When I was very young I discovered books. I read ”Gone with the Wind” cover to cover in three days at the age of eleven. I don’t think my family saw me until I read, ”Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” on the last page. I drove my dad nuts on family vacations, because I’d be stuck in a Nancy Drew book sprawled in the back of our station wagon and wouldn’t want to get out. “Just to the end of the chapter,” I’d beg. I’m still that way a little bit, come to think of it~
I love to paint, obviously, but there are times I just need to bury myself in a book. I love mysteries, detectives, historical fiction. And I love being encouraged by a story teller who is able to draw me in as if I were watching a movie. Recommendation: if life is overwhelming you and you need a lovely escape, try reading (or rereading!) the Mitford series books by Jan Karon.
Whatever I choose to read, I continue to read the very unique book known as the Holy Bible. Holy simply means unique, set apart, sacred. Here are just some of countless reasons this book is worthy to add to your reading list: the most popular book of all time; written by over 40 authors from varying backgrounds over a time span of aproximately 1500 years; written in three different languages from different continents (and from such unique places as the desert, prison, royal courts); it is the most vetted document in history; holds the answers to life’s biggest questions; and is woven all through from Genesis to Revelation with the theme of God’s great love and redemptive plan not only for His people Israel, but His people referred to as the Church. Gotquestions.org.
In a world where truth is subjective, there IS a place where truth is available. I cling to the truth of the Bible, the Word of God. He tells us His story – HISTORY – and we find hope in times that are confusing filled with division and untruth. If you have never opened this amazing book, I encourage you to start. Ask God to reveal His truth to you and you will find HOPE and direction for your life
All of my paintings are available as prints, tote bags, throw pillows, cards, coffee cups, yoga mats, shower curtains, spiral notebooks, stickers, and MORE. I invite you to stop by my GALLERY in https://prayersandpaintbrushes.com
Maybe you are a “partier” who loves to dress in bright colors and dance the night away. Maybe you’d rather sit quietly with a mocha and a good book. You might be the one who finds joy in making or listening to music and process life through the power of melody. It is always a relief and a joy when we can return to what gives us comfort and relaxation. Regardless of which personality you identify with, you are not able to be that person 24/7. The loves of your life find place in your day but do not own your day. Life has a way of pulling us in many different and often painful directions.
Whether you are walking in sunlight, nightlight, or ”beach light”, you do not walk alone. If your life is painful, stressful or fearful, look up. Reach up! and fall to your knees in prayer. Ask the Orchestrator of all that is, to guide you on whatever path you find yourself. Life is a journey. And ”it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” Don’t quit! Don’t lose hope! In these very different days we are living in, do not crawl down a rabbit hole and get lost in the chaos and darkness. There is Hope and direction to be found in the person of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, He IS. The world tells you He is not. But there is very little truth to be found in the voices clamoring for attention in our world. Consider these words written so very long ago yet filled with truth and hope for the ages:
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on you. Isa 26:3
Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your anxiety upon Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6, 7
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalms 9:10 NLT
“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.” Psalms 34:15 NLT
I tried to edit the life stories of those I loved as I was a younger person. I didn’t want them to suffer harm or hurt, and if I could FIX IT, I would try to do that. Many years and much personal pain and loss later, I learned that I am not the one who can fix anything! But I know the One who can. I pray and entrust those I love to my Savior. I give what I can’t handle straight to the loving arms of God and say, ”This is YOURS, Lord. These problems are way out of my league. So I give them to You.”
Whatever season in which you find yourself today, I encourage you to trust the Lord even in your lack of faith. Even if you have never considered that faith in God can change your life, TRUST HIM. He just may change the direction of your life in ways you could never have imagined.
“…to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power (HIS POWER✨) that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20 NKJV
I never could have dreamed I would have a platform where I might speak into YOUR life. I certainly never imagined I would paint watercolors that could appear on someone’s coffee mug or throw pillow. It was beyond any expectation that my life would have gone from such a very painful place to the birth of Prayers and Paintbrushes. But God had a plan so I just held on tight and BELIEVED HIM for what I never could have imagined.
Prayers and Paintbrushes 