path

What a wonderful Kirkus review! (Paired here with my favorite improper contraction.) "A thoughtful look at life, in all its beauty and strangeness. ... This delightfully deadpan musing on life urges compassion for others. Howden’s straightforward text is on the philosophical side, though also rooted in the absurd. Hahn’s spare black graphite pencil watercolor, mostly set against a white background, are imbued with humor and empathy for the pickle, with the foodstuff’s expressive eyes conveying many emotions at once. " https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sarah-howden/the-wise-pickle/ THE WISE PICKLE by Sarah Howden ; illustrated by Sabina Hahn RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2026

Simple dra-wing for Split Of Fate. New part; https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/141547/split-of-fate/chapter/3105615/meadow-of-mirrors

A quaint old building stands amidst lush greenery, with a cobblestone path leading to its entrance. Trees frame the scene under a partly cloudy sky.

A stylized architectural illustration capturing the intricate beauty of a classic brick gateway and decorative ironwork. This design blends traditional sketching techniques with a modern, vibrant color palette, making it a perfect statement piece for those who appreciate urban history and fine masonry details.

A vibrant park view from a gazebo with a checkered floor and overhead canopy. Trees line the walkpaths, creating a lively and picturesque scene.

"To forge one's own path and pursue one's own dreams, one has to really strive for it."

Gummigoo ©️ Gooseworx Gummigoo ©️ Glitch Productions Gummigoo : voiced by Jack Hawkins . Benson ©️ J. G. Quintel Benson : voiced by Sam Marin

“Revising the Future” captures the exact moment creation becomes correction. Using my own drawing hand as the model, I built this piece through a cycle of sketch, pause, observe, and refine — letting the act of drawing guide the artwork itself. The eraser actively lifts portions of the page, symbolizing the choices we adjust as we grow, the mistakes we confront, and the quiet courage it takes to reshape the path ahead.

This picture represents that even in the darkest or messiest of times there is still a rainbow. The picture shows as someone is lost and waiting a rainbow still appears. As the path is broken, messed up and there seems to be no way out, there still is hope.

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Fraudulent companies have increasingly exploited the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market by offering crypto-backed debit cards that claim to allow users to spend their digital assets seamlessly in everyday transactions. These scams often lure victims with promises of exclusive “Platinum” or “Elite” cards, which require a substantial upfront deposit. Once the payment is made, however, the promised cards never arrive. I found myself caught in this web of deceit when I was enticed by the allure of a “Platinum Crypto Card.” The marketing was compelling, showcasing high spending limits and instant access to my cryptocurrency funds. I was convinced that this card would elevate my financial experience, allowing me to use my digital assets just like cash.After much deliberation, I took the plunge and paid $25,000 upfront, believing I was making a wise investment. But as the days turned into weeks, my excitement quickly turned to dread. The card never arrived, and my attempts to contact customer support were met with silence. It felt as if the company had vanished, leaving me in a state of disbelief and despair.Realizing I had been defrauded was a crushing blow. I felt a mix of anger and shame, grappling with the fact that I had trusted this company. With no clear path to recovery, I felt utterly helpless. That’s when I discovered Salvage Asset Recovery, a service dedicated to tracing and recovering cryptocurrency lost to fraud.I reached out to them, desperate for assistance. They began their investigation by tracing my digital transactions linked to the initial payment. Using advanced cryptocurrency analysis tools, they identified the scammer’s wallet address. To my shock, this wallet was part of a larger network connected to a notorious Ponzi scheme that had defrauded many others. Salvage Asset Recovery didn’t stop there. They worked closely with cryptocurrency exchanges where some of the stolen funds had been transferred. By presenting detailed transaction histories and wallet connections, they managed to persuade several exchanges to freeze the fraudulent assets. In the end, they successfully recovered $18,000 of my original $25,000 payment. While I still faced a significant loss, the recovery provided a sense of relief and justice. This experience has taught me the importance of vigilance in the cryptocurrency space. I now understand that while the potential for profit is immense, so too is the risk of fraud. Services like Salvage Asset Recovery are crucial in this battle against crypto scams, offering a lifeline for victims like me who feel lost and betrayed. Contact them on Whatsapp+== 1 8 4 7 6 5 4 7 0 9 6 Telegram===@Salvageasset Email=== Salvageassetrecovery@alumni.com

On Tuesday I registered for what I believed was a prestigious industry conference through a website recommended in a professional networking group. The page looked flawless with a slick design, a detailed agenda, high profile speakers and polished testimonials. The registration fee was steep at $16,300 but the event’s reputation seemed to justify it.The only odd detail was that payment had to be made exclusively in cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin. The site explained this as a secure and efficient way to process international payments. Trusting the recommendation I sent the Bitcoin equivalent of $16,300 to the provided wallet address. Minutes later the transaction showed as confirmed on the blockchain and I received an email with a QR code labeled as my official badge. Everything seemed in order.That confidence shattered a few days later when I contacted the legitimate conference organizers. They had no record of me. The email I had been corresponding with did not match theirs and the wallet address was unrelated. The conference was real but I had fallen victim to a sophisticated clone site.With Bitcoin transactions being irreversible I feared my funds were gone. That is when I contacted Salvage Asset Recovery, a cyber forensics firm known for their expertise in tracing and recovering digital assets. They responded within hours and reassured me that while the scam was sophisticated they had recovered funds from similar cases before. Salvage Asset Recovery began by examining my Bitcoin transaction on the blockchain. They tracked the movement of my payment through multiple wallet hops using advanced blockchain analytics tools to untangle the scammers laundering path. Their work revealed that my funds had ultimately landed in an account at a cryptocurrency exchange.Acting swiftly, Salvage Asset Recovery coordinated directly with the exchange’s fraud department and connected with law enforcement to place an emergency freeze on the account. Their quick intervention was critical as the scammers were only days away from withdrawing the funds.After two tense weeks Salvage Asset Recovery confirmed the full $16,300 in Bitcoin had been recovered and sent back to my wallet. I was stunned. I had gone from certain loss to complete restitution thanks entirely to their precision and urgency.This ordeal taught me a lasting lesson. Always verify payment channels, double check URLs and treat cryptocurrency only requests with caution. Without Salvage Asset Recovery my money would have vanished into the digital ether. They turned what could have been a total disaster into a rare recovery success story. connect with Salvage using the details below Whats app....+1 8 4 7 6 5 4 7 0 9 6 Telegram..... 16592200206

At seventy-five years old I strive to remain engaged with modern technology though I admit it can be overwhelming at times. The internet evolves rapidly and cryptocurrency in particular often feels like an entirely foreign language. Sadly I discovered just how confusing it can be when I became the victim of a sophisticated scam. I received an email claiming I had inherited Bitcoin from a distant relative. The correspondence appeared legitimate complete with legal jargon, official seals and documents that looked authentic. All I was required to do they said was pay certain processing and legal fees in cryptocurrency to release the funds. It seemed credible and not wanting to lose the opportunity I complied. By the time I recognized the deception I had lost nearly $40,000.The experience left me devastated. Beyond the financial damage I felt humiliated, ashamed and unsure where to turn. Thankfully my grandson intervened and introduced me to Salvage Asset Recovery. From my very first conversation with them I sensed a genuine difference. Rather than treating me with condescension they approached me with patience, empathy and respect. They assured me that countless people of all ages fall prey to such schemes. That compassion was the first sign I had finally found trustworthy allies.The team at Salvage Asset Recovery carefully outlined the recovery process in language that was clear, concise and easy for me to follow. They set realistic expectations, explained each step in detail and promised to provide consistent updates. True to their word I received daily progress reports and thoughtful explanations. That steady communication restored a measure of calm and gave me confidence that I was not alone.What impressed me most was their relentless professionalism and persistence. The investigators at Salvage Asset Recovery pursued my case with remarkable diligence skillfully tracing the stolen funds. Their determination never wavered and it was obvious they genuinely cared about restoring what I had lost. Their unwavering focus reignited hope at a time when I felt utterly defeated.After weeks of effort they achieved what I had considered impossible. Salvage Asset Recovery successfully recovered $35,000 of the $40,000 I had lost. The relief and gratitude I felt cannot be overstated. Thanks to their expertise I regained not only a substantial portion of my savings but also my faith in honest principled people.If you have ever been defrauded I wholeheartedly recommend Salvage Asset Recovery. They are compassionate, dependable and unyielding in their commitment to justice. you can get in touch with them via below WHATS APP +18476547096

I made my investment with the wrong platform and ended up losing both my capital investment and the profits I had made through my trading with them over the few months we had partnered together. It was such a very pathetic experience for me as I have never found myself in a situation so critical as this. I became depressed for months and almost lost my mind facing all these scenarios alone. At some point, I was having some suicidal thoughts, but thanks so much to my therapist, who helped me to set and maintain my healthy boundaries. It was she also advised me to look for a specialist who could help to recover my funds from the scammers. That one piece of advice from her did well for me, as I had gone online in search of help from experts, and I got referred to Fastfund Recovery and their services. I reached out to their contact detail that was provided by individuals testifying about their good work and filed a complaint, I was well responded to and we had a deep conversation on how I lost my money to the fake investment platform, everything seemed so unbelievable while they assured me of getting everything I have lost, I was asked questions on my mode of payment and evidence that shows a transaction occurred between both parties and if any agreement was breached or stated, after all these, just within the next 48hours or thereabouts I got all my lost investment together with my profits back in my wallet, these guys are amazing. You can get in touch with them via their official email: Fastfundrecovery8 @ Gmail com. WhatsApp; 1 8075007554.

While working at the GCPD, they haven't really communicated. Or rather, they haven't communicated at all - Edward was courting Kristen Kringle, and if they crossed paths, it was limited to simple "hi-bye." But Amber was starting her "career" as an informant and tried to pay attention to her colleagues, especially if they stood out in some way. And Edward stood out. Not only with his brilliant mind, but also with his good manners, determination, and gentlemanly treatment of women. Therefore, Amber had him in good standing - which, in the context of her character, is a great compliment. But she did not seek friendship or any connection with him, being too busy with her ambitions. But they really got to know each other many years later, when he became the Riddler, and she became the Stalker. She, as always in all her versions, became obsessed with a new, interesting person, like a fan of a character, and wanted to become closer to them. This time, that person was him. She even felt strangely shy about going and confessing her interest to her former colleague. But nevertheless, everything was as usual - Amber, who rarely feels strong emotions, always tries not to miss the opportunity to satisfy her loneliness and sparked passion for someone with this strange agreement: she offers free information to her obsessions in exchange for their company and their personal information (like what subject they liked in school, how they prefer to court their love interest, nothing that could compromise them (She can find it on her own). She also does not enter into sexual relations with them, even if they are not against it). Having lived in the illusion of being showered with their attention, she eventually gets tired of them and silently moves on, ghosting them unless they do something that returns her interest (after all, having free info is worth "forgiving" her for moving on on them). This time, everything was the same. But the Riddler would not be the Riddler if he left her strange puzzle unsolved. Not that previous obsessions all let her go without questions, but they were not the Riddler. And everything became complicated...

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Years ago, I sketched Gibby at work—pencil in hand, bold strokes alive with motion. I caught them from over the shoulder: just the back of their head, the soft curve of their face, and that focused arm bringing something into being. They were 9 or 10 then, already showing the spark of creativity and concentration that pointed toward who they’d become. Now in their mid-20s, Gibby is thoughtful, insightful—quick to listen, slow to speak, and wired to process the world with care. Their path has been remarkable: two degrees in 2.5 years, no debt. That didn’t happen by accident. It took grit, German immersion schooling, 16 college credits earned in high school, and testing out of 24 more once at university. That’s Gibby—quietly determined, resourceful, and steady. But their story isn’t just academic. Gibby’s always been gifted with their hands—drawn to set design, locksmithing, welding. Trades they wanted to pursue early on, and still feel pulled toward. They’re at a bike shop now. It’s not the dream, but it fits: their hands know how to build, repair, and reshape the world. There’s been frustration—maybe even anger—that we didn’t let them follow the trade route right away. I get that now. Life veers, and sometimes the path chosen isn't the one imagined. But Gibby’s resilience—their ability to adapt and press on—is what I admire most. They’ve embraced their journey with honesty, stepping into their identity as a they/them person, unafraid to define success in their own terms. That takes courage. I’m proud of them—not for a résumé, but for who they are. This old drawing isn’t just a memory—it’s a thread connecting past to present. A reminder that the creative spark, the steady hands, the deep soul I saw back then is still shining. So here’s to you, Gibby: the kid who sketched with fire and the adult who still shapes the world with quiet brilliance. Your value has never been about the path you’re on. It’s about the person you are. And I’ll be here, cheering you on—every step of the way.

A drawing for someone I somehow met from the corner of the internet, his original character Runali. A few years of ups and downs, but there were many struggles due to poor mental health. In the end as things heal, we gradually recognised our differences and decided to take different paths.

In this captivating cross-hatched pencil shading, a tranquil village scene comes to life. The intricate strokes create a harmonious blend of light and shadow, showcasing the serene beauty of rural life. Thatched roofs, winding pathways, and towering trees are meticulously detailed, inviting viewers to step into the peaceful simplicity of village existence. The gentle interplay of shades and textures evokes a sense of nostalgia and calm, capturing the essence of a timeless village story.

The concept for this painting started as a design for a pumpkin carving contest. I felt the message of the design is so important for people to hear, I decided to make it into a painting. The original design, done in pen and ink. The design only shows the two doors of the entrance to a fortress. I tried to keep the design simple, because the carving event is both timed and live. You must create your masterpiece on the pumpkin they provide, on their location, Infront of live spectators. The evolution of the design? I added a wall on each side of the entrance, with matching pillars. Explaining the design of the pillars The triangle top: the triune God. Representing three persons of God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The cross shape opening in the pillars: The cross is the only path to God, to have the debt of sin satisfied. To reconcile humankind back to himself. To be released from being a slave to the Devil. To be a new creation empowered by God Spirit. Explaining the design of the entrance way(gate) The top of the entrance is in the shape of a heart, represents the seat of human passion, ambition, and allegiance. The cultic three petal flower is used to represent God in three persons united. The symbol inside the flower: God’s ministry toward humankind. Crown: Highest authority Cross: God’s loving salvation and restoration plan. The dove: Spiritualty made alive, fellowship with God, empowerment to weather the storm of life, and equip for service to God. Change in the design of the door. In the original design, one door had roses carved on it. The pattern took up the whole door. The other door had a grape vine carved on it. The pattern took up the whole door. I modified the emblem on the doors by making them smaller and simplified, so I could place them inside heart shapes, so the new images would more clearly communicate what they are meant to represent. I also added color to the emblems (color pencil) to make them clear of what they are, because of their size and the ink medium ,they were hard to interpret. Understanding the symbol of the two doors. The door with the rose inside the heart emblem represents a heart whose passions, ambitiousness, allegiance are focused on the cares, worries, and abstaining riches of the world. Only giving God lip service. I chose the rose to represent the heart of spiritual allegiance to the world, because roses are pretty, but you can’t eat them to nourish your body. They also have thorns that can cause injury to the body. So, the parallel point is, just as flower fade and turn to dust, so will the person who chases the thing of the world and has no time for God. For life is very short, we know not which will be our last breath on this side of eternity. But if a person leaves this earth without excepting the gift God offered them which is salvation from penalty of sin and given enteral life through the work that was done on the cross by God’s son. Then that soul will appear before Jesus, and just as they did not know him in their life on earth, He will tell them he knows them not. Into the lake of fire, they will spend eternity. The door with the grape vine in the heart emblem represents a heart whose passions, ambitiousness, allegiance are for God. To know Him intimately, to obey His teachings, to serve his will. I chose the grapevine to represent the heart of spiritual allegiance to God, because grapes are nourishing to the body. Jesus also used a grape vine in one of his parables. He paralleled the spiritual relationship he had with his disciples and the grapevine. He told them just as branches of a vine must depend on the base of the vine to live and bare fruit, so they must abide him to have abundant life. Abiding in Christ is not a religious act. It is outside of religion. It is an intimate relationship. Example: you can belong to a fan club of Paul McCartney and know a lot of things you have heard about him, but he doesn’t even know you exist. Where, if Paul is your father, and you have a good parent to child relationship, then you know him intimately. So, abiding in God, we commune with him through read his word and living by its teachings. It is spending time in prayer. Sharing our hearts with God and spending time listing to him. Trusting in him as our provider and giving thanks for his provision. Living our lives, with the purpose of pleasing him with the work of our hand and loving our neighbors in the workplace as well as in the community. Just as a healthy grapevine continues to grow and produce much fruit. Having an imitate relationship with God should be more and more evident in the way we live our lives. So, when the angel of death pays you an unexpected visit, he escorts you to Jesus’s throne, you know for certain he going to welcome you with loving arms and said welcome home my faithful servant. Now to which door I chose for my life? It’s the one that is open. This bible verse one of a couple that inspired me to design this illustration. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 King James Version 12 Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. This verse is not referring to the rebellious people who have rejected God, this is referring to people who are children of God, who failed to serve God faithful. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo. 3 Jan 2024 Evolution of the design of this painting. I believe God through His Holy Spirit guided me to change the crosses on the two pillars, one on each side of the doors. Instead of these windows being fill with darkness, which would represent death by crucifixion, which Jesus endured for humanity, that who so ever is willing may be delivered from the power of sin and be adopted by God to become a member of His family. I was inspired to put light in both cross windows. The cross window on the side the open door, with the grape vines on it, the light matches the color of the light that is coming out the windows of Icons shapes representing the ministry of tri union God. The color I used is a bright firry orang yellowing color. For the bible says God is a consuming fire. The cross windows on the side of door with the flower on it, I used the color greenish yellow lite; to represent a false light, the bible call it a form of Godliness without power. Who so ever tries to approach God another way, than the path God has ordained. They will not be received. The Devil distorts the truth, to lead many to their demise. The only way to know the difference between truth and fallacy, is to study God’s word. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo August 7,2024

Hello! My name is Eternal Phoenix, I hope you enjoy my first full drawing of the year that I made a while back.I have much to learn, but that won’t stop me from moving forward in this path

#14 Inktober 2023 Prompt number 26 "Remove" - I drew this picture during the #inktober event for an individual's artspace on magma.com (the word prompt to draw was "remove" for day 26). I came up with the idea to draw an RPG warrior battling a giant mosquito during his adventure. He is using OFF brand mosquito repellent spray to remove the enemy from this path (but he took damage and later is removing a Band-Aid from his arm). Drawn directly on magma.com live using an iPad pro (no pressure sensitivity and no Ai).

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1-a.html

i walk along the path in a nice sunny day with me camera before see a unusual sight of seagulls.

Luminary Festival - Auren Farkis (Digital Portrait I did as a colour study) Crisp reverberating strings danced through the evening. Notes twisted and echoed up through the emerald, velvet tiers of Ridgedow Gardens. Dusk’s veil had long since darkened to a diamond-encrusted black, and Clarglow was alive with activity. Footpaths were choked with revellers that formed a river of light that coursed and pulsed through the park. Will-o-whisp spots of light also glowed among the neatly trimmed hedgerows and statues. Their magic-addled voices rose up, joining in with the music of the Luminary Festival. A young man, no more than a quarter of a century old, glowed brightest of all. A soft orange radiated from his eyes, and his veins pulsed a brilliant red. He was dripping in gold and gems. Over an outfit that somehow managed to be heavily layered and revealing at the same time, he wore a sheer cape, which was heavily embroidered with blood-red crystals that refracted his own light around him in dazzling, concentrated rays. It was such a dangerous colour of magic, but his expression was soft and dreamy. Excited laughter rose up as a clustered group shot metallic confetti skyward. Gold flake drifted down and settled into his silver hair, cheeks, and shoulders. No doubt he would discover the remnants of this festival in his home weeks from now. He increased his pace, stepping off the cobbled path to overtake the group, when one of their number split from the group. The coils of her dark hair were so saturated with gold that she looked like she belonged on a pedestal next to the other statues. She intercepted him, matching his pace. She snaked a long, slender arm around his waist and pulled him closer. She pressed her lips against his neck, leaving a wake of golden kisses up to his earlobe, where she leaned closer to whisper. — “Aurie, Luv, I know that look. Don’t tell me you’re headed home. The eve has only just begun. “ Her glowing eyes Locked with Auren’s, her grip tightening, slowing the both of them to a stop, causing a temporary blockage in the flow of people. “Overdid myself Mel.. you’ll have to –” –” Come with us to the reflecting pool.” She cooed, meeting his lips in an off-center kiss, smearing his inky wine lipstick. Momentarily, he allowed himself to relax. He considered saying yes. His heart pounding, he dipped his friend backwards gracefully, resenting that he had to leave. An itch in his left arm reminded his fuzzy brain that he was in danger. Gasping softly, he gently lifted Mella upright and spun her out towards her friends, who were growing impatient. He couldn’t make out their faces in the fuzz of the evening. “I can’t, I’m sorry Mel! We’ll talk later.” Before she could protest, he danced, spinning forward in a brilliant display of speed that ended in a stumble as he met a set of steep steps that coiled sharply upwards out of the park and onto the pink brick streets overlooking Ridgedow Gardens. The glazed windows facing the street were empty and blank… their occupants elsewhere, enjoying the festival. The empty buildings were like faces, judging him for his lack of zeal. Auren wound his way through streets and side streets, his pace increasing as he grew more and more alone. Finally, he was climbing a set of steps to his own front door. Smirking at the sight of it he reached down into the front of the bodice that held together the layers of his outfit pulling free a loop of keys that were on a long chain looped around his neck. Aligning it to the keyhole he struggled with the lock, cursing softly under his breath as it initially failed to cooperate with him. In the quiet black of his foyer, he latched the door behind him and stumbled forward, tearing at the ribbon that held the gleaming cape that draped from his bare shoulders. He let it drop on a black lacquered table. He reached up to unclasp an elaborate choker and tore his single, crimson glove down from his elbow. He pressed a gilded fingernail against a band of red ink encroached upon by a spreading corruption. Marginally extending beyond the band were sinews of mismatched muscle and skin; even his hair had begun to glow red. Pulse rising, he wrenched his rings from his fingers, casting them into the ever-darkening room. Precious jewellery piled under him until only the dimmest glow from his own veins remained.. Slumping onto the steps, he tightened his grip on his arm and twisted it ninety degrees. A sharp click of crystal against porcelain met his ears. The room was enveloped in black as his final stone slid away from his arm, rendering the prosthesis inert. He slid to his side, the sounds of the party below overtaken by his own gasping breaths, panic refusing to subside alongside his magic.

Title: Heart and Soul Medium: illustration pens on sketch book paper Style: surreal Category: illustration Created: Dec-Jan 2024-2024 Artist: Stephen J. Vattimo Heart and Soul This is preliminary drawing for a painting I am about to begin. The concept for this illustration started as a design for a pumpkin carving contest. I feel the message of the design is so important for people to hear, I decided to make it into a painting. The original design, done in pen and ink. The design only shows the two doors of the entrance to a fortress. It was designed for a live pumpkin carving event in mind. At this type of event, the carver must create their piece of art live on site with spectators watching and asking questions, and there is a time limit. The evolution of the design? I added a wall on each side of the entrance, with matching pillars. Explaining the design of the pillars The triangle top: the triune God. Representing three persons of God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The cross shape opening in the pillars: The cross is the only path to God, to have the debt of sin satisfied. To reconcile humankind back to himself. To be released from being a slave to the Devil. To be a new creation empowered by God Spirit. Explaining the design of the entrance way(gate) The top of the entrance is in the shape of a heart, represents the seat of human passion, ambition, and allegiance. The cultic three petal flower is used to represent God in three persons united. The symbol inside the flower: God’s ministry toward humankind. Crown: Highest authority Cross: God’s loving salvation and restoration plan. The dove: Spiritualty made alive, fellowship with God, empowerment to weather the storm of life, and equip for service to God. Change in the design of the door. In the original design, one door had roses carved on it. The pattern took up the whole door. The other door had a grape vine carved on it. The pattern took up the whole door. I modified the emblem on the doors by making them smaller and simplified, so I could place them inside heart shapes, so the new images would more clearly communicate what they are meant to represent. I also added color to the emblems(color pencil) to make them clear of what they are, because of their size and the ink medium ,they were hard to interpret. Understanding the symbol of the two doors. The door with the rose inside the heart emblem represents a heart whose passions, ambitiousness, allegiance are focused on the cares, worries, and abstaining riches of the world. Only giving God lip service. I chose the rose to represent the heart of spiritual allegiance to the world, because roses are pretty, but you can’t eat them to nourish your body. They also have thorns that can cause injury to the body. So, the parallel point is, just as flower fade and turn to dust, so will the person who chases the thing of the world and has no time for God. For life is very short, we know not which will be our last breath on this side of eternity. But if a person leaves this earth without excepting the gift God offered them which is salvation from penalty of sin and given enteral life through the work that was done on the cross by God’s son. Then that soul will appear before Jesus, and just as they did not know him in their life on earth, He will tell them he knows them not. Into the lake of fire, they will spend eternity. The door with the grape vine in the heart emblem represents a heart whose passions, ambitiousness, allegiance are for God. To know Him intimately, to obey His teachings, to serve his will. I chose the grapevine to represent the heart of spiritual allegiance to God, because grapes are nourishing to the body. Jesus also used a grape vine in one of his parables. He paralleled the spiritual relationship he had with his disciples and the grapevine. He told them just as branches of a vine must depend on the base of the vine to live and bare fruit, so they must abide him to have abundant life. Abiding in Christ is not a religious act. It is outside of religion. It is an intimate relationship. Example: you can belong to a fan club of Paul McCartney and know a lot of things you have heard about him, but he doesn’t even know you exist. Where, if Paul is your father, and you have a good parent to child relationship, then you know him intimately. So, abiding in God, we commune with him through read his word and living by its teachings. It is spending time in prayer. Sharing our hearts with God and spending time listing to him. Trusting in him as our provider and giving thanks for his provision. Living our lives, with the purpose of pleasing him with the work of our hand and loving our neighbors in the workplace as well as in the community. Just as a healthy grapevine continues to grow and produce much fruit. Having an imitate relationship with God should be more and more evident in the way we live our lives. So, when the angel of death pays you an unexpected visit, he escorts you to Jesus’s throne, you know for certain he going to welcome you with loving arms and said welcome home my faithful servant. Now to which door I chose for my life? It’s the one that is open. This bible verse one of a couple that inspired me to design this illustration. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 King James Version 12 Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. This verse is not referring to the rebellious people who have rejected God, this is referring to people who are children of God, who failed to serve God faithful. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo. 3 Jan 2024 .

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