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"Bear in Mind" (12x16-oil) 2026

"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 NKJV

"Bear in Mind" is a painting that captures the beauty of the land's mighty bears. In God's infinite wisdom and power, He created such marvelous creatures! What strikes me is that these animals, often seen as frightening and fierce, also have a gentle, playful side. These creatures did not always attack other animals or eat their flesh; they lived in harmony with all. In the beginning, God gave all the green plants for food, not just for man but also for every living creature.

"And God said, 'See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food'; and it was so." - Genesis 1:29-30 NKJV

In my view, the earth will one day be made new and return to the peace and harmony for which it was created. Bears like this one will no longer be fallen and carnal in nature, but the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:9). We will live peaceably among all His creation. Even in their fallen state, these creatures still show hints of the original traits God placed in them. It's wonderful to imagine being face-to-face with these mighty animals, feeling no fear, only awe and reverence for the Creator.