I Live Only To See YOUR Face

This band, Jesus Culture, is a must to have in your worship music library, any CD, all CD's. I've never, NEVER, felt the presence of God quite like I do with their Spirit-filled worship tunes. I have learned to worship God in a deeper sense, in large part, due to this band. Well, it is their music being driven into the corners of my heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, lifting me to a new place of worship for our Lord Jesus. Yes, He gets MOST of the credit! :)

Here is one of my favorite songs, Light of Your Face. I have quoted lyrics from this song (and many others) on Facebook as of late. I hope you enjoy this heart-felt worship video as much as I do. If you don't know Jesus Culture, google them. You will not be disappointed in their music.

Especially in these darkened days of the past week or so, we need to worship our God with more vigor and more love than ever before.

Grace and Peace,
deAnn

I Played My Best for Him

 

For some reason this year Christmas music has really been speaking to me. Lyrics I've heard over and over have become mute to my ears and heart. However, God really captured my emotions one day when the familiar song, "Little Drummer Boy" came on my Pandora Christmas Radio Songs station. I've always dismissed the song, only hearing the prominent "pa rum pum pum pum" segments. But this time, I really heard the lyrics. Actually they went straight to my heart. I'd like to share them with you, minus the "pa rum pum pum pum's."

Come they told me,
A new born King to see,
Our finest gifts we bring,
To lay before the King.


So to honor Him,
When we come.


Little baby,
I am a poor boy too,
I have no gift to bring,
That's fit to give the King.

Shall I play for you
On my drum?


Mary nodded,
The ox and lamb kept time,
I played my drum for Him,
I played my best for Him.


Then He smiled at me,
Me and my drum.


There isn't a line in this song that doesn't speak to me. I can relate to the little drummer boy, as I believe all artists can. I am a poor boy (girl, actually), with no gifts to bring, fit to give a King (Jesus). But all He wants is for us to show up and play our best for Him (or paint our best for Him, draw our best for Him, write our best for Him, or create our best for Him).

Then He smiled at me, me and my drum (or canvas, etc.)

As we head into the last few days before Christmas, remember the words of the "Little Drummer Boy." It has a deep spiritual message for us all. Often we judge our "best" by how the world sees our artwork. But God doesn't see it that way. As an offering for Him, He only expects we show up and do our very best.

Then He smiles at you, you and your art...

Graceand peace,
Merry Christmas,
deAnn

A Story from Nov@The Studio

Hello Artists, writers, poets and creatives, 

November @ the Studio was to create our best artwork as an offering – giving it freely to the person God has put on our heart. We prayed over the pieces the last night of the Studio – that the art would bless, bring joy, heal, and restore broken relationships - that was a powerful evening!  

Below is an email from Karen, who participated in Nov @ The Studio and she mailed her art to her friend, who lives out of town. Be reminded that God is powerful, way beyond our imagination. Our creativity has kingdom value. We need to step into the creativity we possess, realizing that it’s part of our Father’s DNA. We are created in His image, so creativity is in our DNA as well. Don’t ignore it. Don’t’ say you don’t have any, that’s a lie from the evil one. Don’t push it off as “childish.” Jesus says in Mark 10:15,  “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Accept your creativity like a child excited on Christmas morning – it’s a gift from your Daddy and He will use it to heal, restore, deepen relationships with Himself and between others. If you don’t believe me, just read below how Jesus used Karen's artwork in her friend's life…and even in her own life! 

Grace and peace on the creative journey

deAnn

 

p.s. if you attended Nov @ The Studio and have a story to share, please email it to me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi deAnn,

My friend recieved her photograph yesterday.  I think it is so cool that she is going to take it to treatment with her.  I am so excited to see what doors of conversation God will open up when she brings it with her; how He will work in the lives of others, patients as well as medical staff....the possibilities are endless, much more vast than my mind can even imagine.  My joy this morning is hard to contain; I am just so honored play a small part in His plan, and to be a part of a community of artists at LW who have shown me that God can use the creative gifts of others to fulfill His purposes here on earth. 

Thank you again for what you and your team are doing here at LW through this ministry.  I am so blessed to be a part of it!

In Christ’s love,

Karen

Exploring Metaphors

Metaphors, parables, analogies, similes, symbols...



The metaphor, then, is not simply a figure of speech. It is a habit of thought, one we must develop in order to see.  The habit of metaphor allows us to see the large from the small, the pattern in chaos, that which is not expected, that which is expected, in new ways. Metaphor allows us to see relationships. Ultimately it is the relationships which constitute nature, not collections of individual objects.--Steven J. Meyers

A few weeks ago, after being at my computer for about 8 hours straight, I headed home to get caught up on some things I had been putting off.  Because I had been indoors since just before daybreak I did not realize this particular fall day was so lovely.  So, on the ride home I decided to put things at home off a little longer, grab my camera, and go for a walk. After taking some long deep breaths and delighting in the time I would have with God in His creation, I asked Him, "What do you want me to see?"

My destination was a pond that I had been to just weeks before. I quickened my pace to get there in time to capture the sunlight on the pond at sunset.  I quickly walked past some late blooming day lilies.  It intrigued me that on an early November day I would still see small yellow flowers.  Then from the corner of my eye I saw a late bloomer that I could only conclude had been transformed by the frost into something unique.

After thinking about the flower's yellow beauty only a few short weeks ago, a metaphor started to take shape in  my mind.  I began thinking about what is left behind when we leave this life. Even though the color/flesh is gone, there is something beautiful  that remains. The picture in this post represents that for me...

What memory of you will be left behind when you leave this life?  What transformed your life here on earth?  As you look through a different lens and contemplate the quote above, think back to photographs you have taken when a similar thing may have happened. Have you been able to develop a metaphor from any of these pictures? Please post your experience--I would enjoy hearing about it!

Celesa
ReflectionsThat Come

"Ode to Sunshine" by Kelly McGee

The Curved Wall and Ledge in the Coffee Bar

Ode to Sunshine

December 2 - January 6, 2013

Gallery @ Common Grounds

Living Word Community Church

Original oil paintings and mixed-media on wood by Kelly McGee

 

To read the companion gallery booklet, The Heart Behind the Art, please click here or pick up a copy from the ledge in the coffee bar (as seen in the image above)?

 

 



Trust Your Intuitive Heart | You Will Find Me | How to Have Peace of Mind

The Gallery Booklet, The Heart Behind the Art

I AM

414

The Seed Within | Spirit Filled | Don't Hide Your Light

Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

Friday Prayer

Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for the things that I have done that make me feel uncomfortable in Your presence.  The front that I polish so well for people to see does not deceive You. 

For You know every thought that has left its shadow on my memory.  You have marked every motive that curdled something sweet within me. 

I acknowledge, with sorrow and true repentance, that:

          I have desired that which I should not have;

          I have toyed with what I knew was not for me;

          I have been preoccupied with self-interest;

          I have invited unclean thoughts into my mind and

entertained them as honored guests.

          My ears have often been deaf to Your whisper;

          My eyes have been often been blind to the signs of

Your guidance. 

Make me willing to be changed, even though it requires surgery of the soul. And the therapy of discipline. 

Make my heart warm and soft, that I may receive and accept now the blessings of Your forgiveness. 

~written by Peter Marshall

Inklings, Finally!

You can expect to find copies of the Fall | Winter Inklings hot off the press by Sunday, 11/25 at LWCC. Sorry for the delay!

What Lens Do You See Through?



Prime, Zoom, Ultrawide, Wide, Telephoto, Specialty lens, Macro

All of these types of lenses meet specific needs in photography. Depending on what you are trying to capture will depend on the lens you choose. For me, there is another depth to the lens that I see through that is not quite as tangible.

 

About 4 years ago I began noticing things around me on my daily walk in a way that I hadn’t before. There was a depth to my outside world that hadn’t been there in my younger years. Discovering and absorbing God’s creation in a unique way became a new aspect of connecting with Him. Amazement in the wonder of sunrise, the beauty of clouds, the soaring of birds, the nuances in smells, the tones in sounds…many details that I hadn’t noticed before. 

Have you ever give that much thought? What if the enjoyment of photography was more than getting all the settings right or learning everything that your camera has to offer?

The next time you are out and about, as you are preparing to snap the next picture, take time for the depths of colors in the sky, watch the rapidness of the sunrise and how quickly the atmosphere changes, take time to count the variety of birds there are. Close your eyes for a few minutes and notice the sounds and smell in God’s creation, what do you notice that you hadn’t before? If you are not an outside kind of person, find a way to change what I have described to match with what you gravitate toward in photography.

Some questions you can ask God as you begin think about photography through a not so tangible lens…

What perspective do I need in this moment?

What lens am I seeing through?

What do You want me to see God?

Encounter for the month: The beauty in the fall colors have been lovely. Now that many leaves are on the ground take some time over the next few weeks and choose one or more of the questions above to ask God to help you be a little more intentional about what you are capturing. Please post your experience both in photo and in word. We would enjoy seeing and hearing about it!

November Exhibit at LWCC

The November Exhibit at LWCC

Seeing Beyond the Obvious

11/7 - 11/28

The Gallery @ Common Grounds

 

As a contemplative photographer, I am learning to see beyond the obvious. Because I couple my time behind the lens with a running dialog of conversation and prayer with God, His Spirit leads me to look at things that I’d usually walk past or simply ignore. What I’ve discovered is when I actually expect those nudges from Him and obey them, He reveals to me deep and meaningful insight through the most ordinary of objects. The camera causes me to slow down so that I can intentionally walk with God, inviting Him to show me what He wants me to see.  

September at The Studio was based on this passion of mine: To See Beyond the Obvious. It was a very meaningful month where people used their cameras to slow down and see in a new way through their lens, be it a point-n-shoot, dSLR, or cell phone camera.  

This exhibit is a result of their participation in September @ The Studio. You will see their images, which may seem ordinary. But then you’ll read their reflections about their images. It’s here where we hope you can also see beyond the obvious. 

Consider how God may be speaking to you through the photographers’ images and reflections.  

grace & peace, deAnn Roe

 

Here are a few pieces you'll find in the exhibit.... 

 

Striking Contrast

The second night of September @ The Studio was titled “Drawing with Light.” We were encouraged to capture our images that evening in black and white, as it’s easier to pay attention to the effects of light on an object when shooting in monotone.

I used a close-up kit on my dSLR to get this image of striking contrast; it’s a vase on the counter. When I look at this photo, I am reminded how dark our beautiful world is and I’m keenly aware of the deep need for the Light of Christ to cast out all shadows. I want to be a carrier of His Great Light… 

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 The Message 

By deAnn Roe

Imperfections

Our house was built in 1900, or so says the deed. Every single time we dig a hole in the back yard to plant a shrub, we find interesting stuff from decades ago. Often we find very old bottles; some broken, some fully intact. This image is a close up of the neck of one of our non-descript backyard bottles.  

As you look at this bottle, it’s easy to point out the imperfections by way of the bubbles buried in the glass. Obviously, this was a useful bottle at one point in its life, maybe delivering life-saving medicine, maybe offering a cool drink, or maybe held a strong cleaning agent. 

I am this bottle. Bubbled up with imperfections and flaws, yet my Heavenly Father still sees value in me. He has a purpose for me and my life. He longs to have a loving and lasting relationship with me and asks me to surrender to His will… when I say, “yes, Lord,” He uses me to fulfill His purposes, despite my many flaws. He loves us despite our imperfections and we become perfect in Him.

 

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

 

By deAnn Roe

Mesh Shadows

The real beauty of this picture was only evident when I sat down to edit it. It was only then that I realized the silhouettes of my four sons, black and nearly featureless, still expressed their personalities perfectly! The daring one, the casual one, the timid one, and the showman. It was an amazing revelation to me! 

By Tim Trexler

Surrender

This little leaf vividly revealed to me the virtue of surrender.  I was drawn to how small, fragile, and flawed it was, its yellow hue slowly fading away. This dying leaf reminded me how I must continue to die to self and surrender completely to Christ in order to experience new growth in Him.   

I am so thankful that Christ has accepted me with all my flaws, defects, and brokenness.  Like the dying leaf, I must learn to let go and rest in Him, knowing that He will catch me when I fall.    

By Karen Shreiner

 

Unexpected Change

I am always running out of the house to photograph a sunset.  On this particular evening, I noticed that the light from the sunset was shining in the window onto the African Violets.   

I got curious and took a picture of the light reaching the flowers.  The light was reflecting on several different areas in the room.  Those reflections were captured by the camera and created colors and shapes that were unseen to my eyes.  This was unexpected and was truly a gift to me. 

Often the picture we see isn’t what God sees.  He sees what we are becoming as the reflection of His light and beauty reaches our lives. 

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  Isaiah 43:18 – 19 

By Penny Heilman

All Creation Points to The Creator

I don’t consider myself a photographer. I just enjoy taking photos with my point and shoot camera using the automatic setting. I totally depend on my camera to do all the work, while I have fun with composition.     

On the evening of the first pre-sunset photo shoot, I was drawn to a tiny white wildflower I had never seen before. I thought little of it when I snapped the picture. But I was completely blown away, when I got home and blew up my photos on my computer screen!

 

This picture is pretty grainy, but if you study the center of each downy soft flower, you will notice the detail that captured my heart and inspired the title I chose to accompany my print. At the core of each blossom is a very distinct arrow; a unique indentation that appears to be stamped into each tiny white flower segment.   

I’m still amazed every time I look at the picture! I stand in awe, as I have a deeper appreciation for the creativity of our God! That He would include such a remarkable detail in a miniature member of the plant kingdom is mind boggling to me. On any other given day, I would have stepped over this example of God’ artistry, and I would have missed such a special moment with my Creator! 

I’m so thankful that He drew me closer to His heart by inviting me to capture His artwork through the lens of my camera. I was also so blessed by the pink ribbons of grass and the rosy stems that linked the petals to its’ life source.  

Thank You, Lord, for not letting me miss this special encounter with You. Through Your awesome creation, You helped me to “See Beyond The Obvious.” 

By Renee’ Barnhouse

Spirit-Filled Artist Retreat

I'd love to have you join me as I lead a workshop at New Song Fellowship Church in Lancaster's Spirit-Filled Artist Retreat on Saturday, November 10.

This retreat will focus on empowering you to use the gifts God has uniquely entrusted you with through the local church so that the watching world would see Christ in a powerful way thru the arts. We want people to stand awed not by your talent, but by your God!

The workshop I will lead feature a hands-on time for creative expression through prayer. For all the details about the Retreat, click here. 

Registration is $35 which includes all the art supplies and lunch. Please register this week so we can purchase enough materials and lunch items for all! 

I am looking forward to partnering with New Song to provide a restful and reflective day for artists of all mediums from all churches!

let me know if you have any questions!! 

grace & peace,

deAnn

All I Need is You

All I need is YOU Lord! All I need is YOU. All I need is YOU.
Thank you Jesus.

deAnn

Calling All Artists!

Calling All Artists!

Framers' Workshop in the South York Plaza (Pauline Drive) has their Third Annual Holiday Open House and Miniature Show and Sale on Friday, 11/16 from 6-8PM.

They are looking for your artwork! Here are the details:

• Image must be 8x10 or smaller.
• Must be suitably framed, gallery wrapped canvas is fine.
• Show runs Fri., 11/16 to Fri., 2/15.
• Drop off date: Wed, 11/7
• Original artwork priced $100 or less.
• Commission 75% to artist if framed at Framers' Workshop OR 60% to artist if framed elsewhere.
• Up to 5 pieces per artist.

  

Contact Framers' Workshop at 717 741 9000 or fwyork@myway.com for more details.

This is a great way to get your artwork in to the hands of our community and make a few bucks too. I encourage you to enter your work!

grace & peace,
deAnn

November @ The Studio

The theme for November @ The Studio is It's More Blessed To Give... based on Paul quoting Jesus in Acts 20:35. This special month is geared for all artistic and creative mediums: knitters painters jewelry designers mosaics felters drawers mixed-media Photography sculpture, etc. We will be creating in our own favored artistic mediums in the context of community. We will be inspired by others creativity and there will be an infusion of divine inspiration as we gather to create in God's name, for His glory. I like the version from The Message: You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.' Acts 20:35 The Message If you'd like to try your hand at a new or differnt art medium, for $5 you can get an 11x14 canvas panel and use any of the Infused Arts supplies. Due to Thanksgiving, The Studio will meet only three Wednesdays in November: 11/7, 11/14 and 11/28. Bring your art/crafting supplies and be ready to create your best work ever...and remember, it's better to give than to receive. More on that at The Studio next month. RSVP on Facebook or by emailing deAnn. Got Questions? let me know! See you next month! Grace & peace, deAnn Roe

For His Glory Alone

Below is the handout from our last night at September @ The Studio

Our creativity and inspiration is from God and should be used for His glory alone.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) 

“Here’s my thought: We are here for a reason. We each have abilities, and the trick is to search them out and figure out a way to use them. Someone famous once said that the only really tragedy in life is not to use the gifts and talents that God gave us…It is a tragedy, too often

realized, to under utilize your abilities.”

Caroline Sharp, A Writer’s Workbook

 

Okay, we've spent the month exploring different topics that pertain to photography. Now we are going to talk about presenting your images in a professional  and God honoring way. As a curator, nothing saddens me more than a stunning photograph in a frame that has seen better days, when the photo is in crooked or it's highly wrinkled. We value the creative gift God has given us, now we need to value the way we present our work to others; from editing to printing to framing. Here are a few of my favorite sites for editing and printing, followed by some suggestions for framing.

 

 

X  Photo Editing Web Sites X

à picmonkey.com

à pixler.com

à fotoflexer.com

à befunky.com

à ipiccy.com

à lunapic.com

à picasa.com

à animoto.com - for making movies with your images

X  Photo Editing Apps     X

à Snapseed

à Filterstorm

à Pixlromatic+

à PS Touch

à ReTouch HD

à Photogene

X  Photo Editing Software     X

 à Adobe LIghtroom

à Adobe Photoshop

à Adobe Elements

à Aperture - Mac

X  Printing Your Images      X

 à Mpix.com

à Meridianpro.com

à Snapfish.com

à Shutterfly.com

à Canvasondemand.com

à Yorkphoto.com

à Postal Pix - App for iOS and Android

à The Camera Center on Beaver Street, York

 

X  Tips from a Curator     X

You've spend time, effort, and money on taking a nice photo, editing it to your liking and printing it on quality paper. Here are a few things to keep in mind when presenting your finished piece.

 

à Take it to a reputable framing shop, if you have the funds.

OR

à Spend a little money on a good frame, you won’t regret it. Michaels has good sales, watch for them. Using a mat creates an nice touch, but not always necessary or needed.

à You can have your photos mounted to decrease chance of warping

à Otherwise tape your photo to the mat with two pieces of tape and only on the top of your photo. Do NOT tape your photo on all four corners as it needs to expand and contract with temperature and humidity. If you tape it on all four corners, it has a greater chance to warp and ripple.

à Clean BOTH sides of the frame glass.

à Blow out any dust that may be on the glass and on the mat before you assemble the frame.

For best results, loop and wire are the best way to hang your work. Buy picture loops and screws from Michaels or AC Moore. Measure 1/3 the way down from the top of your frame and put the loops there. Wire them with picture wire, nothing else. I demonstrated how to correctly wire your frame. Here is an example (then pull the knot tight, I left it loose for illustration purposes):

 

 

I hope you'll stop in to LWCC for the November Exhibit which is titled: Seeing Beyond the Obvious. It will feature the photos taken during the exercises and homework of September @ The Studio.

 

Grace & peace,

deAnn