“Grace” by Denise Neumann, 2007.© 16”x20” acrylic on canvas.

“Grace” by Denise Neumann, 2007.© 16”x20” acrylic on canvas.
 
This painting was my first vision after I faced a huge blow emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  I stood at the altar at church and just lifted my hands in surrender. What happened next is really hard to explain. I felt like I was standing under a rocket. I felt the force and the heat. And I remember I cry rose from my being, "Really, God? You are really going to consume me when I am so broken?" 
 
And this tender voice responded, "My dear child, it is not a fire to consume you, but my grace to project you in the days ahead."
 
That same day, a friend on the west coast called and said she saw a picture of me engulfed in flames.
 
I keep this picture to remind me how far I've come...and that I started painting pink Christmas trees.
 
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)"
 
This was one of my first paintings. In 2007, it was a masterpiece...
 
As early as I can remember, I have been gifted in art. When God called me to start painting, He told me to "Paint, what I show you." The only problem was, I didn't paint; I was an illustrator. But He chose to capitalize on my weakness, so that He looked good. The question was, would I be willing to step out in that weakness?
 
Often, I remember and recall the grace of God.  Many of us are doing things in our own strength. Some out of fear. Some out of performance. Some out of even ignorance. (I have probably done all of these in the last month.) 
The question remains: Will I be willing, once again, to enter into His grace and find strength?
 
ORIGINAL - sold. 
Prints available:
8"x10" - $50+ S/H
11"x14" - $75 + S/H
5"x7" cards $7 + S/H