My Savior

                                                          Melissa Payne Baker
                                              Her work available at VIEW GALLERY

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

I guess that just says it all.

Thank you for letting me share with you my Gratitude Adventure.

Catch All

                                                               Dreama Tolle Perry

Since I am running out of days to post about all the individuals I am thankful for, I decided to just list people that come to my mind.  I am sure there are many, many more.

1.  Dr. Indira Veerisetty for being aggressive in trying to figure out the cause of Gwynn's migraines.
2.  Lisa Palmer of Summer House for being supportive of my art and placing it in homes.
3.  Clara Gwynn Waller for the years she prayed for me.
4.  Luke Jepson for being a wonderful roommate for Dixon.
5.  Ginny Mansoor for her help and support.
6.  Crockett my faithful companion.
7.  Ashley Meena for being a top 5.
8.  Nancy Landry for obeying the Holy Spirit and praying for me when she didn't even know me.
9.  Rusty Faulk for introducing me to Chris Tomlin's "Everlasting God".
10. Ellen Faulk for letting me use her chair, going with me to Carowinds, preparing my lesson     plans.....

Jake

                                                                  Jake Atkinson

How many of you can tell me a name of a 16 year old that opens the car door for his girlfriend, both coming and going?  (I know many men that do not do that for their wives.)  How many of you know a child in today's society, where children feel so entitled,  that has worked since they were 12, all Summer long and into the Fall, on the family farm?  I couldn't name one until I met Jake Atkinson.  I've liked Jake for the past year that he has been seeing my daughter Grace, but it wasn't until one day I watched him open the car for her when he brought her home from school that I really appreciated his manners and upbringing.  And the fact that he will wear the silly hat Grace bought him in public is precious to me.  In spite of the many times I've fussed at him and Grace, he sticks around.  I must give a lot of the credit to his parents, Rebecca and Bob, and their influence on their son.  So today, I am thankful for Jake aka Snakie.
                                                   
   

Camp DeSoto

                                                                  GAMAKA

If you are wondering what in the world GAMAKA stands for, you aren't alone.  For the longest time, Grace would talk about her best friends from Camp DeSoto called GAMAKA.  Finally, I realized it was the first letter of each of the girl's names.  These girls live in 4 different states, yet they talk to each other almost everyday, and have done so for YEARS!  They became friends 6 1/2 years ago while attending summer camp in Alabama.  Many of them have been in the same cabin every year.  This will be their last year at camp, but it won't be the last year they are together.  Several of them will end up at Ole Miss, probably rooming together.  What a wonderful place Camp DeSoto is and the opportunity  girls have to build lasting friendships.  I am very grateful for not only my time there 40 years ago, but the years both of my girls have spent there.

Kim E.

                                                                    Kim Erickson


Do you know someone in your hometown that is always in the forefront of every campaign, fundraiser, and cause?  The person that everyone wishes was on their board of directors because they know everyone in town?  The person that goes to every one of their children's events?  Well, that's Kim Erickson of Madison, Mississippi.  Not only does Kim have the gift of getting things done, she is a wonderful supportive mother.

Kim and I are not even close friends.  I just have had the pleasure of getting to know her because her two children are friends with Dixon and Gwynn.  (Her daughter, Katie, is the beautiful strawberry blond that is always in my photos of Gwynn.)  She always welcomes them into her home.  So today, I just wanted to say thank you to Kim for all she does for our community.

Houston and Betsy

Betsy is as sweet a sister-in-law as someone could ask for.  I don't think she has a mean bone in her body.  She is a loving mother and wife and I am thankful she is a part of my family.
My brother Houston and I were never close growing up.  He was several years older, and I was just the bratty little sister.  Recently, I started working part time in the family business.  This has given the two of us the opportunity to becomes friends.  I have loved spending time with him and I have seen a sweet gentleness that I never knew was there.  Today is their day for me to express my gratitude that they are in my life.

Lisa W.

                                                                   "Mr. Doodles"

I met Lisa Whitener almost two years ago in Atlanta when we both attended a workshop taught by Dreama Tolle Perry and Leslie Seata.  Lisa and I became friends during the months that followed, each of us encouraging each other in our work.  Without Lisa pushing me, I probably would have never started this blog.  I am so thankful for the support she has given me these past two years and today I grateful for her.

Oklahoma Friends

                                                  Scott, Gwynn, Dixon, and Jase

These precious boys were Dixon's best friends when we lived in Stillwater, Ok.  Then, Gwynn and Jase became very close, so when they came to visit us this summer, everyone had a wonderful time.  You can not find more personable, fun loving, faithful friends.  I love these two young men and hope they are always part of our lives.

My Babies

                                                      Grace, Gwynn, and Dixon

All I need to say today is that I love my children and they are my biggest blessing!

Pete

The Good Samaritan

Paula Modersohn-Becker

1907

I think it is impossible to put into words the impact this man has had in my life.  Very few people know about Pete, and if I was to try to explain him to others, there is no way they would understand the significant role he played.  The best way to describe him is a modern day good Samaritan, and that was exactly what he was to me years ago.   I think I only saw him personally twice, but I have thought of him often through the years, never forgetting his kind help.  Then recently, I ran into him again.  To be honest, neither one of us recognized each other but after someone reconnected us, we sat down and talked like I had seen him last week.  The truth is, I know very little about Pete and his life, but I do know that I am one of many people who's life he has touched.  When I said goodbye, he was off to meet another friend in need.  That sums up Pete.  He will always hold a special place in my heart.    So, today I wanted to share with you my story of Pete and how thankful I am that God put him in my life years ago.

Dixon

Now you know that my post aren't in any order as to whom I am most grateful for, because there is no way that Dixon would be number 20.  I saved him until the 20th,  because he is coming home today!!  I have not seen him since I dropped him off in Charleston 3 months ago.  I can not begin to tell you the joy I feel because this day is finally here.  His roommate, Luke, will be joining us for Thanksgiving this year.  Minnesota was too far for him to drive for such a short vacation.  I hope he can handle my whole extended family.  Sometimes I even have a hard time with them.  Like Dixon, Luke is a big hunter, so they will be spending a majority of their time at my parent's cabin deer hunting.

I think most of you that read my blog, know how I feel about my son, so I wont bore you one more time, however, I must say there is no one quite like Dixon.  He is an exceptional young man, whom I am very proud of.  I love my son and today is his day!!  Please pray for him to have a safe trip.

My North Carolina Friends

                                                Kim, Holly, Beth, Ellen, Gloria and Allison

Just because I am just now posting about these ladies, doesn't mean that they are any less special to me. These wonderful, Godly women stepped in and took me under their wings the last year I was in North Carolina.  They fed me, prayed with me, cried with me, and supported me in every way.  One went so far as to make out a weekly lesson plan for me because I was having such a hard time home schooling my children.  This photo was taken 5 1/2 years later when I returned to Boone for Ellen's son's wedding.  It was so great to see each of them again and to see their wonderful families.  Each of them are a blessing in which I am very thankful for.

Young Life Friends

                                             

This morning I am so thankful for Gwynn's Young Life friends. These precious teens have stuck together this year and held each other accountable.  This small group, plus a few others, all went to YL summer camp, and their lives were changed. Ginger Tramell (in red), their faithful leader, devotes so much of her time being with the girls.  By looking at her, you would never know that she is 36 yrs older than they are.  She is at every game,  dance recital,  etc..  Here, she is seeing the girls off before their homecoming dance.  I am so thankful for her and all these wonderful teens.  

Isaiah

Yes, I am talking about the Prophet Isaiah.  I am thankful for him because he wrote Isaiah 43.  These words have been a blessing to so many people.  They speak for themselves.

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
  I've called your name.  You're mine.
 When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
   When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
 When you're between a rock and a hard place,
    it won't be a dead end.
 Because I am God, your personal God,
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
 I paid a huge price for you:
   all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
 That's how much you mean to me!
   That's how much I love you!
  I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
   trade the creation just for you...."

 The Message Bible

Betty

When Gwynn was a baby, she screamed, not cried, the first 9 months of her life.  On one trip to North Carolina to see Tommy's family, in a moment of exasperation, I handed her to Betty, a friend of the family.  Somehow, Betty got her quite, and they became best friends from then on.  She was a God sent  for me in the next few years when my family moved there.

I was out of touch with her for many years after she returned to Massachusetts.  Since then, we have reconnected and she has become so dear to me.  She always has an encouraging word to say or a Bible verse to share.  She is loving and caring.  Everyone needs someone like Betty in their life.  So, today is Betty's day in which I express my gratitude.

Tom Elkin

This painting is by my friend Kathy Cousart

Do you remember the game I mentioned in an earlier post about my children guessing my 5 favorite people?  Well Tom Elkin is one you can always count on to be on my list.  I can not begin to tell you the impact this man has made in my life since I moved back to Mississippi 3 1/2 years ago.  I came home broken, insecure, and shattered.  Through years of his counseling, I found myself again and became a stronger person.  Words can not express how I feel about him.  In a way, he saved me.  His generosity, wisdom, and love comes from his own belief in our Savior.  Also, the fact that he has years of experience helping others is a huge factor.   I LOVE THIS MAN.  I will forever be thankful for Tom and the impact he has had in my life.  Since I didn't have a photo if him, I posted this one by Kathy, because to me, Tom was a gift.

Mom and Dad

                                                            Gus and Jonelle Primos

How do I describe Jonelle and Gus? Hmm... Loving, hard working, stubborn, forgiving, inappropriate (dad), faithful, creative..... I could fill up a page with adjectives, but the bottom line is, at 81 and 83, they are remarkable.  Dad still goes to work every day, even though he says he is ready to slow down.   Then, every weekend you will find him on a tractor or working on something at their cabin.  Mother stills insists on cooking most of our Thanksgiving dinner for 25 herself.  It isn't just holidays either.   At any given night, you will find a couple of family members, that just happen to stop by, there for dinner.  Her favorite saying is "we're having the loaves and the fishes".  She still stuffs Christmas stockings for all of her children and their spouses, plus all the grandchildren.  My daughter Gwynn asked me if one day I will be like Deux Deux and knit her children's stockings?  I looked at her and said, "no and if you wants them, ask my mother now".  Thinking about everything she does makes me want to take a nap.  So today, I'm thankful for my parents and all they do for their children.

Gracie

                                                                  "Grace"  by Grace

Grace, Grace, God's Grace.  I had no idea the significance her name would mean to me when I named her almost 16 years ago.  When she was 2, God used this child to literally save my life.  Because of that, she has always had a special place in my heart.  She was God's Grace.

This child didn't talk until she was way over 3 yrs. old.  Then, I was told she had a learning disability.  She even went to a preschool for children with special needs.  What a joke that was.  Although she is known to walk to the beat of a different drummer, Grace, if she applies herself, is a 4.0 student.  Her creativity leaves me in the dust and her writing ability is outstanding.  She got the best of both me and Tommy, however, she got the worst of us too.   She is by far my messiest child, and leaves a trail of debris in her wake.  As exasperating as she can be, I love her and today I am thankful for her in my life.

Old Friends

                                                    Laurie, Amee, Tracy, and Lucy

How wonderful is it to be reunited with old friends after years of being apart?  Lucy and I became friends in 3rd grade, Tracy and I in junior high, then Amee came along in college.  Each one being very dear to me.  After many "lost" years, these women welcomed me back into their lives.  I had the pleasure of spending time with them last year in Santa Barbara.  They encouraged me to believe in myself, not worry so much about pleasing others, and to continue blogging and painting.  Each of these women have had their own struggles and have come away stronger and more caring.  I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.  So today, I am thankful for them.

The Browns

                                           Forrest, Jonathan, Matt, Allison, Sarah, and Joel

Do you know a family, where you would gladly adopt any or all of the children?  Well, that is how I feel about these children, and I would gladly call Allison my sister. Forrest was Dixon's first friend in North Carolina. They were new to Boone, just like us, and our families became friends.  I wonder what  Matt and Allison's secret is, because all the children get along so well.  (Unlike my house where someone is always mad at someone else.)  Each of them have grown up to be outstanding individuals.
Allison, my pistol carrying, motorcycle riding friend has been so faithful.  She was by my side every step of the way during a difficult time.  I truly love everyone of them and I'm so thankful God put them in my life.

Cathy

                                                                    Cathy Williamson

This is my outspoken, Obama lovin', generous, faithful, forthright, sincere, dear friend Cathy.  Believe me, she is one of a kind, and I love her.  I met her when Gwynn was in preschool, and she has stuck by me and been a loyal friend ever since.  It's all black or white with her.  I know very few people that are willing to be as honest and open with what they believe as she, no matter what the cost.  She is tender hearted and always willing to help out a friend.  How fortunate and thankful am I to call her my friend.

Young Life

   
When we moved home 3 1/2 years ago, we decided to move to Madison and put our children in Madison Public Schools.  Because they knew no one in Madison, I was determined to find a Christian organization that my children could be involved in.  I knew Young Life was big in Jackson, but when I started investigating it, I found Madison Central  did not have it yet.  I heard through the grapevine that Ron Veazey, a person I knew in high school, had also been interested in starting it up.  So Ron and I, along with the area director and a few others got together and set out to start Young Life in Madison.

The first year consisted of finding a leader, forming a committee and telling parents about YL.  Scott Brewer, the young man we hired to be our Madison Representative, spent his first year just meeting students and forming relationships.  That year, we were thrilled to have 8 kids sign up for summer camp. The following year, we had over 30 at camp and 100 kids that attended club.  This year we plan on it growing even more.  Their summer camp is the heart of YL, where so many lives are changed.  Two of my children were those individuals.

Last night, we had our first Madison YL banquet.  I can not tell you how wonderful it was to see the room filled with parents that were there to learn about YL and show their support.  I know so many lives of teens that this group has touched.  Scott Brewer, Ginger Tramel, along with our other leaders have given so much of their time helping our children in their walk with Christ.  I love these young people and I am so thankful for the organization of Young Life in their lives.

The Faithful Three

 
                                                      Bonnie                                Susan

Irene

There are three ladies that I want to thank for being such faithful followers of my blog.  They encourage me to continue posting when I don't have it in me to, and notice when I haven't painted in a while.  I can not begin to tell them how much their support means to me.  So today I am thankful for The Faithful Three.

ACBA

I'm not feeling very thankful today, so I decided to post something that I am really grateful for.  It is The American College Of The Building Arts in Charleston, SC  and the individuals that run the school.  ACBA is the only college in the country to offer an associate and bachelor degree in applied science in the building arts.  It is dedicated to educating the next generation of building artisans and trains them in exceptional craftsmanship and encourages the preservation of the world's architectural heritage.  The school is located in The Old City Jail of Charleston, that dates back to 1802.

This is where my son Dixon is a freshman.  He loves it, and couldn't be happier.  How many people get an email from the student director that tells you that your son needs a care package and to send cookies?  This is one of the many perks of a small school.  They care about each student and know each one by name.  He actually likes school (and the fact that it is located in Charleston doesn't hurt).  So, today I am thankful for Lucas Adams and the others that take a personal interest in my son.

VIEW GALLERY

                                                    Phyllis Geary and Lee Malouf
                               

My art career would be nothing if it wasn't for Phyllis Geary.  She took a chance on me and my work when I moved home to Mississippi.  It took months after meeting her, for me to get the nerve up to show it to her.  She has encouraged me from the beginning, honestly critiquing it, and helping me hone in on "my style".  Through the years, she has become one of my dearest friends.  She is someone whom I can sit down with and "spill my guts" to.  I am very thankful to have her in my life.

Lee Malouf is a fellow artist and a sales associate at VIEW GALLERY.  She has promoted my work from the very beginning.  She too has become a personal friend through my association with the gallery.  Many of my sales are because of Lee and her willingness to call on clients and show them my paintings.  I am very thankful for Lee and her friendship.

Glo

                                                                  Gloria Graham

It wasn't my intention to make my Gratitude Adventure all about people.  I had thought I would write about things like hot baths, clean crisp white cotton sheets, medicine...., but there are so many individuals in my life that I am grateful for, that I think this year, I'll just write about them.  This week, my friend "Glo" and her husband Patrick each have a birthday.  So, it only seems right to start off the week being thankful for them.  I didn't have a picture of Patrick, so you just get to see her.  They live in North Carolina, and have been a very big part of my life for many years.  Gloria is not only a friend, but she is also like my sister.  My prayer is for them to return home to Mississippi one day and live among family.

T Daddy

                                                               Tommy Prewitt

This is the forth day of my Gratitude Adventure, and today I am picking my husband.  I am thankful for the years he dedicated himself to the medical profession.  The hours and days he spent on call not only to help others, but to provide for his family. His willingness to clean up the kitchen, pick up children late at night, walk the dog when I don't have it in me, etc. etc. etc. are just a few of the many things he does that does not go unnoticed.  I have known this man since the 4th grade, when he sat in front of me at First Presbyterian Dayschool.  Most of all, he puts up with me, and for that I am thankful.

J.B. Bond

                                                                J.B. and Jean Bond

My children and I sometime play a game to see if they can name my 5 favorite people in the world.  One person they always know is J.B. Bond.  J.B., originally from Mississippi, coached at Mississippi State, before going to Dallas Theological Seminary.  He then became the pastor of Countryside Church in Stillwater, Ok.  For the two years we lived in Stillwater, we attended his church.  Through his teaching, I became grounded in the scripture, and got a clearer understanding of it.  To this day, he is still my favorite teacher.  Fortunately for me, years of his teaching can be found on the church's  website.  I can honestly say that J.B. is the kind of individual that truly loves almost everyone.  God put him in my life during a time when I need someone like him, not only to teach me, but guide me through a difficult period.  Not only was he my pastor, but my counselor and most of all my friend.

My Jackson Friends

These wonderful ladies are my closest friends in Jackson, with the exception of Danelle and Evie who were unable to be there that night.  Many are old friends from high school, some are new ones I have met since moving home, and two are my sisters.  How fortunate I am to have each of them in my life.  I know that I could call any one of them at any time for help, and they would be there for me.  THAT is a true blessing and gift.

Thankful in November

                                                                         Gwynn

It's been a while.  Sorry.  I took a break for personal reasons, but for the month of November, I am going to follow one of my artist friends, Deama Tolle Perry, and take time and tell you what I am thankful for.  She calls it the Gratitude Adventure.  So often, we focus our attention on the negative things in our lives and look for what is missing, instead of looking at all the blessings.   My intention this month is to take a moment each day and share it with you.

Today my blessing is my daughter Gwynn.  I am so thankful for the the young woman she is becoming and the stance she has taken for her Savior.  Gwynn had a life changing experience this past summer at Young Life camp.  During a time in her life ( a senior in high school), when peer pressure is at an all time high, she made a decision to change her lifestyle and be an example of Jesus Christ.  The price has been high, but she has stood firm in her conviction.  She has set an example for all of us, and I am very thankful for her and this blessing God has given me.