Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 122

In the Old Testament Psalms 120- 134 are called the "Psalms of Ascent,". These psalms were sung when the Israelites came to Jerusalem three times a year and ascended to the top of Mount Zion. These psalms are symbolic of the spiritual journey of Christians through their lives as people on a journey and the struggles in a life of faith. This piece was also inspired by this video.

Psalm 122 A Psalm of Ascent (God's Word Translation)

1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let's go to the house of the LORD." 2 Our feet are standing inside your gates, Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built to be a city where the people are united. 4 All of the LORD's tribes go to that city because it is a law in Israel to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 The court of justice sits there. It consists of [princes who are] David's descendants. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you prosper. 7 May there be peace inside your walls and prosperity in your palaces." 8 For the sake of my relatives and friends, let me say, "May it go well for you!" 9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is good for you.

Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 129 and 130

Psalm 129 (A song for the ascent to Jerusalem.)
From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me -- let Israel now say -- 2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off. 3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows. 4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me. 5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat. 6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown, 7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder. 8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."

Psalm 130 (A song for the ascent to Jerusalem.)
¹ Lord, I cry out to you
because I'm suffering so deeply.
² Lord, listen to me.
Pay attention to my cry for your favor.
³ Lord, suppose you kept a record of sins.
Lord, who then wouldn't be found guilty?
⁴ But you forgive.
So people have respect for you.
⁵ With all my heart I wait for the Lord to help me.
I put my hope in his word.
⁶ I wait for the Lord to help me.
I wait with more longing than those on guard duty wait for the morning.
I'll say it again.
I wait with more longing than those on guard duty wait for the morning.
⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
because the Lord's love never fails.
He sets his people completely free.
⁸ He himself will set Israel
free from all of their sins.

My new favorite video!

The Steel Wheels are my new favorite music group and this is my favorite song of theirs.

There Ain't Nothin You Have Got that You Can't Lose

RURAL ROUTE 2 + 3

Both 18" x 36"

ALLEGAN FIELDS 2 + 3

New in the aerial series. The top one is #2 and it's 30" x 40", #3 is 28"x 36"