Sheltering Hands -Paint Party Friday

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord,

"My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust."

~Psalm 91:1, 2

His Shadow overshadows Life's Shadows.  
Take heart, be strong, 
There is great Hope 
In the midst of life's gathering storms

I am re-posting this drawing, because I am still ill and don't feel like doing much.  I've been sick for about two months now...   So, I finally went to see the doctor for the third time and she says I have pneumonia.  With antibiotics, I hope to feel better in a few days.  Which will be good, because I am speaking at a Women's Retreat this coming weekend!  Of all things, our subject is "Journey to Joy."

You are such a blessing to my heart when you come by.  Happy Paint Party Friday! ((hugs))

The Pit -Paint Party Friday

Because of lack of time this week, I am re-posting this drawing I created years ago.  This piece is a favorite and carries a lot of deep meaning for me, especially now because in this journey, I realize am just now emerging from the depths of depression. 

Corrie Ten Boom, survivor of the prison war camps of Nazi Germany wrote of her experiences in a book called The Hiding Place. She said, "There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still."

.

The first time I read this amazing woman's book, I was profoundly moved. Confronting death, starvation, disease, and the worst kind of cruelty from her fellow human beings--in the face of absolute, abject hopelessness--Corrie Ten Boom's faith grew.

.

Remembering her wise words fills my heart with wonder and hope.

Thank you for dropping by, dear Friends.  Your visits make me smile--your comments are a delight to my heart.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sending Hope -Paint Party Friday

This week I have been pondering over the story of life and the intricate bends and turns of each person's journey. Every single life story is unique and precious and each of our steps on life's path leaves a footprint.

I am grateful for the friends God has led into my life.  So often they send hope when I need it most, sometimes when no one knows I am struggling.  Their footsteps have joined onto my own path and have left footprints of hope next to mine.

Here are some of God's sweet promises, found in Psalm 18:35, 36. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped. 

It is encouraging to read these beautiful verses. God is my protector. He cares so much about me, He gives strength and guidance with His own hand.  He is gentle and kind and He makes the often difficult path I tread wide, so I do not lose my step and tumble down.  I believe Friends who encourage are often those whom God brings alongside on the pathway of our lives, so we do NOT slip, or fall. 

I pray the footprints I leave behind are ones which bring hope and strength to others.

Today my heart is inspired and I am looking into the future for what God has for me and excited about the work He has called me to do. I hope you are all having a beautiful morning. God is good.

Above you see my beautiful reference models, Heather and Rena.  They are the sweetest of friends and I love them dearly.  It is a privilege to share them with you!

Blessings and peace to each of you dear ones.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Your visit has brightened my heart.  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday!

The Pit -Paint Party Friday

This morning I was looking through some old drawings and came across this one.  It touched my heart SO deeply.  There is no pit so deep, that GOD is not deeper still.  These are the words of Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of a Nazi Concentration Camp during World War Two.

I was outside watering, when I had the overwhelming feeling that any moment my Beloved would come striding around the corner of the house with that wonderful smile of his.  The one he had just for me.  The feeling was SO strong...and I waited...

And then I remembered he was gone.  It  was heartbreaking.  I miss him so much.

There are many of us who've lost friends and family we love.  Each of us wrestles with that pain, sorrow and loss every day.  These words, this drawing is for you.  You are not alone, dear ones.  If you are lost in the depths of sorrow and despair, He is there beside you. 

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. May God bless you, dear ones, especially those of you who weep, with His joy and peace.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

His Smile -Guest Heart Thursday

I remember the first time I saw my husband.  I was sitting at a table (Clytie was there--do you remember, Sissy?) filled with friends at Sunshine Pizza Parlor.  He came in out of a rainstorm.  He wore a red plaid shirt and his cheeks were ruddy with the cold.  His clear blue eyes sparkled with humor.  He had gone to Seattle on his motorcycle.  He saw his roommate's car outside the restaurant and came in to greet his buddy.  He sat at the end of the table next to me.  I remember greeting him for the first time.  He had such attractive dimples when he smiled.

Alan says he fell in love with my smile the moment he saw me.  I thought he was kinda cute, but didn't think anymore about it.  He told me he knew right then he thought he'd found the girl of his dreams--and he wasn't going to look any further.  He worked hard to win my heart.  I have never regretted choosing this wonderful man as my Beloved husband.  We have had such an adventure together.  Good, bad, incredible, amazing, sad, happy, hilarious, sometimes difficult--but what a wonderful adventure. 

I'm still in shock.  Monday we learned that my beloved husband has cancer.  We go to the doctor's office on Monday to discover what our options are.  I do not know what the future will be, but I do know Who holds the future in His hands. My prayer is that our adventure will continue for many more years.

"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for good and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.'"  

Jeremiah 29:11-13  There are a few hearts hidden in this drawing, but also--as you read above, there is much about hearts in these words of hope, too--I am so grateful for God's heart of love for Alan and me as we go through this fearful time.  I am also grateful to each of you who pray and send warm loving thoughts our way. 

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

With Great Sympathy

Last Thursday our dear friend Deann from The Whimsey Asylum was by her father's side as he slipped away to heaven. I cannot imagine the pain she must be feeling right now as her Dad's passing has left a huge hole in her world. I created this badge as a way to express my sympathy for her great loss.

Years ago my friend Geri (now in heaven, too) sent this poem by Eva Sparks Taylor. I send it now to you, dear Deann.

So, I send this note to say

My morning prayer included you.

You might be braver if you knew.

And so I send this note to say,

I took your grief to God today.

Your troubled heart,

Your load of sorrow.

Asked Him for strength for your tomorrow.

Because I am your friend, I share

Your pain as well as joy. I care.

So earnestly I give you more

Than love's own gift. At heaven's door,

I lay your broken heart, and He

Leans down to comfort you, for me.

((hugs))