{Julie Chen is the artist behind some of the beautiful plaques that DaySpring carries. Today she shares the story of how she became an artist and we are pleased to be giving away one of her beautiful pieces…just keep reading below.}
My Scripture art began as a personal act of worship.
In 2007, I found myself pregnant with our third child, a.k.a. our love child, you know, the little blessing you never planned on? Well, God was using this time to stretch me in my faith to trust in Him, in His timing, in His unknown amazing blessings in my life. At the time, I already had 2 toddlers filling up my days and had gone through 2 very painful miscarriages. So, amidst my fear of being a mommy of three and giving over my little plans I had for my life, God had bigger and better plans.
I was attending a Beth Moore study, Living Beyond Yourself, focused on the fruit of the Spirit and one aspect of the study was to memorize the fruit of the Spirit. Now, chasing an almost 2 and almost 4 year old and being quite sick while pregnant, my brain had turned to mush. I remembered that while nursing and caring for my 2 little ones, I would write Scripture on index cards and place them around my house and that would basically be my devotions for the day. So, that is what I did with Galatians 5 and I placed it on the bathroom mirror.
One day, while brushing my teeth and memorizing the card, I thought to myself, why donβt I design this verse, I am an aritst for crying out loud? That way, it would be beautiful (as opposed to my handwriting on an index card!) and in the style of decor I desired for my home. And so, I did. I gave them to everyone in my Bible study and they loved them.Β I even gave one to Beth Moore and she loved it so much, she called me to personally thank me! (Oh so fun!)
My Bible study encouraged me to sell them at the little church craft fair, which I did when my baby was 6 weeks old. They almost sold out! I then began selling on Etsy, under lifeverse.etsy.com and just months after being on Etsy, God had another surprise up His sleeve. DEMDACO, you know, the producers of the Willow Tree figurines that we all love, found my shop and offered to license my art! Whoa. Something I never in a million years would have dreamed of, though I had been praying that my Scripture art would somehow get out there for more people to enjoy.
Looking back at this journey He has me on, I now see the creative and spiritual influences that have woven this art together. I have a BFA in illustration and have worked as a professional book designer almost my entire career. I have designed such books as The Jesus Storybook Bible, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and books 4-12 of the Left Behind series. In many of my covers, I have used my illustration and photography skills. Timothy Botts, the calligraphic artist, is a coworker of mine at Tyndale and he too has been an inspiration to me, making the Word of God visually beautiful. I often thought of his Doorposts book when beginning my own style of Scripture art and the verse from Deuteronomy 6 which speaks of putting Godβs instructions over the doorposts of your home.
I want my home to be filled with Godβs Word as well as His presence: His promises, His truth, His instructions for my eyes as well as my childrenβs. I hope your home is filled with the beauty of His Word also.
For one commenter it can be –today we are giving away Julie’s Fruit of the Spirit plaque featured above. Just leave a comment letting us know which of Julie’s pieces is your favorite before Friday October 1st and you’ll be entered to win!
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Mimi says
Absolutely beautful. Thank you for using the gifts that God gave you. So thankful that God has chosen to use his people in such an amazing way!
Stacey says
Love these beautiful images of God’s Word Julie! And how neat, that He birthed a new dream while you were expecting your little one! He has a way of bringing us to His path doesn’t He?
Thanks for the inspiration!
Leigh says
Julie, I have seen your stuff on the Day Spring website and was floored. When I opened my inbox and realized the beautiful, worshipful art I’d been admiring was yours, I had to take the opportunity to encourage you of your gift. Thank you so very much for stepping boldly, wholly into your gift from your own Artist-Maker. One day, when I have the pleasure and means to decorate my own home, I will, without hesitation, be filling it with your art. Thank you!
April says
I love your artwork and your story! God is so good!
Marilyn says
Great testimony to what can happen when we let go, stop grating against the circumstances, offer our gifts, open our eyes, focus on the step shown, all the while taking care of the flock given to us…….LOVE this story. Thanks for telling it!
Anna See says
So very, very beautiful! I work in a Christian bookstore and carry books you designed. Very neat!
Denese B. says
How much I love words…and when you add that beautiful artwork/photography, it is so inspiring. It’s like the words have had life breathed into them! Love that! Very difficult to choose one piece of the wall art…I narrowed it to two…Rejoice over you (I just love how that sweet girl has her arms outstretched and head thrown back!) and Trust in the Lord (which is a life verse for me). Words and beauty together…it’s so much more than a simple 1 + 1 = 2. It’s more like 1 + 1 = 1,000,000…….
Blessings : )
Lesley King says
Wow, what an amazing ministry. God has blessed you with great talents. Thank you for sharing.
Sarah K says
Such beautiful work! I’d have to say “Fruit of the Spirit” is definitely one of my faves, but it’s hard to choose!
Jennifer says
I remember first seeing your work on Etsy! So exciting to hear that your work was picked up by DEMDACO. God is Good! It’s difficult to select only one favorite plaque because I appreciate each one. Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite verse of mine so I’d probably start with that one. Blessings!
Mels Goin Goin Gone says
I love the, “I Know The Plans” art because that IS my life scripture verse! It’s one I try to remind myself of constantly, as life throws things my way that I don’t know how to handle and as I hear God instructing on what He wants me to write as a writer. I have a hope and a future because of Christ!
Elizabeth says
I love the “Daily Bread” plaque. So beautiful and such a great reminder.
Renata says
I LOVE the “New Creation” plaque as I love butterflys and it is an excellent reminder of being a new person in Christ Jesus!
Georgiana says
Julie is an amazing, talented artist and I am blessed by her inspiring art work! My favorite one would have to be “New Creation” with the lovely butterflys! π
rjb says
I can’t decide between “Rejoice over You” and “I Know the Plans”….both Scriptures have special meaning (and reminders) for me, and I love the art in both!
Callie says
I absolutely LOVE the “Rejoice Over You” plaque. It is just beautiful!
Rachel says
Thank you for sharing the story of how God called you as an artist to make beautiful pieces for His glory.
I like your Fearfully and Wonderfully Made wall art.
Kristin says
Wow! You’re work is amazing! My church actually just got done with a sermon series on the Fruits of the Spirits. After so many weeks, I couldn’t help but have them memorized. But my absolute favorite piece is “Hope in the Lord”. I recently went to Alaska and read that verse while sitting in the wilderness. That piece reminds me of it so much.
Deborah says
How inspiring! I do my memory verses on a photo shop and print them out and tape them in my Bible and on the walls of my office…anywhere. I would love the chance to actually have a plague to hang.
Sarah says
What a beautiful testimony of God’s work in your life!
I love your Fearfully and Wonderfully made piece.
Mrs. Rachel says
I love the Fearfully & Wonderfully Made plaque! I’m expecting my second blessing any day now, and love the reminder that God is knitting him together in my womb, besides that the art is beautiful.
Keri says
How am I to choose just one?
OK… I love the new creation one! So beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your story, and your art.
Rebekah says
I LOVE the ‘Rejoice Over You’ plaque! That verse just makes me feel loved and I love the picture of the girl! π
dawn says
what a great story! i love ‘fruit of the spirit’, but it was really hard to choose!
Judy @ A Meek Perspective says
The Lord is my Shepherd is my favorite. We have a sheep farm…it has been wonderful understanding the references to sheep in the scriptures. What a great artist!
Laura Landers says
I love the idea of taking the scriptures with the art work to place around your house. Not only does it beautify your home but it helps teach your soul and train your children by placing mini devotionals around everyday places making you stop and think on the Lord and his goodness. I think so often, we get so busy rushing here, rushing there, and if you’re a mom, espescially a new mom, sometimes, that little index card tucked away on your mirror or taped to the fridge is about the only thing you have time or the energy to glance at but yet those few seconds can give you minutes if not hours to ponder and meditate on that simple verse. Would have to say “Love the Lord your God” would be my favorite as this whole idea with the pictures and verses makes me think so clearly of “Write them on the doorframe of your houses and on your gates.”
Judy says
The fruit of the spirit one is just beautiful! Thank you for sharing your art work. π
Katie Weber says
I love “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” – would be perfect in a baby’s room or make a perfect gift!
cindy b. says
i love the fruit of the spirit one!
Kristine says
Gorgeous! Love the New Creation one! And so cool that she did the Jesus Storybook Bible artwork!!
Emily says
I love the fruit of the spirit one also. I did that bible study too, and have not been the same since…trusting the Spirit to fill each and every day, each and every moment. It gives power & peace beyond understanding. Thank you!
Becky K. says
I love “Rejoice Over You.” That is the type of unabandoned worshipper I want to be. You can tell that the little girl depicted is so free in who God made her to be. Just beautiful!
Tracy says
we never quite know what God has in store for us, do we?? I think, my favorite right now, is Rejoice Over You ~ I’ve been going through a long rough spot & that’s a truth I need to be reminded of. Plus – tomorrow is my b-day, so if I won, it’d be a nice present π
Missy Thompson says
Oh how to select a favorite??? I love them all. I guess the fruit of the spirit one is really speaking to me today. I like thinking “against such things there is no law”!!! So grateful for the moments today looking over these beautiful works of art.
Lori says
They are all beautiful, but I think the Serenity Prayer is my favorite.
Sharon says
Fearfully and wonderfully made!
.tif says
Really nice work. I’ve been really returning to the fruit of the Spirit verse lately, over and over, so seeing that here is encouraging today. However, as a new mama, I’d have to say Julie’s Gift from Above piece is lovely. The photo choice is beautiful.
Amelia says
I’d say the “Fruit of the Spirit” is for sure my favorite – soooo beautiful! I would love to have one of these hang in my home!!!
Alea Shinn says
“I Know the Plans” plaque – it fits in perfect for us. Life hasn’t ever been anything we expected with so many twists and turns, but I have always held on the fact that God is in control and everything is part of his plan!
Nadine says
You’re art is fabulous! I love this type of stuff, to have scripture so beautifully displayed for all to see. The Irish Blessing is one of my favorite, so is the Serenity Prayer, they both have much meaning in my life so they both warm my heart.
Georgia Jan says
Oh I LOVE this beautiful artwork of Julie’s, and actually The Fruit of the Spirit is my favorite one. I finished reading through Galatians in my quiet time last week, and I love those scriptures.
The Jesus Storybook Bible is precious and I love reading it to my 2 year old grandson, Zeke.
Love this site,
Jan
Jennifer says
It is all beautiful work, but I especially love the “Love is Patient, Love is Kind” Wall Art. Me and my husband incorporated the 1 Corinthians verses through out our wedding ceremony almost 15 years ago. Those verses will forever be special to me.
Tara McClenahan says
I absolutely LOVE this line of art! My favorite piece is “Rejoice Over Me”!
Ivy says
I love them all! Right now my favorite is the fruit of the spirit as I have been looking for something for my kitchen and this is perfect! Gods plan may often surprise us with both timing and blessings! God bless you as you continue with your gift!
Erica says
What a great story! I am in a transitional place in my life and I am interested to see how the little things in my life now could lead to something great in God’s plan! I love the “Fruit of the Spirit” plaque and the “Trust in the Lord” plaque!
Monica says
I love the Rejoice Over You plaque. I definitely need to put that on my wish list. What a wonderful reminder on a down day that would be. They are all beautiful though. I did that same Beth Moore study and love that piece as well. Glad has blessed you with wonderful talent!
Renata says
Julie is an amazing artist and my favorite artwork plaque of hers is “New Creation”!
Jennifer says
Your art is breathtaking.. your ability to bring the scriptures to life is A mazing! I really like both prints in the article.. they are both beautiful.
Jenny
allison morrison says
I love the fearfully and wonderfully made plaque…I just had a baby and that one really touches my heart! Beautiful work!
Amber Peters says
This is so fun to see this artist and read about her. My four year has the Jesus Story Book Bible (which we love so much!) and the illustrations are beautiful! I would love this Fruit of the Spirit plaque. It’s really lovely!
Julia Dixon says
I know the plans.. is my favorite piece! Of course there were many runners up! lol
Jody Bogoshian says
Hi there…these are just beautiful and I LOVE the fruit of the spirit design. I thought about stenciling that verse in my kitchen. You are using your gifts in an amazing way.
Tina says
What a simple and beautiful reminder of all that we have in JESUS and the comfort of the Holy Spirit!!!
WE SERVE AN AMAZING GOD!!!
Blessings to you!! π
Raquel says
Wow these are beautiful!! My favorite is “Love the Lord your God”! This has always been one of my favorite scriptures!
Karen says
It is so hard to pick just one because they are all so wonderful. So what I did was went rational……………..I picked my favorite by seeing my life verse. I know the plans! Have a blessed day!
Heather C says
“Rejoice Over You” – one of my favorite verses in Scripture. I love the absolute delight I feel from this piece! π
Cynthia says
My favourite is the Daily Bread one, but they are all so beautiful.
Alana says
I like all of them!!!! π They are beautiful!
thefarmerfiles says
I love the Trust in the Lord!
KrisDot says
Hard choice -the Fruit of the Spirit would be beautiful in my kitchen, or the Love is Patient would be lovely in my bedroom!
Erin says
I really love the “Rejoice Over You” plaque. I love that verse. I’m so thankful for the WORD! π
Christy says
Thank you for sharing. I think it would be difficult to pick a favorite because each of your pieces are AMAZING! BEAUTIFUL!
Mary Joy @Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace says
What an inspirational story! Thank you! You give me such great hope! My favorite was a tie between The Fruits of the Spirit and the New Creation plaques. How beautiful!!! What a blessing!
sunlite705 says
I am so glad you shared your thoughts and story with us as well as your Etsy shop. I love so many of your scriptured prints. I think my favorite is Grama (I am a grama to our 4 adorable fun grandchildren- 2 which I take care of full time, my 2nd fav is Daughter- our daughter in North Dakota (which is too far away) would be the receipient of this print, she has become my best friend and I can’t express how this feels- she respects me as her mom as well as having so much fun skyping everyday, journaling together and working on her items for her Esty shop. She is always wanting my opinion as she creates them. We had some challenging teenage years and I am so greatful how giving she is and how much she has grown into a beautiful, loving mom, wife, daughter and best friend.
You have a beautiful spirit and it shows in your talented gifts.
Meg says
Love the Serenity prayer, but they are all lovely!!!
Holley Gerth says
Julie, the work of your hands is every bit as beautiful as the words of your heart. Thanks for sharing both with us!
Tracey says
I did Beth’s Living Beyond Yourself and I loved it and nicknamed it “Get off yourself!” because I was caught in a season of depression and discovered it was somewhat rooted in a self centered phase of my life.
Trust in the Lord and the Fruit of the Spirit are my favorites! Thank you for the giveaway!
christina says
Julie, they are all lovely with the classic, comforting beauty of an old book or prayer-saturated chapel.
“Rejoice over you” speaks to me most today. The posture of the girl pictured challenges me as an image of joyous abandon. That’s not where I am just now, but it’s where I’d like to be. Maybe God’s singing delight is the way from here to there.
Thanks!
Michelle says
The Fruit of the Spirit is Beautiful!!!
Roberta says
I love the Fruit of the Spirit verse and you have done a beautiful job of featuring it.
Rose in Ohio says
“Give us each day our daily bread….”
A gentle reminder not only to ask God to supply our needs, but also to have faith that they will be provided.
Jennifer says
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” is my favorite piece of Julie’s artwork. I have always loved that verse, and as someone with a degree in Biology I rejoice in the intricacy of God’s creation. My father-in-law was a biology professor and there is a portion of this verse engraved on his headstone. This passage of scripture has deep meaning to me. Thank you, Julie, for your beautiful work!!
Elaine Pool says
Oh! The “fruit of the spirit” one! That’s my salvation verse – the one that was being preached on when I was saved!
Carolyn says
Who could choose? But, the Serenity Prayer for my dear family members who fight their daily battles with the help of our Savior and His gift of AA
Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
Julie,
What an amazing story of how the Lord guides our lives and uses the talents He has given us in His way and His time. I love your Fruit of the Spirit plaque and see why it has caught the attention of a major distributor. It would be a blessing to have it in my home. May the Lord fill you with much joy and blessing through your special child.
Blessings,
Janis
Ruth Hill says
These are beautiful and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Angie says
I love the Fruits of the Spirit piece. I have been looking for a way to display this in my home, as well. I want it to be a verse that my kids have engraved on their hearts!
Kristin M says
I love them all! If I had to choose I think I would get the Fruit of the Spirit plaque. I created lessons on all the Fruits of the Spirit for my kids and someday we are going to get through them all.
Amy says
What beautiful pieces! I love, love, love the Fruit of the Spirit! Thank you for such beautiful things!
Alesha Walker says
Wow, Julie – amazing work. I love this one! I think my favorite is the fearfully and wonderfully made plaque.
Kenna says
Beautiful, Julie. Thank you for sharing your story. I love the verses you choose and the way you put them together so we can have God’s Word in our hearts and homes.
bek says
I’ve seen and admired your work, Julie…so beautiful. My favorite has to be Proverbs 3…”Trust in the Lord…”, as it is one of my life verses. =)
Angie says
I never realized that Julie is the one who designed The Jesus Storybook Bible. We have that book, and our kids LOVE it, and so do we! I also have shops on Etsy, and I had made her Etsy shop one of my favorites quite awhile ago. Of her pieces shown in the link, I really like the Love is Patient, Love is Kind one, or the New Creation one. Beautiful work!
Caroline says
Her work is beautiful and all of the verses used are great. If I just *had* to pick favorites, I especially like the “Trust in the Lord” plaque… and the “Love the Lord Your God”… and “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”… and “Love is Patient, Love is Kind”… and “Gift from Above” … does name “a favorite” always have to imply just one? π
Thanks for the encouragement!
Jen says
I truly can’t pick between the roses one or the Zeph 3:17 one. I adore roses, but the scripture on the other is very dear to us as a family…
I love the pears though π If I win, it’ll go on the sideboard in my dining room π
Kellie says
Julie has been an inspiration to me and her artwork has been a big part of healing over the past year. I have my bedroom walls lined with her prints, my favorite being the Jer. 29:11 piece. Thank you Julie.
Toni Smith says
I loved them all….so it was a close several way tie. But if I must pick one I liked a little more than the rest it is the “Love is patient, love is kind” one.
Enjoyed this story…gives me hope that God may use my talent for something for His glory!
Leah says
My favorite is “I Know the Plans”. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite bible verses and one of the first ones I memorized. A decade later I still find comfort in this verse while praying over big decisions.
Sol says
Rejoice Over You is beautiful, and one of my favorite verses. π
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