My Sister

It’s been a while since my last post…I spent last week in Texas visiting my sister. Kelly is just one year older than me, but I have always looked up to her as if she were a sage! The crazy thing is that for all the respect and admiration I hold for her, I have an equal amount of comfort in her presence. Maybe it comes from 18 years of sharing a bedroom with her, but she makes me feel “at home” like few others do. See, I’m a girl who likes to be in my own house -  in my own space -  among my own things - sleeping in my own bed!  And while I do love to travel with my husband, rarely am I comfortable in someone else’s home. Kelly’s home is an exception…but I think it has more to do with her than whatever structure in which she resides.

My sister has a spirit of grace. She is kind, and wise, and possesses strength of character worthy of my respect. Today’s painting seems a fitting illustration. Not only does Kelly love the color red (which I find most appropriate for her), but like the primary color, her spirit if pure and strong and giving. She loves with her life; all who know her can attest.

The Gospel, 2008

Acrylic on Wood Panel, 36” x 24”

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This is the good news, also referred to as the Gospel.

The focal point of this piece is a large cross (representing Christ’s crucifixion and gift of salvation), centered in the quatrefoil (symbolic of the four evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), among numerous hearts (representing both the love of Christ and the home of Christ through salvation). The hearts are repeated throughout the image in various tones of reds and red-oranges (echoing the idea that Christ comes into hearts and enlivens them through salvation). The patterns created by repetition of the shapes mentioned above are enclosed in black lines highlighted in blues to create a stained glass impression (representing the Church).

To see more original works of art and related products like posters, giclees and fine prints, please visit http://www.sonstudios.com./

Live a beautiful life! ~Kim P. Bartholomew

Another Trip Around The Sun

As of today, I have made 39 trips around the sun. As I think about starting this 40th year of life, I hope, pray, and PLAN to make each day count. I seek to become all that God desires---in HIS strength, of course, not mine. Thank God for the promise of new mercies every morning, huh? I choose to be excited about marking another year. Why not? After all, my sweet husband, family, and friends have each been so loving and kind by celebrating my day IN ADVANCE! Over the past week, I received some beautiful and heart-warming cards... I enjoyed a surprise dinner party planned by my wonderful hubby… and I have been showered with delightful gifts too! I feel loved, and in turn I want to reflect that love right back. So here is to the next trip around the sun. And to all who will share the journey with me, I thank you in advance for making it such an adventure.

Lamentations 3:22-25 (New American Standard Bible)

22The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

23They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

24"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,

"Therefore I have hope in Him."

25The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

To the person who seeks Him.

To read about this original painting, or to see more of my paintings and related products like note cards, posters, giclees and fine prints, please visit http://www.sonstudios.com./

Live a beautiful life! ~Kim P. Bartholomew

Aroma of Christ

Scents– wow can they bring on a flood of memories! It’s hard to explain how the smell of a vine ripe tomato can take me back to my grandmother’s kitchen…or how the smell of freshly cut grass puts me back on the golf course with my daddy…or how the whiff of a particular cologne makes me long for my husband's embrace. There is immense power in aroma!


Today I’m reflecting on the aroma of Christ. It is my heart’s desire to be a pleasing reminder of the love of Jesus to all I encounter. To anyone who may be reading this…I pray that God will send you a beautiful, fragrant reminder of His love for you today. Whether it comes to you in the form of your mother’s perfume – your baby’s gentle shampoo - or your grandfather’s aftershave, revel in God’s gift of scents. And let us be reminded of His pure love for us all.

Live a beautiful life! ~Kim P. Bartholomew

Description of Painting: This little jewel box of a piece depicts a perfume bottle with the stopper loosened – allowing the fragrance within the bottle to permeate the surrounding area. The plumes of the perfume fill the air in what becomes a cross shaped pattern. The four tips of the cross are punctuated by jewels for further emphasis. The stopper of the bottle is heart shaped and jeweled as well--the symbolism denoting the beauty and life that Christ brings to our hearts with His presence. The bottle itself is tipped over to remind the viewer that we are to pour out our lives in loving service to Christ and to those for whom we are to be “the aroma of Christ!”

Scriptural Inspiration for Painting:"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend." (Proverbs 27:9 NASV)

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

To see more original works of art and related products like note cards, posters, giclees and fine prints, please visit www.sonstudios.com.

God's Sovereignty

Thinking about loss – and hurt – and grief today… My heart breaks for those who are in so much pain they can’t breathe – and can’t see why they would want to. There are times in this life that make no sense to me. And yet I’m so grateful to know The One who created the universe and holds it all together. Even when I’m asking God why, why, why? - I am reminded that He owes me no explanation.


Still, He comforts us until He chooses to reveal glimpses of His plan. He never fails to work it all for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose. And so, as we weep for our losses, and struggle to find purpose, let us continue to praise Him through our tears. He hears, He sees, He knows. He holds us while we cry, and He loves us beyond measure – as only He can.