Snowy Fire

During a the Pacific Northwest winter snowstorm of 2012 we were without power for four days.  We spend much time cooking outside and enjoying campfires as that was warmer than sitting in a cold dark house.  This is a 30 second video of the campfire blazing against a snowy backdrop with a breeze blowing the wind chimes in the background.

I find that 30 seconds can be all that is needed to unwind, recharge and go to another place. The sounds of the crackling fire and soft chimes set the mood as the bright flames cast dancing shadows against the darkness reflected against the white snow.  Enjoy!!!

To view more of my videos visit MalekoArt's Channel on You tube.

Looking For... Looking Out...

Looking for colors in the darkest black, 

Looking for arms to take me back

Looking out from the darkness within,

Looking out for a chance to begin

Looking for wisdom to show me how,

Looking for love in the here and now

Looking out along the lonely way,

Looking out for a chance to say

Looking for a strength to firmly stand,

Looking for a warm gentle hand

Looking out into the deepest blue,

Looking out searching only for you

©MalekoArts (Mark Schutter) 2012

Flying in the Colors

"Flying in the Colors"  ©MalekoArts (Mark Schutter) 2012

Watercolor painting with canned milk   18 x 24 inches

Nehemiah - An Introvert Following God

When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.  Nehemiah 1:4

When Nehemiah heard of the destruction of Jerusalem he first prayed to God, prior to speaking.  The priority occurred inside, before he spoke or took any action.  A true introvert who thinks before speaking who is more concerned with the inner world of the mind enjoying praying, thinking, exploring thoughts and feelings.  Nehemiah looked for direction from God.  And then some months later ...

Then the king said to me, "What would you request ?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah 2:4

Again, when King Artaxerxes noticed that Nehemiah was sad in his presence when as the cupbearer he brought wine to the king, Nehemiah prayed before speaking.  He asked God for the right words not to avoid the conversation but to speak truth in boldness in spite of his fear at addressing the king with the pain he felt at the fall of Jerusalem. 

Our first inclination before speaking or acting should be to fall to our knees either literally or figuratively to seek the guidance of the almighty God.  To seek His direction, His truth and His strength to carry out whatever task He has set before us.  I pray that as a world, a nation and individual people that each one of us would seek God's direction for our lives moment by moment.  If we would pray to the God of heaven in all things how much different might our world and our lives be?  Through His strength and grace I believe we can change the world.  God bless!

"The Book"    ©MalekoArts (Mark Schutter) 2012

Colored Pencil Drawing 3.5 x 5 inches

Father, please do it again!

I watched the colors in the twilight sky grow before my eyes

As water runs quickly down quietly soaking into the ground

A kaleidoscope of blues, purples, reds, yellows and orange

Colors sing a beautiful song of worship for mankind to hear

Heavenly glory and splendor displayed on a canvas of blue

Hues fade silently as crystal stars slowly appear in the dark

Father, please do it again!

©Maleko 2012 

Memories Of Eternity

'Christmas Morning'  (Photograph Bellingham, WA)

© Maleko 2011

A journey's new start

Moments slip past

A quickening of the heart

Loves rains down

A distant star

Falls to the ground

Sparks illuminate the night

And eternity beckons

Shines loves pure light