Bryan, Kristin and little Miss Evie!

My son Bryan and his precious little family, had a very awesome photo shoot out here on the farm. Here is a sneak peek of the awesome outcome! ... by Jason Cohen

My place I call home!

Today I treated myself and attended an art expression class at the Miles Perret Center. I have been feeling so unfocused and unsettled lately. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but am sure it has to do with our normal everyday, getting back to life after cancer. Am also beginning a litany of 4 month check ups and bone density tests and a mammogram! Maybe THAT is why I'm a little uneasy... always praying for a great outcome, but not denying that there is always some fear of recurrence! So anyway, I thought I would go the the art class to relieve some of that tension. I love the synchronicity of life!

The instructor is a local artists who's work has been featured in galleries in the south. She was a very sweet young lady, who asked us to paint a picture of our house, one that reflects us, as though we were the house. There were no instructions, just free reign over anything you wanted to express! When I picked up the brush I drew a blank... what does "my house" look like? I felt a surge of anxiety come over me, having to face what my house is! But I dug deep and found there are many pleasant things about "my house"! My real house, the one I live in, is beginning to reflect who I am. Little by little I am getting clearer about what I like and what makes me feel good. I had a conversation about desiring PEACE yesterday before my art class with my friend, Father Buddy! I told him how I strongly desire peace in my life, my family and my heart. It's like after the cancer, I want to choose a life full of love and communicate the peace of our Lord in every moment, but the rest of "my world" didn't get the memo! And then when chaos erupts around me I fall into the ruckus and loose the grasp I have on my peace. But Jesus says to us, "My peace I leave with you"! So what I trust is that even when the outside influences of my life are unsettled, I can draw peace only from God, because he IS our only source of peace. It is normal to desire an outwardly peaceful life, but the peace we hold in our heart, is the truest peace there is! I was intrigued by the stories that each artist shared, all the paintings so reflective of their journey, especially their journey with cancer! I am grateful and humbled by their sharing of their stories! ...

So I finally engaged in the project and have posted my rendition of my "house". I am bright in color and trust in explosive sunsets, (the kind you can't describe), there is comfort in the warmth of my doorway, (I will keep it unlocked so that you may enter my heart), to enter my house you must first cross the threshold of God's peace, ("one that keeps your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus."). The flowers of my life are in bloom again and bring a quiet joy to my soul. There is a rocking chair on my front porch where I can pause in the stillness of love and gently rock with the Lord as the March winds whisper my lullabye! Yes, there is peace in my home, I just have to slow down long enough to embrace it!

I am so glad I took the time to do something for me yesterday, thanks to the Miles Perret Center for helping to feed my soul!

When I came home I chose to put my painting on the mirror ledge in my laundry room, Lord knows I need some peace in that room! When I placed it on the shelf I noticed that the prayer calendar right next to it was open to a page about the peace of GOD! No coincidence, just God's plan!