Unleashing Art Conference at Our Savior's Palm Springs

Hey Everyone - I'm really excited about Matt Tommy coming to Palm Springs in January. He authored a book Healing the Heart of the Artist and will be here to encourage and pray for the heart of the artist in God's Kingdom here in the Coachella Valley. Save the dates January 19-21.

On Thursday January 19th we will have a juried art show at Boileau Studio for artist called to use their unique giftings to share Christ to a hurting world. Contact me (Brian) to submit your work.

Check out Matt Tommy at www.theworshipstudio.org

Hold Mommy's Hand

HOLD MOMMY'S HAND

BY BRIAN F.M. BARLOW

I asked a favor of my Father

I whispered in His ear

Hold the hand of my mother

To let her know You are near

Mommy we hold the same hands

Though I’m with Jesus and see

You are there where I did stand

His touch heals you and me

You and I will be together

I know Mommy it must seem long

But He promises life forever

and Jesus cannot be wrong

We did not know 

The sum of our days

His mercy clearly chose to show

That only He is the Way

So take His hand and let it be

As if you can feel mine and see

That I’m in good care part of a perfect song

Hug Daddy too and tell him it won’t be long

So during the time we are apart

Keep Jesus close to your heart

You need only to call His name

He’ll live in your heart and you’ll never be the same

Purify My Heart Painting

The Start of Something New - Stay Posted

Well here goes, I find it easy to see what's absent in my life almost without effort. Each day I'm more aware that to give and bless others takes more than a choice it takes heart. God's Word says to guard our hearts for it is the wellspring of life. As an Artist it is easy to know when I have not guarded my heart. The center of my creativity flows from it and the enemy hates it. It is unique and no other heart was created like it, fashioned by Our Father to give, love and bless others with a special part of His Glory that He placed within me.

A Christmas Song by Brian Barlow

A Christmas Song

By Brian F. M. Barlow

In a world full of gifts packaged shiny and new

How is it that so many seem so blue

We rush all around from here to there

Hoping we’ll finish our lists in order to prepare

Coming home for some will never be 

But a memory of years past gathered around the tree

Perhaps this is why it appears hope is lost

For some life is just to big of a cost

They live alone in a world full of fear

Or at least it seems like they’ve lost their cheer

Plastic smiles are shared among strangers at best

For they are on the outside when they past by all the rest

Alone in the world is what the Liar will chant

Convincing the lost soul “This Jesus” just can’t

Understand what they feel or worse yet, even care

Because the Babe in the manger had nothing to share

He came without tinsel without ribbons and bows

He didn’t even have a home to call his own

The smells he first remembered were not cinnamon or cloves

But the dusty smell of animals sheltered from the cold

Then in the quiet of the night we hear a true song

From the battle field, the hospital, the streets bold and strong

It quiets the Liar as it grows in Glory at great length

Telling the Truth about Jesus of His Love and Strength

Alone He knows very well in this song

It’s something He’s been many times all along

When finally He chose to be on that tree

He took loneliness away for You and for Me

So you see dear one in this Holiday Cheer

I AM with you, you’re not alone for I AM near

Rest in My Truth and quiet your heart

Listen closely, invite Me in so we’ll never be a part

Christmas is Coming - Give an Inspirational Gift!

Jesus came to testify to the Truth. Let's remember this Christmas Season to raise up the only name the came to set captives free!

Stolen Child - By Brian Barlow

This image was taken from my journal. I drew it several years ago. God's promises are real and while wounds from our childhood can be painful, He promises to heal and restore. A few weeks ago while on a mountain retreat, I believe the Holy Spirit inspired this poem to comfort and heal me, my hope is it will encourage you.

Stolen Child by Brian F. M. Barlow

He is running in the wrong direction

Longing to return to the innocence of his youth

Only to have it stolen by someone else’s recreation

A lie was given in exchange for the Truth

Once happy, playful, and carefree 

He explored God’s creation, he thought, “It’s made just for me!”

When in that moment, in the shadow of that day

That little child’s heart was broken, his life stolen away

Wounded and confused he cried out for help

“Do this the preacher said, Do this and be clean”

He warned do not fail do not fail in your attempt

For in that moment you’ll surely lose, cast out in contempt

Fail in his efforts he surely did

Hopeless as he aged, soon tears he no longer shed

Fear and Despair were now his guide

Pride trying to hide the emptiness inside

Is there any hope for someone like me?

Pure once before and made clean before Thee

Stained with life and loss, I could only hope to be

Loved once again from this prison set free

Dear Lord, do not forget me

Take my life and let it be

Open my heart my eyes to see

What it is to be loved and free

Take the lies, the hurt, the ashes

From the deepest wounds of my soul

I choose to give You the bondage

Finally to know Truth and be made whole

I see the tears that Truth shed for me

His dear sweet blood poured out on Calvary

His voice full of power when He proclaimed

It is finished, bowed His head, broken and maimed

Then on that day, Truth rose from the dead

His wounded hands touched my face and said

This life you once had stolen, I’ve taken back for you

My dear child, unblemished, full of hope, You are NEW!