God has many names. I especially love the name of “Creator” for God! Just take a look around ~WOW~ the Splendor that God created here on earth! Our creative Creator has painted lovely landscapes with spectacular sunrises and sunsets that are breathtaking to behold!
While I have always loved nature and appreciated the beauty that the various seasons bring forth, God has used the concept of art to enhance my gratitude for His creativity! I enjoy watching videos of artists like Bob Ross and others as they turn a blank canvas into a peaceful, serene landscape of their imagination in only 30 minutes!
I love how objects and scenery are “built” and formed on a flat canvas with various shades of paint.
Soon this flat canvas has depth and dimension! It fascinates me to see how a tree is formed and becomes dimensional with its branches stretching forth. Bob Ross would say something like, “Maybe in your world a happy little tree lives right here”. He would begin with the tree trunk and then add the dark outline of branches. Then with a lighter shade of the same color he would layer on the outside edges of the branches giving depth and texture.
Suddenly a tree was formed before my eyes! There was a depth perception with the darkness of the branches in the background and the brightness of the leaves in the forefront. Then highlights were added on one side and I am made aware of the direction of the light source in this landscape, as though the sun was illuminating part of the tree. With every little “tsh, tsh, tsh” sound of the brush tapping layer after layer of detail on the tree I am mesmerized by what is taking shape!
And now when I enjoy the beauty of nature – I no longer merely see a pretty grove of trees! Now I actually see the various shades of colors God has used and the layers and layers of depth with each stroke of His brush on earth’s canvas! Now there is a depth and dimension to my vision as well as to my appreciation and praise of my Creator God. I joke sometimes that I can see the color on the bristles of God’s paint brush and hear the “tsh, tsh, tsh” sound as God’s brush adds color and dimension to the world around me!
And just as Bob Ross would highlight the edge of his tree to reflect the light source, I realize God’s trees shine forth the illumination of the sun (Son) to declare their praise for their Creator!
Psalms 19:1 says: The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. And since nature praises the God of creation, how much more should I praise God, my Father and Creator?!?
Thank You, Father, Creator, for the tremendously beautiful work of Your hands! Thank You for using art to catapult my love and appreciation for the very thing art imitates – Your glorious creation, stirring my heart to praise You more! I praise You for using a simple tree to awaken my senses to the beauty You paint around me. And like the tree, Father, help me reflect the light source of my life – the illumination of Your love so that others may realize the True Source of Light and Life! I love you, Lord!
The Sacrifice Of Praise 