Hello everyone :) This post is the story behind this website. Let's dive in.
In January I was really seeking God and asking him what He wanted me to do with this artistic gift. I felt like He said to focus more on art in this season, but I thought that was just me talking. So I asked God for confirmation.
God really answered! Two days later, I was at lunch, and someone came up to me asking for help sketching a poster. A few hours later, someone else came up and asked me to think about painting a mural for them. As they were asking me, another person came up with a request for me to paint them shoes that were Jesus Themed. Wow. I had not been painting or drawing in a while, and out-of-the-blue three people give me art projects to do?? That was not a coincidence. Since then, several people have commissioned me to paint items, and God has been growing me every time! It is hard to trust him with it sometimes, but I know He will provide and help me.
More opportunities revealed, however, that I needed an easier way to share my art and my heart. So, I created this website to display my artwork in an organized, professional way. (photo credit www.myheritagephotography.com). Now that the website was in the making, the name was next. After praying about it for a while, a name popped into my head: Art Surrendered. It is what I do and why I do it. I create art that is surrendered to God. it's that simple.
Mark 12:30 "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
This verse is what I want to be about. I want to serve the Lord with all I am. It's so beautiful when a heart is surrendered to God's plan. Being honest here, it is a struggle every day to surrender to God. But every time I surrender and lay it all at His feet it is so worth it. I encourage you to pray and ask God right now what He is asking you to surrender to Him. Could it be the future? a hobby? unforgiveness? Whatever it is He will meet you there. He met me there.
Let me pray for you. "Holy Spirit would you just come right now and touch whoever is reading this. Thank you that they are your chosen, beloved child. You love them so much. I pray you would give them the courage to surrender it all to you, Father. Lord, help them lay their life down at your feet. Thank you for being with each person right now as they are reading this. I pray you would touch them through this artwork and share your heart with them. May they have a desire to read your word more and to know you more. I bless them in Jesus's name. Amen."
The picture above displays the Jesus-themed shoes! ^^^
I pray this blesses you,
Grace Chontos
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