This flower from my giant Hosta is my favorite of this summer.
This summer brought the sweetest things,
& more hope (photoblog, below)
How has this season been for your HEART? Are you full of hope, looking for it, discouraged, or growing in it? For me, I’m GROWING in hope. This summer has been all about looking to God in the struggle, uncertainty & taking all my questions to him. He’s shown up in the most powerful ways and my heart is truly full of hope and anticipation, even though many of those questions aren’t answered, yet. Now the challenge and place I’m growing…STAY IN HOPE.
For most of the summer I’ve experienced this uncomfortable “limbo” feeling but I’m beginning to get used to “limbo” which is good for me, I guess. Because it’s teaching me FAITH.
In the meantime, I’m also learning to reframe my thinking. Turning hopeless thoughts into HOPE-FILLED thoughts. While the facts are the facts, speaking words of hope OVER the facts is more powerful than just stating them. And since there are plenty of the seemingly scary or NOT GOOD facts happing all around me, I’ve had the opportunity to practice flipping them into the HOPEFUL, FANTASTIC thoughts and realized I’m finally leaving room for GOD. What? Is that what it means to have faith? (I can hear you laughing…) I mean, really? Because it’s changing everything, for me. I love the quote, below, from Allen Arnold’s latest book, “Risk the Real”. I think its is a better description of where I’m coming from. I’m just trying to PARTNER with God instead of opposing him. He says he has good plans for me and ONLY HE CAN see my future. Why would I believe otherwise just because things don’t appear to be going my way, OR ANY WAY, in a given area?
more after the quote…
“God doesn’t want us to simply accept the times or situations of this world. He gives us the authority to change things for the better…with him. That’s what happens in every story we love from Scripture. The Red Sea is an impenetrable wall of water that means the end of Moses and the Israelites…until the sea parts. Water is what it is…until Jesus turns it into wine. The sea is just something you sink in…until Peter walks on it. The crucifixion of Jesus is the end of him…until it isn’t. In other words, things never have to remain just what they are because God is continually creating, redeeming, and transforming. What appears inevitable…actually isn’t.”
This Katydid will totally give my husband the CREEPS (He's not a bug guy...)
but I thought it was AWESOME!
Final Summer Paint Party Plans
This summer, the Paint Parties have been so rewarding. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support.
I love getting out with new and old friends and sharing my heart and skills. Mid-July I felt strongly that, except for a few private parties, I should STOP TEACHING until some of this limbo stuff is worked out. So until I get further word, the class I’m teaching at the Potted Porch, Wednesday, WILL BE MY LAST, FOR NOW. (Class Details BELOW) There’s still quite a bit of room since it fits about 35. I’d love to fill it if you want to forward this news on to your peeps, I’d be grateful for your help spreading the word. We have 12 enrolled, currently.
I believe I’ll be teaching, again, but I don’t know what that looks like, or when, with the holidays coming and commissions ramping up. So STAY TUNED. on
Mini Vignettes were challenging but lots of fun
In other news, we had a much prayed-for puppy practically fall into our laps. She was wanted for our youngest son who’s been desperate for a dog since we lost our little LoDogg (that was her name) going on 2 years, ago. This little Pointer Doodle is now dubbed Chili Pepper and we call her “Chili”. She’s a, well, ALL PUPPY. Full of energy and life and we are so happy she came to us when she did. God’s timing is perfect.
Obi and Chili get along, we think, although they ball up, playing, quite a bit. So far no fur has flown off…
Those ears and that side-eye. She makes me laugh, a lot.
I hope this message brings you confidence in your uncertain times. I hope that you find that looking to God with every question and doubt is exactly what your heart needs. And I KNOW He’ll answer if you keep turning his way. He’s good, like that, I’ve found.
If you’re local, meet me at The Potted Porch, on Wednesday, so we can visit, pick flowers AND paint, together! - Link below.
I just learned about you from a new friend, so I'm sad to hear that was the last class! Hopefully we will have a chance to meet and paint together another time.
Hi, Heather. Thanks for reaching out! I will be teaching more classes after the new year. I see you joined my mailing list. Now you’ll be in the loop for class announcements. Sweet!
I just learned about you from a new friend, so I'm sad to hear that was the last class! Hopefully we will have a chance to meet and paint together another time.