Inspirational Book & LOTS of Painting

I am NOT a big reader. I love to have some quiet time with no one else around and read but it just doesn't happen too often. I get distracted too easily if there is activity going on, which there usually is, so I just don't read. Well, I'm trying to overcome this and MAKE time, by myself, and read. Thus, as God is in control, I received an automatic shipment from a Christian Book club because I apparently hadn't responded to their every 3-wk mailing. Honestly, I only joined because there were a couple of books I wanted for reference. I took it as a sign from God that He wanted me to read these books. The one I started this week is by Philip Carlson, "You Were Made for Love".

It is about enbracing the life you were meant to live, according to the summary. In the very first chapter the author uses his 2-year-old son in an illustration where they were on an outing and his child wandered in front of him to explore the world around him. The child looks back every 30 seconds or so to get a glimpse of his Dad to be sure he's still there, then wanders again. At one point the child wandered far enough that when he looked back and didn't see his Dad and became distressed and scared. His Dad raised his hands so his child could see him. Once he saw his Dad was close by after all, he went on to play. The truth is, his Dad was there the entire time, never taking his eyes off of him, caring and protecting him. This is often how we are with our walk with God. Though at certain times in our life we stray and can't seem to find God, in reality He is ALWAYS there, always faithful, loving us refusing to give up on us and persistent in his pursuit of us. I will keep you posted on the book but I'm sure it will be yet another blessing from God.

I've been doing a lot of painting so let me share what I've been up to.

I'm not crazy out the way the birdbath is turning out so I haven't finished it yet but I've had serveral people ask about it so here it is so far.

I'm not sure what else I'm going to add to the "saucer" part of the birdbath.

I think the next one I make is going to be taller. This is just too short for my liking. It's been fun to work on though. I guess I'll finish it soon and post the final product.

I also painted 2 seascapes, at the same time. One to replace mine that I gave to my Mom and the other is for Ashley's boyfriend, Brandon, for his birthday. Here is what I did the first night...

Here are the finished canvases (sp?)...

Several of you have heard that our pastor and his wife lost their baby a little over a week ago. It has devastated their family since this is the second baby they've lost in 2 years. I felt inspired to paint this tray for them... My heart just aches for them and they continue to be in my prayers. I had a class last week with Sandy (I was her only student and we had a GREAT time) and painted Tiger Lillies. Isn't it pretty??? A very dear friend, as a matter of fact the very first friend we met when we moved here, retired Thursday, and I wanted to give him something special. I knew he wouldn't appreciate flowers so when I saw this picture I decided to try to paint it on a welcome sign for him. It took me about an hour and a half to do it but I was pretty pleased with the outcome. I also painted this tray for his sweet wife, Deb. I told Jim that he needed to fix her breakfast and take it to her in bed for putting up with him. It was all in good fun and I will miss seeing him everyday. I also painted one other canvas that I can't share with you yet because it is for my dear, sweet, friend, Nonie. She reads my blog faithfully so I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'll mail it to her on Tuesday so once she receives it, I'll post a picture.

I've also been tagged by Sandy. It's called the name game, and here are the rules for those that choose to follow them: Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog. So, here goes... (LYN-yes it only has 1 "n")

L~Loves life which includes God, Family, Friends and Country. Y~Young at heart (not as young as I used to be but enjoying where I am in my journey!) N~Never takes anything for granted! Okay everyone else has been tagged by this so I'm only going to choose one: I'm tagging my sweet daughter, Stephanie I guess this means she'll "finally have to update" for a 3rd time! She hasn't updated since June 24th so go by and leave her a comment and ask her to update!!!! Love you, Stepher!!!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day! Hugs ~ Kim