Promise Tree

Promise Tree

 It would seem that daily prompt art challenges have come into their own in 2020. It used to be that people hadn't heard of a daily art challenge, and I participated in a bunch of them when I was first 'getting serious' about painting. Now it is not uncommon to know of someone who is producing art daily in response to prompts. It is a great way to increase skill, and to get into the habit of doing something creative every day. I keep thinking I will participate, but life and my other art pursuits keep getting in the way. 

However, I saw a group of prompts lately that make me want to try again - at least to reference them now and then. The collection is called #adventwords2020 and yesterday's prompt was the word promise. 

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3" x 4"

Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper

Ready to frame

It had been quite a while since I walked in our woods, but I went this morning. It was crisp and there is a fairly heavy frost on the ground. As I approached the woods, I told my Heavenly Father, "I love the woods, Lord. Yes, even when it is so bare and I can see clear through it. Even when I see the dead trees and when most of the plant life has disappeared." 

He reminded me at that point in our conversation that even when so much in my life appears dead, even when it seems bare and discouraging, that He is still with me. I thought He might even be reminding me that, though many things appear dead, they might be dormant, and returning to beauty in their season. 

I was also reminded of His promise - kind of in a double sense. I thought about Christmas and the coming of Jesus into the world, which was the keeping of the promise of God with us, Immanuel. Matthew 1:21 - 23 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”  Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

See, the virgin will become pregnant

and give birth to a son,

and they will name Him Immanuel,

which is translated “God is with us.”

And then also, these promises from the New Testament book of John.  John 14:1-3 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful."

So, there in the woods, I was comforted by the promise of God, and the Christmas tree is a great reminder of that for me. At least for today, this is called a Promise Tree for me.