The Door is Open

This picture is a reflection on the longing for safety, a shelter from the raging storms and for a place of belonging. It responds in a positive way to this longing - trusting in a way ahead and that it will let itself be found.The simple shelter offers a welcoming place for those who will come, the door is open and light shines from within as an invitation and a sign of hope.

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.

Revelation 3:8 HCSB 

For over all, his glory will be shelter and protection:

    shade from the parching heat of day,

 refuge and cover from storm and rain. 

Isaiah 4:6 NARBE

You are my hiding place;

You protect me from trouble.

You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.

Psalm 32:7 HCSB

Change

After a number of years I have come back to a lake in the woodlands that inspired my original Soft Pastel drawing Water Lily.
My visit to this beautiful place has prompted me to re-visit this inspiration.
Even though some of the beautiful water lilies are still in blossom the surrounding forest is very clearly reflecting the change of season and I have tried to captivate this change in structure and the more gentle colour spectrum of autumn.

Autumn Lily

Since my childhood I have been fascinated by ponds or small rivers in the forest. I guess the Grimm's brother are at least partially responsible for this fascination. In their lore ponds are portals to the 'other world' were the stork picks up babies for delivery and gates through which heroines pass on their glorious quests. My imagination ran wild ...
Even today, whenever I encounter a body of water in the woodlands on one of my walks I sense something mystical - a place were the veil is thin in the structure of time and space. This memory of my childhood has never quite left me. And the quest that belongs with it, to find the place were my soul sings, remembering its true source and wellspring.

Water Lily Pond

Jesus says: "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures."

Gospel of John, chapter 10 verse 9 NLT