The marigold has always had a practical use in our home gardens, it protects and nourishes other plants. In many cultures, it's a flower of mourning, celebration, and even worship. 

But for this piece, I repurposed it as a symbol of redemption. 

Where the world idolizes, God restores. 

Through this painting, the marigold reflects how Christ brings redemption to every corner of the earth, including the places touched by our church's giving.

Perhaps the most surprising of all is the rapeseed flower. 

Known for its fields of yellow across continents, it’s often overlooked. But this flower produces oil, improves soil, feeds livestock, and endures intense sunlight. 

Its value is multiplied in unexpected ways, just like each faith-filled offering we give. What may feel small in our hands, God stretches beyond what we could imagine.

All three flowers share something important: they’re perennials. 

They reseed and return year after year. What a perfect metaphor for our church’s commitment to ongoing ministry! 

Like these flowers, each act of generosity has lasting growth potential.

Just as perennials return in due season, the impact of faithful giving continues to bloom in unexpected places.

Here’s where the story gets even more personal.

Not long before being asked to create this piece, I had been navigating a challenging season. I had just made a bold decision to refocus my business, Bungalow House Studio, in a specific direction. I stepped away from commissions and artwork that didn’t resonate with my overall goals and shifted my attention to creating meaningful, floral-based work that would uplift and encourage.

But that kind of leap brings doubt.

“Am I making a mistake?”
“Is this really what I am supposed to be doing?”
“Do I even have what it takes?”

Then came the email.

It was a Thursday morning. I was feeling emotionally exhausted.Then the email came. I would be asked to create this piece to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Church. Tears filled my eyes as I read the words. It felt like a big hug from the Lord, confirmation that I was exactly where I needed to be.

This ask reminded me that the smallest seeds of obedience can lead to our greatest harvests. It felt like the Lord was saying, “Emma, I see you, I know you, I am going to use the talents I’ve given you.” 

Over the next four months, I poured my heart into this painting. 

My passion to serve the Lord through this art was greater than I’ve ever had before. 

Each day, before approaching the artwork, I would pray that the Lord would use this to bring someone closer to him. That maybe someone would even be brought to tears through this piece in revelation of how great our God is. 

It was my act of worship, my time with the Lord, my response to His beauty, love, and grace. I went through countless drafts and filled an entire binder with studies and sketches.

Some of those unused drafts are now the basis for a brand-new direction I never imagined possible: wallpaper patterns created from the original painting’s florals. 

In another “God wink,” while collaborating with the director at my church, we both had the idea of turning this art into a floral pattern. Without knowing my long-held dream of designing wallpaper, he suggested it out loud, and my heart leapt.

Now, this collection is starting to grow into something tangible. My prayer is that someday, it will be seen in stores across the country so that this story can continue to be shared.

Until that day, I first want to take a step back and share my heart's desire for this piece moving forward.

My prayer for Beyond Our Offering is simple:

May it be more than a painting.
May it be a conversation starter.
May it remind every viewer that our ordinary can become extraordinary in God’s hands.

He is so much greater than we can ever imagine.

My heart's prayer is that this piece reminds us of John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

The Lord met me in my doubts, my fears, my insufficiency. He gave me confidence, courage, and overabundance. I surrender to Him because he is so worth it. That is the God that loves me more and more each day.

That's the same God who loves you too.

May we grow in boldness and wisdom.
May we grow in humility and reverence for the Lord.
May His name increase.

Whether it's in a church hallway or a living room wall, I pray this piece whispers the truth of God’s lasting faithfulness —beyond what we can see, beyond what we think we can give, beyond our offering.

Explore the Beyond Our Offering No. 2 Scripture Art Print with John 3:30 here and sign up for updates from Bungalow House Studio for new faith-filled artwork, encouragement, and creative downloads.

👉 Join the Studio Email List

👉 Shop the John 3:30 Art Print

👉 Read More Behind-the-Art Stories