Since childhood, I’ve always found satisfaction in creating useful things: pencil holders, cutting boards, and Texas-shaped clocks to name a few. It was during my teen years when I picked up some pencils and set my mind to render some drawings. One of those drawings was of something I absolutely enjoyed—basketball. What I discovered in that particular drawing was a new level of fulfillment.
Throughout college, my desire towards sports art developed and it became a lot of fun portraying athletes whom I admired. I was even able to meet one of those athletes and acquired his signature directly on my artwork. Hoping to make a career of sports art, I spent several years toward that goal. My dream was simple; do excellent work, portray professional athletes, and sell art reproductions. Then, something wonderful occurred. I met the girl of my dreams!
As we approached our wedding, my fiancée (now wife) delegated to me the responsibility of choosing all our music. I ran with the duty and chose a variety of selections for the entire event. I remember sharing with her the song to honor and thank our parents with. I sang it over the phone, she granted her approval, and suggested I go ahead and sing it. I did! Being my first attempt ever to sing a solo, I was a little nervous, but it helped that my two (very soon to be) brother-in-laws stood beside and joined me on the refrain.
Choosing an opportunity for supporting our newly founded home, I returned to my family’s counter top business. As God began blessing us with children, the demands of providing for our home left little to no room for art. On the weekends, however, I did make time for singing solos in our church. One opportunity led to another and soon, singing became my primary outlet for artistic expression. While the world of visual art became very distant, singing drew closer. It was during this time (eight years) when the passion to sing grew stronger than anything I’d ever experienced before.
God makes no mistakes. Amidst the daily grind, it dawned on me to combine the two arts into some sort of ministry. I shared the idea with my wife, parents and pastor and we began praying for God to guide our steps. He did! Our gracious, Heavenly Father even placed a theme in my heart that poetically linked my name to a life mission—_Reflections of the Son_ was born.
When my time in the counter top field began winding down, God saw fit to grant me an incredible confirmation. I was offered a commission from Christian recording artist Steve Green. His desire was to have a painting that illustrated the song The Refiner’s Fire. I know this commission was orchestrated by God. It was this opportunity that did much to help me focus on Christ. As added blessing, God granted a motivation for art that I never knew. Bless the Lord for He is the source and focus of all beauty, strength, and truth.
We are grateful for the Lord’s continuous guidance, as more paintings are being rendered and turned into fine art reproductions. Additionally, the Lord is providing more opportunity for Art ‘n Song ministry. I’m also looking into the recording process. Maybe in the coming year, we will have that opportunity.
Amidst all the ambition and vision, I keep returning to a favorite childhood Bible verse. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 Knowing Him is the greatest source of strength; knowing Him is the ultimate and most fulfilling experience ever.
Comments
Thank you for participating, Patti. To have a part in His Kingdom is the greatest privilege ever!
Oh My, This is supposed to be a comment and not a book but today I believe I could write an article! This year past, has been horrid! Divorce, Dad's death, Mom's cancer, financial ruin. Yet HE has been faithful. Last night I had an incredible healing encounter with the Christ Child once again, that child, My Abba, My Savior, My Lord, My King, ultimatley my Redeemer. Such a sweet time with HIM as HE spoke to me last night. I was listening to Pandora, hearing Steve Green and wondered what he was up to these days. I googled him, read his blog, so unbeliveable for the day. Speaking confirmation to me. One of my prayers in 2010 the hardest years of my life was that HE would be the Rifiners Fire for me. The HE would reveal himself to me in ways that I never thought possible. I had no clue it meant that an old sin would be revealed, I'm talking about a sin that happened 19 years ago. Repented of but hidden. He brought it to light, setting in motion what I did not want, ultimatley divorce. Yet realizing that HE was hearing my prayer. Had not my sin of now 20 years ago I by my shear tenacity would not have divorced, no matter, I had endured much holding on to my "marriage". This came out and she said she was once again wanting a divorce. The REFINER at work. I have been asking God to take me back to an incredible closeness that I felt in February - August of 2009. Last night HE pulled me close…Today looking at Steve's page, saw your picture....…tears, flooding my face like yesterday..…I recognized HIS timing! Dad died last February, I so miss him, when I was 12, 13, and 14 years old Daddy and I belonged to a blacksmith guild in Buckhead in Atlanta. This picture..…so many unbelievable memories for me, my Abba now still hammering away on me. One day I will buy this print, I being artistic myself and a designer know exactly where this print will go. Is the sweepstakes still open? It will be a while but this is a must have for me.…the symbol being an answered prayer, good memories of my Daddy, good memories of Steve Green who I appreciate so much, singing many of his songs. THE REFINER'S FIRE MY SOUL'S DESIRE!!!!!!! Gaston
Gaston, in every way, Jesus IS our Savior and Redeemer for sure!
thank you for sharing your gifts for the Kingdom! This is only the second time I have commented on a journal - and the first was just now to Steve Green's where I saw this link and entered the Sweepstakes.