Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Give God the Glory

 


There are different gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ~1 Corinthians 12:4


When we take our summer journey with Virginia to the mountains, after she has spent a relaxing, rejuvenating week with us at home, we are not surprised that she knows how to use the camera on her phone to record her memories.  Rest assured, her mom, Sarah, and dad, John, strictly limit her internet access, and that's a relief for us.  But she is more than welcome to practice her photography skills whenever the urge hits.  Danny and I are glad she shows an interest in it.

In previous blogs, I've praised Virginia's precocious artistic abilities.  As Paul writes to the Corinthians, we all have gifts, but we are to recognize that they are distributed by the same Spirit.  Although my aunt was a gifted artist, I didn't inherit her talent.  Yes, I was passable at drawing, and enjoyed doing it in my youth, but it wasn't one of my gifts.

My daughter, Sarah, amazingly shows artistic talent early on as did her husband, John.  It's no wonder, then, that Virginia is their natural beneficiary.

Here is the photo Virginia takes while we are at Big Sky Lodge in the Nantahala Mountains.


This is her painting half-complete.


And here (ta-da!) is the final product!


At the risk of sounding like a doting grandmother, I don't know how many 12-year-olds out there could do any better.  Virginia's eye for perspective and colors is way beyond her years and experience.  I'm thrilled that she is developing this extra-special gift from God!

And as a cherry tops a sundae, here are two other paintings she does recently - one of cat, Henry, without a background and after the background is added.


Just wow and just wow again!

Thank you for indulging me is this post full of praise for Virginia, but I can't help but celebrate as I see her using her God-given talents to give Him the glory.

Amen!


41 comments:

  1. WOW! Just WOW! I copied you. :) But I would have said it anyway. What a gifted young lady she is. It has been fun taking the journey of watching her grow up, find herself in Christ, know who she is, and blossom. I'm suspecting Danny and Martha may have had something to do with that! keep nurturing that talent. And keep doting.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words here, Bill! We are so proud of her, in case you can't tell. :) And don't worry, I will continue to dote!
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Please, let me add an encore. "Wow!"
    At Bible study yesterday we were discussing Paul's letters to the Corinthians and everyone having a gift -- whether we recognize it or not (me). I could never emulate Virginia's gifts (or yours for writing), but sure appreciate you allowing us to be the beneficiary!

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    1. Thank you, Myra, for your kind words here. No, I can't emulate her gifts either, but I'm convinced that all of our gifts are unique and molded specifically to who God has made us to be. If I can venture an observation from reading your blog, you always make me feel good, happy and hopeful about life. If that isn't a precious gift, I don't know what is!
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Boa tarde minha querida amiga Martha. A Virgínia tem um dom maravilhoso, parabéns. Aproveito para desejar uma excelente terça-feira com muita paz e saúde.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words and well wishes, Luiz! May your day be filled with peace and health, too.
      Love and blessings!

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    1. Thanks, Glynn, I think it is, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Dearest Martha Jane,
    Of course, the same Spirit, but that is our soul's side but talking about inheriting certain things—we ought to look at the 3rd generation! That is, all grandparents on both sides and all great–aunts and great–uncles.
    That ought to reveal a lot about certain talents.
    But Virginia is a very keen observer; the way she handled the light in the painting of the Nantahala Mountains—is exceptional.
    On the other hand, Henry without any background stands out far better!
    Very well done and she not only painted a kitty—but one with character.
    Kudos to her and sure, let her proud Grandma beam as well!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. That's such an interesting concept about the third generation, Mariette. Do great grandparents count, too? :) My aunt would have been Virginia's great-great aunt. Of course, daughter Sarah inherited Mary Jane's exceptional talent.
      And I would agree that Henry stands out better without a background, so I'm glad I have both versions to enjoy.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Virginia is a very talented artist and she is blessed to have a fantastic cheering section in her grandparents and parents (and siblings, too, I'm sure). Keep nurturing her gift, Martha!! And be sure to share her works with us!! xo

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    1. I will happily share her works with all of you, Terri. Actually, I can't help myself - lol! I'm just so proud of her and happy for her.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. It is good and right to celebrate one's talents because it praises God for what He has gifted us.

    God bless.

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  8. Oh my! She certainly DOES have talent! What a gift! Both paintings are extraordinary! That mountain scene is really amazing!! I do hope she will continue to use her gift for God's glory. I never learned to paint and always wanted to, but don't have the time or energy for it now, so photography is my "painting". I am happy that Virginia is learning to take her photos to the next step. That is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing this with us. Yes, you should be proud!!!

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    1. Pamela, I would say without hesitation that you have a gift and an eye for photography, and I, for one, am so thrilled that you share your photos with us. Keep it up!
      I don't think Virginia will ever fall out of love with drawing and painting - it's too much a part of her. And I know she will be sharing more with us in the future. Now that's something to look forward to!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Such a great job. I think perhaps she paints from her heart as well as her mind. In looking at the finished product, I get a great sense of peace from her work. Well done Miss Virginia. Well done indeed young lady. As for "doting"? I think it well-deserved Ms. Martha Jane! :-) God's blessings friends.

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    1. I believe you are so right about painting from the heart, J. D. Her paintings have a fluidity and presence that pull one into not the painting itself, but what it reflects - the grandeur that is God's creation. I'll be sure to pass on your sweet compliment to Virginia. You are too kind!
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Bom dia, Martha
    Que lindo talento Virgínia recebeu de Deus, belos quadros, parabéns para você também que incentiva, o Senhor continue abençoando sua família, um forte abraço.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words here, Lucinalva. Yes, Virginia has certainly been blessed by God with this talent, and she knows it.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. You did not exaggerate her talent, Martha! Thank you for sharing her paintings, so we could enjoy a moment of amazement and delight!

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    1. And thanks so much for your sweet words here, Nancy. Believe me, I'll be more than happy to share more of her creations in the future. So proud of my little big girl!
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Your granddaughter is VERY talented. She did great with taking the picture and then painting the scene. I try to take pictures but not as well as Virginia. I try to capture my thoughts in words. I would like to improve my skills in that area.

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    1. Like you, my friend, my talent is in writing, not painting/drawing as Virginia's is. I'm so glad that God has blessed us with talents unique to us alone.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Wow, Martha, she is talented at both taking photos and painting. Love all the ones you highlighed here. God bless!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind and complimentary words here, Karen!
      Love and blessings!

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  14. Oh my goodness this is precious! Joyful and hopeful, creative and life-giving. To see our grandchildren discover their giftedness is a sacred gift to us, too.

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    1. I second that completely, Linda! Thanks for your kind and complimentary words here, my friend.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Your grand daughter is a wonderful artist. I always love your shares with you incorporating the bible. I am so sorry I have been delayed stopping by. I appreciate all your shares here and your visits at my blog. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care.

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    1. Thanks so much, Anne, for your kind and thoughtful words here. I do enjoy visiting your blog, too, and I'm glad you took the time to visit me.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. Such a gifted young lady!
    Her paintings are astounding!

    Hugs and blessings, dearest Martha.

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    1. I have to agree with you whole-heartedly, Veronica. Virginia has exceptional talent. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  17. Bom final de semana com muita paz e saúde minha querida amiga Martha. Que Deus abençoe todos da sua família.

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  18. Bom dia, Martha
    Voltando aqui para traduzir para você os quadrinhos da postagem do meu blog, o primeiro diz o seguinte: sejam simples como as crianças para ver o Reino de Deus. O segundo diz:Ensina a criança no caminho em que deve andar, e, ainda quando for velho, não se desviará dele. Provérbios 22:6. O terceiro diz: um feliz dia para todas as crianças que embelezam nossas vidas com a sua forma pura e genuína de olhar o mundo! Obrigada por avisar, nas próximas postagens colocarei abaixo a tradução. Um domingo abençoado.

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    1. Thanks from the bottom of my heart, Lucinalva, for translating these into English for me! I love all of these, my friend, and have always been partial to the one about being little children to see the kingdom of God. I'll look forward to your translations in the future.
      Love and blessings!

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  19. Wow! I don't know any 12-year olds who can paint like this, either! She does an amazing job! She is so talented and so blessed to have sweet grandparents like you and Danny. God bless you all!

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl! Yes, we are so fortunate to be able to appreciate Virginia's unique talent.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

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