Following God's Lead

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!

Do you ever have trouble discerning God's will in your decision making?

I feel embarrassed because I told everyone about my big plans which I thought God was leading me to do, then I hit a brick wall and realized that my disernment process wasn't working well in making that decision. I was heartbroken, because I was looking forward to my plans. I went to bed and cried.

Two days later, I shared my sorrow with a friend at church and he reminded me that God never shuts a door without opening a window. I met with my pastor and she prayed for me.

Within a day, my heart was healed and new plans were set in place.

It's okay to make mistakes, even when we do it publicly. We can still feel good about ourselves, despite our embarassment.

Love, Sue

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!

I'm sorry I haven't written in awhile. I received a negative review on my art and I needed some recovery time.

The part of a person that creates is the inner child. Being in this child ego state is essential to create something new and the creativity comes through playfulness. I think we can be in our adult ego state if we are copying our old artwork that has no challenge to it. I'm not sure. I am always looking to do something new and unfamiliar, because I love the sense of discovery.

A helpful critism is specific and given in a respectful manner. Even our inner child can handle these, and is grateful for them because they make us better artists, but when the critisms feel too harsh, it's difficult to process them.

I hope I am always both kind and honest in my words while teaching or commenting on the artwork of other people.

Love, Sue

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!!

Our son is taking a 3-D computer animation day camp at Ferris State University this week. He likes it. Today he made a chair that tipped over when the cartoon character stood up from it.

I get to spend the days in GR waiting for him. I studied art history at the library today.

Love, Sue

New School Clothes

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week?

Do you remember getting new clothes for school?

Our son and I went to the mall today to buy new clothes. He's lookin' good!

Love, Sue

Family Ties

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week.

How do you like funerals?

I don't like them much, but I do love seeing family members I haven't seen in a long time. I met with three cousins and an aunt today in preparation for my uncle's memorial service, which will be held next weekend and I will be officiating. I loved seeing my cousin's home and catching up on news of their family. I can see the influence of our mutual grandparents in their lives. It kind of brings our grandparents back to life a bit to share stories about them and our experiences in their home.

Love, Sue

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!

How is your summer going?

We had a wonderful 4th of July with my dad, sister and brother and their families. I saw nieces and nephews I hadn't seen in a year! Plus it was refreshing to dive into the waves at Lake MI!

Love, Sue

Painting in the Garden

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!

This morning was chilly so I painted in the sunshine next to my strawberry patch, with the black and white cat rolling around between the plants. I was lovely.

Love, Sue