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.  

Pray Without Ceasing -Paint Party Friday

This is a drawing I did just after returning home from the hospital.  I find when I draw, or write for that matter, pain fades away and I am lost in another world.  I have been surrounded with prayer from the day I discovered I needed a hip replacement and all through my recovery.  Hence the title to this drawing--Pray Without Ceasing. 

I am so grateful to those of you who have been sending your good thoughts and prayers my way.  I am improving daily.  The Physical Therapist told me my rapid recovery is VERY unusual!  Haha!

Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends.  May God bless you with His tender care.  And happy Paint Party Friday all you wonderful people!

An Angel's Prayer -Guest Heart Thursday

This drawing is only 2.5x3.5 inches big--the size of a baseball card.  It fits right into the palm of my hand.

I love the idea of angels praying over those whom God loves.  Angels come in all shapes and sizes--I believe some are buff warriors who not only watch over us--but who are charged by the Creator to protect those He loves from evil.

Of course, I have hidden hearts in this drawing--just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

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

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."

My Tears

Tonight I cannot sleep.  It is already tomorrow.  This afternoon, we will learn the results of the biopsy my beloved husband had last Monday.

I confess a disquiet in my soul.  A grief, a fear.  It seems, so far, as though anything that could go wrong has done exactly that.  What would I do without my Beloved?  I can't even begin to imagine life without him. 

Yet, I trust in God.

I trust Him.  Even though there are those who have mocked my prayers in the midst of this darkness, I know God hears me. Thank the Lord for you dear ones who have prayed for us.  And I thank the mighty Creator for you precious ones who, though you do not believe the same things I do, have always treated my heart's love for God with deep respect--who have lovingly sent warmth, light, and kindness our way.

The prophet Zepheniah writes these powerful poignant words, "The Lord Your God is with you.  He is mighty to save.  He will delight over you.  He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

I trust in the Creator Who sings and in His Son who weeps with us.  Ah, in these are difficult, dark days...May His light shine through my tears--and yours.

Cloud Prayer

I thought it was time to put up another Cloud Painting.  This lovely angel reminds me of a something DaVinci might have done if he were a cloud painter.

Sky art has become an integral part of my life.  I am rarely without my camera -- and with the amazing cloud formations I've caught over this past Winter and Spring, I probably have enough cloud photos to last a lifetime of painting.

Yet, I carry my camera around like a necklace, just in case I see that perfect cloud profile -- that funny puppy, that lovely stretch of an angel's wing.

The Cloud Painting above is one of my earlier pieces.

Above you see this beautiful angel as I first saw her praying in the clouds.

Diary - Illustration Friday

Mumsie was a writer--even as a child, I remember she wrote and sold stories long before her books were published. One of the blessings of my life is that Mum kept a journal of her quiet times with God.  She not only wrote out her prayers, but would often write about what was happening in the lives of her children and family.  Because of Mum's Journalings I have read how God answered her specific prayers for me.  You can read her wonderful insights at Everybody Loves a Story.  I know she'd love to hear from you.

I learned to journal from watching my darling Mother's example.   I was recently going through one of my old diaries and came across something really funny--so I thought I'd share it with you. Here goes:

"You really NEED to take a bath, son," I said inspecting the dirt my four-year old had thrown into his hair.  

"But Mom," he explained patiently.  "Superman doesn't NEED a bath!"

 For more wonderful works of art on this week's subject "Diary," visit Illustration Friday!

Sissy in Hospital

No photos, no art today. Just a request for your prayers. My darling Sister Clytie had a stroke at 5 a.m. this morning. I have been at the hospital most of the day with her and as of this afternoon, I believe a miracle has taken place.

She has miraculously regained movement in both her right arm and leg and the numbness in her face and limbs has gone. But she is not out of the woods yet. Her blood pressure is still fluctuating and she will be in the ICU for the next 24 hours. She will probably be at Meridian Park for the next couple of days.

I would appreciate your prayers for my sister--and if you would like to send her a hi and hello and a word of encouragement, you can find the links to her blogs on the sidebar of this blog.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I will update you as I know the facts--please pray. She is one of my very best and dearest friends.

Angel Face Over Resting Souls

Tuesday I went to lunch with my youngest Sister, who works as a receptionist at a local memory garden and mausoleum. We had a delightful lunch sitting on the green grass, beneath the spreading trees.

Just before heading back home, I stood for a moment and gazed out over the peaceful hills filled with the headstones and memorials of those who have gone on. Then I noticed a rainbow around the sun...looking closer, I saw an angel. But then I shouldn't be surprised. What better place for an angel?


She appears to be looking up at a small heart-shaped cloud. Below is the original cloud angel I saw.

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))

They Carry Our Children

I recently sent a copy of "Mayday! Mayday!" to my talented friend Phil Bogle. Phil has a wonderful gift of writing, and a unique way of seeing the world. He has been an inspiration to Alan and me, many times over the years.

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When Phil viewed the photo, he wrote, I just get an entirely different thought process when I see the one you entitled "Mayday! Mayday!" I think of the MAF pilots...flying the missionaries into the jungle. Taking the dear workers of God into the jaws of death and attacks by Satan. The little David, against the roaring lion, delivering hope and the Gospel. My son goes into the jungle frequently and I worry often. The MAF was the only way my kids and grand kids got to their home in Mulia, New Guinea. Now they are in a different place called Cannibal Valley (not one bit more comforting). But knowing that MAF pilots do their job, so Ben and others can do their jobs, is the image I get from your piece.

Phil's description of these brave pilots, and the inspiring poem he wrote, deeply touched my heart. Please be praying for the courageous men and women who risk their lives to bring hope to those who have never heard.