by Liz Lemon Swindle

Okay, so I am back at the studio and it feels great. My air conditioner is on the fritz today, but I love being here despite the 100 degrees.

I finally put the finishing strokes on Rich YOUNG Ruler And it is so beautiful! I love the account in Matthew 19:13-22:

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Wow! What a Story for our times where money seems to drive everything and where the world considers position and possessions above all else.

This was a good man. He had acquired vast fortunes one can assume, but more importantly, he was living the commandments – that says a great deal about him. What he wasn’t willing to give, at least not yet, was his heart. When all things in our lives are considered, all we really have that is 100% ours to give is our heart.

The good news is that he still may have come around, just like for us.



Scroll down to see the progression of this painting
Click on an image below to see the Journal entry for that day