Barbara Philip

Tag: Jesus Christ

  • Portraits. – Being captivated by Faces.

    Portraits. – Being captivated by Faces.

    Charles & Jan's Wedding. Oil on Canvas.

    Hello again ! What a long time it has been since last I wrote a blog post.  This particular post has been delayed, partly by the busy-ness of the Festive Season; and the Portrait that is featured was a gift to my son and daughter in law. I didn’t want to reveal it till after Christmas. It is a commemorative painting of their wedding a year ago on the 4th January 2010. I would never consider myself a good portrait artist, and most of the ones I tackle are considerably flawed, including this one. Perhaps most artists would agree that portraits are particularly difficult to do really well. Many times over the years I have sworn to stop doing them, after several experiences when I was asked to make changes on ones that I’d sold. However I have always been fascinated by people’s faces, and have drawn portraits since I was at school.

    A School Friend. Pastel. from about 1970
    An early study. Pastel. 1974

    This thought has reminded me of one of my all time favourite hymns; “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”. Whenever I sing this it tends to bring tears to my eyes; when I picture the thought of gazing at the face of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and realize how unworthy I am.

    But the uncanny coincidence came yesterday when I was reading a blog piece by John Piper’s wife Noel, where she mentioned the art of Lilias Trotter. Then I went in search of her art, only to find that her writings were altogether more captivating. It was there that I discovered that her piece called, ‘Focussed’ inspired Helen Lemmel to write the hymn ‘The Heavenly Vision’, which is now called, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”.

    This image that Lilias spoke of in ‘Focussed’ resonated so powerfully with me, as I am so riveted by faces, and especially the face of Jesus as I see him in my heart, and my mind’s eye. The way He searches our hearts and  thoughts with that perceptive and patient gaze, and loves us regardless of all our shortcomings, isn’t that beautiful? Isn’t He beautiful? Even though none of us know what He looked like and all have different interpretations of His face. If you look on Google Images you will see many of  the portraits of Jesus, and it is clear that we all see Him quite differently.

    So, today, whether faces fascinate you or not; take a moment to turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face.

    Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

    Refrain:

    Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

    Look full in His wonderful face,

    And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

    In the light of His glory and grace.


    O soul, are you weary and troubled?

    No light in the darkness you see?

    There’s a light for a look at the Saviour,

    And life more abundant and free!

    Refrain

    Through death into life everlasting

    He passed, and we follow Him there;

    Over us sin no more hath dominion

    For more than conquerors we are!

    Refrain

    His Word shall not fail you, He promised;

    Believe Him, and all will be well:

    Then go to a world that is dying,

    His perfect salvation to tell!

    Refrain

    “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2)

    Christ the Divine Redeemer by Simon Dewey
  • All the Way My Saviour Leads Me

    All the Way My Saviour Leads Me

    Sunday 18 January.

    All the Way My Saviour Leads MeI love this Hymn that my Uncle (Tony) recommended for the recent Book that I wrote; ‘A Family History Timeline, 1950-2008′ and have used it in the calligraphy page here as one of another book I am making for my God-daughter, Amy. It is precious for all the heartfelt sentiments that Fanny Crosby felt when she wrote it despite her blindness, she never blamed Christ, but praised Him instead. So as this year dawns, with all the uncertainties, the hopes and fears, it is good to remember; “For I know whatever happens, Jesus does all things well“!

    As I spent some time reading John Piper’s Blog on Desiring God, I had time to reflect on how much ‘Our Saviour leads us all the way. John Piper’s interview in his post on the Economic Downturn expresses the way God leads us back to all the important things in life and this crisis is just one way that He may be doing that for people around the world.

    And finally, as we forgo the New Year Resolutions which can be difficult to maintain, here are some lists that replace them. I LOVE lists !! Keep these near to your prayer bench. I plan to :

    John Piper’s : 9 Ways to Pray for Your Soul , Texts to Pray for Our Children , 10 Reasons to Pray the Scriptures

    May God bless your 2009, and challenge you to seek Him first.