Brenda Stichter, artist

Home Home . Such a huge concept! My real life takes place here, at home . The things that really matter most to me, that give me reason to go out of my home - they happen here. The depths of my character and the characters of those I love are shaped first and most at  HOME .  Bigger than the building where my family and I live, and maybe bigger than the life that happens here, is the sense of belonging that is home . That sense seems to be nurtured and formed in the family, wherever one lives. If it is lacking, the hole is very deep where home belongs. We all know that it should be there, whether it is or not.  I love that Jesus promises us HOME when we believe in HIM. HE could have promised us so many things - and HE did - but I especially love that HE promises me HIS own home . I will be there. My real life will be there and my Love, my LORD will be there. I will belong.  Oh my friend, don't miss out! That hole that just doesn't seem to ever be filled - i...

Summer Painting for the joy of color, texture, light, and expression - it's a direction I plan to pursue for a while. I believe that the reason that I paint, the concepts that I live by can still be seen, even if I don't always articulate verbally the thoughts behind each technique, color, and painting.  (I may not be able to help myself, though... I may have to give at least SOME idea of my concepts...) This summer we have had FABULOUS weather. I hope that the delight of the summer season is one of the things that can be celebrated in this little work! SOLD 6" x 6" acrylic on watercolor paper  

Beauty Today I am reflecting on the beauty that can be brought about through difficulty through the Master Artist's touch.  This painting is textured and complex, rough and smooth. Parts of the painting obscure the color behind, and the 'tears' are covered, too.  Recently I have been going through some medical situations, (mainly pain in my shoulder and neck), and yesterday I went to the doctor for a 'procedure' that scared me. Thank the LORD, all went well with my appointment.  Here is part of the beauty that GOD brought to me before the appointment... I was reading my Bible before going, and my daily reading brought me to 2 Corinthians. I was actually fairly startled at first because it seemed to be so very fitting for my situation! Let me show you a couple of the verses that struck home for me.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Amplified Bible)  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who ...

Delivered The trapped feeling of a person experiencing fear is part of the concept in this painting. Fear can enclose and isolate, and can be debilitating in some instances.  Recently I have gone through an experience of fear when I discovered that I am claustrophobic. The panicky feeling stayed with me for several days after the event that 'enlightened' me, and I noticed how I felt unable to participate in life, and even short of breath and generally fearful - just from a bout with claustrophobia .  A couple of verses from the Old Testament book of Psalms have been encouraging and have built my hope as I have passed through this surprising time of extraordinary fearfulness on my part. They reminded me that, ultimately, my life and every event I encounter are in HIS hands, and though I may pass through extreme difficulty, HE will deliver me from the fear.  Psalm 34:4 (New American Standard Bible)  I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me fr...

Abstract 015 Today promises to be OOTD... much on the agenda that I don't prefer. However, I am delighted to have had a little time in the studio this morning.  11" x 14" acrylic on panel

Double Covered Double wrapped, packed in a box inside a package, hidden in a chest inside a secret room... The idea to me is additional protection - more care than is normally taken. Extra security.  This morning I was reading in my Bible and was struck with the repeated phrase, "All things belong to you". This phrase is in reference to wisdom given by GOD to HIS children, and yet the phrasing was surprising to me. Then it was followed by the idea of me being the possession of CHRIST, and HE being the possession of the Heavenly Father.  I thought of myself being cupped in the nail-scarred hands of JESUS, and JESUS being wrapped in the almighty hands of the Heavenly Father. I am doubly secured by belonging to the omnipotent CREATOR, JESUS, and HIS Father, the Sovereign GOD Almighty. Whom shall I fear? 1 Corinthinans 3:18 - 23 (New American Standard Bible) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become fool...

Restore to Me There has been a long stretch of not much productivity on my part - at least as far as painting goes! Since I started painting regularly (just over a year ago) I have found that my days (weeks... months even...) seem dry and severely lacking when I am not painting on a daily - or almost daily - basis.  Along with that, interestingly, I have found that my closeness with my Heavenly Father seems more sparkling and delightful, deeper, more satisfying to me when I am painting. At first, although I was painting things that were inspired by HIS word and my love for HIM, I did not feel that I had learned to communicate with HIM or be aware of HIS presence in the studio. I am learning that now! To the point where I miss that kind of conversation with HIM when I don't have colorful, paint-splattered hands or clothes. :) It is joyful for me to find that HE is allowing me to use something I love to be near HIM and occasionally share HIS love with other people! The upwa...