Psalm 23

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Stephanie Milde

I don’t know about you, but when I think about Psalm 23 I think about sheep, in a

pasture, by water. I didn’t feel like that was the direction the Lord was leading me

though. I looked at words like contentment, provider, protector, and guide. Those are

hard to capture in an image so I prayed through what to do, and the Lord very clearly

gave me the images you see before you. Psalm 23 through the lens of parenting.

When I think of how the Lord pursued me, protected me, restored me, guided me, and

has blessed me I truly see the love of a parent!

Scene 1-A mother rocking her baby - comfort/rest/sustenance. Taking perfect care of

all of their needs, the baby is content in it’s Mother’s arms. (The Lord is my shepherd; I

shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He

restores my soul.)

Scene 2- A father reading God’s Word to his kids - encouraging/guiding/teaching by

example. The Lord gave them to us for a season, to disciple, that their lives would

reflect it. (He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.)

Scene 3- A child that was scared found peace/comfort/security tucked in safely

between her parents. In the high and low moments of their lives we can always be a

safe place for them. (Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear

no evil, for you are with me)

Scene 4- An aging mother with her grown children, as she reflects on the

joy/blessings/steadfast love and hope in Christ as she has done her best to shepherd

her children until the end of her life. (Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the

days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.)

God in His great wisdom gave children parents, to love, guide, and shepherd them. I

often look at my kids and see myself or my husband in their mannerisms, personality,

and looks just like I see my parents in me. They helped shape who I am today. Every

morning I woke up to my dad with a cup of coffee and his Bible open. He taught me to

find the harmony in any song and gave me a love for the Braves and Alabama football.

My mom taught me to woodwork, garden and is probably the reason I prank my kids.

She has bold faith and tells complete strangers about Jesus and I’ve had the privilege

to watch her lead many to the Lord. I love that God gave us parents, and as one, I

treasure the opportunity to co-labor with the Lord in shepherding them as He

shepherds me!

Materials-Process

I used MDF and cut it by hand on a scroll saw. Shaped with dremel and sanded down

with sandpaper for the 3D look. Painted with acrylic

Stephanie Milde – Wonderfully Made

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