by @Fitzysmom
The verse for this week's Bible Art Journaling Challenge is Matthew 18:3.
Assuredly, I say to you,
unless you are converted and become as little children,
you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
When I look at this portion of Scripture I actually like to expand it a bit to Matthew 18:1-5. From that aspect you see that it is the disciples asking Jesus the question, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus answers His followers by telling them they need to be converted and become like little children.
A common misconception is that Christ is telling His followers that they need to be innocent and naive like children. What Jesus is really saying is that they (and we) should have the humility of a child. We should set aside our pride and become followers of Christ allowing Him to take the lead.
I was saved and became a follower of Christ at the age of nine. When I look back at my life during that time I am envious of my new found faith. I had yet to become distracted by people and places and things. My faith in God was complete. I wasn't living in a perfect environment but without a doubt I knew that Jesus was going to take care of me.
Fast-forward almost forty years and I find myself all too often taking my eyes off of Jesus and looking to myself or others for answers. When I think about that it is absurd. I trust Jesus with eternity but not the concerns of today. I long for the child-like humility to bow to the plans of my Creator no matter what they are or where they will take me.
The Process
In the original challenge Rebekah used Peerless watercolors and an old Bible page. I am traveling right now so I chose to use my usual art journaling Bible and colored pencils because that is what I have with me.
The above verses remind me of being carefree in the arms of Jesus. When I picture that here on earth the thing that pops into my head is swinging on a swing.
Step 1: Select an image.
I found this delightful image on TheGraphicsFairy.com. By the way this is one of my favorite sites to download free vintage images.
I only wanted the girl on the swing so I cut around the image and then placed it under my Bible page to trace. I should add that I stuck my tablet under there as well making it like a lightbox to make tracing easier.
Step 2: Trace out image and add color.
After tracing out the image I added in some color with my Prismacolor colored pencils. I also traced out with a regular pencil the wording I wanted for the page.
Step 3: Use Gamsol to soften color.
I wanted a soft watercolor look to my page so I chose to use Gamsol and a blending stick on my colored pencil. I like how it takes away the individual pencil strokes and blends it into a wash. It gives it a soft appearance that mimics watercolor.
Step 4: Ink in the words.
My final step was to use one of my Prismacolor pens to ink in the words. I have to say that I'm not terribly fond of these pens for words but I wanted color and my Pigma Micron pens that I have with me are only black. The Prismacolor pens do work nicely on other projects but they just don't do fine enough lines for my taste.
So there you have it my friends. Now what about you? I urge you to meditate on this verse and then illustrate it with something that reminds you to have faith like a child.
Want To Join The Fun?
Rebekah R Jones has put together a wonderful group of fellow Bible doodlers. If you are interested you are welcome to join in the fun. A new challenge is posted each Tuesday. Check out her introduction to the Bible Art Journaling Challenge on her blog and join the Facebook group and/or the Google+ Community.
If you are interested in seeing more of my Bible Art Journaling posts just go here and you can scroll through them.
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