It was a pretty stressful day when I painted this. An escape seemed like the perfect solution to all the crazy going on.

I decided to paint my escape —or rather, my Maltipoo Boomer’s escape.

There is nothing like a red convertible VW Bug.

I’ve never had one, but it seems like there would be nothing like it. So this car was our method of escape.

In this world Boomer can drive, and flowers are the size of trees and the sun is bright and big and reminiscent of a flower. I’m pretty sure it even smells like a flower! And maybe the flowers smell like strawberries and bubblegum, the road of licorice.

Ephesians 3:20 (The Passion Translation)

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for this miraculous power constantly energizes you.”

There is always hope, always a reason to look forward to brighter days.

Shine on with God! ☀

Meet my really awesome Hummingbird.  I think I will name him Faith.  He is painted from a reference photo and my dad (Paul W. Simmons) took the picture! He likes to do photography--especially of birds.

Anyway, Faith is standing securely on the end of a branch/stick, which shows his complete trust in God because of His faithfulness to keep his promises.  

Ephesians 6: 13

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, 

so that when the day of evil comes, 

you may be able to stand your ground, 

and after you have done everything, 

to stand.  

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist..."

May we always stand firm like Faith, trusting the one who is always faithful.

"Great is thy faithfulness, 

O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee,

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,

As Thou has been, Thou forever wilt be. 

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

(by Thomas Chisholm)

This Hummingbird is also based off a photo my dad (Paul W. Simmons) took.  I am going to name her Freedom.

Freedom is happy and free (you probably never guessed that), just like the refrain goes, getting ready to take flight.  She is confident because she knows God sees her and she trusts Him to keep His promises concerning her.  

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

"Why should I feerl discouraged,

Why should the shadows come,

why should my heart be lonely,

and long for Heaven and home,

, When Jesus is my portion? 

My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me."

by Civilla Martin

Matthew 10:29-31: 

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 

 Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 

So don’t be afraid; 

you are worth more than many sparrows."

Go on today knowing how great a value you are to the Creator God.

The Willow Tree Girl by Merri Lewis at Arts and Blessings.com #girl #willowtree #acrylicart

Meet the Willow Tree Girl!

She is childlike

Enjoying the beautiful creation around her

 She is content

She is joy-filled

She is grateful

 She lifts her face toward Heaven

And His face shines back

She enjoys blessings from God

She is radiant 

Reflecting the joy of the Lord

When I was growing up, there was a willow tree in our front yard. It was my favorite tree. My favorite place in our yard. The canopy of branches was like a nature-made tent. Inside them I could climb the trunk and sit on one of the strong limbs. I remember sitting there, looking through the protective canopy—looking at the branches draping down in a circle around me. It was a pretty awesome tree.  

It was a place of beauty and 

contentment, 

a place to feel safe and 

protected 

and a place to feel loved. 

Let us enter the safety and protection of God.  

Let us bask in the beauty of His gift of creation.  

Let us radiate the joy of the Lord.

Let us be like the Willow Tree Girl!

Numbers 6:24-26 TPT

“The Lord bless you and keep you; 

the Lord make his face shine on you 

and be gracious to you; 

the Lord turn his face toward you 

and give you peace.”