I don't know why the photos from my last post do not enlarge when you click on them, but I've reposted them for the who wish to enlarge.

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. We honor those who payed the ultimate price in the protection of our freedoms. John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." Personally, I believe that the families of those who have died for their country should be amply provided for in honor of the one who died. But that is a different subject.

There is one, though, who is to be remembered everyday for paying for freedom and victory over sin and death, The Lord Jesus Christ. He sacrificed His Life so that we could have peace and everlasting life, freedom from the penalty of sin, which is eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:15), and also freedom from the power of sin in our lives. He payed this price for EVERYONE, but only those who accept what He did will benefit from it. We accept it by simple trust, or faith in Him and what he has done. That's it! You do nothing because He has done EVERYTHING!

Simple, right? Too simple for some. There are those who want to add sorrow for sins. Is there anything wrong with sorrow for sins? No, but that sorrow does absolutely nothing to save you. What about good works? Good works are wonderful, and as a matter of fact, part of our salvation is the fact that we have been called unto good works tailor made for us to walk in after salvation, Ephesians 2:10. As a matter of fact, any good works we produce in our own ability is said to be to filthy rags by God! The ONLY work that saves anyone is the work of Christ on the cross, when He died to pay the price for the sins of the world.

What about promising t o change ones life? This also worthless for salvation, as it is simple a mental work; an attempt to gain some sort of merit before God. God the Father only honors the work of His Son. Salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone, based on His finished work on the cross ALONE! (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)

You know, I really did not plan to write any of this when I sat down to post. I was just going to honor Memorial Day and post a few pictures. But the Lord knows that there is someone who comes to this post who needs this. Who? I have no idea, but if you have not trusted Christ through faith in what He has done for you, then this was for you. I do not mean to make this blog about being a Christian, or to come across as some sort of "Bible thumper", and I will not mention spiritual issues all the time. But my life is not compartmentalized, Christ is Lord of every aspect of my life, and if He leads me to write, I write! I am thankful for all of you who visit my post, and my wish and prayer is for all of you to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. If anyone wishes to talk about salvation or the spiritual life, please email me at tonycsmith2007@yahoo.com.

Any way, here are a few more pics from recent gigs.

Larger pics of the Atlanta Contingent

Click on picture for a larger view. For some reason the pis on the previous post did not enlarge.

The Atlanta Contingent!

I recently drew at a couple of events fo Holiday Inn where they hired twenty caricaturists! (One gentleman left early, before the picture was taken.) There was another one the next week, but they only had a few of us that time. It was great to be able to get together with a group like this. I only wish I had a chance to get around to watch the others draw, but we all were practically non-stop for the entire event! At the end of the smaller gig, a few of us thought that it would be a great idea to form some sort of Atlanta area caricaturists guild to meet once a month or so at a coffee shop or where ever, to socialize, draw and network. We are trying to work out the details. I would also like to organize a Mini-Con for the ISCA (formally the NCN).

Edward L. Bouie Elementary School

I had the pleasure of drawing a wonderful group of fifth graders at Edward L. Bouie Elementary School in Lithonia Georgia today along with fellow artist Don Harden. He happened to have his camera and snapped a few pictures every now and then between his drawings. He sent these to me today. At the end of the gig, they gave us a round of applause, which we returned to them being such a great group of kids!

Greetings to all! I have just been the worst at keeping this blog up to date. The has been so much happening in my personal life that has distracted me from it. Well, I have not given up. I have been so motivated by fellow artists like the ones that I have on my list here, and many others, that I hope I can be a motivation to someone else. It has been and continues to be very tough for me financially, but The Lord has kept me and I know that He has a wonderful plan for my life! I want to share more of my art, but also my Love for Christ. Some of you may not trust Him as your Saviour, but please do not allow me mentioning Him to keep you from visiting this blog. I will not beat you over the head with my Bible (smile!), but maybe the Lord will draw you to Himself through something I write. At least I hope my art inspires you. And of course I welcome any comments or critiques. Here are some gig pieces.