Being shaken up, being changed, becoming does not always feel good. Well, to be honest when you are smack dab in the middle of it, it downright feels like sh.., sorry, I mean crap...well I really mean...
God is shaking up this family. When it happens to one in the family it usually has ripple effects. But, I see such good coming from the shaking. I thank God for the pain, even though it is hard to witness, and to live it. But when you trust the one that is doing the work you know when you come out on the other side that hearts and souls will be a litter bigger, brighter, and stronger.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Selah.
Psalm 62:8
I posted this painting a few days ago, them removed it. It looked quite different when I posted it, and as I continued to work on it, even to the point that I said, "finished" I knew it did not have the feel I wanted. It was too contrived. So I covered much of it up and will begin again. I really wanted this to done, and at first I was so very frustrated with myself. Then I asked, why do I think the process will be or should be easy and fast?? Isn't that what we think sometimes about ourselves? I do. I want the change now!
Funny thing, as I was painting this I had a new word for the year. Wholehearted! And yes, that is what I long to be, but I really think endurance is really what God is teaching me. And as I endure the process I think I will be becoming wholehearted.
Grace and peace to you my friends.
27 comments:
dear heart, i couldn't be more w/you.
being changed is difficult to the bone.
sometimes i try to imagine God in there,
in my body w/me, in the makings, & being
w/Him. i love your becoming painting.
brave & true. xox
Mary, your painting is wonderful! and full of emotion. Yes, change can be SO difficult-I know you will come through it even stronger.
shaking ... ah yes, i think i know just whay you are taling about!!
thought i would let you know i have now opened up the blog!! nervous and excited! xo
Love the painting. I have begun raising my arms to God when I pray and it reminds me of that. My family is going through a shake up and I am looking for strength, indurance and peace that only my God can provide. I will keep you in my prayers.
Good word...there also, as I continue forward with endurance and the assurance that God completes what He is doing in our lives and those around us.
Not always fun or easy...and yes feels like crap...but trusting Him gets us through the pile at our feet.
Your painting expresses just how I feel about this coming year. I can identify with your concept of "shaking". I was just saying to my husband that two years ago I got a picture in my mind of my life on a tray with all its pieces in place. Then the tray went through an upward jerking motion that upset all the pieces in the air. I still feel like the pieces have not landed in their places and know things are in the process of being very different than I thought they'd be. Yes "becoming". Mary, thank you so much for sharing this.
Wholehearted is such a good word for us believers. OUr church's mission statement is: Our Mission is to be wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ, devoted to helping others follow him.
Mar, I have to tell you when I saw the picture I saw an angel and then when I read your post the thought came to me of angels hovering over you and your family to protect you as you go through these changes.....I know what you're talking about as I am going through my own set of changes right now but I keep reminding myself that God says He is in us, beside us, and and going before us.....Hang on girl for He is in control......
Love you.......
oh my gosh, i so relate to everything you have said here......
our family is under fire too...and has been for awhile...so endurance speaks volumes! sometimes we get weary...praying His strength for you and yours...
xo
I love that you rejected
the contrived.
Such a breath of fresh air
you always are, Mary.
I love the way you cooperate
with the process
instead of painting it pink
and plastic.
Inspired, I am.
Love your wholeheartedness:)
-Jennifer-
I had a blast with you! Thanks for carving out some time when I was "home." You are so life giving!!! I'm excited to see the next stage of this painting. I LOVE your word for the year...wholehearted! SO COOL! I've never had a word for the year, but God gave me one for this year. Hope--and told me that I am going to be a hope-bearer this year.
You are in my prayers Sweet Sis, even more so as I read this post.. It hurts me to think of you going through any bad times..Just had to stop by Sweetie,,,LOVE your creating in His Spirit Sis.. Been thinking and praying about you. We're preparing for a business trip here. Its been a LONG time since we did get a BT delivering cards done with the boys off for Christmas break we needed to be home with them. So, just a tad worried about making the BT as sales were down a bit last year. I know, its hard for many people and we are truly blessed even in these slower times with God as our CEO ...
Praying for your New year to be blessed Sis.
May God's Love and Blessings continue to be yours Sweetie~~~Hugs Dena
I love this painting, Mary. It's very strong and mysterious and wonderful. I hope what you and your family are going through will be over soon..but soon as the Lord wills it would be more accurate. Change is so hard but necessary for our growth...but usually it hurts!
oxox
I love your word "wholehearted". It sounds like you already have a whole heart ed ness about you- I loved reading through your blog. Your art is very interesting. I wish I could be lose and better with design as I see in your art.
Wonderful painting Mary. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Beautiful, thank you for your heart and inspiration. Because of you, I now actually pray for a word a day and post to my fb page with a scripture that relates, I see more "likes" as the days go bye.
hugs, Connie
Wholeheartedness, awesome word to choose this year sis..I know you all have been going thru many changes for the past couple years...and know because you BELIEVE in GOD, and HIS word you will make it thru any trials with grace and love. My prayers are full of thankfulness know just that!!! love you sis.
I see an angel there ...
I LOVE IT! it's more than just a blessing to be here and read your words. I hope the new year is treating you kind.
God Bless!:)
~Kelvin
Praise God that through all things He is with us and in complete control!!! Praying for you! Thanks for the comment on my piece. As you know, this is totally out of my comfort zone, but I felt inspired after visiting Sam Granger. Maybe I will try another one!
Love you and this spring we have a lunch date and afternoon planned!!!
Yvette
I love that word..wholehearted. I'm choosing this year life...and live happy no matter what happens...and you too Mary...He's faithful...and with the shaking He redeems... Stay strong ok.
love this and the connection to life.
Oh Mary.....your words always always always *so* timely....
Love this Psalm...that verse always makes me exhale, like (as with your painting) I don't have to be "contrived", I don't have to be wrapped up pretty with a bow on top....that God really *does* want me as I am.....the "raw" me...
.....and Wholehearted......yes.......whole heart again...not fragmented......seems like it's an "ever-cycle" we go through....being made whole then being broken to feed many (as you do)...then being made whole again....and on and on....till we see the Bread of Life face to face and are whole forever more......
what a journey......
so thankful for your companionship....
Such an awesome word Mary! and, as always your message is just what I need to hear.
I am loving the painting..Also thankful for your words and your honesty...And your choice of words...lol.
I am a week into the year and I still am searching for my word..
Hugs,
katelen
I so know that feeling of wanting something to be finished, and yet wanting it to be fast and easy even when it isn't! Hope you and your family survive the shaking ... sometimes these things make us stronger. Kate x
Mary,
I hope all is good with you and your family.
God has a way of shaking us up..
Love,
Katelen
Post a Comment