Hope Heart -Paint Party Friday

Here is another of the rocks I've been painting.  This one was hidden in a tree down at the park.  I think about how fun it would be to find something like this.  It's good to spread a little joy into other people's day, don't you think?

Here's yet another of my little rock paintings!  I hear people are painting them and hiding them all over the place.  I LOVE painting rocks!

Happy Paint Party Friday, dear Friends.

Flight -Paint Party Friday

Somehow there is hope and beauty in this drawing.  I love how this turned out.  One can almost feel the wind whispering through her hair as she watches the flight of the geese.

Hope.  It is the best of things--What blows me away is that God is called the God of Hope.  I don't know what I would do without hope in my life.

Blessings and peace to each of you dear ones.  Thank you for your wonderful comments.  You make my day every time.

Safety in the Storm -Paint Party Friday

I finished In the Storm for my sweet brokenhearted Friend.  At first I was not sure about the storm clouds--but I loved them after they were colored in.  In this drawing a broken heart is given into the hand of One who understands heartbreak and who is our refuge, strength and is always close in times of great distress.

David, the gentle Psalmist writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging..."  ~ Psalm 46: 1-4

Psalm 23 describes the Good Shepherd who loves and shelters his sheep.  I am so grateful for His love--and that he is near to me when my heart hurts the most.  In Psalm 34, the Psalmist sings these encouraging words, "He is near to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit " 

This morning a storm has blown in.  The day started with a beautiful sunrise, too!  Thank you for dropping by, sweet Friends.  Your comments brighten my entire day!  May blessing, joy and peace be yours.

Comfort in the Storm -Paint Party Friday

This is a gift I have been working on.  It is for a precious Friend, a little sister--who's heart has been broken.  I feel so helpless...   There is nothing I can do, except to pray for her. 

The Psalmist wrote, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit."  This is my prayer for my sweet Friend and for all of you whose hearts have been broken.  That you would not feel abandoned.  So often when stricken with grief one feels so alone.  But we are not.  The Shepherd who loves us always lingers near. 

I love the Shepherd.  It is He who watches over me and my heart.  I have learned to trust the Shepherd with heartbreak--He is near to the brokenhearted.  He understands like no other.  "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." ~Matthew 5:4

Please click on the thumbnail to see the drawing closeup.  The thumb pic doesn't do it justice!  :D  Thank you for dropping by.  Your comments and sweet words mean so much to me.  Have a lovely weekend, dear ones!

Why?

This drawing was wrested from my broken heart two years after my Beloved flew away to heaven.  A little over two more years have passed since then and today is his birthday...

So many questions still remain--I am nearly overwhelmed with grief today.  Grief is complicated, there are so many mixed emotions... Yet there IS hope.  The Lord said it best, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  (Matthew 5:4)

God is good.  He IS our God of hope.  Paul writes, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

David the sweet singer of the Psalms wrote of his God, "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy."  (Psalm 30:11)

 He is also the one who penned these words of hope.  "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 236:5)  

God understands grief and sorrow as no other.  Through the Prophet Isaiah God sent this beautiful message to those who love Him.  "To comfort all who mourn,  to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  (Isaiah 61:3, 4)

Sadness and grief are not comfortable emotions--a lot of folks don't know what to do or say, when confronted with them.  And that's alright. When someone you love is grieving, all that's needed is your presence.  You don't even have to say anything.  You are a precious gift, because those who mourn often feel totally alone.  

For those of you, who's hearts have been broken, there is hope.  The Psalmist wrote, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  (Psalm 34:18)  

We are not alone, dear ones and that is a comfort in itself.  May God bless your life with beauty and joy.  

I will See Him Again

Four years ago today, my Beloved flew home to heaven.  It was unexpected.  I still can't believe he's gone sometimes.  Today my Alan is with the Lord and I am grateful he is there--I smile through my tears.  He is in a better place and some day I will see him again. 

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.   

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words. 

 ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

My husband could read Greek fluently.  He was a teacher and often taught that in the original language the words "caught up together with them" has the idea of being caught up next to those we know and love...  I treasure that hope with all my heart.

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."

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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.

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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!

Their Guardian Angel -Paint Party Friday

When I was a little girl, my Mother gave me a beautiful painting for my bedroom.  "It's your little brother and you," she would say.  I loved that picture.  I would often fall asleep looking at it--knowing in my little girl heart that my own Guardian Angel was there beside me.  That print still hangs in my office today. 

This past week, inspired by that wonderful vintage picture, I drew my own version--only with sisters crossing the bridge.  I have the sweetest sisters in the world--and this is for each of them.  I love them dearly and I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Above you see the wonderful artwork which encouraged me for so many years.  I did some research and I discovered there's an interesting backstory to this painting.

In the 1800s artists across Europe began selling paintings of guardian angels watching over young children as they traveled perilous pathways along dangerously high cliffs.

In 1900, a German postcard maker broke that tradition and published a painting by an unknown artist featuring two children and their guardian angel watching over them as they crossed a precarious bridge over treacherous waters

The postcard found an especially receptive audience in the hills of Appalachia, where just about every family used a broken-down, dubiously safe bridge to get home.  Those bridges were built over  steep valleys where flash floods and swift waters were common.

Over time, people associated the painting with God's protection in all of life's hardships.  Mothers and Grandmothers across the mountains began hanging this picture in their living rooms. Today the painting is recognized world wide.

Thank you, dear ones for reading this fascinating bit of history and for dropping by!  It is a happy treat when you visit.  I deeply appreciate your encouraging comments.

May God protect your dear ones and bring hope to your hearts.  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!

He is Risen!

This is a page from a Children's book I was commissioned to illustrate last year.  My niece was reference for the overhead angel and buddy Christopher was my reference for the angel who's moving the stone away.  It seemed the perfect thing to post for Easter.

Today I thought about how grateful I am to have a personal relationship with the Son of God, Maker of the World.  I am astonished that the One Who died and was raised from the dead, loves me.  He was victorious over death and is risen for all people, for all time.  The Good Shepherd walks with those who seek Him and love Him -- even to the end of the age.

How amazing to realize because the Lord conquered death itself, I know I will see my Beloved Alan, my two precious babies, our dear friend Dan, my Daddy, my younger brother Dow, Uncle Jody, Grandma and Grandpa, Sweet Geri and Mr. Earnest again...along with so many others who have gone on before me.

Happy Easter dear friends!

Lifted -Paint Party Friday

I have had lots of trouble sleeping at night.  I miss my Beloved husband very much--and the nights are the worst.

So, when I am unable to sleep, I often doodle.  The doodle above took several nights of drawing.  It is called Lifted.

There were tears in every line as I drew this--but when it was done, I realized it is a picture of my song of hope.

Above you see my reference photo.  This beautiful picture is of lovely Jessica, a DA stock model.

God bless you all, and Happy Paint Party Friday. 

Her Prayers -Paint Party Friday

I have been away for quite some time.  I have missed all you wonderful people.  Though it has been nearly two and a half years, this past month has been one of the most difficult since I lost the love of my life.  This is a drawing I did just after he passed away--I completed the lineart version last week.

I hope you enjoy the details.  The sea is a picture of grief--how it is always there--the light house signifies the hope of landing on solid ground and the Light which guides me.  The boat represents courage and strength.  I will battle the rising waves--I will hang on.  The high seas engulfing that tiny craft will soon smooth themselves into peace.

Above you see my lovely model Rena.  I adore this photo--there's a sunbeam coming down upon her.  Something the camera did all on its own.

I hope you have a lovely weekend, dear Friends.  It is good to be back.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

A Time for Weeping -Paint Party Friday

February has been especially hard for me.  I have a fondness for the book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon and found in the Old Testament of the Bible.  He was the wisest man in the world and had a lot of wonderful things to say.  In chapter three, he writes, "there is a time for weeping and a time for laughter."  Ah, how true that is.  This has been a month of tears for me, as I miss my Beloved with all my heart.

David, who was King Solomon's Father wrote the songs found in the Psalms.  He wrote, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) I have felt the crushing burden of grief, where I am hardly able to function under the terrible pain of sadness.  I  miss the love of my life.  Yet there is hope. 

I will choose to trust the Lord--the One Who loves me--He will bring me through these tears and there will be joy in the morning.

Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends.  

Esther, Star of Persia -Paint Party Friday

This is a Prismacolor pencil drawing of a young friend of mine, Casandra.  She has always reminded me of Esther.  I am posting this older drawing, because I have been so very busy this week--getting ready to produce a new drama--so I've been away from my drawing board.

My original reference pic was lost--but below you get the idea of the beauty and loveliness of this dear young woman, who reminds me so much of Esther.

The true story of Esther is a fascinating one.  Before her name changed, she was known as Hadassah, a lovely young orphan living in a foreign land with her Uncle Mordecai.

It came to pass the King of Persia put on a lavish feast for the kings of surrounding countries.  But when he asked Queen Vashti to come forth and meet the revelers--she refused to obey him.  It was because of her choice, she was no longer queen.

But soon, in a fit of loneliness, the King of Persia decreed the most beautiful and accomplished women be chosen from each province of his kingdom. From these candidates he vowed to choose his Queen.

Because of her exquisite beauty, Hadassah was taken from her home to the King's palace.  There she was given a new name, Esther--which means "star." After months of preparation, she met the King of Persia. The King was so charmed by Esther, he proclaimed her Queen of Persia.

However the King did not know Esther was Jewish. Her Uncle Mordecai had admonished Esther not to disclose her nationality to anyone.

Meanwhile, Haman, an evil man who hated the Jews, had became very powerful. Haman deceived the King into authoring the wholesale slaughter of Jewish men, women and children throughout the entire empire. This malevolent man callously cast lots to determine the exact day they would die. When the date was set, decrees were sent throughout the kingdom and the Jewish people went into mourning.

Mordecai informed the Queen of this decree, asking her to intervene for her people, saying, "And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

Esther had not seen the King for several months.  The law of the land was that anyone who appeared before the king in the inner court without being invited was doomed to die unless the King held out his golden scepter.

Mordecai sent word.  He said, "If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

This brave young woman replied, "I will go before the King, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish." After fasting three days, she carefully adorned herself in rich royal robes. Then she entered the inner Court in front of the King's rooms--uninvited.

When she entered the inner court, the king saw her standing from afar.  His heart turned within him, perhaps he wondered that she would risk certain death to see him.  He welcomed her, held out the golden scepter and she drew near to touch its top.  Thus her life was saved and in the end, the lives of her people.

Queen Esther was a powerful woman. But her power came from something deep within her soul. It wasn't because she was the most beautiful woman in the land. There was something else which caught the King's heart. "Why are you troubled, " he queries. Though Esther must have been terribly frightened, she bravely faced death for the sake of her people. In making herself vulnerable in a time of great danger, she risked everything. Because she did, she saved an entire nation of people from the evil plotting of a murderous man.

Queen Esther was just one woman, but her wisdom, obedience, bravery and trust in God, changed the tide of history itself.

Greatness is when an ordinary person risks everything to do what is right in the face of grave danger. We live in dangerous times.  Life can change in one moment--and an ordinary person may be asked to do the extraordinary.

I believe every woman has a "Queen Esther" deep inside. Each of us has a purpose and have been given great power to influence the lives of those around us. Let us choose to face life with courage, wisdom, and trust in God. Let us speak words of peace and truth to those we love, just as Queen Esther spoke them to her people in the days of Purim.

If you get the chance, read the book of Esther.  It is a wonderful story of a young woman's courage in the face of monstrous circumstances.  It can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers, dear ones.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

There's Hope in a Rose -Paint Party Friday

I have had guests from out of town here all week long, so didn't get to do much drawing.  I'm posting a piece I drew many years ago.  It is one of my favorites.  I'd never drawn anything quite like it before. This faery maiden's heart was badly broken. But the look upon her face, and the rose in her outstretched fingers caused me to believe she found hope and healing.

Hope is beautiful, like a rose. Roses flower throughout the seasons, and astoundingly, I have even found them blooming in January beneath the snow. There is hope in a rose.

Somehow when hope shines impossibly through the cold darkness of hard times, its beauty and fragrance are more precious and lovely than ever before.

Happy Paint Party Friday, dear Friends.

Ribbet, I love you.

Hello, sweet Friends.  I am posting this "Catfish" drawing from long ago, in honor of a brave little kitty who beat the odds.  Her name is Ribbet.  She was born with a hollow chest and wasn't expected to make it.  Yet, that brave kitten grew and lived to have a litter of kittens...and she yet lives with Mumsie.

However, just recently she hasn't been well.  It was discovered she has cancer.  She does not have long.  When I saw her today--heaven was in her eyes.  I asked her to greet Crickette' and my Beloved  for me...and she looked at me with huge soulful eyes and said yes.  I saw it.  Her eyes were filled with love, as she voiced that tiny meow. 

Oh, friends...I shall miss this sweet brave kitty.

Here she is--she was a kitten then.  As silly as it sounds, please pray for this little one's peace and that she will not have pain as she is dying.

Thank you. Oh, thank you.

UPDATE:  Little Ribbet flew away to heaven Tuesday evening, March 29th.  My heart is so sad.

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.

Hope of my Heart -Paint Party Friday

It is time for me to post another of my Cloud Paintings.  As long as I can remember, I have admired artwork found in Nature itself--its beauty authored by the Creator.  I even dreamed of painting a sunset with Him someday.  I'm sure God smiled over that dream.  

In 2007, I nearly died of MRSA.  Two hours more, and I would have lost my leg, my life, or both.  I  prayed that God would let me live. Not long afterward, my family bought a camera for me.  The gift I was given after my brush with death, allows me to see things hidden in nature.   

Years ago, looking into the sky, I caught sight of this beautiful young man, who looks so much like my own dear son.

This morning I was thinking about how important hope is to each of us.  I am so grateful God has given me a heart of hope.  Life would not be worth living without hope.  I am so glad He is the God of hope, and I do not walk my life's path alone.

Above you see the original cloud as I captured it with my camera. 

Have a lovely day, dear Friends--My prayer for you, is that you will live in the Hope God gives to each of us.  Hope lives.

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

Something More -Paint Party Friday

I lost my sweet younger brother to cancer in early 2002.  We were only a little under fourteen months apart in age.  I have always expressed my feelings through my art--in my grief I began to paint Dow's hands.  As I did so--the picture became something more.

This painting, though from a long time ago, seemed perfect for Easter weekend--a time when many of us celebrate God's gift of hope.  Indeed, I know will see my Beloved husband, my little Brother and my Daddy again someday.  

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

Stars in the Desert -Paint Party Friday

Here is a recent graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  I have started drawing again in earnest.  My fingers are not near as stiff as they were--I believe my inability to draw had much to do with mourning the loss of my Beloved.   I was frozen for awhile.

Sometimes the road I travel is rocky and full of tears.  But then I remember to look up at the stars and to Him Who made the Heavens.   He is the Creator Who loves me and walks with me. 

For the twinkles in the skies, I used the Star of David.  I love the way the star looks--so perfectly balanced and beautiful.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful people. Thank you for dropping by.