Thursday, September 15, 2011

Thankfulness


Ever had those days you just wondered what in the world you needed to be doing that day, or the rest of your life? After all it was just like any other day, the heap surrounding you of things you need to accomplish. It has been one of those summers. Yes, you heard it right, the whole season. One thing right after another. Family in and out of ER, cancer, flooding, tornado damage, and the hamster wheel goes on. Yesterday's dilemma's don't mean today stopped. Literally I have had to take up my boot straps and get moving...I mean with God's help. There was no way that I could do it.


It is a long story but after burning your lungs, food poisoning and a few other life challenges each day became a struggle. Breathing was difficult, so accomplishing anything was like...well, you've probably experienced it, "like being stuck in the quick sand." But even with this, a still small voice pleaded with me. "Where is your faith?"


So each day was a tiny step forward, growing faith. When you awake up in the morning and sleep is more attractive so you don't have to face the physical challenges, there is a problem, a mountain to climb. So when I wake up I have to say, well I choose to say, "Lord, You are going to have to help me. I cannot do this. I am hurting and I just cannot do it...without Your help. Please help me." So even though I didn't feel change yet, I would get up, keep the mind set that even though I wasn't feeling it yet He was helping me, and would help me. And saying thank You for the help you have provided, are providing and will provide.


Growing my faith in small steps. Getting past the pain that crushes you and me, and distracts us from doing what we need to do and accomplishing what God intends for us to do. And remembering to say "Thank You Lord for what You have done, are doing and will do on my behalf, even if I don't see it yet".


Growing....into a different perspective. Changing the picture you have in your mind, not just the picture you have on the wall.


Growing...into thankfulness in all situations.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Beginning Again

I am looking forward to attempting to do some art again. After rolling a vehicle, and while still healing from that, I suffered whiplash again, and also two serious falls. Without going into details this was a serious set back for me and my family. I am still in recovery, but each month gets better. So even though the synapses in my brain haven't worked the same as before my accidents I am looking forward to retraining my brain so that I can enjoy art again.

Today I took the big plunge!
I decided about a month ago to get a subscription to From My Point Of View, or the Colored Pencil Magazine. June 1st was a member show entry deadline. I think everything was warring against doing anything. With a few curve balls this past week, and even a couple new ones today, I was about to set aside a couple hours only today to try to get something recognizable. End product isn't exactly what I had in mind, but at least you know what it is when you see it! So that was a big step for me. So.....I am sending it off next! If nothing else, I hope that people can enjoy seeing this small 4 x 5 1/2 inch piece.

This is a first BIG step for me after the last 5 years. So if you think you cannot do it, nor never have a second chance, I am here to remind you...take the first giant step! You never know where the next one will lead you. Wipe the tears away and just do it!
And a special thanks to those that have been an encouragement in this process. Including, but not limited to Anne and also my friend Laurie.