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February 11, 2020
Calling Creativity Glorifying Gospel Inspiration Joy Obedience Praise

Crying rocks

Our raison d'être Artists, crafters, writers, and appreciators of the arts know that nothing is created without some purpose. The purpose may seem insignificant, but it's there, as a thing's reason for existence. Our Presbyterian friends, among others, are familiar with the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a series of questions and answers that teach truths from the Scripture. The very first question is, "What is the chief end of man?" In other words, what's our grand purpose—why are we here? The answer: "Man’s chief end is to glorify...

by Stephen Rountree
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February 4, 2020
Gospel Love Sculpture

The season of love

If Bible chapters were months of the year, 1 Corinthians chapter 13 would be February. It's often called the "love" chapter, and for good reason, as you see here. In the middle of the chapter is the apostle Paul's elegant description of true love, where he writes the familiar words, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but...

by Stephen Rountree
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New Song sculpture by Stephen Rountree
January 7, 2020
Art Calling Creativity Faith Gospel Inspiration Psalms Scripture

A new song

A new year. A new decade. 100 years ago, our nation was entering what became known as the "Roaring Twenties." It was a time of economic and cultural growth and prosperity. As we ease into the 2020s, I'm wondering if these will be the "Roaring Twenties" for me creatively and spiritually. Will I see new growth in those areas of my life this year? I'd like to. Maybe you would, too. A vision for 2020 Lately, I've been meditating on Psalm 96. It's short—just 13 verses—but it's packed with big ideas...

by Stephen Rountree
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Wire crucified hand set in white pickling-washed salvaged barn wood with hand transferred text.
September 3, 2019
Art Faith Gospel Grace Inspiration Obedience Romans Scripture Sculpture

No greater love

The story is told of a little girl who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to fight it. As best he could, the doctor explained the situation to her brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for a long moment and then took a deep...

by Stephen Rountree
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One of the "In Christ" sculptures set on an old oak log.
March 29, 2017
Art Creativity Faith Gospel Obedience

The extraordinary from the ordinary

Do you consider yourself creative? Do you find pleasure in making things? Maybe you spend free hours practicing a certain craft. Perhaps you paint, or draw, or design things. Or maybe you're someone who says, "I'm not very creative," because you don't do any of those things. Creativity, however, is not only about making fine art or amazing crafts. It's a built-in quality of our humanity and can be found wherever the spark of human touch has been added to even the simplest things or places. To begin...

by Stephen Rountree
February 5, 2017
Art Calling Gospel Joy Obedience

New life

Several of these smaller sculpture/signs are under way at the moment. I like these pieces because they're a simple metaphor for the work God does in rescuing everyone who trusts in Christ to take the punishment for their sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross enables God's forgiveness and mercy toward those who trust in Him as Savior. Instead of tossing us aside, Jesus salvages us, reclaims us, and puts His word in our hearts. As pieces of unique original art, sculptures in the Salvaged Messengers series remind...

by Stephen Rountree
Wooden sculpture of Jonah in the whale
January 7, 2017
Adversity Art Calling Faith Gospel Inspiration Life Obedience Sculpture

Messengers & Messages

I don’t text a whole lot. But when I do, I only type with my right index finger. Teenagers I know use both their thumbs and type blazingly fast. My kids make fun of me for the way I text. That's life. When I receive a text, it’s usually from my wife, or a close friend or family member. Those messages are important. Of course, my wife’s are the most important! But all this got me thinking about messages of the non-instant variety — messages that come...

by Stephen Rountree