to just slow it down, and be intentional with every rhythmic movement.

And so it is with trusting in Him. Sometimes it comes more naturally than other times and is that beautiful sweet act of child-like faith that carries us down the path. And other times, we need to pray fervently for the Lord to help us with our unbelief.

My paintings reflect both my child-like faith moments, and my fervent prayers. But no matter what state my heart is in, when I look out at His creation, His landscape, I am reminded of how small I am and how big He is. I am reminded to be still and know that He is God. I can feel His peace wrap around my anxious heart. I am in wonder and awe and a place of hope and encouragement.

A God that created this beautiful world, has an even more unimaginably beautiful eternal Kingdom waiting for us. One that will encompass all that He is. Devoid of any sin, evil, pain, sorrow, tears, brokenness, lies, deception, perversion, chaos, confusion, and death. To even think about that brings me so much joy and anticipation. It also lights a fire under me to share that truth with others.

Each brushstroke I make on canvas, each cut I score on a piece of curated glass, each indention I make into my potters clay becomes...

The truth I cannot always put into words.

My act of worship with my whole body.

My obedience of walking out my faith.

My finite attempt at reflecting who Christ is.

My love for others and my desire to sit with their hearts.

My release of anguish and my embrace of His perfect plan.

My voice of the tears that hide inside for safety.

My journey and expression of acceptance of what I cannot change.

My passion to make an impact where I can.

My love for the Lord and the dance in my heart.

My song.

And so I come to my studio. I breathe in. And out. Inhale. Exhale. Take in more of Christ. Release more of me. And repeat. Until it becomes effortless.

I create.

I heal.

And I hope that in this process, I can somehow bring a layer of healing to you too. That I can somehow touch your pain with soothing colors and tones and subject matter that nurture and nourish, as He sits with my pain and does the same. And that you can receive His warm embrace. That you feel your heart surrender to His.

To Jesus.

He is the Only Way. He is the Truth and the Light. He has died so that all of our sin is dead. Every dark place in our heart can be melted into fresh life. If we believe and receive this Promise.

You are so loved.

That is what I desire my art to speak.

That you are...

Loved.

Seen.

Known.

And died for.

May you walk into this day feeling that in every part of your body, mind, heart, and soul.

Breathe and trust in Jesus.

Love always.

~Traci