Back in 2007, when many of the ideas in this blog were originally posted, I was thinking about time in my life, and in the lives people I’ve known, when we individually dealt with the loss of a loved one, sickness and financial hardships.  Today, we share in a recession including the many layoffs and unemployment, the foreclosures and the financial problems that are now also faced by a great deal of the world.

In the 23rd Psalm, the words translated as, “As I walk through valley of the shadow of death” can and is also translated as, “As I walk through the valley overshadowed by death.”

This may seem a slight distinction, but to me, the overshadowing of a valley seems darker than “the shadow of death.” That overshadowing seems total. Darker. Plus, the image evoked is more real.

Yet the description is of a shadow, a kind of darkness that can actually touch and “cover” us, as shadows do, but is not really a part of us. We can step out of a shadow.

Apparently there is another Hebrew version of the text, which translates as: “the valley of deepest darkness.” This seems worse yet, as it would be the darkest.

There are times in life where we feel that we are going through a valley of deepest darkness. When it is difficult to even marshal up any hope for the future, no less find some good in the current moment. For me, these were the times when I have also felt very alone and diminished in some way,  such as by the loss of someone very close to me.

There is always some light that may seem hidden but that can be revealed in any darkness that is either perceived with the eyes or the soul.  That physical light can be detected by instruments, and you can also easily learn to see more of it.  For many people, this special physical light is symbolic of the very words and ongoing presence of The Divine.

The theory of Post Conceptual UnGraven Image art grew out of Judeo-Christian theology that begins with Genesis 1:3, “Let there be light.” Light is vital to our universe and without it there would be no colors, paintings or art. For Jews and Christians without the words of The Divine there would be no world.

The symbolism of the dark valley of the Psalm 23, suggests Genesis Chapter 1, when “darkness was on the face of the deep.”

Prior to the portion about the valley, the psalmist wrote that “He leads me in paths of righteousness from the sake of His name [or His name's sake].’ Following entering the dark valley the psalm continues, “I shall fear no evil, for Thou [The Lord] art with me.”

Back in January 2007, I was reading about studies of famous creative by neurological scientists. One dealt with how music affects our brains. Another study is researching a finding that the creative visual place in the human brain is close or coincides with the area that also deals with insanity.

For me, insanity would be the darkest place and we all — to some degree — deal with our own neurosis or illogical fears and concerns. Coping with the discomfort of believing lies (denial), unwanted emotions and fears leads to behavior that is out of control. A severe amount of this would be catatonia while the mild everyday –I can-cope-with-it variety leads all manner of behaviors that we resolve change repair every New Year.

It struck me as amazingly “coincidental” that the brain area that deals with area is near or coincides with the creatively visual area.

Ninty percent of (90%) of vision happens in the brain as it decodes impressions of light sent by the eyes. To see is to discern darkness from light. That kind of decoding (discernment) also occurs when we have a sudden inspiration or understanding and “see the light”. Think of all the cartoons that indicate the character getting an idea through the now universally understood symbol of a bright light bulb by the cartoon character’s head.

Inspiration, a new idea of vision can be understood as:  light suddenly coming out of darkness.

Of course, that was before I realized in the spring of 2008 that when one sees enough (enough varies for individuals) of my artwork, one gains Awakened Vision thanks to the memories of that art, which the brain uses to decode more visual information. People who have gained Awakened Vision experience seeing more.

When we do not turn towards The Divine and follow our inspiration, our unique revealed path before us, we will inevitably go in a different direction. We stray, even for the moment, when we allow negative emotions to control us  saying a few “deserved” but demeaning harsh words (which will make us feel better somehow) or tell a small, seemingly harmless white lie so our lives will be more convenient or acceptable to others, or pretend that a situation that we do not like does not exist, we turn away from what we know is true.

Instead, sometimes simply trudging along in the valley of deepest darkness, even somewhat blindly, serves to take us to a new place of inspiration where suddenly a “feast” is found, our cup runs, which moves us toward the fulfillment of our greatest needs and hopes. We see light come out of darkness.

Two watercolor pencil paintings, Psalm 23 (Male Cardinal and Psalm 23 (Female Cardinal) are created using strokes that are the original Torah font letters of Psalm 23.  They are separate works but also form a set of two cardinals in at the time of a winter sunset.

Psalm 23 (Male Cardinal

They were the first paintings after the tsunami, when coincidentally my area was engulfed by a blizzard.

Psalm 23 (Female Cardinal)

The wild animals of the tsunami almost all “knew” to head for high ground just as the wild creatures in my area, where forage is otherwise generally plentiful managed to find food and shelter when a blizzard simultaneously hit my area and the snow was a foot and a half deep.Thus these bird paintings began my painting series entitled, Written on the Wind.

Like the sheep in Psalm 23, the cardinals outside my window somehow managed to find food and shelter, after also somehow remaining safe during the blizzard.  As I listened to the tsunami reports and watched the birds outside my window, it was clear that they “saw” and followed the prodding of some divine staff and rod that despite dire circumstances kept them safe.

According to the Psalmist, even in deepest darkness the Lord is with us. I paint using the Hebrew letters from original Bible texts to represent the smallest essential pre-particles (also known as strings and membranes). This is basic Judeo-Christian theology applied to fine art.

As we learn to actually see more, what is called Awakened Vision, we become more aware of the energy, which for many are (or symbolize) the words of The Divine.  If we can remember and even picture the very Words of the Lord surrounding when we are in a time of a dark valley, then we can know that we are loved and not alone.

In the darkest times we can “see” our next step if we can envision that we are surrounded by the very words and promises of the Lord. All we need to do is ask for and take one small step forward with The Divine and we will “fear no evil for thou art with me.”

People who have *Awakened Vision can see this and gain that comfort, hope and peace.

*   *   *

See all of Judy Rey Wasserman’s Prints at her estore. Invest in fine art that will inspire you, your friends and family. Change how you see the world to change your life. See more. Share the vision.

And, you can also find these artworks at Judy Rey’s Zazzle store on cards and mugs and other merchandise for you and your loved ones. Judy Rey’s Unique Zazzle Products for You

*Note: to discover more about Awakened Vision and how you can easily gain it sign up for the free 50+ page color ebook in the purple rectangle at the blogs at either ungravenimage.com or artofseeingthedivine.com]

A red rose is a meaningful universal symbol for love. They also stand for respect and courage. Red rosebuds mean pure and lovely. These understandings of feminine virtue are found in Proverbs 31:10-31, which is also known as the Bible’s Woman of Valor.

Traditionally Jewish men read this scripture passage to their wives of the Sabbath as a tribute. It is also a custom to bring flowers to the wife or any home that one visits for the Friday evening meal. This ancient custom continues to this day.

Rosebuds symbolize beauty, youth and an innocent heart.

A single rose stands for simplicity.

:The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” –Isaiah 35:1

Woman of Valor Rosebud – Red by Judy Rey Wasserman

There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted. — Henri Matisse

Below is a close up of a detail of the artwork so that you can see that each and every letter, which may overlap and be placed this way and that, is always an original Torah font letter of the scripture text of Woman of Valor.

A fine art archival print of this unique Post Conceptual and UnGraven Image artwork is makes a special gift for a beloved woman, including wives, mothers, girlfriends, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, teachers, and best friends. This is also a beautiful gift for the bar mitzvah girl, sweet sixteen, bride to be, expectant mother and bridesmaids.

Unlike a bouquet of live flowers or fruit, this is art she can cherish throughout her lifetime.

To see more and discover how you can purchase a print of this work, SEE:http://store.artofseeingthedivine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=19

What makes these works religious and special is that the strokes that form the art are symbols from Bible texts. However, the strokes are used just like traditional strokes, one over the other, interwoven, and glazed. This means the letters and words are generally unseen or distinguishable. Unlike Conceptual Word Art the strokes cannot be read. Yet we know the words of The Divine are present in the artwork, just as we know that there are pre-particles and waves, particles, atoms and molecules that are the scientific basis for the physical universe that we see.

Like the tiny essences of the universe, the pre-matter and waves that elementary physics’ calls strings, the strokes interweave, join together and form the visual universe of the image. According to basic theology held by all branches and denominations of Christians and Jews, plus as mentioned in the Koran, when the Creator speaks the physical universe into existence the letters of those spokes words were and are the essences of the physical universe.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light.’”— Genesis 1:3

Founded by artist Judy Rey Wasserman, Post Conceptual Art uses symbols for each and every stroke. The branch of UnGraven Image uses original letters from Bible texts for the strokes in artworks. The meaning of the artwork is inherent in the strokes, not the narrative image the strokes produce.

Share the Bible Anywhere with anyone – Legally via 21 st Century Post Conceptual Art

Post Conceptual Art, especially through the branch known as UnGraven Image allows to you to show your patriotism with a fine art print of President George Washington. You can even display the Ten Commandments in public places thanks to this open edition print of George Washington, which is created using the words (letters) of Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments, for strokes.

The strokes of this artwork are the original letters of Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments. As the first President of the United States it was George Washington’s job to administer and safeguard the laws of the nation , including the constitution. It is widely held that much of the laws of the Constitution were based on the Ten Commandments, especially the understanding that the laws pertained to all people alike.

Want to bring the Bible into your office or waiting room without offending non-believer customers?

Show your love of nature with these prints of cardinals, male and female, which are each created with the original letters of Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd.

While here and there one of the Torah (Bible) font letters from the original texts (not translations versions) peeks out, unless you explain the deeper basis and meaning of the artwork no one will know. Yet, you can feel the intrinsic energy that emanates from the artwork.

“My Word will not return unto me void.” — Isaiah 55:11

The beauty of Landscapes in Sunsets and Seasons of Trees

Scientific studies have shown that when people are shown images of nature, or allowed to take a brief walk in nature (such as a park) they come back more refreshed and perform better at tasks that people who see cityscapes or other images during their break.

Therefore the landscapes are especially helpful when displayed in offices and places of study. You are not only bringing the power of the Bible text(s) into the room, but looking at the images is reviving and uplifting. Of course, unless you explain the significance of the strokes, no one will know the “secret” intrinsic Bible meaning of the works. You can display these works anywhere with pride.

In the Seasons of Trees series show below the strokes are from Deuteronomy 6.

To discover more about how you can acquire the complete set of these limited edition, signed and numbered prints at a special price click–> SEASONS of TREES SET

“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.”– Ecclesiastes 3:1

Bring the Bible Home via Sunsets, which are Always a Promise of a New Beginning

“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” –
Proverbs 24:3

In Genesis it is repeatedly established that the new day begins at sunset, which commences a time for pause before the next events of creation. A sunset can be understood as both a celebration of the events of the past day and an inspection — a kind of AhHa moment — that needs to be reflected upon before new activity begins.

Genesis Beit

To discover more about how you can acquire this print click –>GENESIS BEIT

This artwork is featured in the You Tube video, “Painting with the Big Bang of Genesis”, which can be seen also on the home page of Judy Rey Wasserman’s Post Conceptual UnGraven Image website: http://ungravenimage.com . Imagine telling your guests that your art stars in a video – or if you decide to give this investment quality print as a gift explaining that to the recipient!

“…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” –Joshua 24:15

The prints shown here and all of the prints available through the Judy Rey Wasserman’s Art of Seeing The Divine E-Store, where you will find many more images that are currently available to suit your interests, favorite texts and inspire your decor. These prints also make special and cherished gifts for the people who are believers, observant or spiritual on your list. Additionally, depending on the subject of the image, these make excellent gifts for people who love or collect art, who are patriots, or who love nature.

To check out the investment quality limited edition prints, click –> Limited Edition Prints.

To check out the also archival quality but open edition and less expensive prints click –>Open Edition Prints.

Sometimes an inspirational idea we have can almost weight us down with its significance that we must somehow express the excitement, which can include jumping up and down, which visually echoes the sun in Genesis Dalet weighing upon the horizon.

Genesis Aleph by Judy Rey Wasserman

Click: See page with link to larger image

Genesis Dalet uses the original Bible’s Torah font letters of Genesis 1-3:7 for each and every stroke. These strokes make it a member of the Genesis: Sunset-Sunrise series. Among other things this series is about moments of inspiration and understandings — those AhHa moments, when we “see the light”.

Post Conceptual UnGraven Image Art uses the Creator’s words as the strokes in every image. These symbol strokes also represent the strings of elementary physics, the tiniest pre particles and waves that are the basis for the physical universe. When you display this artwork at home, or your place of business it will visually remind you everyday that problems and cares are never really solid as the physical universe is comprised of tiny pre-particles and wave motions, which we can also understand as the words of The Divine, who according to Genesis speaks the universe into existence.

“And G-d said, let there be light.” –Genesis 1:3

“So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void , except it accomplish that which I please, and make the thing whereto I sent it prosper.” — Isaiah 55:11.

This Giclee print is created in the artist’s own studio using Epson fine art printer and inks for the best possible archival quality and reproduction. We use the highest dpi resolution possible, which is higher than the online sites that produce prints and Giclees from images for merchandise — this means you get better clearer details so that you can actually see the letter-strokes.   This print is the best quality digital print available or possible today from any artist – It has to be the best we can offer — it’s from the Bible!

Close up images so you can see the strokes:

PRINT INFORMATION

8 x 10.25 inches

This print is on Enhanced Matte paper and is archival

$49.95 (includes handling and first class USPS shipping within USA for free!)

To discover more info in the special page at the shopping cart and/or to buy CLICK HERE NOW

Children are especially beguiled by Halloween as it promotes dressing up in costumes, getting and eating lots of candy and being scared and scary in safe ways.

The Roots of Halloween

Halloween is not a Christian or Jewish holiday; nor really is it a secular holiday. It is a Druid celebration that is also associated with Wiccan rites (witchcraft) and also has roots in roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain.

As a harvest festival marking the time of the autumn equinox this celebration was very popular throughout Europe even during Roman times. As Christianity spread, the Catholic Church had a custom of creating rival Christian holidays at the same times as Pagan ones. Thus the Christians were celebrating their holiday along side the pagans in the small villages and towns, which made conversions easier to accomplish. This is why All Saints Day, and All Souls Day came about, which like all Hallows Eve also focus on the dead. There is no similar holiday in the Jewish calendar, and none of this was ever celebrated by Jesus, the disciples or the early Christians.

Halloween is not a secular holiday, nor does it celebrate the harvest like Thanksgiving. Pause for a moment to consider the symbols that have nothing to do with the harvest itself, in other words, moving beyond the candy corn and pumpkins.

Look at the witches and broomsticks, skeletons and tombstones (representing the spells that were used at this time to conjure up the dead), the devil costumes, and the black cats (superstitions) to see the true basis of Halloween.

Special Concerns for Parents & Caregivers

For Christian and Jewish families, Halloween brings special concerns and challenges. The basic concepts of Halloween of tricks, spells and mayhem are opposite core values and teachings of their religions. Many public schools hold Halloween parades when the children show off their costumes, which in some locales they are allowed to wear to school. Children and parents are invited to parties, to join in trick or treating activities and many of the neighborhood children, all dressed up in costumes ring the doorbells of the people they know and trust expecting treats.

As a parent or guardian explaining to a young child that we do not celebrate Halloween because it is not our holiday sends an awful, and actually untrue message about God and one’s religion to the child. Basically all a young child will understand is that the kids whose families do not follow God or believe as we do have more fun and treats. This is not exactly the message Christian and Jewish families intend to give their children

Below are some fun and meaningful solutions for families and caregivers of children that are successful for Christians and Jews who live in secular communities.

Trick or Treat?

Explain to the child what the phrase, “Trick or treat”, really means: That it is a kind of threat, that if a person does not give a treat then a trick will be played on them , such as toilet papering their yard. Although, of course, we and our friends would never do such a thing, this is what it means. Tell the child that you do not want them to use this phrase, ever. Period. Tell the child that when you go to the home of friend he can hold out his goody bag and ask nicely for candy, using the word “please”. Since what the child wants is candy, this works.

If you select to join in and go door to door with a child who wears a costume, include collecting for a charity. This further removes the child from the concept of “Trick or Treat”, as now the child holds out a collection can and says, “I’m collecting for_______” or “Please help save_________.”  Many charities will provide you with a collection can or you can easily make your own from a coffee can, which usually has a plastic lid, so you can collect for a favorite charity.

When you collect for a charity on Halloween, most people will also give the child some candy. This reinforces the idea that doing something for others does bring rewards. So be sure to bring along a suitable bag for candy, too.

AppleOLantern Bag Basic by judyrey

Collecting for a charity also takes the emphasis off of the candy as when you arrive home, the parent can make a big deal of county up the money with the child. Be sure to involve the child with sending or bringing the money and presenting it to the charity also.

In addition, and especially if the parent does not take the child Trick or Treating, explain that you as the parent (or caregiver) will provide the child with all the candy he needs, and so he does not need to go from door to door begging. Then be sure to provide a young child with some special candy or treats on Halloween, especially if they go to a public school.

Costumes

If the school your child attends allows the children to wear costumes to school and/or has a school parade, have your child select their favorite person from the Bible. and that they can wear a costume and go as that person. Little girls who want to be princesses and queens can go as Esther, or also as Mrs. Noah (see below). Boys do well as Joshua (this includes a toy or homemade cardboard sword), David (slingshot), or as Noah (pull a wagon with an ark/boat and lots of animals stuffed and/or plastic).

Children can also dress up as famous men and women of their faiths who were leaders or in the arts. Notice how these costumes give you a chance to talk about your faith and values, plus perhaps teach a little history. [Note: Although public school can come down on what appears to be bringing religion into schools, most people in the Bible were real and historical figures and thus those costumes work.  However it may be unwise to send a child to school as Jesus, Mary, a nun, priest or an angel as these are overtly religious. It depends on the administration of your school.]

A popular alternative is to dress up in the costume of a profession, such as nurse, fireman, policeman, ballerina and have a discussion with your child about that profession and how someone who does this job well can promote your values.

A Trick or Treating Alternative Destination

Visit a nursing home and/or shut ins.

Instead of going door to door consider setting up a visit to a local nursing home with a child or children in costume on Halloween afternoon, and/or visit shut ins in your community.

Bring treats to these people – do not ask for any, although some may be offered. and accepted. A parent or guardian can do this alone with their children or with a group of other parents and children. Teenagers can also come along, which gives them a chance to also dress in costume – but for the cause of giving pleasure to others. Teenagers are amazingly good at passing around a basket full of treats and tend to be very patient with the elderly!

The residents will enjoy having the costumes explained, because 1.) they will like the attention and interaction with the kids, and 2.) being dressed as a historical person or a professional person is a lot more interesting than store bought character costumes. Instead of asking for treats, have (and teens) the child give each person in the nursing home event a small candy or fruit, just as is done with Trick or Treaters. Arrange your visit ahead of time with any nursing home. Usually, these facilities are delighted to have such visitors, as this brightens the lives of their residents. Quite possibly the will invite all of the resident to a recreational room to take part in the event.

Parties and Scary Houses

Chances are someone in the neighborhood or the child’s class throws a party and invites the child, and possibly the family. Some youth centers, after school care providers and even churches hold parties, Haunted Houses and events on Halloween.

Often people do this to help keep the kids off the streets and away from ringing doorbells and collecting treats from people the parents do not actually know and trust. This can also be done to keep teens off the streets and out of trouble on Halloween, especially when the teens are given the job of creating the Haunted House booths, events and entertainment.

There is no reason to call the party a Halloweens party, call it a Costume party, or a Blood Gut and Gore Party, even a Spooky or Scary House party.  If the party is held in a recreation area belonging to a house of worship, ask for a goodwill donation at the entrance to help pay the expenses of the event or to support a charity.

The activities can be named for some of the gory and even yucky moments in the Bible that will give a scary or uncomfortable moment to the grade school group. As kids stick there hands in boxes to feel the eyeballs (canned olives) brains (wide spaghetti), liver (cut liver-sized bottom of rubber flip flop dipped in baby oil) and “guts”(Jello) they can be told that these are the remains of the losers of one or more of the Bible’s battles.

The “fun” of a Scary House is being scared. Instead of ghosts, goblins, devils, witches, etc. , as kids wind their way through a darkened maze, why not help kids face their real fears? Have a “Bully” who threatens to take their lunch, a Robber wearing a stoking over his face and someone in a bear or gorilla costume jump out or otherwise frighten the children who must always be escorted by an older adult of teen.

The scary time and fun of this kind of event is the same but the spiritual, theological and psychological effects of this kind of party are different.

Bobbing for apples, carnival booths involving throwing balls, rings, and one where someone gets dunked are also popular.

Include prizes for various categories of Best Costume, including Best Biblical Character male, female, Best Famous Person costume male and female, Best costume of a Professional Person male and female, Most Colorful costume, best Least Colorful costume, etc. These and other categories can then be further broken down according to ages, for instance Best Biblical Male Costume for a Six Year Old. The idea being to give every young child except those costumed as the devil, a terrorist or something or someone else that should not get approval or reinforcement. However, even a young child who does not have a costume can be given a prize for doing the best job of coming as themselves. Books make great prizes or simple prizes may be bought at the local dollar store.

Of course, it does not have to be Halloween to enjoy such a party or event, and that is the whole point!

Share the Faith

The ideas above are ways that parents, grandparents and guardians who are Christians and Jews can share their values with children in creative, educational but non-preachy ways, creating experiences that children will enjoy and remember.

These activities also gently share one’s faith and values with others who see the children, including teens, and interact with them.  These are ways of shining one’s light.

Since Halloween has been brought into schools and businesses, I wanted to provide a way that Christians and Jews could also celebrate their beliefs on this day in public, by simply wearing a shirt, using a mug, or carrying a bag.

To this purpose I created an image, my first one that is really meant more as an illustration than fine art. The image is called, Apple O’Lantern.  This image is created using the original letters of Psalm 17 for all the strokes to create the artwork.

Apple O’Lantern- Black Shirt by judyrey

Using strokes that are symbols to create an image is the new Post Conceptual Art, which is new to the 21^st Century. Using the symbols that are original Bible letters from scriptural texts for strokes is the UnGraven Image way of creating Post Conceptual Art. [Note: You can learn more about this exciting and revolutionary art theory, plus see other images, videos and more at http://ungravenimage.com}

Psalm 17 refers to the Biblical theology of being the "Apple of His eye", which is shared by Jews and Christians.

Although the Jack O’Lantern became associated with Halloween, the idea comes from an old Irish myth in which a man named Jack tricked the devil into climbing a tree. This became entwined with the northern European fall custom of carving faces and putting lights in pumpkins, gourds and other somewhat hollow fall produce to light the way at night, including the most popular night of the equinox which fell at about Halloween then. I’m guessing that the idea was that Jack was smiling as he bested the devil!At this time all the Apple O’Lantern merchandise for the whole family is exclusively available through my Zazzle store at http://www.zazzle.com/judyrey* . All of the items that simply are entitled “Apple O’Lantern” and show the image are legal to wear anyplace; including public schools and places of business where tee or sweat shirts are worn. The items with the Bible quote, “I am the Apple of His eye” may not be allowed in public schools due to the scripture reference.

Pagan, then Secular to Real Value

The ideas above can and many have been successfully used to turn the day of October 31 (AKA Halloween) to one that is useful to teach and uphold the beliefs and values of Christians and Jews, and even share them with others by examples that are fun.

The emphasis on selecting real heroes and heroines to portray through costumes helps children be more creative, teaches Bible stories and history in a fun but practical way.

Children are given a hands-on experience in helping raise money for a charity that is successful and rewarding for them. Teenagers are given the opportunity to communicate in an entertaining way with the elderly or help younger children have a good time and face their fears. Teenagers given the task of coming up with Biblical battles or events to illustrate for booths and activities will eagerly do research in their Bibles, too.

Parents, relatives and caregivers for the children set examples to the children and community of their values and faith. We can bring The Divine into the secular, even the day of Halloween, by what we say, do and even wear. Like the Jack O’Lantern and Apple O’Lantern, we can shine our light in the darkness.

Please feel free to share this article via email, posting it on blogs, in print-out or printed material, as long as you credit the author, Judy Rey Wasserman, leave in the links, and do not charge for any magazine, newspaper, newsletter,  blog (like membership) where you use it. You also have permission to use the images. The art

Apple O'Lantern Shirts by judyrey

How can we turn a difficult period in life into one of victory that leads to greater success and blessing?

A bad or dark time can be understood as a time that we experience that we are not getting what we need, or have lost what we need and cannot see a clear way forward. Even though others may also be experiencing our situation, we often feel alone.

In the Bible’s Genesis 1, the night that follows the sunset is a time of inspiration that ends the activity of one day and begins the next day. After the sunset the day begins with night: a dark time.

Too often we confuse a dark time with an event. A dark time can be understood as an event as it has a beginning, middle and end, but usually it is a cohesive event of its own, even when looked at through hindsight. A cohesive event is like building a house, there is a step by step progression, and although there may be frustrations and unexpected setbacks always occur, we basically understand when we are at the beginning, midway and completed.

A dark time is often a reality that we did not cause, such as the loss of a close loved one or the financial effects of being laid off due to a recession. Yet our person realities, how we see ourselves and our lives must be adjusted or reassessed to include the new reality, in a new and somehow positive way in order to pull out of the dark time.

This kind of struggle is like Jacob wrestling with the angel, as sometimes we feel that we are in conflict with divine forces. We wrestle to find a way to go forward with the inspiration that we have for our lives.

Dark times also follow honeymoon periods, the time in a marriage when adjustments in living and acting as an individual must become being a part of a duo, the time after the baby is born when she keeps the sleep deprived mother up, and the time after graduation when the prior student struggles with finding a job, the demands of daily work and independent living, etc. These are times of reassessment, letting go of egotistical goals, and making special efforts that may not be rewarded, but thay can feel like times of great troubles.

Just as night takes away most of the light needed to achieve most activities, dark times are often associated with loss and feeling thwarted or experiencing difficulties going forward.

The focus and work during a dark time is always about how to integrate our new inspiration or understandings about our reality or situation into our lives. It is often a time for changing the goals (not necessarily purposes) from those we had before the time of inspiration or new understanding to ones that include the new ideas.

A dark time is the time to quit pushing the same old solutions and ideas that worked previously. It is the time to reassess, and to ask questions and explore new ways of being and doing that will achieve our purposes but not necessarily our former goals.

Many people in the world today are going through dark times caused by natural events such as earthquakes, mudslides, drought, floods and fires; events caused by wars and economic recession. Nations and peoples can also go through dark or hard times as a group.

The USA went through a dark time during the depression that began in 1929. During the Roaring Twenties we had focused on having a good time, on materialism and status, loosing our focus on developing freedom and tolerance. We were struggling to make capitalism, not democracy work. The attack on Pearl Harbor not only brought us into World War II, it renewed our focus on our Constitutional American values, such as individual freedom, responsibility and tolerance. In the USA World War II was seen as a war of Democracy vs. Fascism, not Capitalism vs. Fascism.

Going to war was not about how other nations saw us, or how we could prosper, it was about standing up for what we believed in. And so we pulled out of the Depression.

Lives change when focus changes to align with our national or individual heartfelt purposes. While Capitalism may be a great system, it is not at the heart of the Constitution of the USA, but may be seen as a by product or a kind of goal.

There are ways to prepare for bad times when in good times. You have probably heard the advice, “Save it for a rainy day”. Yet it takes more than money to pull through a dark time, even when a lack of money from a loss of income or mounting unexpected bills, usually for medical care is the problem.

A personal dark time is the time to renew and review one’s purposes. It is the time to refocus on one’s spiritual relationship with The Divine, and determine how to better live a life that reflects and fulfills that.

Time spent in previous spiritual learning and pursuits such as meditation, positive thinking and prayer can help provide tools and ways to gain comfort. The twenty-first  century breakthrough of Awakened Vision can help one to see problems and concerns in a new and less solid way, plus help an individual stay in the present, dealing with the current problems, rather than having past problems and unresolved or unwanted emotions re-stimulated and brought into conscious or unconscious memory.

Focus on what you believe in and take steps that bring your life into harmony with that, ignoring what others think or how this can prosper you. Look for the silver lining, whatever the situation. Ask yourself, what are you learning from this situation that will help you achieve your life’s purposes? While the initial answers may be angry or brittle with bitter humor, eventually some character building or future benefit will be understood. While this may not seem to be equal to the loss or pain of the problem, it does bring you a step forward towards a positive view.

With that realignment you will experience more light and personally begin to pull out of the dark time and move you to a dawn where you can begin to enact your personal inspiration.

Discover more about Awakened Vision – get your free ebook that includes visual brain games using full color art, plus information and inspiration today! Click Here for Free Book

Over the past few years many people have requested merchandise with Judy Rey Wasserman’s Post Conceptual UnGraven Image Art images — like the one’s found in the Art of Seeing The Divine books and seminars.

You know, the kind of merchandise found in museum shops and bookstores featuring work by Monet, Degas, van Gogh and, of course, Andy Warhol.

Genesis Beit Women’s shirt by judyrey
Shirts from Zazzle

Seems that collectors want to do more than own signed, numbered investment grade prints– they want to wear their art to the office, school, games and other events to display their art savvy and love of The Divine.

This is a sneak peek because there is much more to come — although there already is a great variety of items featuring the image of Genesis Beit  and the Dock less traveled on apparel for men, women, kids and babies, plus different styles of mugs, steins and even mouse pads.

Doc Less Traveled – UnGraven Image kidswear by judyrey
Get t shirts on zazzle.com

Suggestions for images, items and also any wording or slogans you would like to see on items are welcomed!

Genesis Beit KJV Mug -Regular size by judyrey

Note that all of the Zazzle items must be purchased through the Zazzle site and cannot be combined in a single order with the fine art signed and numbered prints featured on both the ungravenimage.com and www.artofseeingthedivine.com websites.

A great shout out of thanks to my artist friends on Twitter who have encouraged me and advised me re this Zazzle store. Especually to my pal and member of opur Facebook  Sharing a Transforming Vision Group,

You can use the widget in this post to navigate to the store– or go directly using this link: Judy Rey Wasserman’s UnGraven Image Zazzle store.

There is an old saying that goes, “Be careful what you pray for, you might get your request.”

Guidance from “The Divine” (please substitute the name or term that is most appropriate for you) can be experienced though prayer requests that are met and unmet. Prayer is defined as, “is the act of attempting to communicate with a deity or spirit.” Positive thinking, affirmations, visualization, etc., can also be understood as kinds of prayer requests.

There have been many ferverent prayers and requests in my life that seemed to go unanswered. Actually they were answered. The answer was: “No!”

Now that I look back, with perspective on many of those unfulfilled requests, I am so glad I did not get my way! I would not be who I am today and doing what I am doing had some of the requests come true.

What I am now doing is basically what I described as a teenager, only back then I could see no way of ever accomplishing my purposes. For one thing the smallest known particle was an electron, and until string and M theory were created, I had no way to paint symbolically showing the essential energies or pre-matter of the universe.

I have found that my heartfelt prayers are always somehow answered. These are the requests that well up from my spirit, that have little to do with my comfort, any ego expression or getting me out of a jam I managed to get into all by my self.

Almost all of my interests, training and experience basically came together and are necessary for me to found and create Post Conceptual UnGraven Image Art theory, and now also The Art of Seeing The Divine books, which are like empowering and inspirational seminars in book format. That my life has been leading to this is a blessing of answered prayer that amazes me everyday. And it only gets better.

Creative people, artists, writers, composers, above the line professionals in film and theatre all experience inspiration or guidance. This is the mythological “bringing the fire down from heaven”. Athletes refer to this immediate inspiration as being in the flow. We find it easiest to become inspired, intuitively take the best action and be in the flow in the areas where our unique talents lie. We all have unique talents.

Yet someone (like me!) who can be inspired and in the flow in one endeavor can only a few minutes later be almost wretchedly on one’s own when the task involved is one outside of one’s gifts and expertise. In some ways, this may be The Divine keeping us humble, and it also means that as human beings we need each other. We all have gifts and talents to contribute.

Although prayer is not officially allowed in public schools and colleges, our educational system that insists that all students master a variety of subjects towards creating a well rounded individual has resulted in much prayer. Students pray for good grades in areas where they lack talent.

I had a difficult time with foreign languages; especially speaking them as I am so visually oriented. As I look back walking into French class was like entering an intense prayer service for me.

In my senior year of high school the only subject I studied every day at outside of the classroom with intensity and for any length of time was French. I studied as if my life depended on it, but fortunately it only seemed to. If effort and determination counted I would have received an “A” but by the end of the semester my grade was a “58”.

Part of the problem was my teacher, whose name I remember well but will not mention. Today, she would be dismissed, but things were different then and she had tenure.

I was tall, blonde, buxom and quite pretty, which meant more to her than it did to me. Outside of French class I was quite bright and had good grades. I was more focused on art, intellectual pursuits, volunteering and politics, as were my best friends.

That teacher disliked me from day one. Now as an adult who does not personalize other’s problems much, I understand that the short and stubby teacher, who was gaining on the other side of middle age, with badly bleached close cropped hair much like a man’s, was probably well suited for different work, which was closed to her due to the fact she was female. She was deeply angry, frustrated and jealous. She had a reputation for her behavior in the school and the only students who liked her were her few pets who were always short girls.

She publicly berated and ridiculed me whenever she could, picking on my posture, my appearance, and when – there was no if– I made a mistake, she yelled and screamed at me. I remember she even purposefully kicked my leg once as she walked in the aisle. When I did manage to get a question right, she would ignore that and soon find something to criticize. That she behaved this way to many other students did not console me.

The minute the teacher would call upon me, I went totally blank. To add to my fear, I needed to pass French to meet my language requirements for an academic diploma and graduate. This one class was bringing down my otherwise straight A average. I was studying, praying, wishing and a hoping but nothing was helping me.

I had given up all my lunchtimes to work in the guidance office so that I could have Mr. Bertram Katz for every art class he taught that I could take. Of course I had also prayed to be able to make up a schedule that included the classes I wanted that were taught by Mr. Katz.

When I went to make up my schedule for the spring semester of my senior year the only way I could take art with Mr. Katz was to take French honors, and I definitely was ineligible. I had already “lucked out” in that this year it was determined that students failing in a language class could move on to the next semester and their grade average for the full year would count.

The guidance teacher I worked for took me to see Mrs. Henrietta Rattiner, who headed up the French department and taught the French honors class. He asked for special permission for me to take French honors so that I could have the schedule for art classes with Mr. Katz. Mostly, I recall looking at Mrs. Rattiner as I sobbed with tears of fear and grief. No one in the school had ever seen me cry before. I would have agreed to anything, but was only asked to promise to study hard and accept being tutored, which was arranged with a college student.

As if it happened this morning, I remember the first time when Mrs.Rattiner called on me in honors French class. As was the custom, I stood up. She said something to me in French, but I was already blank and trying hard to look calm and stand steady. There was an uneasy pause. The rest of the class, all honors students (as I was in all my other classes) stared at me, which made things worse.

Then Mrs. Rattiner did something different. She smiled at me and slowly walked towards me saying encouragingly, “You know the answer. I know you do. Let’s try it again.” Then she repeated her question in French, and I did know the answer!

Granted, once I realized I knew the answer, I also knew it was a fairly simple question. Yet, Mrs. Rattiner then praised me, smiled some more and I sat down, wide eyed that for the first time in a long time I actually was not nauseous in French class.

Mrs. Rattiner continued to encourage me and let me know that she believed in me throughout the semester. I worked very hard, the tutor also helped a lot because I heard and spoke more of the language. As she encouraged me, I began to have more confidence outside of the areas of my talents. Learned that I could achieve more than I or the “authorities” in my life ever expected.

In Mrs. Rattiner’s class my average was in the low nineties. Since the final performance was weighted, my final grade in French for the year was in the low eighties. So, I could graduate with an academic diploma with honors.

If I had earned good grades despite the awful teacher in the first semester of French, I would have missed one of the most valuable lessons of my life that I learned from Mrs. Rattiner: believing in myself and encouraging others. Speaking some French has not come in anywhere near as useful.

Many years later, the experience helped teach me an even more important lesson about the blessings of unanswered prayers.

How is this possible?

Recent scientific discoveries reveal that ninety percent (90%) of vision occurs in the brain as it decodes the impressions of light received by the eyes. You can actually enhance how you see the world by specifically and consciously adding visual memories of images that will allow the brain to recognize and decode more of the data received.

As your brain begins to use the new memories of images to decode the impressions of light received from your eyes you will see the essences that are everywhere always, which for many people are the words of the Creator. Actually, your eyes have been seeing this and do even now, but your brain had no data to use to decode these impressions previously. For many people these energies are or represent the words of the Creator.

Seeing in this new way also encourages better results from answered prayer, visualization, positive thinking, affirmations and the Law of Attraction

This occurs for several reasons. First, becoming aware of the energy helps you pull yourself out of negative thought patterns and emotions, that can seem very “true” and real at the time. Viewing the energy (words of the Divine) offers an immediate challenge to the actual validity or truth of negative thoughts and emotions.

Not too surprisingly in these days of financial turmoil, people are flocking to religious groups, and especially houses of worship for help. The results are that while donations are down, the needs of the people, especially the lower and middle classes are mounting. These needs are for financial information and marital counseling, as well as financial assistance.

The truly interesting news is how major news sources reporting on religion are actually including real religion in news stories on the topic, such as when a minister relevantly quotes from the Bible.

Mollie also questions how the newspapers are covering the crisis and religion, saying she is reminded of the, “old saw, I believe coined by Tom Lehrer , about how the New York Times would cover the end of the world: “World Ends: Women, Minorities Hardest Hit.”

Mollie’s article inspired me to comment, which I include below:

“I say the New York Times would not cover the end of the world as everyone associated with it would have run somewhere to try to take cover! Just like most everyone else would do.

In times of crisis we look for safety and security. The religious organizations have people in need (including spiritual need, flocking to them now as these groups are seen as offering safety and security from the cares of the world.

Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” That refers to a kind of humility — the kind Moses had, which was submitting to the Will of God.

There is NOTHING scripturally correct about being poor. In fact, throughout the Bible there are promises of the many blessings, both spiritual and worldly that will be given to those who love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and might.

That willingness to give up everything (part of one’s might) is a Job like attribute. One could become materially poor like Job. However, at the end, Job’s fortunes were more than fully restored!

So that someone is wealthy, including living in a wealthy community like Greenwich does not immediately indicate that the person does not love the Lord.

However, all Christians and Jews are called upon to give to those who are in physical need. That is lovingkindness . Other religions include this concept also.
Last time i looked we very much had a separation of Church and state, so from a biblical point of view, the government of the USA is not obligated to care for its poor citizens. We have government programs only because citizens, many of whom are Christians or Jews or believe biblical principles, are in favor of such charity programs.

Time when many people are experiencing less financial or material wealth have almost always been times that produced spiritual wealth for the people of the USA. As the financial problems grow, people are flocking together on the Internet into spiritual social networks and groups. Faith and spirituality are flourishing on the web, including through this web site.

If history is an indicator, we can prepare for some new understandings that include the promises and a new outpouring and revelation of The Divine purpose for our lives.

Churches , synagogues, and temples, etc., where people’s spiritual needs are being met will survive — and possibly increase. Perhaps there will be fewer gala events and more pot lucks, but people will support what brings them closer to God.

And giving to those in real need does that.

I wrote the book, The Art of Seeing The Divine to share the new way I have learned to see the world with those who have a “poorer” vision. My purpose its to change the way we actually see the world, to help others see with a new vision that inspires, enlightens, comforts and empowers.

Come and see more at The Art of Seeing The Divine.