Framing and Reframing

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

-I Samuel 16:7, ESV

Frames. We all use them, but have you ever stopped to consider their purpose? A frame is used to help convey a message, but that message isn't limited to a visual one. When we are trying to resolve a problem we often strike on a solution only after we have looked at the issue from a new perspective – in other words, we have reframed the issue. A frame serves as a guide to help us focus our attention in a specific way.

The goal in much of my writing is to take the many sights and sounds around us and reframe how we see them. I want to give my reader a perspective which looks at the everyday things around us as a way to direct our attention to Christ. I have sought to develop a continuous awareness of God, His work, and His word in my life. In the spirit of Deuteronomy 6:7, I strive to give my children this same conscious understanding as we "sit at home", "walk along the way".

God gave humanity both a general revelation and a special revelation. General revelation is what is available to all people of all time. This is God's revelation of Himself which makes it so that all are without excuse. Special revelation is God's word to us, and ultimately his son, Jesus Christ. I attempt to reframe the oft overlooked general revelation around us in the light of the special revelation which God has blessed us with. (Psalm 19:1-6; Acts 14:17; Romans 1:19-20, 2:14-16)

As you get to know me, you will undoubtedly get to know my illustrator Miriam Barbee at paintinginframes.com.

In her art, Miriam makes skillful use of visual framing. The way she uses frames captures the viewers attention and directs it to a certain aspect of her artwork. She uses an artistic frame to convey a message to her audience; that is an invitation to enter into and experience what is viewed. Is it a custom sketch of a beloved pet? Miriam uses framing to give the viewer the feeling that he is stepping out of the picture to join you. In his eyes, Miriam captures his character. She combines that lifelike look with an artistic frame and invites you to reach out and stroke him, to experience the comaraderie reflected there. Maybe we are speaking of one of Miriam's landscape paintings, like the one above? Here she has used framing to give the viewer the feeling being a part of the scene. You feel as though you are walking along the river's bank or the path she has provided. You may find yourself taking an involuntarily breath as though you might smell the sweetness of the air and feel it rush into your lungs.

Either way, Miriam's artwork is a beautiful, visual representation of how I view life this side of heaven. I am a part of God's kingdom even while I continue in this sinful world. As I stand on this side of the frame, I get to see and experience my King at work in my circumstances, encouraging me as he opens my eyes to see an every day sight or happening in light of his word. I get to breathe in the life he gives. I get to experience the peace that passes understanding, the joy he offers as I engage with life framed by the Bible. Pouring out of this frame, I experience a personal relationship with God, marked by his love for me and made possible through Christ's sacrifice to bring about the forgiveness of my wretched sin.

How well developed is your spiritual eye for reframing what you see and experience? Can you step back and view things more in line with the way God sees them? I invite you to join me as one continually peering through the frame of God's word at the things of your day-to-day life in order to find Christ in the every day.

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Meet Marissa Barbee and Miriam Barbee

Mother (Marissa) and daughter (Miriam) first partnered together in the publication of Christmas Traditions Through the Lens of Scripture. In this book Marissa shares twenty-five devotionals about the common traditions and decorations that we see during the advent season and how each of those can be used to focus on the Son of God, the "reason for the season." Miriam highlights each devotion with her beautiful artwork. They now continue to partner together to minister to their audience on a more direct and continual basis through their websites and social media channels. You can find more about Marissa as you continue to explore this site and more about Miriam at paintinginframes.com.

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Note: The painting featured in this post is also featured in some new wallpapers which have been added to our respective libraries. Join our newsletter to get access to these free files.