Psalm 131 I am calm

This piece was completed yesterday after many days thinking about this Psalm and How it could be interpreted abstractly. It may not be everyone's interpretation, but it speaks to me. The top photo is without flash and the bottom one is with flash- which shows the iridescence.

Psalm 131

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹ My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
² But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.

³ Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

New International Version (NIV)

Our Lady of the Rapids

These icon like paintings were done in an icon style with traditional techniques but I borrowed the Renaissance concept of inserting local landscape behind the Madonna and Child.

Church Seasons Calendar

I have had two pieces of art selected to be in the 2012 Salt of the Earth Church Seasons Calendar published in Canada. I get paid for each image AND I get 5 free calendars. This is exciting!

Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 133, Community

Psalm 133

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹ How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

² It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
³ It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 124, HELP

This image is called LIGHT CREVICE and I think it fits with the images evoked by Psalm 124.

Psalm 124

New International Version (NIV)

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹ If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
² if the LORD had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
³ they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
⁴ the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
⁵ the raging waters
would have swept us away.

⁶ Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
⁷ We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
⁸ Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 127

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Psalm 127

English Standard Version (ESV)

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

¹Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
²It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.

³Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
⁴Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children^[a] of one’s youth.
⁵Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 126 JOY

The joy of redemption in this psalm for the journey foreshadows the joy of the coming of Christ into the world. This painting has the music and words to the Christmas carol "Joy to the World' incorporated into the composition.

Psalm 126

New Living Translation (NLT)

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

¹ When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,^[a]
it was like a dream!
² We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
³ Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!

⁴ Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
⁵ Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
⁶ They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 121

My strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Psalm 121

The Message (MSG)

A Pilgrim Song

^1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

^3-4 He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.

^5-6 God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.

^7-8 God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.