Christian Artist Trading Cards

How do you know what’s true?

How does the faith work?

 

Is help available for me?

Creation is wonderful, from intricate growth before childbirth to full maturity. Changes in spiritual, emotional, physical strengths and weaknesses affect each stage of life.

A is for apple artist trading card (ATC) front 

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. Psalm 17:8-9

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: a is for apple. Media used: paper, pencil, crayons. Date created: 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Struggles, sorrows and death resulting from the sinful condition in which we’re conceived can’t be repaired or eliminated on our own.

In this world, Satan’s lies tempt us, promote evil, escalate chaos, push confusion; disasters happen naturally.  

Keep us safe artist trading card (ATC) front 

Father, our sins are terrible and our guilt heavy. Forgive us and keep us safe in new life through Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: keep us safe. Media used: doodle sheet & Portals of Prayer snippets, glue, pencil, marker, crayon. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Thankfully, the devil is defeated for us in Christ. 

God’s power protects, forgives, strengthens, helps, restores and saves all who receive the faith He offers. 

Morning Prayer artist trading card (ATC) front 

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen. —[Luther’s] Morning Prayer 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: Morning Prayer. Media used: snippet of doodle sheet, pencil, crayons. Date created: 2.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

How and what does this mean? These questions are answered by the faith that seeks Holy Scripture. 

True peace and joy, despite our trials, are gifts by the faith in Jesus Christ. 

My Strength artist trading card (ATC) front 

I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:1-2

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: my Strength. Media used: snippet of sketch-doodle, pencil, marker, coloring crayons. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

God’s Word and Sacraments actually give Jesus (the Way, the Truth and the Life)—here now within the Church and eternally—to all who receive Him. 

Even so, everyone’s allowed the freedom to reject God’s pure gifts of salvation. Many claim the presence of Jesus is not real, some use human reason to insist there’s more to it, yet others who once held the gifts, neglect it and drift away.

Upright artist trading card (ATC) front 

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5

 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: upright. Media used: snippet of doodle paper, pencil, colored pencil, pen. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

The one true faith in Christ trusts salvation has nothing to do with human decision or work. 

The Helper guides truth and creates certain hope of life in a perfected eternity without sin. 

Live through Love artist trading card (ATC) front 

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Perfect Jesus gave up his life in heaven to suffer and die as a ransom for us.

Then, he rose from the grave and went back to heaven. 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: live through Love. Media used: snippet of sketch sheet, pencil, pen, crayon. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

God the Father knows when Jesus will return to the earth He created. 

Then, everyone will see Jesus bring those who have the faith with Him into a perfected existence separate from all people without the faith who will perish in a very bad way.

In Christ artist trading card (ATC) front 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: in Christ. Media used: snippet of doodle sheet, pencil, crayon. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

The free gift of Jesus forgives and includes benefits which the faith forms. 

With the help of God, followers receive

• gratitude
• power to believe of what is true
• a desire to pray 
• grace to live by (receive and give others)
• eagerness to seek opportunities
• gentleness and confidence to share Truth 
• preparedness for Christ’s return 

Valentine artist trading card (ATC) front 

Three-dimensional hearts with the cross of Christ and words: Faith, Hope, Love

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: Valentine. Media used: paper, glue, marker. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

my • your artist trading card (ATC) front 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

 

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: my • your. Media used: paper & pen. Date created: March 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Content artist trading card (ATC) front 

O Lord, keep me content in Your arms daily from dusk until dawn. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: Content. Media used: scratch paper, snippet of Portals of Prayer, colored pencil & marker. Date created: March 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Separates artist trading card (ATC) front and inside 

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35,37

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: separates. Media used: snippet of doodle paper, crayon, pencil. Date created: February 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Rest artist trading card (ATC) front 

On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:7

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: rest. Media used: paper, crayons, pen. Date created: March 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

forgiven • cleansed artist trading card (ATC) front 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: forgiven • cleansed. Media used: paper, pen, glue. Date created: March 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Grow up artist trading card (ATC) front 

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3

Artist trading card (ATC) back

Title of the piece: grow up. Media used: paper, pen. Date created: March 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Crucifixion artist trading card (ATC) front 

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:17-19

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: crucifixion. Media used: pen, artist trading card printed back paper, colored pencil. Date created: April 2, 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Trust artist trading card (ATC) front 

Heavenly Father, remind us to trust in You even when the clouds are thick around us. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Artist trading card (ATC) back  

Title of the piece: trust. Media used: construction paper, Portals of Prayer snippet, crayons, oil pastel. Date created: April 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Christ in me artist trading card (ATC) front 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: Christ in me. Media used: construction paper, pen, oil pastel. Date created: April 2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Light my fire artist trading card (ATC) front 

Lord, Strengthen all those you’ve called to preach and teach about you. Let us praise You, Father for the grace You show through Your Son! In His name. Amen.

Artist trading card (ATC) back 

Title of the piece: Light my fire. Media used: snippets of kids coloring sheet, Portals of Prayer, markers, pen. Date created: 4.2026. Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus. Group or swap information: Trinity. Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

More about 

• Portals of Prayer
• Bible Verse References
• Find a Church
• Artist Trading Card Backs and Prompts 

 

Process of creative life

What do you see, hear, smell, taste, digest?

What happens when you watch, listen, breathe, eat and drink?

What do you gain by experiencing God’s blessings for life?

Freedom to live now and eternally with our Creator, is for us through the means of grace! Because the Son of God was born, lived and died as a human, yet didn’t think and act poorly like we do, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He felt rejection, every type of suffering, death on the cross and was raised from His grave. We must endure consequences of our own and the failings of others; yet, the faith humbly repents and receives forgiveness which frees from guilt, shame and death because He substituted Himself for us. He desires and prays for us that we Trust the Word—creation, virgin birth, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension of our Savior for us. We’re free to receive the redemption and rescue He earned for us! Learn more. 

Fireworks on the Fourth of July

At the turning point of my fireworks-watching Independence Day walk to/in a 164-acre park along the shore of Lake Waconia, I shot a video (by accident) near the launch pad. This image I pulled out of the video, I used as inspiration for an art class. Turn on sound for the full effect (below). Pray: merciful God, bless America, open our eyes, ears, hearts and draw us near to You.

Video of fireworks with audio

Watercolor resist canvas painting of fireworks

Carver County Library in Waconia, Minnesota, offered a class titled Watercolor Resist Canvas Painting. 11x14" medium canvas texture panel primed with acid-free acrylic gesso, using rubber cement masking fluid and watercolor. Each student was free to choose their own subject and style.

Watercolor painting of fireworks on paper

As part of the creative process, I also painted in conventional manner on 9x12" paper.

Explore the wholeness of mind, body and spirit.

As human creatures of creation, opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit’s creation of the faith in Christ is given for us by water and God’s Word. Our freedom either rejects or receives the faith—this creative process designed for us to live fully. Church members receive power given for us in bread, wine and Word as often as possible. Though undeserved, life-saving benefits of receiving the Word-body-blood of Jesus are for us to hold and cherish. Grasping God’s gifts makes possible

• wisdom
• guidance
• strength to resist temptation
• guard heart from evil
• humility to forgive others and
  receive forgiveness
• sustenance
• encouragement
• contentment
  
• rescue from everlasting death (hell)
• gratitude to share Good News which supplies everlasting life (heaven)

We can’t make up our minds to grasp any of these blessings on our own; nor can we set our own theories about what’s truth and what’s false. Gifts of the faith are for us. We don’t deserve anything according to God’s standard of perfection. He lovingly gives sense(s) for us to receive mercy.  Truth (Scripture) reveals failures and provides faith, hope and well-defined love.  

Portals of Prayer for Personal and Family Devotions includes a daily selection of Scripture, short story and prayer. It can lead to further research in additional commentary, references and prayers such as this snippet I found:

“The Lord’s judgements on the nations will certainly be fulfilled. This includes His judgements about you and your family. Thanks be to God, our judge declares us “not guilty” on account of Christ. His sure Word of the Gospel saves us and makes us a new creation. • Lord, create in me respect for Your judgements and love for Your Book, which records my salvation through Jesus. Fulfill this Word of mercy for me and my family. Amen.”—The Lutheran Study Bible on Isaiah 34

Ever since the first sin, plenty of deceivers mislead people into dangers of wandering into ways of the world. It’s vitally important to hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Truth. A daily devotion titled, “A New Sola” speaks of this. I’m thankful for resources and pray you find a church that clings to Truth, so you may learn about receiving all of our Creator’s gifts for His beloved children.

Have you, God’s loved one, received freedom from sin—forgiven life—as the Bible tells us so? 

How do you express your deep joy and gratitude for the peace our Creator provides in Christ?