Their Guardian Angel -Paint Party Friday

When I was a little girl, my Mother gave me a beautiful painting for my bedroom.  "It's your little brother and you," she would say.  I loved that picture.  I would often fall asleep looking at it--knowing in my little girl heart that my own Guardian Angel was there beside me.  That print still hangs in my office today. 

This past week, inspired by that wonderful vintage picture, I drew my own version--only with sisters crossing the bridge.  I have the sweetest sisters in the world--and this is for each of them.  I love them dearly and I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Above you see the wonderful artwork which encouraged me for so many years.  I did some research and I discovered there's an interesting backstory to this painting.

In the 1800s artists across Europe began selling paintings of guardian angels watching over young children as they traveled perilous pathways along dangerously high cliffs.

In 1900, a German postcard maker broke that tradition and published a painting by an unknown artist featuring two children and their guardian angel watching over them as they crossed a precarious bridge over treacherous waters

The postcard found an especially receptive audience in the hills of Appalachia, where just about every family used a broken-down, dubiously safe bridge to get home.  Those bridges were built over  steep valleys where flash floods and swift waters were common.

Over time, people associated the painting with God's protection in all of life's hardships.  Mothers and Grandmothers across the mountains began hanging this picture in their living rooms. Today the painting is recognized world wide.

Thank you, dear ones for reading this fascinating bit of history and for dropping by!  It is a happy treat when you visit.  I deeply appreciate your encouraging comments.

May God protect your dear ones and bring hope to your hearts.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Monday's Angel

I was out taking pictures of the amazing storm clouds this afternoon, when I caught sight of an angel in the sky.  After today's tragic terrorist attack during the Boston Marathon, I was deeply touched to see her floating there.

Above you see the angel as I first saw her.

We have many friends in that fair city.  Our prayers are with them.  I thank God for His protection of those who survived the bombing.  May He give healing to those who were injured and comfort to the families who have lost their dear ones.  I can't even begin to imagine how they must feel... 

An Angel's Prayer -Guest Heart Thursday

This drawing is only 2.5x3.5 inches big--the size of a baseball card.  It fits right into the palm of my hand.

I love the idea of angels praying over those whom God loves.  Angels come in all shapes and sizes--I believe some are buff warriors who not only watch over us--but who are charged by the Creator to protect those He loves from evil.

Of course, I have hidden hearts in this drawing--just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Hope Bringer -Guest Heart Thursday

"The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them."  Psalm 34:7  "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 37:18  I think sometimes we are unaware of the angels who are sent to bring hope to those who's hearts are broken.

This is a doodle I did a week or so ago--of course there are hearts hidden in the picture.  Have a lovely week's end, everyone!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Watching Over You

This is one of my very first cloud paintings.  I have often sent this painting out as a gift to those who support Dramatic Difference Ministries.

The picture above is the original photo of a local pilot and airplane, taken near our town's Independence State Airport.   One of the folks to whom I sent this Cloud Painting had it sitting on their piano.  Tiny 3-year old Emma noticed a protective hand in the picture I hadn't seen before.  I took a closer look.  Indeed, there was an angel there, protecting the airplane from harm. 

So I enhanced the picture to reflect the guardian angel seen in the original.  This newly vamped piece of Sky Art is entitled, Watching Over You and hangs in the Starduster Cafe at the airport in Independence, Oregon.  Limited edition, signed prints are for sale!  If you're interested, contact me via email.

She Watches

Click on the picture to see the detail of the jet plane's flight past one of those who watch and pray over all of us. Can you see the face?  The original photo below was taken by my wonderful friend Shannon Jackson, who's gentle beauty is reflected in her fabulous picture.

Daddy Update: Our precious Dad lost his balance and fell, scraping away some of the delicate newly formed skin on the top of his head. Please pray this area continues to heal and that no infection will take hold. Dad is also experiencing some disorientation. He did not recognize Mums a few mornings ago. He was apparently having another flashback to WW2. Please pray that Dad will gain strength and that these flashbacks will stop. Thank you so much.

Guardian Angel

Angels are sent to protect people, especially the innocent and vulnerable. I remember when we were kids, my cousins, siblings and I stood together on the road, at the top of the trail to Deer Valley. But when we tried to go down into the woods it was like an invisible wall stood in our way. Every time one of us would decide to head down--a feeling of uneasiness, or fear would stop us like an invisible wall. We finally gave up. We went home and played games in the circle lawn instead.

It is such a vivid memory. To this day I wonder what danger we would have faced if we had gone down into the woods then.

I believe in angels. Our little one came through surgery with flying colors, and all is well. Her sweet mother said she felt the tangible presence of angels as her tiny daughter was wheeled off to surgery.