Sharing Secrets -Paint Party Friday

I love elves...  This little one has a friend--a bird in hand, so to speak.  My precious Daddy could talk to birds and I have some of his abilities.  This elf has the gift of bird speak, too.  One can tell they are exchanging important secrets.

Happy Paint Party Friday, sweet Friends--thank you SO much for dropping by. 

Friendship's Blessing -Paint Party Friday

Over the past three years I have come to treasure friendship more than ever before.  True friendship is rare and beautiful and should never be taken for granted.

This drawing is another of my midnight sketches.  I haven't been feeling well these past few days, so I have spent the time I can't sleep doodling in my sketchbook. 

Above you see my lovely models, Heather and Rena.  You can see, they are best friends in real life and I am incredibly privileged to work with them.

Thank you so much for dropping by--your visits bring joy to my heart.    Happy Paint Party Friday!

And We Talked about Heaven

When Mom was five years old--before she could read or write, she spent a lot of time playing in the forest.  One day she came running in to tell Grandma that she'd written her first poem. Grandma loved it so much, she wrote it down.  Perhaps even then, she recognized the first seeds of the writer her little daughter would become.

Years ago, I was inspired to draw this sweet lineart to compliment Mom's little girl poem.

Jesus and I were walking along together
We came to a tree and sat down together

And talked about heaven.
~Eva J. Gibson

There is no doubt God has a special place in His heart for Children.  I love the idea of a small child's adoration for the Shepherd...even before she could read.  He was her Friend.

The Good Shepherd Who Brings Comfort

In times of great trial, sorrow and peril, our Shepherd embraces us with His amazing love, strength and peace. It is He who surrounds us with His gentleness and glory. God bless the Brokenhearted--for they will know His dear, deep comfort.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day." Psalm 46:5

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still 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 your 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 loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."  Psalm 23

I wanted to share these verses which have so comforted Mumsie's heart as she tends to Dad.  Psalm 23 has especially brought comfort and peace to Daddy's heart, as he awaits his next great journey to heaven. 

God bless those of you who have kept us close to your hearts.  Thank you for your loving thoughts and prayers. 

I wanted you to know that my darling husband's surgery has been set for December 5th.  Please pray the surgeon will be able to get all the cancer.  

((hugs))

Happy Fourth of July

Nine years ago, the weekend of the Fourth of July, we moved to Independence. Since then, next to Christmas, the Fourth of July has become one of my favorite holidays. Except for when I was a child, I've lived here longer than anywhere else. I consider Independence to be my hometown.

Our city's history is rich. Many say our town is the true end of the Oregon trail. There is a lot of merit to that claim and with its name of Independence (the people who settled here came from Independence, Missouri), our small town Fourth of July celebrations are the best. There's a big country parade which goes right past our house, along with a weekend of live entertainment, booths and such down by our waterfront. Because Vancouver opted out of having the big fireworks display this year, our little town's firework show will be the biggest and best in the Willamette Valley.

As I write to you, people are pulling up to the curb, and into the alley to spread blankets and unfold their chairs onto the grasses along our streets in anticipation of the parade. With the rare appearance of sun and heat, this will be the best Fourth of July ever!

Happy Fourth of July!