Diane Constantine | Page 21 | sharing life lessons in words and art

Orange Bunga Raya

Diane June 26, 2021 No Comments

A few weeks ago I sketched this Hibiscus, or as Malaysians call it, Bunga Raya, in graphite. My challenge this week was to paint it in watercolor.

All the different colors and shades were so much fun to paint, I relaxed and enjoyed this process immensely. But near the end of my work, I realized it was missing something. The edges of each petal weren’t prominent enough to give the flower shape. All those pretty shades were lying flat on my paper.

We can get caught up in something, enjoying it so much, that we forget what really shapes our life. Or we may be so overworked by the ordinary activities of our life that we feel flat and bored. Either way, we may be losing our shape.

We may need new challenges to hone our skills or challenge our minds. We may need to do the mundane in a new and creative ways. Find a new recipe to try, do an errand for a friend, or read a nonfiction book instead of a novel. Let’s get out of a flat, ordinary existence and revive the shape of our lives. We will enjoy life more and those around us may just find new reasons to like being with us.

Apple Blossoms

Diane June 26, 2021 No Comments

Apple trees of different varieties must be planted nearby to be fruitful. Bees cross-pollenate these trees so both can produce fruit. A lone apple tree does not produce a crop.

Apple trees need each other and help each other to be fruitful. Like these trees, we need other people to make us fruitful and useful. They challenge, encourage, and help us in many ways.

Paul wrote to the Roman believers that he longed to see them so he could impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them, so that together they would be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. (See Romans 1:11-12)

Do you have someone in your life to encourage and strengthen you and your faith and that you encourage and strengthen in return? Paul found it vital for spiritual growth. Do you? Do we?

If you don’t have someone like this in your life, pray that God will draw you together with others to relate to. God made us social creatures and intended for us to help each other. If you already have someone like this, cultivate the friendship and don’t get distracted and neglectful.

Raccoon Kits

Diane June 26, 2021 No Comments

I love this darling picture of the raccoon kits that I found for my graphite sketching.

The white areas had to be marked first, to keep them pure. Then each evening I would use the next darker pencil. I used each pencil everywhere that shade showed in the image. Part way through, it was hard to see how this would ever express my hope for it. But over the week, it gradually became clear and these little guys showed more and more life in their little hidey hole.

This reminds me of how God works in our lives. He begins by marking off areas of our life that need to be protected from smears. He shows us where to ‘draw the lines’ so we don’t smear His image of our lives. Then little by little, He adds the touches we need to make our lives stand out as examples of His handiwork in our world. As we cooperate with Him, our lives will delight Him and all who see us.

Owl in Graphite

Diane June 17, 2021 No Comments

What better bird to sketch in graphite than a black and white owl! When I saw his photo, I knew he was the one I wanted to sketch.

It seems to me, everything about this bird focuses on those eyes. They are well made for night-time hunting being wide-set, great for distance vision. Even his neck is formed so he can turn to see almost a full circle.

This reminded me of how our God sees us. He has seen us from when we were in our mother’s womb. He sees the good, the bad, and the ugly about us. He sees all that has happened to us and all the choices we have made. Does that make you nervous? It shouldn’t because He chose you before the foundation of the world and He is watching over you.

1 Peter 3:12, ‘For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

If you would like to read more about how God sees us, please read my article, God Sees in Secret.

Believing for the Best in You

Diane June 12, 2021 No Comments

by Stormie Omartian

After all I’ve said to try and change your mind,
Are you still gonna doubt my words?
You can tell me your failures and point out your flaws – I don’t hear you.
There are two sides sides to every story,
And glory is on your side.
One hope in every dreamer,
A redeemer, and that is why:

I’m believing for the best in you,
Believing for the best in you.
You’ve got Jesus in your heart, and you love Him so.
Well that’s all I need to know – all I need to know.
I’m believing for the best in you.

You’ve been searching through the garden of your life,
For the seeds that were planted there.
When I show you the blossoms and point out the vine,
You don’t see them.
You’re looking so hard for the flower,
When the hour is still ahead.
And all that is not showing, is growing, and that is why:

The eyes of the Lord are upon you,
He sees what He made you to be.
So arise and shine, for thy Light has come,
And there’s no way to hide from me.