Hard Times

Dear Readers,
How are you surviving the recession? I hope you are able to live, be satisfied, and confident about your future.
We received difficult news on Friday; my husband's hours have been cut back indefinately at his job. It's good that the owners chose this option over laying some people off from work altogether, but it's still hard.
I guess our mission trip to Haiti that I mentioned in my last blog, is unlikely, as any money I earn will be needed to put rice and beans on the table. I am disappointed about the hope of taking the trip, but that is a small concern.
Fortunately, we bought a pre-paid tuition package for our son, when he was a toddler, so he will be able to go to college. I am soooo glad that we did that! He is very gifted and self motivated, so he will do well throughout his life.
My concern for the future is to have enough money to live in our old age, since our nest egg is more like a pigeon egg than an ostrich egg. We will have to scrimp enough to save for the future, so we won't be a burden on our kids.
My immediate concern is keeping the freedom to paint. Right now I paint 5 days a week, all day. It is my true love in terms of my vocation. While I'm painting I love my life and feel that I am doing what God created me to do. I know in my gut that this is the work that is not only my passion, but my destiny.
I worked a "day job" throughout my 20's so that I could live and paint on the side. God called me into the pastoral ministry and I gave the next 20 years of my life to serving God in that way.
When I turned 50, I felt that God was calling me from the pulpit to the easel. I believe that I can have more influence for God with my art than with preaching. (I do pastoral care with or without an appointment. It's who I am.) A painting can last for 500 years. If it speaks eternal truths, it will continue to inspire viewers for as long as it lasts.
I am praying and painting with all of my soul, not only for Haiti, but also for my ministry of painting prayers for others in need.