Video – https://youtu.be/gD1i85HkId8
Hello friends,
Welcome to Sunday’s ART of Truth. Today, I am creating on an 8 x 10 gallery depth wood panel. I am using this adorable image from Pixabay (Link below)
As I was picking and creating the elements for this piece, I was struck by the image of the little girl. It reminded me of innocence, belief, hope, joy, and living in the moment. This little one doesn’t look concerned about anything other than what is right in front of her. What a beautiful thing. She is full of joy, simplicity, gratitude, and purity. Perfect for this reflective writing.
I talked about the ‘She Decided…’ paper that is full of truth, courage, and determination. I mixed in some vintage music paper as well. It reminded me that He is the song I can’t stop singing. Music is joy. Music is story.
Sometimes, life just seems to throw us sucker punches on the right and the left, and back to the right again. It can be hard to balance the challenges of everyday life coupled with extraordinarily difficult things, as well.
What I know, is that I am never alone. Literally never. There is a verse in the bible that says – Deut 31:8- “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
This truth brings me great comfort. He never promised us that he would rescue us from trials or tribulations. He never promised us that we would be protected from loss or tragedy. What he did promise, is that he will be there. He is there. In my concentrated healing journey of 30 years, I experienced his presence in ways that I never could have imagined. I still had to remember. I still had to face into the hard things, but I found comfort and peace in knowing I was not alone.
I know this can feel very big and almost unbelievable. Why would he allow terrible things to happen but not rescue us from them? There are so many mysteries that I don’t think I will ever understand on this side of history. One day, I know I will.
I Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then I will know, even as also I am known.” I find great hope and comfort in this as well.
I don’t understand why people get cancer. I don’t understand why babies die in their mama’s arms. I don’t understand much at all, to be honest. While I know we learn many things as we go through these challenges, I do not want to be blasé’ or cliché. This is difficult no matter which way you cut it.
My mom has cancer. She is elderly. We are estranged. For reasons of healing and breaking generational patterns within our family, I walked away some 30ish years ago. I had hoped to be able to reintroduce myself into her world, but, at this time, I cannot. I struggle with mixed emotions, to say the least. I pray for her. I wish her healing and wellness. Sometimes, I just ask Him to help her. Most of all, I wish her emotional healing. I believe in miracles, so who knows what the future holds.
My oldest sister who I reunited with in the last year has been very sick. She is home now and out of the hospital but is still struggling with many things. It is hard to not be with her. It is hard to not see her. It is hard to feel helpless on the other side of the river.
I share all this for a couple of reasons. I believe that transparency and vulnerability are healing. I believe that when we can be transparent, while not completely exposed, we have opportunities to lend courage to another.
I believe that many suffer in isolation and silence. Perhaps, you are one of those people.
I write and share my experience in hopes of reaching one person, just one. I share to instill hope and the truth that none of us are alone. We can link arms. We can send good. We can pray. We can lend an encouraging word. We can share our faith or what gets us through. What a gift that is.
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
For many years I believed that without seeing it. Then I began to recognize it in a tangible way, and it brought healing and peace. He (Jesus) gives me courage. When I have no answers or I feel helpless, I can get quiet and just be in His quiet presence and know that I am not alone.
I also find out what I am supposed to do or NOT do in a particular situation. We are often driven by ‘shoulds’, aren’t we?
“I should be brave enough to see my mom during her illness.”
“I should be there for my sister no matter the cost.”
“I should be stronger.”
What about if we just ‘be’, not DO anything? In that place, that quiet place in his presence, I can breathe. I can evaluate. I can discard the ‘shoulds’. In that, I have more to give. I have perspective and room for encouraging and praying. The ‘shoulds’ are robbers, stealing our joy and strength.
My friends, I know this is a little scattered, or maybe that is just how it feels. I hope that you can find encouragement in my beautiful mess and know that you are not alone.
You are loved. You are seen. You are valuable. Take care of yourself.
Be blessed,
Beloved-Reborn
Supply list under photos!
Supplies:
“She decided paper – Shawn Petite Subscriber Library – http://Shawnpetite.com
Golden Fluid Acrylic – Iridescent Gold Fine – https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Fluid-Acrylic-Paint-Ounce-Iridescent/dp/B0027AAJ70/ref=sr_1_6?crid=13MVKO62A98WC&keywords=golden+fluid+acrylic+iridescent+gold+fine&qid=1669314330&sprefix=golden+fluid+acrylic+iridescent+gold+f%2Caps%2C1928&sr=8-6
Golden Fluid Acrylic – Raw Umber – https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Fluid-Acrylic-Paint-Ounce-Raw/dp/B0006TU7KS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1XWGKGHVAWBCM&keywords=golden+fluid+acrylic+raw+umber&qid=1669314358&sprefix=golden+fluid+acrylic+raw+u%2Caps%2C1338&sr=8-2
Golden Fluid Acrylic – Green Gold – https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Fluid-Acrylic-Paint-Ounce-Green/dp/B0006TZM9Y/ref=sr_1_4?crid=14ADLFEUOG3MN&keywords=golden+fluid+acrylic+green+gold&qid=1669314382&sprefix=golden+fluid+acrylic+green+gold%2Caps%2C780&sr=8-4
Golden Fluid Acrylic – Yellow Medium – https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Fluid-Acrylics-Benzimidazolone-Yellow/dp/B079QDPKHL/ref=sr_1_22?crid=37EHNKABACKWO&keywords=golden+fluid+acrylic+medium+yellow&qid=1669314406&sprefix=golden+fluid+acrylic+medium+yel%2Caps%2C792&sr=8-22
Ranger Archival Ink – Jet Black – https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-AIP-31468-Archival-Ink-Pads/dp/B0056ETF8I/ref=sr_1_3?crid=355IAJETKCOHB&keywords=ranger+archival+ink+jet+black&qid=1669314516&sprefix=ranger+archival+ink+jet+bla%2Caps%2C932&sr=8-3
Ranger Archival Ink – Vintage Photo – They no longer make the pad so I bought the reinker and a DIY ink pad – https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-AIP48077-Empty-Archival-Pad-Empty/dp/B016A88EAI/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=ranger+diy+ink+pad&qid=1626104364&sr=8-4
Https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vintage+photo+reinker&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Liquitex Gesso – Liquitex Gesso- https://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-White-Surface-Medium/dp/B000KNPLXI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=liquitex+gesso&qid=1586229558&sr=8-1
Liquitex Fluid Matte Medium – Liquitex Matte Medium- https://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Matte-Medium-8-Ounce/dp/B000IYWYNE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=74CDOKRUL040&dchild=1&keywords=liquitex+matte+medium&qid=1586229506&sprefix=liquitex+ma%2Caps%2C291&sr=
Junk Journal Basic Supplies List –
FabriTac Glue – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fabritac&ref=nb_sb_noss
Art Glitter Glue – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=art+glitter+glue&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Ranger Archival Ink – Vintage Photo – They no longer make the pad so I bought the reinker and a DIY ink pad – https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-AIP48077-Empty-Archival-Pad-Empty/dp/B016A88EAI/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=ranger+diy+ink+pad&qid=1626104364&sr=8-4
List of basic mixed media supplies
TCW Light & Fluffy Modeling Paste – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=light+and+fluffy+modeling+paste&crid=3PFDSLJUPLGOO&sprefix=light+and+flu%2Caps%2C272&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_13
Shoresua Script Stamp- https://www.amazon.com/Shoresua-Transparent-Silicone-Scrapbooking-Embossing/dp/B07PGN3MR3/ref=sr_1_77?dchild=1&keywords=bo+bunny+stamps&qid=1601231832&sr=8-77
Golden High Flow Acrylic – Transparent Yellow Oxide – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=goldenhigh+flow+acrylics&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Liquitex Matte Medium- https://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Matte-Medium-8-Ounce/dp/B000IYWYNE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=74CDOKRUL040&dchild=1&keywords=liquitex+matte+medium&qid=1586229506&sprefix=liquitex+ma%2Caps%2C291&sr=8-1
Liquitex Glazing Medium- https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Multi-Purpose-Acrylic-Polymer-GAC-100/dp/B001YJPX58/ref=sr_1_46?dchild=1&keywords=golden+glazing+medium&qid=1586230065&sr=8-46
Liquitex Heavy Gesso- https://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Super-Surface-Medium/dp/B001UNREO6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=liquitex+heavy+gesso&qid=1586229647&sr=8-1
Penny Black Script Stamp- https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Black-Script-Unmounted-40-470/dp/B01HNO5R08/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Penny+Black+script+stamp&qid=1586229678&sr=8-1
Shawn Petite Stencils- https://shop.shawnpetite.com/Stencils-c14287046
Decoart Crackle Paint – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=decoart+crackle+paint&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Thank you for your words, they were exactly what I needed to hear at this time. I am having a difficult time with my adult daughter, struggling to know what to do, I feel now may have to just do nothing at this time and let God do what needs to be done.
Your words certainly helped me, bless you,
Regards,
Wendy x
Oh Wendy, I am so glad it helped you ❤️ these situations are so difficult. I have learned to pause and struggle within myself with the discomfort of doing nothing. I will be praying for you, that in that place you feel a compelling peace that will sustain you ❤️
The Lord is always walking us and carries us through our trials. I look at trials as a way to remain faithful. I struggled to understand why I survived cancer yet some babies don’t. My Aunt told me it’s because I’m the light in my family. Without me their light would dim.
I believe you are the light in your family. I pray that your light continues to shine brightly. Thank you for sharing your testimony.
I loved reading your reply I agree 100%.I believe things happen’for such a time as this.’ Nothing us wasted 💛 God is so faithful.