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.

Arise My Son -Guest Heart Thursday

These are the words Mumsie read to Dad, just before he flew away to heaven.  It is a paraphrase from the Song of Solomon.  Here I sense the beauty of God's immense Love for us, I feel the Lord's great joy as He leaps and runs to meet Daddy, to hug him and to lead him into heaven. 

Our Lord comes

Look! here He comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills.

Our Lord speaks to us.

He is like a gazelle or a young stag!

Look! He stands behind our wall gazing through the windows,

Peering through the glass.

Our Lord speaks  to you:

"Arise my darling son, my precious boy and come with me

"See! Your winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

"Flowers appear on the earth; the seasons of singing has come.

"The cooing of doves is heard in the land whence I come.

"The fig trees forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

"Arise, come, my darling son, my beautiful one.

"Come with me!" 

~ A Paraphrase by Eva J. Gibson 

To see Dad's Memory Book, please visit Peake Funeral Chapel.

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

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.

Welcome Home

Thursday I lost my breath and my heart started to beat so hard, I could not even stand to wash the dishes...my knees were weak and I was shaking.  So, I sat down and drew the artwork which is incorporated into this picture for Mom. As I was drawing my heart slowed, the shaking stopped and my breath returned.

This is is an old picture of Dad hiking along a trail.  He loved to hike and explore.  Mom says that's Mt. Jefferson in the distance.  I still have to figure out how to make the drawings more detailed in the photo. I'm also not sure I will be using the fiery sunset clouds from a photo I took in the back yard.  Nonetheless, I thought you would like to see my first attempt at melding art and photo.  It isn't very good yet--but it gives an idea of what I'd like to do.

Daddy is headed for heaven any time now.  He will be soon clasped in the gentle arms of the Great Shepherd Who loves him.

 Thank you for your warm thoughts and continued prayers.

UPDATE:  Daddy left for heaven at 5:45 p.m. today.  He is out of pain and I know he is in a much better place.  We will miss him SO much.  Ah, our hearts are breaking.

Dear Beloved Daddy

Two days ago, Daddy had a major stroke.  Sissy and I held him as Mom called 911.  He is in the hospital now.  Though his mind seems sharp, he can't speak.  He can nod yes, or no.  He can't move his right arm.  He isn't able to swallow and has refused a feeding tube.

I believe heaven is very close right now.  Please pray Dad will feel God's presence there with him and sense God's tender mighty arms wrapped around him, so he won't be afraid--and especially that he will not suffer. 

Ah, our hearts are breaking.

Sissy Clytie said it best,  "So many people from around the world are directing their thoughts and prayers toward Dad and Mom; and our entire family. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you."