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Thoughts of Fall on My Mind
I don’t know about you, but fall has been on my mind for awhile. It always happens once August hits: I begin dreaming of those beautiful autumn days that are on their way. We are approaching my favorite time of year, and I can’t help but get excited. I can hold off, of course, on the winter’s cold for quite awhile, but oh, how I wish I could make fall stay longer. It seems it always comes and goes like a gust of wind…a dance of leaves…and then it is gone. I guess that is why I start dreaming about it early…in hopes that I can make it last as…
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When Hope Can’t be Found {personal thoughts on depression and suicide}
Have you ever lost hope? Ever looked in the mirror, with tears streaming down, wishing it could all be over? Ever felt the weight of the world closing in on you? That there might not be a reason to go on? Well, I have. Many times. Much more than I wish in my short 32 years. As I am beginning this post, I am hesitating. Should I write these words? Or should I hit the delete button right now before this gets too messy? I am going to start by saying this post is uncomfortable. Maybe more real than some people will like. Maybe you will judge me. Maybe you will leave…
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Symbolic New Year’s Mantel Vignette
Just wanted to pop in on New Year’s Eve and share the mantel vignette that I created today in our dining room. I included several symbolic elements in this design, representing the hopes for my family and myself in the year ahead. There is a stack of bibles in the center and old hymnals on either side, representing building our lives on the Word of God and praising him every day. The clocks represent embracing every minute of our lives together…no matter what the time brings. And the binoculars and opera glasses represent looking to what lies ahead…not staying focused on the hurt of the past. The beautiful antique teacup…
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where have I been & giving thanks
Where have I been? It seems like forever since I have posted here. Well, let me tell you…an almost 2 1/2 year old and a fourteen month old sure can keep you busy. I have been busy keeping up with our home, caring for my little ones, and learning to trust and rely on the Lord no matter what life throws my way. Some days are harder than others. I struggle. I want to do more. I want to create. I want to blog. I want to photograph. I want more “me time.” And then I hear it…”I want” “I want” “I want”. But God has been revealing to me…
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it’s the little things
Some days can start off feeling like raising kids just takes, takes, takes. Takes your time, your patience, your energy, your everything… But in the littlest of moments I am quickly brought back to all that they have to give. Like the sweet smile that came over Owen’s face when he saw a rushing river for the first time recently. {we were on a walk…just the two of us} And like the moments today…when we ate lunch outside and Hazel wandered freely in the yard. She picked a leaf and brought it back saying gently, “Mama.” It was for me. Then there was another, and a little twig. a weed.…
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Hope…
Hope… a theme that has been strong throughout my life…times with it… and those without… But one that I feel a strong connection to…because I understand the full spectrum. Recently, I was asked by the pastor of my church to help with a series he is doing on the essential foundations of our lives…faith, hope, love…and integrity. I chose hope… This took a huge leap of faith… I had to paint in church…. during the service… in front of everyone… {photo courtesy this sweet girl’s husband…she had the privilege of painting the “Faith” door} It was scary. And the night before I almost lost my hope…but I woke up that…
this creative life
