Journey Home

                                                                   Mixed Media

                                                     Available at VIEW GALLERY

My son and I just returned home from a trip to North Carolina. It was my second trip there since leaving 4 1/2 years ago, but my son's first. It was emotional, even hard at times, but overall, we had a wonderful time being reunited with old friends. True, loyal, "heart friends" that walked with me through tough times. I feel so blessed to have them in my life.

What sticks out the most about the trip, is how I see the sovereignty of God. He was in every detail, from the snow, the individuals at the wedding we attended, to the time spent with old friends. All of it making us feel safe and loved. Even when I think back on my experiences there years ago, I see the sovereignty of our Lord and His hand in it. I know Romans 8:28 to be true. "All things work together for good to those that love the Lord."

Being Shaped

                                                            "New York In Winter"

                                                                        36 x 48

                                                                          (Sold)




Will we ever be free of our past? Will the consequence of our choices ever quit rearing it’s ugly head? Will the nightmares ever go away? In all honestly, I think not.

People often try to give me advice, and I know they are sincerely trying to help. They say “Just put the past behind you.” or “Don’t think about that anymore. You’re not there, it’s not you any more.” But the truth is, I can’t put it behind me and it is me. My past, (and yours) is what has shaped us to be the individuals we are today. We can’t put it behind us, but we can move on, learning from it, using it to God’s glory, and accept our consequences. We have the choice to do this or stew in resentment, and always see ourselves as the victim or just always feel ashamed.

As I have written many times before, we all have our pain. No one is exempt. Some people’s is just more hidden, but it’s there. However, The Lord does promise that He will not give us a burden that is too heavy to bear. He will help us carry it. My family and I are a testimony to this promise. Does it still feel heavy at time, even 5 years later? Yes. The nightmares are infrequent, but when I do have one, I am strong and the victor!!

Forgiveness and Grace. My two favorite words. We have been forgiven our past and given undeserving grace. Our past has shaped us to be the individuals we chose to be today. We have been through what seems like a battle, and will see more heartache down the road, but remember, we can choose to be soldiers of Jesus Christ and trust God in every circumstance before us, and know we are being shaped to be the person God has chosen us to be.

A New Path

                                                                   Mixed Media

With each new year, one can't help but think about the years that have past, and the one facing us. We reflect on our mistakes and the lessons we learned, hoping that we go into this next one wiser and more humble. At least that is how I feel. I can already look ahead and see certain changes that will come in 2012.

Today my husband started a new job, where after 23 years, he will no longer practice medicine. Years of carrying a pager, being on call, missing the children grow up, not having normal hours..... are a thing of the past. It is a bittersweet change for him, but we believe this is where The Lord has led him. Today's painting is one I gave him as a gift for Christmas to hang in his new office. It's name describes his new journey.

Is it scary? Yes. Do I feel uncertain at times? Yes. But isn't most of life that way? Always taking leaps of faith, trusting that we are making the right decision, yet stumbling along the way. The truth is, there is no path or road block too big that our Savior can't handle. My part is just to be faithful, and trust that God will see me through. Not one step He will make me take beyond what my foot is able to endure. My past is a testimony to that!!

Happy New Year!!