FaithWalk Blog

“Abide” has a way of drawing people into deep reflection when they look at it.  Many times people will ask what my inspiration was when I painted it.  Today I’m compelled  to share that inspiration with you…. 

If we are honest, each and every one of us holds a deep desire to walk in the purpose for which we are created.  Our purpose is ever evolving but always carries a common thread.  I find comfort and peace when I know I’m were I should be.  But sometimes things change...........

Life, in its unpredictable tapestry, rarely unfolds without stitches of pain and moments of profound hurt. Trauma, in its myriad forms, leaves indelible marks, shaping us in ways we often struggle to understand. The impact of trauma is deeply personal, as unique as our very fingerprints. Yet, despite the individuality of the experience, the common thread of suffering binds us, gently pulling us toward healing.

I, like many, have navigated a chapter marked by significant trauma. In the aftermath of this experience, well-meaning individuals often offered their advice: you’ll know you’re truly healed, they said, when the memory of it fades, when it no longer evokes pain. But, I’ve come to realize that such a simplistic notion fails to grasp the complex nature of healing. Read more

Finding Peace in the storm

Being chill in a crisis, isn’t stuffing feelings down, ignoring what’s happening or denying the crisis.  Sometimes crisis comes in the form of loss and grief.   The loss of someone we love dearly can take our breath away and our desire to go on.  The loss of health or our ability to function normally or even loss of a job or career can be jarring.

In times of crisis it’s not unnatural to want to run to a friend for comfort and a shoulder to lean on.  But what happens when the very loved one that we thought we could rely on shows us that the foundation of our relationship was purely transactional?  We face another kind crisis. The betrayal of friends, family or your “person” is also devastating.

In Psalm 46 there is a beloved passage in which the psalmist declared that no matter what was happening around him, God was his refuge and strength.  We can be safe in the assurance that He is God - even a mid chaos, He is omnipresent.  In Psalm 57 David hides from his own family when his father in law seeks to hunt him down and kill him.  What began as recognizing and admiring God’s hand on his son-in-law‘s life, twisted into jealousy.  Make no mistake, jealousy is a very destructive evil.  There’s nothing good in it... continue reading post

The Snake and the Dragonfly 

I hopped out of the car and was headed towards my front door when I saw it - a huge snake coiled up in front of me. It didn’t flinch, but rather just sat there looking at me.  Now I’m one serious wimp when it comes to snakes. I bet I beat all speed records running backwards! I clapped my hands and she just sat and stared. I got in the car and honked and she didn’t flinch. Pretty soon my neighbor guy came out to take a look at what was going on.  He was startled at her size as well. Pretty soon she casually turned and disappeared into the trees and bushes.  I learned that she was non-venomous, and most likely very pregnant.

This morning when I came out my front door, I have to confess I was seriously cautious looking around for that snake. I hopped in my car and was just getting on to a very busy freeway when all of a sudden this huge thing buzzed me right in front of my face. My heart was pounding out of my chest! It was in my car whatever it was! Then she landed right on my steering wheel as I am surrounded by other vehicles increasing speed as we merge onto I-4. It was a large dragonfly and how in the world it got in my car I have no idea. I opened up the window now going at least 55 and she just sauntered out, like she knew what she was doing.  I was gripping that steering wheel like nobody’s business!

Tonight I just couldn’t help but think about the two bizarre collisions I’ve had with unexpected visitors! There was something about it that I just felt the nudge to read a little bit.  God always speaks to me through His creation.  I sensed that  this was one of those times, and I was so touched by all of it, that I really felt led to share with you.  Click read more to continue

Silent Saturday is a somber reminder to me of just how easy it is to live viewing Jesus on this side of the cross-after He has risen.

His torture and murder is more than I can wrap my mind around. The details of how He suffered are more than any of us could begin to understand. Imagine the hearts of those that loved Him and followed Him only to witness the horrific, the unfathomable. Imagine the emptiness and devastation that they felt. But that’s not what this painting is about.