For unto everyone that hath shall be given...

It's not often that I paint something for myself. Something that requires more effort often requires a commission or a school assignment. Otherwise, I find myself resorting to lackadaisical abstract works and color experiments, because I rarely, unless compelled, find myself in the mood for something both labor and time intensive.

But, this past week, my grandmother passed away. It was her time to go, but honestly, it's been pretty rough. Unfortunately, I was sad for myself. I wasn't sad for her - it was a sweet relief on her part, but I'm sad that we all lost a hero, friend, and grandmother that was an example of , faith, hope, charity, and enduring to the end, and typified Jesus Christ in every way.

I found myself, the night before the viewing, wanting to paint her portrait. The only problem was, I am definitely NOT a portrait painter. I cannot paint people. I have tried countless times, and resorted to abstract persons (take a look at the "People" page). But, this was special to me, and I wanted it done, so after some sketching, and sketching and critiquing from roommates, I went alone and prayed.

I told God that unfortunately, although I knew he had given me this talent, I had never asked His help on a painting. But I knew that my gift was from Him, and that if He ever helped me, I wanted it to be this painting. God knows all, and can do all things, and if He can do all things, He was able to help me with this portrait.

Not surprisingly, this is the one and only portrait that has ever turned out.

I took it to the viewing, and received many compliments on how well it captured my grandmother.

But, I want you all to know that the glory goes to God. He is the one who helped me know what to do; it worked because He blessed it to. He gave me the talent, and I try to not bury it. I thank my Heavenly Father for His tender mercies. This portrait was, especially to me, a miracle. Please enjoy sharing this special miracle with me: