Him Who Loves Me -Paint Party Friday

As summer draws near, the aroma of roses and honeysuckle fill the still warm air.  Sunshine sparkles, as thin wisps of white curl across the blue sky.  

This is my first summer without my sweet husband.  I miss his blue eyes, the way they would glow with excitement as he related stories from his day.  I miss his wisdom, tenderness and kindness and the touch of his lips on mine.  

This week has been very hard.  The numbness which first shields the mind in times of emergency and extreme trauma, has worn away. Renewed grief, like an underground river, flows through each day.  I know this will pass--it is the work of grief to weep and struggle on through--to stay whole, it is something I must do. 

I am grateful that I am not alone when the tears come flooding into my eyes.  The Good Shepherd--Him Who loves me, is here.  He walks beside me, and holds me in His arms when I do not have strength to keep going.

How grateful I am for the Lord.  He is indeed well-acquainted with sorrow, but He is also the author of joy--He is the one who promised, "Joy comes in the morning..."  For now I am safe in the arms of Him Who loves me.

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

Hope of Sunrise -Paint Party Thursday

I always try to put in two pieces, one I've finished and another graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  Please take a look at both, as they are quite different.

In my experience some folks don't quite know how to react when the loss of a loved one is brought into the spotlight.  So, I have featured this first painting which has a sad feeling (but with hope!)--and the sketch below, which is a bit more light-hearted and whimsical.  ((hugs))

In explanation, I have been feeling sad the past two days.  I couldn't figure out why, until I realized this is right about the time Dad had the stroke which took him from us a month later.  I will likely grieve his loss in our lives for the rest of mine.  We all will. 

This is an acrylic painting I made for my Mom right after Daddy died.  It is really really big--and I had to photograph it.  The photograph doesn't do the original painting justice, as the colors are more neon than the original.  Still--it conveys the weeping heart of the dear Shepherd, Whom Mumsie loves.

I spent hours and hours writing out every Bible verse I could find about hope and comfort onto the canvas.  Even if your beliefs are different than mine--hope is universal.  Blessings and hope to each of you.

And now the more light-hearted, whimsical side, here is another peek into my sketchbook.  Above is a little faery playing a morning melody. She marched out of my pencil yesterday as the workers pounded, thudded, thwacked and sawed a tumult of noise, as they worked on the chimney!

PS  I just found out I've been featured on Paint Party Friday!  What an honor--thank you!

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Into Heaven's Sunrise

Ten days ago, Daddy left us at Sunset--here he is, joyfully stepping into heaven's sunrise.

This is the final effort of one of my first attempts to meld my own artwork into a real photograph.  The actual photo is very small.  I'm so grateful for this wonderful scanner.

May God be gracious to you 

And bless you 

And cause His face 

To shine upon you.

The Good Shepherd

This is another commissioned piece.  I love The Great Shepherd who watches over us.  I have often sought the comfort of His Presence these past few weeks.  How grateful I am for Him Who loves and understands my heart.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  

He makes me lie down in green pastures; 

He leads me beside quiet waters.  

He restores my soul; 

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I fear no evil for You are with me.  

Your rod and staff, they comfort me.  

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

You have anointed my head with oil;  

My cup overflows.  

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~ Psalm 23, penned by King David of Israel

 God bless you, dear ones.  May the Good Shepherd watch over you and keep you safely in His arms.

Supernatural

Walking along the banks of the Willamette River near my home, I was excited to share the beauty of the area with my young Friend, Casi.  She was seeking new willow for basket weaving.  We also share a passion for herbs and wild plants, so I enjoyed learning how to use them.  For example, I learned the leaves, flowers and berries of the Hawthorne tree are not only good for high blood pressure, but can soothe the wheezing breath of an asthmatic.

I took many pictures of sky and waters.  I was sure I had captured a face in the clouds.  Several days later, when I looked at the pictures from our walk, I could hardly believe what I saw.

I often sense the supernatural--the footsteps and Presence of Him whom I love, as I walk in the forests, slip down to my beloved river, or work among the plants in my garden.  As you see, we were not alone. 

Above you see my original photo of His sweet face, as I first caught glimpse of Him in the clouds.