Unlike the other elements, I need to substantially change the tree. I need a branch for the moth and the cocoon to cling to. The challenge is to make the branches I introduce work visually as part of the tree the photo shows. The branches should be similar, but not identical.
Blue-Luna-Tree-Context, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Prayer: Father, grant her support in her journey towards the light.
“A friendship which does not grow closer with the years tends to vanish with the years. And it is the same with us and God.”
From my morning readings in “The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians”, Daily Study Bible Series, by William Barclay.
No Boundaries, a photo by premasagar on Flickr.
I believe that friendship to be the cornerstone of each of our lives. And how do we grow our friendships? By giving time to our friends. By sharing with them. Laughing with them. Crying with them. Telling them what is in our hearts.
But also, crucially, by listening to them. Trying to understand them. Concerning ourselves with what concerns them.
Prayer lets us do all of these things!
I wasn’t sure about the green colors of the moth in this overwhelming blue design. I was afraid it might clash without being different enough to stand out. So I tried changing the moth to blue tones.
Blue-Luna-Blue-Luna-Context, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Comparing this with the green moth, I decided to stick with the original.
Blue-Luna-Green-Luna-Context, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Prayer: Father, I pray for balance and beauty in her journey.
“I remember my wise mentor in college, Beth English, used to say, ‘Holley, the hardest choices in life are not between bad and good. They are between good and best.'”
From my morning readings in “You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream”, by Holley Gerth.
Choices, a photo by dianecordell on Flickr.
When we give to God, we want to give the best. But sometimes that can stop us from giving at all. I frequently have to urge myself to keep working on a prayer piece on days when my brain is fried and it’s hard for me to pray coherently. But not working on the piece would be worse. Give your good, but look out for how to give your best!
The relationship between the moth and the moon is important in this piece. Having designed them in isolation, I can check this relationship without the distraction of the background.
Blue-Luna-Green-Luna-Moon, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Prayer: Father, keep us moving towards the light, and let the light overwhelm our fear of the darkness.
Next up is the Luna Moth. Designing it in isolation highlights for me its beauty and fragility.
Blue-Luna-Green-Luna, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Prayer: Father, our fragile lives shine in the darkness. Help us to protect that light while letting it shine out to others.
“What you’re looking for here is momentum and progress. Have you ever tried to steer a parked car? It’s a tough proposition. Just get in gear and start heading down the road. The rest will work itself out as you go.”
From my morning readings in “You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream”, by Holley Gerth.
Super S – 2, a photo by Matthew Fang on Flickr.
It’s so easy to just keep saying, “My plan isn’t quite ready yet. I’ll start when it is.” But the bottom line is that the journey is not going to match the plan anyway. Pick a direction. Start moving. Then worry about the details.
I typically design each element against a blank background. This simplifies the process, focusses my eye on the element, and makes the boundary of the element clear.
But after designing each element, it’s important to plug it in to the overall image. This checks that the design is coming together well.
Blue-Luna-Moon-Context, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Prayer: Father, help her and her caregivers to focus on each element of her treatment, while keeping the larger context of her life in mind.
“The primary requirement is a longing after God.”
From my morning readings in “A Celebration of Discipline“, by Richard J. Foster.
Safe Fortress, a photo by Ian Sane on Flickr.
Afraid that you may not be suitable for a close relationship with God? Remember this!
The next step is to design each element at size. I start with the foreground elements, then do the background. So the first order of business is the moon.
The challenge is to show the brighter and darker areas we see and know, while still giving an overall impression of luminescence.
Blue-Luna-Moon, a photo by Carmen CS on Flickr.
Prayer: Father, even as You made her a light in the darkness, let her find Your light in her troubles.
NeedlePrayer 