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.

Joy of the Angels

Saturday, December 17th, just before six, I was in the middle of setting up the stage for yesterday's drama.  Suddenly I became so dizzy I had to sit down.  It was the strangest feeling--as though a part of me was suddenly missing. 

Miles away, at the VA hospital, Mom had been holding Dad's hand praying.  Then his fingers gently cradled hers--a moment later he was gone.   He flew away at 5:45--exactly when the dizziness overcame me.  I know Dad tenderly carries a piece of our hearts with him always--we who are left behind grieve, yet we have hope.

I can only imagine the joy of his Shepherd and the angels, as Daddy arrived in that beautiful place prepared just for him.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers over these difficult weeks.  Please continue to hold Mumsie close in your prayers.  She will be walking a different path now--one without her best Friend and lover--as Mummers has always said--he was the wind beneath her wings.  Also, pray for my sweet sissy Clytie, who has always been such a great gift and help to my parents and the twins. Sissy Leigh, who will be helping with all the arrangements and her family, our brother Mark and his family and Darren and his family will all welcome your prayers.

Take time with the ones you love.  Work can wait.  You'll never regret spending those precious moments.  Life is fragile. God bless you--every one of you dears out there--with abundant life, extraordinary love and amazing joy. 

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.

Gathering Sea Shells

This is a commissioned piece I just finished.  I love the way the rocks turned out--almost translucent in places.  These two are great friends in real life.

Heart Breaking News

Heart breaking news.  Our dear Mumsie will be staying at the VA Hospital in Portland with Dad, until Daddy flies away to heaven.  I am so grateful to the Veteran's Hospital for their great kindness to Dad and to Mom as they share their last days together.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our precious family during this time. 

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))

On Wings of Doves

Dad has taken a turn for the worse and is now in full Comfort Care.  Daddy is getting ready to go  home to be with His Savior.  Though our hearts are full of grief and we will miss him, we take comfort in the words of our Lord:  "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going."   (John 14:2-4)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.  He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."  He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.  He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son."   (Revelation 21: 4-7)

When I called this morning, Mumsie told me her special prayer--she says when it's time for Dad to go, she's praying an angel will arrive in a long, gold-plated muscle car with big fins and the rag top down.  Bro Dow, Dad's sweet Mom, his brother and sister will be riding shotgun--there'll be hugs and greetings, then with a heavenly smile, the angel will open the door of that car.  I can see Dad grinning as he hops into the driver's seat, to drive through the gates of heaven, golden winds cooling his brow, the love and laughter of His Savior and family in his ears.

More than just about anything else, Daddy loved to drive his car everywhere on all kinds of adventures.  It seems only right he'd drive into heaven for the greatest adventure of all.

There is a hush in the air as we await Daddy's homegoing.  Please pray for our family and especially for Mumsie, as she is going to miss her very best friend--the love of her life.

Thank you for your prayers for Dad and Mom--and for our family.  We treasure you.

Sharing Lunch -Guest Heart Thursday

I often doodle when I am anxious.  I was in the surgeon's waiting room with my husband when I began this graphite doodle.  I have no idea why--when things are so serious--I would draw such a silly cartoon--but here it is for your enjoyment.

Have a lovely day.

Daddy Update:  Dad is in the VA Hospital.  He still can't speak or swallow.  He consented to a feeding tube, but pulled it out in the night.  Mom has been with him most of each day.  They sit and hold hands--he kisses her fingers and by this tells her he loves her.  I don't know how long Dad will be around--he's a grand old soldier and he is a fighter.  I would especially appreciate your prayers not only for Dad, but especially for Mom.  Also please pray for my darling Sissy--since I can't be there as much as I would normally--because of my husband's condition--there is a lot of additional stress for her.  Thank you so much.

Hubby Update:  My Beloved has cancer.  It is worse than we first thought.  He will be having surgery in early December.  His cancer is pervasive, so they'll need to remove the entire prostate.  They won't know, until surgery, if it has spread to other areas.  We are deeply thankful his surgeon's reputation is the best in the Pacific NW, USA, in robotics surgery. Please pray for my husband's peace of mind and that I will have strength to do what must be done to help him.  I am so grateful to you dear friends for your loving thoughts and prayers.

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."

His Smile -Guest Heart Thursday

I remember the first time I saw my husband.  I was sitting at a table (Clytie was there--do you remember, Sissy?) filled with friends at Sunshine Pizza Parlor.  He came in out of a rainstorm.  He wore a red plaid shirt and his cheeks were ruddy with the cold.  His clear blue eyes sparkled with humor.  He had gone to Seattle on his motorcycle.  He saw his roommate's car outside the restaurant and came in to greet his buddy.  He sat at the end of the table next to me.  I remember greeting him for the first time.  He had such attractive dimples when he smiled.

Alan says he fell in love with my smile the moment he saw me.  I thought he was kinda cute, but didn't think anymore about it.  He told me he knew right then he thought he'd found the girl of his dreams--and he wasn't going to look any further.  He worked hard to win my heart.  I have never regretted choosing this wonderful man as my Beloved husband.  We have had such an adventure together.  Good, bad, incredible, amazing, sad, happy, hilarious, sometimes difficult--but what a wonderful adventure. 

I'm still in shock.  Monday we learned that my beloved husband has cancer.  We go to the doctor's office on Monday to discover what our options are.  I do not know what the future will be, but I do know Who holds the future in His hands. My prayer is that our adventure will continue for many more years.

"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for good and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.'"  

Jeremiah 29:11-13  There are a few hearts hidden in this drawing, but also--as you read above, there is much about hearts in these words of hope, too--I am so grateful for God's heart of love for Alan and me as we go through this fearful time.  I am also grateful to each of you who pray and send warm loving thoughts our way. 

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

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.

Snap Dragons -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a piece of artwork I did in the Spring of 1980 for a children's book Mumsie was submitting in a contest.  We didn't win the contract, but I came away with some wonderfully imaginative drawings.

The reason I remember the year and time so well, is that it was right around the time Mt. Saint Helen's blew her top in Washington State.  I was in the park sitting at a picnic table.  As I was drawing I heard a kind of soft pattering on the paper.  It was dust from the volcano landing on my artwork.  It seemed quite proper at the time--as I was drawing dragons.

Yes, even back then, I hid hearts in my drawings.  How many can you find?

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

Snuggle Bug

Monday, while my husband was having a biopsy done I sketched this little darling from an advertisement I found in the waiting room.  I find when I am uneasy or a little worried I doodle--somehow it makes whatever is happening a little easier to bear.

Thank you to those who have been praying for my Sweetheart.  We will hear what the results are on  Friday.  God bless you and have a perfectly lovely day!

Blanket of Leaves -Guest Heart Thursday

Fall has arrived.  She isn't peeking from the shadows these days--she's gathering the trees to her heart, turning their leaves to crimson, brown, oranges and bright yellow.  I delight in Fall.  It is one of my favorite times of the year.

I have hidden many hearts in my drawing--can you find them?  I am excited about adding ink and color to this picture.  I will post it when it is done!  Have a lovely day, everyone.

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

Autumn Birch Trees

There's an old 1970's song by Mark Heard called Appalachian Melody.  My favorite line is, "How peculiar liking old dead leaves against the sky..."    And then in the chorus, "Funny how I sit and watch these leaves come falling down... but these things are music to to my eyes...

I began painting this watercolor yesterday late evening, finished it when awoke and I couldn't get back to sleep early this morning.

Those words fit this painting so well.

Have a lovely Autumn day, everyone!

Rose Heart Logo -Guest Heart Thursday

I was going through all my old sketchbooks and scanning them into the computer, when I found the first creative sketches of a lovely heart logo I created in 1994 for a radio talk show back East.  I had forgotten all about that!

It seemed the perfect thing for today's 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!