I Cannot Tell

Today is a day of triple celebration! There are three significant reasons for me to celebrate today, and even more if you count the video call from my son, the Snapchats from my daughter, the texts from my mother, and the gifts from my Beloved Husband (and a surprise announcement that I learned yesterday, which I will share at the end of this blog post) ... yes, a good, good day today. 

11" x 14"
Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper

Ready to frame

Contact me to purchase. 

First, today is the first day of Lent. I am aware that for many, that requires solemnity and fasting, and I love the way that these things highlight the coming celebration on Easter. (Like in painting, the brights are brighter when they are juxtaposed with the darks...) For me, I just love the fact that the Lenten season brings me even greater focus on spiritual realities. 

Second, it is Valentine's Day, which is a day when I celebrate my family! Again, I know that not everyone has these blessings like I do. I sure wish they did! I loved celebrating with my kids and Beloved Husband already today. 

And third, it is the birthday of my friend Emma Lou! She has been such a bright spot in my life since I have gotten to know her, and tonight my Beloved Husband and I get to take her out for dinner to celebrate her birthday with her. 

The hymn that came to my mind for my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge theme is one of wonder and celebration for the amazing gift of Jesus Christ to humanity - to me! The hymn I Cannot Tell is sung to the tune Londonderry Air and I am especially overwhelmed with the lyrics and swelling melody in the second half of the song. Usually when I try to sing this hymn, I find myself choked up at that point. (I am getting goosebumps just listening to the music and typing the lyrics.)

I Cannot Tell
I cannot tell why He, the King of Heaven,
Should leave the peace of all eternity,
Why God Himself should lay aside His splendor
To leave the Father's side and come to me.
But this I know: our silence filled with singing,
And all our darkness fled from heaven's light
When Christ the Lord, so human, yet so holy,
In love was born a child for me that holy night!

I cannot tell why He, the Joy of Heaven,
Should give Himself to suffer for my sin,
Why Holy God should love me in my shamefulness,
Why He should die to draw my soul to Him.
But this I know: that Christ the Lord is risen,
And praise His name, He's risen now in me!
Because He lives, I'll rise to life eternal!
He took my guilty heart, and I'm forever free!

I cannot tell when He will rule the nations,
How He will claim His loved ones as His own;
And who can tell the holy jubilation
When all His children gather 'round His throne.
But this I know: all flesh will see His glory,
And skies will burst as all creation sings.
The Son will rise on one eternal morning
When Christ, the Savior of the world, is Lord and King!

Words by Ken Bible, inspired by William Y. Fullerton, Music: Traditional Irish Melody, © 1996 by LNWhymns.com. CCLI Song #2120519.

Roses

Are you ready for my exciting news? (Well, exciting to me anyway...) I learned that I have won third place in a painting competition! Woot! It is called the 92 County Art Show and is held in the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana. I saw many of the paintings that were entered, and there were lots of beautiful works of art there. This is the painting that won. Woo-hoo!