Soaring High Like Eagles

By Hazel Holland

As I painted this impressionistic watercolor of birds flying high above the clouds I was reminded of the following verse of Scripture:

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint" Isaiah 40:31

These impressionistic birds that are soaring high above the clouds remind me of how eagles are  the only birds that fly directly into a thunderstorm.  Other birds fly away seeking refuge and shelter in the safety of a barn or their nest.  But not so with eagles.  They fly directly into the thunderclouds where the updrafts from the turbulent winds cause them to soar to great heights, leaving behind the distractions and harassment of the storm.

In a similar way, when the storms of life come upon us, we can rise above them, too.  As we wait upon the Lord, and seek His will, the Spirit of God will carry us above the storms so that they do not distract us or overcome us.  By the power of the Spirit, God will enable us to ride the winds of the storms that bring disappointment and adversity in our lives.  Like eagles, we may soar to greater heights... far above the distractions and harassment of the storms of life... by the power of the Spirit.♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Angels From the Realms of Glory

By Hazel Holland

Although this impressionistic watercolor was originally part of a larger painting... "He's Coming With Clouds", the other day when I looked at it I was reminded of the words of an English Christmas carol... "Angels From the Realms of Glory" by James Montgomery, published in his Sheffield newspaper, the Iris, Christmas Eve, 1816.

"Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story
Now proclaim Messiah's birth..."

I think this art print would make a lovely Christmas card... perhaps even having this first verse of this Christmas carol printed inside of it.♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

He's Coming With Clouds

By Hazel Holland

 This is the first impressionistic watercolor I painted in the Spirit from a vision that I received back in 1995 while worshiping at a Cleansing Streams Weekend Retreat.  I share it now because it was given to me from the Father's heart for the healing of His people...

However, I never painted it until I was compelled by the Spirit to paint it the day of my step-mom's funeral...  My step-mom had died from a stroke, followed by a heart attack while eating a Thanksgiving meal at the nursing home the day before Thanksgiving 2007.

You can imagine the shock and grief in the timing of our unexpected loss... and  I had no idea how I would paint something that I had seen in a vision 12 years earlier!  But I wanted to bring hope and comfort to my family so I picked up the paintbrush and began to paint this picture.

Amazingly, I found myself remembering the details of the vision.  It seemed like I was back in it and the angels were easier to paint than I had imagined, because I wasn't trying to copy something, but painting from my heart.

As I shared this painting and made copies of it for my family it seemed to help ease our grief.  As we remembered the following Scripture it seemed like God was wiping away our tears as we sat in His healing presence...

"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" (1Thess. 4:16).♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Winter Comes Softly

By Hazel Holland

This is a different variation of the original watercolor painting, "Winter Wonderland" that I painted a few years ago.  I recently created this painting in order to portray the feeling of how soft and gentle the snow can seem on a cold winter days in the mountains. 

I think this art print would make a great Christmas greeting card, too.♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Blue Beauty

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor of a butterfly using wet colored artist's tissue paper, water soluble wax crayons and watercolor pencils.  The palette of colors came from my imagination as I saw this beautiful butterfly begin to emerge.  

To me the butterfly is one of God's special little winged creatures because it goes through such a difficult process before it can spread it wings and fly and become all that God designed it to be... a Blue Beauty for us all to enjoy.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Stormy Seas

By Hazel Holland

This is an impressionistic/abstract that I created using soft pastels as I remembered how we all go through storms in our lives of one kind or another...

When it seems like the storm will never end, and you feel weak and helpless and full of fear, remember how Jesus came walking on the water... stepping through the whitecaps towards the terrified disciples as if the angry waves were mere asphalt?  Can you hear His welcome voice as it thundered with power and authority in the midst of that storm?

"It is I... don't be afraid!

Just as He calmed the sea that stormy night long ago and brought the disciples safely to the shore, so He comes striding across the turbulent sea of your life.  With a voice more powerful than any wind of adversity, He says to you right now:

"I AM with you!  Don't be afraid!  Let Me step into the restless sea of your anxious thoughts and emotions and quiet your spirit with My love.  Let Me hold you as I sing over you. Let Me lead you as we dance over the whitecaps on this turbulent sea of life together.  Let Me bring you safely to shore." ♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Together Forever

By Hazel Holland
 

I created this impressionistic piece of artwork from a larger watercolor painting of mine that I did earlier.  I altered one of the shamrock-shaped flowers and changed the color, texture, and background of the painting to create this striking image.

While I was creating this "shamrock" I found myself sensing that God wanted to speak to our hearts through this beautiful imagery.  The three hearts joined together as one is a symbol of the trinity...Father, Son, and Spirit who created us in His image... body soul and spirit.  He created us and knit our hearts together in love so that we might be one with Him... and with one another... our hearts knit together forever in love.♥


To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

A Beautiful Exchange

By Hazel Holland

This is a variation of a pastel of mine that I did a few years ago where I've altered the colors in order to give this new painting a beautiful, warm and rosy glow. 

As I look at it now I'm reminded that Jesus continues to give us beauty for the ashes in our lives today.  He gives us sight when we are spiritually blind, and brings us freedom when we are oppressed by guilt. 

He reminds us that the basis of our acceptance with Him will always be His finished work that took place outside of us on the cross.  May your heart experience this beautiful exchange today.♥

To see a larger copy of this art work click here.

Sunset in the Mountains

By Hazel Holland

This is an impressionistic watercolor that I created from a larger watercolor painting of mine because I wanted to focus on the beauty of the setting sun and the stunning colors it creates in the sky before it goes down behind the mountains and evergreen trees.

I hope this painting will bring back many priceless memories of gorgeous sunsets that you've witnessed over the years.  I also hope it will remind you of the love that is in the heart of the One who is the Creator of such fiery beauty.♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Light Dispels Darkness

By Hazel Holland

I felt led today to create this impressionistic watercolor for the express purpose of sharing a visual image of how light dispels darkness.  The beautiful faces of these irises only seem to glow and shine brighter because of the darkness behind them.  It's the same way in the spiritual realm.

Jesus told us that we would experience trials and tribulations of many kinds, and that His kingdom of Light would co-exist with the kingdom of darkness, but the darkness would not overcome it.  Instead, His kingdom of love would spread to the uttermost parts of the earth... in spite of the many stumbling blocks that would seek to overthrow and destroy it.

So even when darkness at times appears inside the church as well-meaning Christians seek affirmation for the righteousness of their own ways instead of His way, our lives must continue to be a testimony of God's grace and forgiveness as we remember that light will ultimately dispel all darkness.  The aroma of grace will always overcome the darkness around it because darkness cannot remain in the presence of Light.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Growing Together in Love

By Hazel Holland
 

I painted this impressionistic watercolor to remind myself of how close together flowers sometimes grow in many English gardens.  They often seem to be planted in such close proximity to one another that they present themselves as a beautiful bouquet to be admired and enjoyed by all who pass by.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if more people could live and grow together in love and peace and harmony like beautiful flowers in an English garden.  Yes, we are all beautiful flowers in God's garden that have been planted for the display of His splendor!♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Basking in the Light

By Hazel Holland
 

As I painted these impressionistic flowers I wanted their beauty to be seen as they basked in the sunlight.  It's kind of the same with us you know... Only as we bask in the Son-light is the beauty inside of us revealed by His presence.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

The Promised One 2

By Hazel Holland

This is a variation of the impressionistic watercolor that I painted a few weeks before Christmas 2007.  With Christmas just around the corner, I thought that this painting would make a nice print for a Christmas card.  

Yes, the Promised One came to this earth as a tiny baby over two thousand years ago.  "And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

He fulfilled the work God gave Him to do when He died on the cross for your sins.  Then He sent the Holy Spirit to be with you and in you forever so that you could come to know Him personally, and share His amazing love and grace with others.

If you are interested in purchasing this Christmas card you may click here to see the price of individual cards or cards that come in packs of 10 or 25.  I pray that its message of hope will bring encouragement and assurance to your heart today as you look to Jesus who is your Peace.♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

The Promised One

By Hazel Holland

Originally I painted this impressionistic watercolor a few weeks before Christmas 2007 and made Christmas card prints of it to give to friends. With Christmas just around the corner, I thought that this card would make a nice gift for a friend.  

If you are interested you may click here to see the price of individual cards or cards that come in packs of 10 or 25.  I pray that its message of hope will bring encouragement and assurance to your heart today as you look to Jesus who is your Peace. 

Yes, the Promised One came to this earth as a tiny baby over two thousand years ago.  "And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

He fulfilled the work God gave Him to do when He died on the cross for your sins.  Then He sent the Holy Spirit to be with you and in you forever so that you could come to know Him personally, and share His amazing love and grace with others.♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Feeling Blue

By Hazel Holland

I took the watercolor "Life Beyond the Shadows" and altered it to create "Feeling Blue".  This abstract watercolor depicts the many varied feelings I experience at times when I'm feeling blue.  I'm sure you also  have a similar range of feelings that go from the lightest to the darkest blues, and perhaps even black at times... 

But interwoven in these shades of blue are lighter shades of purple and pink, because I'm never without hope even in the darkest moments of my life.  The shades of pink remind me that when I'm having a hard time and feeling down, God is always with me. I'm never without hope even when the blues turn to the darkest black because I know the One who is my Hope.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork, please click here.

Removing the Veil

By Hazel Holland

This impressionistic watercolor speaks of removing the veil that is still over many of our eyes.  Although the shadows of old covenant images were replaced by the glory of new covenant promises when Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, many of us still continue to set up camp under the old order of things. Although the cloud has moved on our eyes remain veiled... 

Understanding the meaning and significance of Jesus' death for us where His body (the veil) was rent in two brings us great freedom in the Spirit.  Now we have immediate entrance into the very presence of God because Jesus has given us access through His most precious blood.  

There's no veil between us anymore because the Sacrifice has already been made.  The old covenant shadows have been replaced by the new covenant reality of His life-giving Spirit.♥

Life Beyond the Shadows

By Hazel Holland

Originally this impressionistic watercolor was called "A Broken Heart".  It focused on how Jesus was willing to taste death for each one of us so that our hearts may be healed. Then I altered it to create another version of the painting because I wanted to encourage those who were going through the loss of a loved one.

  

Beyond the shadows of the grave there's a new Day dawning where all the sorrows and cares of this life will flee away... for they will be swallowed up in victory... the victory that is ours in Jesus Christ!  

A new Day and a new Creation is coming where heartache will cease and there will be joy unspeakable as we live forevermore in the presence of the One who created us to to be with Him for all eternity.♥

A Broken Heart

By Hazel Holland

 

While I was painting this impressionistic watercolor I was reminded that when the Roman soldier thrust the spear into Jesus' side, blood and water poured forth... 

It's evident to me that when Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, He died of a broken heart.  Praise God that He was willing to taste death for each one of us so that our hearts may be healed.♥

Red Glow at Sunset

By Hazel Holland

This impressionistic watercolor was done with water soluble wax crayons and wet colored tissue paper, and then I altered it to create this stained glass effect.

The silhouette of this beautiful butterfly framed against the background of the setting sun reminds me that God shares His palette of awesome colors with us... His new creation.  He paints His words of love on our hearts... words so rich in meaning and purpose they become etched into our memories forever.♥

In Your Dreams

By Hazel Holland

This butterfly was done mainly with water soluble wax crayons and wet colored tissue paper to create this stained glass effect.  I think this bold and colorful image would make a great blank greeting card or perhaps a colorful picture for a little girl's room.

I named it "In Your Dreams" because I felt that the boldness of the butterfly colors is not something you would see in real life... but rather in a dream.  However, the vibrant colors speak of the transformation that God wants to bring about in each one of us as we choose to spread our wings and fly like He designed for us to fly.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

A Wave of Glory

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor as I remembered what it felt like in the Spirit to be bathed in a wave of God's glory.  It's like being immersed in an ocean of His unconditional love and forgiveness where the aroma of His grace completely covers you.  It's the place where He can see into your heart and you want to live in His heart forever.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Living Life in the Spirit

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor a number of years ago right after my step-mom died, because the Lord brought back a scene he had shown me in the Spirit years before.  Knowing that God identifies with our feelings of sorrow and brokenness brought me great comfort. 

I've discovered that living life in the Spirit is the only way to live a life full of meaning and purpose.  For as the Spirit gives us life, we become conduits of God's resurrection power in our lives so that others are drawn to the Father's heart of grace and love for them, too.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Desert Splendor

By Hazel Holland
  

I painted this impressionistic watercolor as I remembered how beautiful sunsets can be in the desert in the springtime, especially after its rained.  Pools of water suddenly cover the once parched ground.  Desert streams begin to flow offering spring flowers a much needed drink.  Everything seems brighter and more beautiful.  Life springs forth in the desert after it's washed by rain.  But the final touch is the splendor of a desert sunset painted by the Master Artist Himself.♥

If you  would like to see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Waves of His Love

By Hazel Holland

When I first painted this abstract watercolor it was twice as large and called "The Depths of His Love".  Then I decided to crop it and alter it because I wanted to do a close up of the waves.

Have you ever experienced what seemed like waves of His love rolling over you and sweeping you into your Father's arms?  Even if you haven't, you can know that He always holds you close to His heart.♥

If you would like to see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

The Living Desert

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor as I remembered how glorious sunsets can be in the desert after it has rained.  Pools of cool water suddenly cover the once parched ground.  Desert streams flow amongst the spring flowers offering them a much needed drink.  Everything seems brighter and more beautiful.  Life springs forth in the desert after it is washed by rain.

So do the desert places in my life.  The dry and parched ground of my heart becomes softened.  What once seemed dead becomes alive.  New life springs forth as I drink daily from this Oasis in the desert... this Living Water that will never run dry. ♥

If you would like to see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

I AM Will Calm Your Sea

By Hazel Holland

After writing the following word from God's heart one morning I was inspired to paint this watercolor later that same day as I thought about a young friend of mine who was going through a difficult time in her life...

When the situation looked the most impossible to the disciples, that's when Jesus came walking on the water...stepping through the whitecaps towards them as if the angry sea were mere asphalt. Can you hear His welcome voice as it thundered with power and authority in the midst of that storm?

"It is I... don't be afraid!

Just as Jesus, the great "I AM" calmed the sea that stormy night and brought the disciples safely to the shore, so He comes striding across the turbulent sea of your life.  With a voice more powerful than any wind of adversity, He says to you right now:

"I am Yahweh!  Don't be afraid!  I AM with you!  I will calm the sea of your troubled heart.  I will go deeper than the deepest ocean and heal the source of your fear and pain."

"I AM the Word by whom all things were made, and My Word will not return to Me void.  It will accomplish that which I have purposed in My heart for you, My beloved!"

"Two thousand years ago I would not let the crowds make Me a King, but today I will let you make Me King of your heart.  Let Me step into the restless sea of your anxious thoughts and emotions and quiet your spirit with My love."

"Let Me hold you as I sing over you. Let Me lead you as we dance over the whitecaps on this turbulent sea of life together. Let Me bring you safely to shore on the other side..." ♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Life Without Filters

By Hazel Holland

I painted this watercolor about five years ago after I received a vision one night while praying for a friend of mine just before we attended a Cleansing Streams Weekend Retreat.  After sharing with her what I had seen, she confirmed that the visual portrayal of her in a fish tank clinging to the air filter was exactly how she felt at times as a worship leader within the church. She felt restricted and controlled by man-made rules while at the same time struggling to let go of her own need to be in control of everything.

Often she felt like she would die at times if she didn’t get some fresh air soon. She wanted to receive the gift of the Spirit, but was afraid that God might send her a “stone” instead of “Living Bread”. Consequently, she found herself resisting the work of the Spirit by telling God how to do His job. Finally, the wall of fear that she had erected collapsed, and she was freed to venture beyond the confining walls of the “fish tank” and discover an ocean of clear Living Water where there were no restrictions to Life in the Spirit…

My prayer is that God will release us all from fish tank living into the Ocean of His Amazing Grace where we can drink daily of His River of Delights. 

"God, we're tired of being bound to man-made filtering systems that keep your Holy Spirit from breathing His true Life-giving Energy and Presence into us.  Lord, we want the quality of Life that comes from living in You with no filters, because You came to give us Life to the fullest!  Free all of us who have found ourselves confined by the limitations of life within the tank!" ♥

You may read more about this here.

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Living in the Shadows

By Hazel Holland

I tried my hand at a new technique in watercolor painting yesterday by using soft pastels to bring the final details to the watercolor background that was done with wet colored tissue paper.

Today as I took another look at the flowers in this painting I was reminded that sometimes in life we are like these flowers... We live too many days of our lives in the shadows of fear and doubt so that we don't recognize that God's mercies are new every morning.  But when the Son-shine of God's grace falls upon us, the shadows recede and Light illuminates the place that was earlier clothed in darkness. 

Although I tried my hand at a new technique in painting yesterday, today as I looked at this picture it reminded me that there are no new "techniques" to living in the shadows.  Flowers require sunlight to grow and so do we.  We can only blossom as we live in the Spirit and bask in the Son-light of God's mercy and grace. 

Without His love we are merely living in the shadows, and cannot possibly become all that God designs for us to be... a sweet smelling fragrance... the unmistakable aroma of His grace.♥ 

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Bloom Where You're Planted

By Hazel Holland

I decided to try my hand at a new technique in painting yesterday.  First, I did a background of different colors with wet crumpled up colored tissue paper.  Then when it was dry I used soft pastels to create these impressionistic flowers.  However, I'm not so sure I'll try this technique again because the pastels were very hard to work with on watercolor paper...  And my hands got very stained from the wet tissue paper and soft pastels.

Although I tried my hand at a new technique in painting yesterday, today as I looked at this painting it reminded me that there are no new techniques to blooming.  We can only bloom as we bask in the sunshine of God's love.  Without His love we cannot grow and become who God created us to be... a sweet smelling savor that will attract the light of His presence in our lives.

But as we bloom in the place that God designed for us to be planted, we will be a blessing in the lives of those around us.  And all who pass by our way will recognize the sweet scent of His grace.♥ 

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

In His Garden

By Hazel Holland

 

I painted this impressionistic watercolor using wet colored tissue paper, water soluble wax crayons, and watercolor pencils.  After letting the colors bleed into one another, I later edited it to create this batik-like effect. 

As I was doing this I was reminded of the time twelve years ago when I felt impressed by the Spirit to make a prayer garden out of my back yard.  As I worked tirelessly in my garden to make it a place of beauty and sanctuary for others, I learned how to enter into His Garden where the “work” has already been done. 

As I entered by faith into the “rest” of His grace I found that it's a place where no “work” is allowed.  That's because in His Garden the “work” is already finished!  I learned that the only thing left for me to do is to enjoy sweet fellowship with Him as I hear Him calling me upon the gentle wind of His Spirit to enter more fully into the “rest” that he has already provided... Himself! 

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Grace-filled Hearts

By Hazel Holland

As I finished painting this impressionistic/abstract watercolor, letting the wet colored tissue paper and water soluble wax crayons bleed into one another, my own heart felt like it was bleeding.  I was overwhelmed with sadness.

I had learned of misunderstandings that had taken place between people I love.  Angry and thoughtless words had been spoken.  Feelings had been hurt and forgiveness was not in sight.

And yet I still have hope that God's healing love and forgiveness will find its way back into hurting hearts and make them grace-filled again.♥ 

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Garden Sanctuary

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor using wet colored tissue paper, water soluble wax crayons, and watercolor pencils.  After letting the colors bleed into one another, I later edited it to create this batik-like effect. 

As I was doing this I was reminded of the time twelve years ago when I felt impressed by the Spirit to make a prayer garden out of my back yard.  As I worked tirelessly in my garden to make it a place of beauty and sanctuary for others, I learned how to enter into His Garden where the “work” has already been done. 

As I entered by faith into the “rest” of His grace I found that it's a place where no “work” is allowed.  That's because in His Garden the “work” is already finished!  I learned that the only thing left for me to do is to enjoy sweet fellowship with Him as I hear Him calling me upon the gentle wind of His Spirit to enter more fully into the “rest” that he has already provided... Himself!♥

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Garden Magic

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor using wet colored tissue paper and water soluble wax crayons.  Then I let the colors bleed into one another to create this whimsical effect.

As I thought about the process this artwork went through, I was reminded of another kind of bleeding.  At times our own hearts feel like they're bleeding.  When someone we are close to and love moves away, we feel like our hearts will break.

Instead of making a pretty picture with the bleeding colors of paint, our tears paint a picture of heartache on our faces.  We feel sad because we already miss the person we love.  Our tears run together with the mascara and our eyes get all puffy and swollen.  Not a pretty picture at all. 

But our hearts are far stronger than we imagine.  Although the picture we are creating is of tears instead of paint, it is far more beautiful than paint.  Our tear-stained faces are a living tableau of the love that we feel in our hearts for the person who is dear to us.  Our wonderful memories of them cannot be lost or erased by time because they are safely hidden in our hearts.

After our tears subside, we will realize that the person we love still loves us, and will miss us, too.  They have tears on their face as they hold us close to their heart.  Although our loving relationship with them will continue, it will be different because we will not see them as often.

But whenever we do get to spend time with them, we will notice that the love that we hold in our hearts for them has grown.  It has magically blossomed like a spring garden.  Our tears of sorrow have been replaced by tears of joy... along with lots of warm hugs.  Seeing their happiness brings us contentment and peace, because we now know the meaning of love.♥


To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

Color Me beautiful

By Hazel Holland

I painted this impressionistic watercolor as I thought about what it might be like to live among the colorful plants and interesting sea life in a coral reef.  The octopus kind of happened by accident because his wavy arms (or are they legs?) seemed to fit with the flow of the water and graceful movement of the surrounding sea life environment.   But I may have gotten carried away just a bit with the seaweed thing!

Knowing ahead of time that we were going to be getting some hot weather today... supposed to be 102 and even 110 in some places around here, I thought I would paint a scene of life in a cooler place!

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here.

Come Swim with Me

By Hazel Holland
  

I painted this impressionistic watercolor as I thought about what it might be like to live among the colorful plants and sea life in a coral reef.  The octopus kind of happened by accident because his wavy arms (or are they legs?) seemed to fit with the flow of the water and graceful movement of the surrounding sea life environment.  But I may have gotten carried away just a bit with the seaweed thing!

Knowing ahead of time that we were going to be getting some hot weather today... supposed to be 102 and even 110 in some places around here, I thought I would paint a scene of life in a cooler place.♥

To see a larger copy of this artwork click here. 

Swaying to the Music

By Hazel Holland

This impressionistic watercolor portrays another world that we don't see most of the time unless we go deep sea diving.  As I was painting this I imagined the aquatic plants swaying in rhythm as if they were playing in a symphony.

I chose rainbow colors for the ocean water because I think these bright colors bring hope and tranquility to our hearts.  They also bring back memories of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises that we have watched  and admired from time to time.

What a loving God we serve who created such beauty and color for us to enjoy.  Makes me want to dance and sway to the sound of the music that I hear in my heart... the music that all nature sings in response to our Creator God! ♥

A Shower of Joy

By Hazel Holland

Did you ever feel so full of joy that it felt like you were being bathed in a shower of pure joy?  And just to be clear... I'm not talking about the liquid joy that comes out of a bottle that we use to wash the dishes.  I'm talking about another kind of joy that surpasses anything you can buy at the supermarket. 

I'm talking about a gift of the Spirit that is so real and so empowering that it promises to wash away every negative thought and remove every vestige of doubt that we may have about God's love for us.  For in His presence there is fullness of joy!  Daily He refreshes our spirits by His beautiful gift of joy! ♥ 

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.

The Beauty Inside

By Hazel Holland

Remembering how much fun it was teaching geology to my elementary school students years ago, I thought I would try my hand at altered watercolor art.   So I painted this abstract watercolor and then altered it to create what you would see if you cut a geode in half.   I'm pleased with my first attempt!

If you didn't know what you were looking for it would be really easy to pass up a geode.  For it just looks like some rough, brownish-gray lump of rock that you wouldn't look at twice... that is until you get to look inside and see the marbleized wonder that happened beneath the surface of the earth.

I love geodes because they remind me of people... especially the beauty that lies hidden below the surface inside each one of us.  Sometimes it takes the hard knocks of life for us to get past the discomfort of being seen for who we really are.

And we are the most beautiful to God when we take off our masks and allow Him to hold us close to His heart.  For He sees past our rough exterior and ugly outer defenses.  He sees the Pearl of great price that He has been looking for.  We are worth everything to Him!♥ 

To see a larger copy of this art print click here.