Royal Academy Summer Show I am standing in the vaulted underworld of the Royal Academy of Art, waiting to reclaim my rejected paintings. Above, is the exhibition. Hundreds of accepted works hang in splendour. It is here the public can consider the skill and beauty of these works.  Some though, are wondering at the selection; it’s always a point of interest who gets in and who does not. Earlier today I had asked God to protect my mind as I undertook this task.  I knew the temptation for me would be to think that I was a failure or to feel rejected.  Feeling Vulnerable The ceiling ..read more

Fixed penalty parking fines! Coffee with a Friend sounded like a great idea so I parked the car, paused to decide whether I needed a parking disc or not, and decided I didn’t. My friend actually didn’t turn up so I returned to the car, and there slapped on my screen was a ticket. A Fixed penalty parking fine! ‘Fixed Penalty Notice’ I had been judged and found guilty! There was a price to be paid and it’s a fixed penalty, so no negotiation possible! It was fixed at £60 which was a lot of money to loose. So I drove away shedding real tears of frustration and loss.  Later, feeling ..read more

The Dove Late one evening as I was leaving my upstairs prayer room, I noticed a white dove had settled on the windowsill outside.  I wondered at its pure beauty and was careful not to disturb it for fear it would take off. The following morning it was still there so I considered offering food and water.  However, it took off, presumably refreshed from a night of shelter; the weather was indeed inclement. Considering this I felt honoured by this ‘visit’ and was immediately reminded that a dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit.  Pure, beautiful, gentle and maybe easily disturbed ..read more

I step within the shadow of your mighty wing and rest. It is my place of safety. I am covered, Loved, Protected, Sheltered from harm. Warmed by love. Made secure. And this is where I need to be; here I will stay. I shall not be afraid. Dangers and fears, storms and disaster – they are not for me; not in this place. Evil will not touch me. I am heard, answered, rescued, protected, honoured, and loved. I shall proclaim your unfailing love in the morning and your faithfulness tonight. You thrill me Lord with all you have done for me and my heart shall sing for joy. So today, renewed by Your love ..read more

Like a flood. Overwhelming. I let it come, crushing, defeating. But, subside it must. Let it fall again into the ocean. Let it fall again into the depths of bottomless sea. Let it not, wash over me. Turning my back, I walk towards the still waters of Your presence. It is the only place to be. You love me. I feel the touch of your tender understanding. You whisper words of hope, Am I to listen? Can I go there again, Believing? I had boldly come, asking You to step in. I stood on Your word – Proclaiming. Declaring. But all I now see is my shame. My confusion. All I now feel, is my pain. But look ..read more

I stood gazing at the river. Deep and silently it flowed, but it was alive and purposeful; no murky depths of stagnation here. Fish jumped for flies, trees caressed the water with low flung branches; their roots going deep into the river bank and Kingfishers sat expectantly, waiting for prey. If I were to jump in I would be carried away by the sheer power of it. I wondered at its volume. Intrigued, I walked upstream and heard the sound of gushing water arguing it’s way over the rocks. A small island divided the river at this point but there was an urgency to rejoin again into the silent f ..read more

The Lonely Gate It was bleak up in the hills in the middle of winter, nevertheless, l was looking for inspiration and had gone out to experience the harshness of it. I battled against the wind and the freezing conditions and watched the light break through.  It was then that I saw the lonesome gate, strategically placed for keeping the cattle in, but as I walked towards it, I heard the incredible sound of the wind blowing through the tubes producing two melancholic notes of great beauty. It seemed to me that the gate was singing! I stood there and listened. Just the two notes alone were ..read more

I have walked the long and dusty path. But as I walk, I walk not alone, but in the tracks of Jesus. He is always there; with me, within me – spurring me on. Guiding, shielding, protecting, and empowering. I placed my feet in his footprints and I collect his glory on my shoes! Take my feet Lord and take me into all the nooks and crannies not noticed by man but ordained by you. That in the going, my feet in turn leave footprints of Your glory. Petrina KENT 2020 For updates on my latest work subscribe to my newsletter For related reading… The post Footprints of Glory appeared first on Petrina ..read more

I crept into the Throne Room of Heaven.  Holding my daughters hand, with my other on her fevered brow, I entered, hoping for a word; a plea.  Secluded behind a pillar, I waited.  I doubted my right to be here; my position. But my gown gave me away, a full crisp gown of pure white silk, rustling as I crouched.  With jewels hanging around my neck and with a sparkling crown, how could anyone hide? I am a daughter of the King. Smoothing my gown I heard these words;  ‘Come closer my beautiful ones, come boldly to me. I see your need, I feel your pain, come right here to ..read more

My practice as a Christian artist is to wait on God for what He is saying. Consequently my work reflects the rhythm of God’s voice for each season in whatever I am walking through, or leaning into God for. The following is a response to my gentle observations worked out in paint. Gentle observations on the season of Covid 19 In this present season of Covid 19, many serious questions have been asked: Is this punishment from God? What do we do to survive? How should I be praying? Can we help our neighbours? How do we all keep in touch? And how should we do Church? There are as many possible answ ..read more