Beauty in Stages

The juxtaposition between beautiful, living blooms, and crumbling, spent flowers portray the finite lives we have on Earth. Living and dying happen simultaneously and beauty can be found in all stages of life. Happiness and fulfillment come from embracing the good and the bad, because ultimately all is for God’s glory, therefore beautiful.

The Journey

The large mountain in the background represents something bigger than himself, while the brick wall is the division between that and his life. The two sets of footprints symbolize that you are only remembered for as long as you are here. Lastly, the red string being the tether to his life.

The Journey

A woman walks down the street; the weight of her backpack presses down on her shoulders while she travels alone. She is framed by family members taking a leisurely walk, the wind and sun at their backs. The nature of the film invites a warmth to the photo. An image captured while trying to compose and continue forward leaves less in focus than desired, but such is the pace of life. There is joy found in the enjoyment of the riches God has provided and gratefulness for the perspective that is enjoyed through this frame that was given to me.

Wanderer

We won't be able to answer every question we have for God on this side of heaven. God's working and purposes are simply too complex to always understand the whys of all his doings. This can leave us to despair at times, and lament in our hardships and trials rather than rejoice. This is often due to the fact that, more often than not, finding purpose and meaning in our circumstances is what spurs us onwards. But when life is 'meaningless' and 'all is vanity' what is left to compel us to continue on? The writer makes it his aim to rejoice in God and obey him despite not fully understanding his purposes and the ways he determines to accomplish His ends upon the earth. Will you be like the writer or abandon your hope? This songs makes pleas to God to be magnified and glorified, even when life and our circumstances don't make sense.

Lyrics:

There's nothing new under the sun

And everything is vanity

What good's the labor of a man?

A song trapped in its melody.

We toil and spin

and wring our hands,

but nothing ever changes.

Still magnify the Lord with me

Let's praise His name together.

It's as my father sang to me

His heart full of eternity.

Please glorify Your name

In my pointless, numbered days

As I wander to my place.

Walk with Jesus

In my art piece, I drew my walk with Jesus, which began when I was a young girl at a clearing in the forest. It was a beautiful experience and I had no idea the paths that my life was about to take.

I have traveled down many roads in my life, crooked they were, and it has taken many turns.

Like in Ecclesiastes 1:15

My drawing represents the gifts we receive from God. We try as Christians, to follow the 10 Commandnents, but human we are, so stumble we will.

Always remember – Like my poem says “Bow your head and pray.”

Guiding Tides of Eternal

This Watercolor scene reflects Ecclesiastes, where temporal life meets eternity. The setting sun and sandcastle symbolize earthly impermanence, while the foraging sandpipers and playful seals represent life’s steady rhythms and companionship. The distant lighthouse and illuminated cross offer guidance, as the boat carries her beloved dog Kylie to a peaceful shore.

Fill Me With Your Peace

This song deals with circumstances that are difficult to understand – as is often the case in the book of Ecclesiastes. As one attempts to make sense of different events or situations, it’s comforting to reflect on the understanding that God is in control of all the different seasons of our lives. Also of importance is to take time to appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures that are before us each day, especially during periods of struggle. And, through it all, we consider Paul’s prayer in Romans that, as we trust in God, He fills us with all joy and peace.

Song written in the key of G, digitally recorded using a Yamaha Montage 8 keyboard, Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone and Cubase 15 PRO software.

Lyrics:

Verse 1

Lord, I’m trying to understand your purpose in this,

False accusations and family ties cut off.

Thirty trips to Reno to handle her every need,

Then in an instant she wants nothing to do with me.

The pain cuts so deep.

Ten months later, still keeping me from sleep...

Chorus

God, I know You’re in control

Of every season in my life.

Even during times of mystery.

Please help me to accept

All things you place in front of me.

As I surrender and trust in You,

Fill me with Your peace.

Verse 2

Lord, what about my good friend;

A member of Your church.

Goes to the doctor walks away feeling worse.

Finds out he has cancer; the future is unknown.

Seems unfair, so overwhelming.

Don’t let him walk through this alone.

The news cuts so deep.

Encourage him now, to trust in You and sing...

Chorus

God, I know You’re in control

Of every season in my life.

Even during times of mystery.

Please help me to accept

All things you place in front of me.

As I surrender and trust in You,

Fill me with Your peace.

Bridge

Take a look around and enjoy the simple things.

Knowing in your heart, that they’re all a gift from God.

Every breath, every meal, the sunshine on your face.

Your family, your friendships, all evidence of His grace.

Chorus

O God, I know You’re in control

Of every season in my life.

Even during times of mystery.

Please help me to accept

All things you place in front of me...

Yes God, I know You’re in control

Of every season in my life.

Even during times of mystery.

Please help me to accept

All things you place in front of me.

As I surrender and trust in You,

Fill me with Your peace.

Lord, I surrender and trust in You,

Fill me with Your peace.

Follow

In regards to the theme Ecclesiastes, the overall purpose of the artwork is to represent the main lesson of the book, which is to fear the Lord and follow his word. The shepherd and the sheep are meant to symbolize this main lesson, with the composition pointing directly at the shepherd. The ruins that surround them symbolizes vanity and how worldly glory doesn’t last forever. Overall, the simplified painted details of the artwork is meant to convey a storybook like quality, and connect itself to Ecclesiastes.

A Time to Live

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

The focus of this piece is how Jesus, the Tree of Life, works with purpose through a man’s life. Through times of joy and hardship, Jesus softens a man’s heart, gives him wisdom and understanding, and opens his eyes to see His light. When Jesus calls out to a man, He breaks the bond that keeps the man from hearing His voice and following His Way. This painting reflects a man’s life at the very end when he finally hears and answers Jesus’ call to salvation.

The Creator’s Handiwork

Ecclesiastes 1:4-5 contrasts the brevity of human life with the steady, enduring rhythms of creation. Set against the Grand Canyon, the meaning becomes both visible and deeply spiritual:

Human Transience: The canyon has watched civilizations rise and fall. Against its ancient history, human life appears brief, a moment within a far greater timeline.

The Enduring Earth: Its layered rock gives physical form to the words “the earth remains forever,” presenting creation as lasting, steady, and vast.

Creation’s Rhythm: Sunrise and sunset over the canyon echo verse 5, reminding readers of an ordered creation that continues beyond daily worries.