W is for Watercolour by Lorilee Guenter

One of my creative outlets is art. I like to work with fine detail that requires control where each stroke shows and contributes to the piece of art. Because of this I often struggle with watercolour. By its nature, watercolour resists tight control. It is fluid and easily blends into the surrounding colours and areas. With skill and care a watercolour artist can include a vast amount of detail. However, in order to do so, they must work with the characteristics of the medium instead of fighting with it. A skilled watercolour artist knows when and how to relinquish control and work in co-operative collaboration with the materials. I have heard watercolour is easy to learn and hard to master because of this.

I don't like to relinquish control. I want to know what comes next. I want to create the vision in my imagination. Interestingly, in my writing I often relinquish control and work in co-operative collaboration with the characters I am creating. Before I start a project these characters do not exist. I don't know who they are or what they like. Slowly, as I interact with them on the page, I learn what they like and dislike. I learn who they are and who they want to be. It takes time and a willingness to dream a character into being.

I also need to relinquish control in my life. I only have the illusion of control anyway. I am a character in progress in the greatest story of all time. The Author of my life knit me together [Psalm 139]. He spoke the world into being, then He took time to carefully create me and each one of the characters in this story, past and present. I need to take time to get to know my characters. God knew me from the very beginning. I can delight Him and I can disappoint Him but not surprise Him. The most amazing part of this to me is that although He can control everything, He has entered into a co-operative collaboration with us, His creation.

As I pick up my paintbrush and my pen, I am reminded that I don't have control in my art or my life. I have influence and I can impact the outcome. I am a work in progress not because God can't perfect me in an instant, but rather because He chooses to work with me. He chooses to spend time with me in relationship. The more time I spend with Him, the more I learn amazing things I never could have envisioned. When I relinquish control, God shows me Himself. It is at that point God can most easily show me the next scene because it is at that point I let Him.

Can I Capture All the Balloons? - Janis Cox

A friend once told me that she could see me with thousands of coloured balloons around my head and how in awe I wanted each one of them.

This vision my friend had is holding true again and again. There are so many things I like to do. There are so many people I want to meet. I can’t keep still because I think of another thing to do.

I am so thankful that I have learned to start each day in quiet refection, study and prayer. As I talk to Jesus and listen, I learn that it doesn’t matter what I do or try He will be with me. What a freeing thought.

It’s been twelve years since my life changed drastically with my new found faith. Having grown up knowing God, I had never turned my back on Him. But I had put Him aside and used the theory “use only when necessary”. And I had never really understood Who Jesus and the Holy Spirit were.

After much questioning, and wrangling with God Jesus revealed Himself to me.

The world came on fire. There was new meaning in my life. And then I wanted to try everything.

Writing was one of those balloons. God led me to start writing in a journal – all my thoughts, questions and answers from Him. Then a writers’ conference appeared – close by. And soon I started writing on a regular basis.

Last year I published my first book – a children’s book called Tadeo Turtle. It was totally inspired by God.

Another balloon was art. I began to paint in watercolour. I took courses, I practiced, and God inspired me.

Another balloon was prayer. Prayer became more and more important until I finally heard God say to start a blog called Under the Cover of Prayer.

So I’m having a great time. Some days I think I won’t get anything or everything accomplished.

But if I give God His time, He increases mine. (Tweet this)

How about you? What are you doing? Are you enjoying every minute of this life? Do you give God some of that time?

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters.

Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.

Trust and Press On - Janis Cox

I hate staring at a blank sheet of paper – whether for writing or painting. It is intimidating.

When I haven’t been inspired with any idea just the thought of making a mark on that paper can cause procrastination.

Today in my watercolour art class, after I had put the finishing touches on a test painting for a children’s book, I didn’t know what to do next. I felt lost.

My instructor suggested I try a four stroke painting. The idea is to only make four brush strokes on a page, with four colours. Sometimes this frees up the mind as there is no structure. So I tried it. I didn’t accomplish much of a painting but it might be of use sometime as a background for an idea.

Knowing that I had to write for Inscribe for November 3 put me in a similar position. The topic this month is writing. What could I write about writing?

Usually I write about prayer, or a devotional based on a Scripture I have read. But to write about writing – that became a blank page and I procrastinated.

Until I remembered my art teacher – who said, “just paint”. So I thought I would, “just write”.

Sometimes writing is therapy for me. Certainly when I write in my daily morning journal it clears my head – gets rid of everything on my mind – so I can concentrate on my Bible study lesson.

Other times I write because God has given me something to say. I need to put those thoughts down on paper for myself and possibly for others to be clearer in God’s Word.

And there are times when I just want to make something up – a fiction story – because I feel like it.

What I have to remember during all those times is not to stress about it. Every time I pray for inspiration – God comes through. He is the “author”, not only of my faith but of my life. I can trust in Him to help me with everything I attempt – watercolour, writing and even a new pursuit – tap dancing.

My new way of thinking is to just “do it”. Trust in Him and then press on.