How many of you have agreed to do something and never fulfilled that agreement? Do you realize that is a covenant? It is realized that at times it cannot be fulfilled but if that is the case then why promise in the first place? If you promise something you know you cannot fulfill, it is deceit. You have broken your promise before you have begun. Is God deceitful? Has He gone back on any promises He has made to us? NO? He even sacrificed his own son to keep his promises to us. Still think it does not matter? Then the sacrifice of Jesus was a lie and we do not matter to God. We are the walking dead that Hollywood loves to portray in horror films. I know better. Christ, the Holy Spirit and God are not only real they are present to any and all who would believe in them. The covenant is real and for you and I.
1346 covenants, nature of
A solemn agreement or promise, sometimes confirmed by sacrifice or by sharing in a meal, by which two or more parties commit themselves to the rights and responsibilities demanded by their relationship and their agreed course of action, and accept the serious consequences of breaking faith.
Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.
I will do a bit more on this subject on the next post. It does apply to this post. We were still stopping to visit with Jill's mother's friends at her apartment complex before she passed away. I was was doing puzzles with them and sharing some of my work. One of the ladies had recently lost her husband. He did acrylic paintings by the number. He was exceptional at it and I admired his beautiful work. She approached me during a visit and after I shared some of what I was doing and she handed me a kit that her husband never got to do. She said I could have it if I promised to do it sometime in the future. I was stunned because I knew these were not for beginners. I said OK very reluctantly but I did agree. To me as a Christian that was a promise. A covenant. It will be a few days before I can start on this project but I wanted to show you this kit. Here it is in all of its complexity.
This one is intimidating. Getting this fine a detail is hard with Copics but using a paint brush? I need to pray before starting this one. No, not LOL. Seriously. I will be giving a partial post as I finish some of this image. As I said I am on a project right now so whenever I must stop I will work on this image. Until then, LOVE THE DETAILS.
Jim, firstly thank you so much for your condolences and for keeping us all in prayer. It really does mean so much to us. Secondly, I know you'll do a great job with this project. You're in my prayers too. God bless.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Em x
Creative Em
Wow, that is an awesome task, sure that you will be up to it also. I did paint by numbers when I was very young, many, many moons ago, lol. I had no idea they could be this detailed, I have not looked at one in years! This is sure to be a huge undertaking but with the reward of knowing you kept your promise. Have fun with it. ~Diane
ReplyDeleteSuch a special gesture you were honoured with. So looking forward to seeing your progress on this beautiful scene and fulfilling your promise.
ReplyDeleteHugs DesÃre {Doing Life}
This looks like a big task, can't wait to see the finished product.
ReplyDeleteI used to paint by numbers when I was a young girl Jim ..seeing those little pots of paint brought back such lovely memories cant wait to see this finished ..huggles Sue x
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine you will stay inside the lines
ReplyDeleteAt least I hope not..........Lis
Great project for your future coming days...I have seeing these and I was wondering if my husband would like to do it too...he is more of a "tech" person but maybe he would like it, let me know when you finish if you liked it!
ReplyDeletehugs bibiana
Wow - I can't wait to see the finished product - I know you will do it justice. How special. You are an amazing person Jim - you and Jill have the most wonderful hearts and are a perfect match. Hugz to you both!
ReplyDeleteHi jim I can't wait to see the finished result lovely words as usual and very kind of you to keep your promise :)
ReplyDeleteVic x
Hi Jim this is such a kind thing to agree to and it looks very complicated but I look forward with very positive thoughts that it will be wonderful Love and Happy painting Hugs Carole x
ReplyDeleteMaxine from http://kiwimeskreations.blogspot.com kindly left a comment and I accidentally deleted it. I apologize and would like to reenter it for her here. Thank you Maxine for your kind comment and suggestion.
ReplyDelete" Jim I am sure you will do this kit justice - I see there are 18 pots of colour, and no doubt other blended colours too. My suggestion is that you use a very fine brush. Looking forward to the updates
Blessings
Maxine "
I have no doubt Jim that this debut will soon be filled with color and majestic love put into it as you have the talent, the heart and the soul to do it justice :) What a beautiful post. I was just talking to my daughter the other day about a similar topic (we were discussing Leviticus) - it's so complex yet really simple at the same time to just follow THE given word and follow your word given. Best of luck with this painting and I'm awaiting the final results whenever you post them!
ReplyDeleteBlessings ♥
What a great post today. I fully believe in keeping a promise. Sometimes, you make a promise to do something, then wish you hadn't, but know you must. It's a wonderful lesson.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to seeing this finished but know it will be a while. I'll be patient.
Oh heck Jim - this is a project and a half - in fact I took me glasses off and gave them a polish! I am totally confident that you are going to do a spectacular job with this so I am sending you lots of luck! Can't wait to see the updates.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and a purr from Blossom
Sue Pxxx
As usual, a very thought provoking beginning (yes, Marriage too, is a special covenant!). God doesn't lie...EVER! What a sacrifice He made for this wicked earth to save us...makes me think lots of times, does He ever look at us and wonder "Was it worth My Son?". This is going to be a labor of love on this picture. We had a friend who did this same hobby, when he retired and couldn't do a lot of other things. He also painted old hubcaps, one of which we were fortunate to receive. Our DD has one of his paintings. I would simply never have the courage to even contemplate starting this one, but I know you're going to do it justice. It will take time, I expect! But well worth it as you will always have it to remember this fine family when you see it all done, framed and hanging somewhere in your home. Have a great day! TFS
ReplyDeleteTeehee, was reading some of the earlier comments and read the one about deleting Maxine's post by accident. Good to know I'm not the only one who does that if I'm hurrying!!! I like the way you handled it! Cheers
ReplyDeleteYikes! I give up! You can take this one Jim. I know YOU will do a fabulous job because you do fabulous work! Can't wait for you to complete! Thank you for stopping by my blog. It was a crazy week of house guests, vacation bible school and non-stop challenges at Splitcoaststampers. I have you and Jill are enjoying the summer.
ReplyDeleteJim I just love reading your posts! You have such insight in to the practical living out of life in Christ! I couldn't agree with you more about a covenant! My hubby and I will celebrate our 43rd year of a very special covenant we took many years ago! You will do an amazing job painting this scene! I know you will... and you are motivated by the promise given! I can't wait to see it finished! I used to love doing these but always found myself wanting to take liberties with blending colors and placement of lines! LOL! I bought one for my granddaughter. She worked on it for a while, then put it down and never wanted anything to do with it again. LOL! Takes patience and a steady hand! I know you have that!!!
ReplyDeletehi Jim, it is nice to meet you...I too luv the details! I also like that you put our Lord and Savior first! I cannot wait to see the finished product, I know it will be amazing, it is based on a covenant and so it has more meaning! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletesparkle & shine *~*
What a blessing this morning to read your post. I praise God that you hare His truths openly. We need to support one another as Christians, and join together in prayer for those being persecuted for the sake of Christ Jesus. Thanks so much for sharing your faith. Any time you have art projects, I'd LOVE to have you link them up with us at Word Art Wednesday, a Christian challenge blog I run. We'd greatly enjoy your fellowship. Have a blessed day, and check us out sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteKaren
www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com - my personal blog
www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com - my challenge blog
Oh, my goodness, Jim, what an enormous and exciting undertaking! I have no doubt that you can do this and do him proud in doing it!! I can't wait to see it progress. When I was a kid 12-14, I did paint-by-number nonstop. Gosh, seeing that closeup of the canvas board and those tiny little pots just made me sigh. Of course, they were nothing like this ... in fact, I've never even seen one like this. Like I said, so exciting! If it starts to intimidate you (which it shouldn't), just remember this: she would never have entrusted you with it if she didn't think you were up to the task! HAVE FUN!! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteThis will be a great challenge, and will surely look wonderful when it is finished - enjoy the journey! Valerie
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a long-term project, and it will be fun watching the painting unfold once you begin. My dad did those paint-by-numbers all his life too, and they're beautiful! Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteWow - Amen to that!! Love what you wrote about Covenant. Derek Prince wrote about it in his book called Marriage - a Covenant in which he handles all the Covenants God made and shall and has kept! Good luck with your commitment to the work of art you will be completing!
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about Covenant. I can't wait to see this project, I'm sure it will turn out beautiful. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHello Irish,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post! That is some project!! But I know you will do it well! My mantra these days is baby steps....you can only do one thing at a time. Right now my focus is on exterior painting and repairs and I am about 2/3's of the way done and school starts Sept. 3rd! Hoping to finish by then but the rain is visiting Seattle this week slowing progress!! Missing my crafty time but enjoy seeing what you and Jill and others are up to! :)
Oh my goodness! I'd have to get stronger reader glasses in order to do that. You can do it! Can't wait to see the finished results!
ReplyDeleteWow--what a beautiful picture! I admire your willingness to take on something new & I know you'll be successful, Jim!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be absolutely beautiful..........this will keep you busy for some time...........
ReplyDeletehugs
Sue
Jim, I cannot imagine a person more suited for creating this beautiful painting than you! You will honour the covenant you made; you will bring this image to life. You were given this 'gift' because you have a 'gift.' Please share you progress as you embark on this journey...
ReplyDelete~c
I did a bible study about the covenants in the bible- quite an amazing topic for sure. This is a gorgeous picture and I cannot wait to see your version of it. Hope you will post pictures as you work on it...!
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