Feelings blow in the wind. Sometimes they become stagnant with stale air. The humidity tries to suffocate. Tests, diagnosis, and debates. Worries, wins, and losses. What really matters? For the birds don’t care. The flowers still bloom.
Sing it loud!
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Matthew 6:26
“I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Each step gives me strength. On the trail, I seek like-minded nature-lovers who cling to our Creator’s beauty. I’m plugged into peace for power. Nature’s notifications are dings of bird songs, clacks and cracks of bending limbs, calls from critters, and rustlings of the rustic. It’s a far cry from the cold waiting room and another “test”. It’s an infusion of bone-building boldness. Grandkids giggle, a bluebird sings, music melts the mayhem, and I stand still…and smile. I’ll seek serenity in the simple.
Softened pain and a soothed spirit suited my celebration. The Farmer’s Market was the perfect stomping ground for a rejoiceful return to my “roots”. Seeing a former student and my children’s book illustrator, Gage, was the “full circle” I sought. Without him, Faith and Finley Tour Missouri, wouldn’t exist. A hug, hello, and a handful of his Missouri Artheaped my heart with hope!
Barefoot and strumming, a fabulous magician sang about the “Ozark’s Grounds”. My soul took solace. Memories of family, childhood, the river, travel, and this current “bend” in the water rushed my mind.
Feeling rooted, thankful tears trailed my cheeks as I hiked to my car.
It seemed fitting to “plant” myself at Roots Coffee shop. It was seventh heaven as I sowed my Savior’s sonshine. Music and the chatter of coffee connoisseurs chimed in with my cheerfulness.
Weary, with wonderstruck, I thought, “I’m grounded. It is well with my soul.”
Stay true to your roots.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7
Have faith 💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
Rain fell softly at first. Each drop gifted a unique reflection. The thunderclap and lightning strikes reminded me how fast, furious, and loud change can happen. Out of nowhere yearning grew intense like the sudden storm. My mind went to one year ago.
May 11th, 2022-Ozark North Elementary–Guess what? Finn and I go BACK NEXT WEEK (God-willing!)
The 3rd-grade students were such delights. Attentively they sat listening to the writing process presentation (even though Finn TRIED to distract them🐾) Despite the tough winter, spring had sprung with new hope! Another book in the works, future visits with family, traveling around my state, and a renewal of spirit. The day’s celebration ended with cheeseburgers (one for me, one for Finn). That night the pain grew intense. It wouldn’t go away like typical. Within 12 hours I needed a ride to the hospital.
It’s been a year of learning. And yearning. There are dark days. Light breaks through. Family is beside me on the days I think are the end. A new day dawns and they’re still beside me. Most days I stand alone. It’s strange. One day I’m strong and the next day, I can’t move (for example-yesterday versus today). With eager expectation, I’ll seek goodness. Hourly, I’ll count my blessings. I’ll accept the things I cannot change. I might yearn. I’ll definitely learn. We have a beautiful relationship, Faith and me. We know each other so well. No matter what, FAITH NEVER LEAVES.
In a world spinning and sputtering with disasters, deaths, mass shootings, divisiveness, and tragedies…a crazy world filled with messy humans (like me) doing absurd things with little regard to how it impacts others or any thought of how to be civil…in a world that is still filled with beauty and simplicity if we choose to see…how do you find faith? It’s Mental Health Awareness Month-can we do our part by being aware? Put down the phone, look around, call family and friends, and tell someone they’re loved.
For, in the end, love will win. 💚
Have you heard of NET, Yet? 🦓
This Friday, May 12th, I will “celebrate” my first anniversary of this diagnosis by appearing on a local morning show, Ozarks FOX AM (for those on Facebook-@OzarksFOXAM) sometime during the 8am-9am hour, C.S.T. Gage Becker (illustrator of Faith and Finley Tour Missouri) will accompany me to visit about our book journey. You might see “double” with an appearance by my twin. The easiest thing in my life would be to hide. I’d rather write. Not be seen. IF my journey can just help ONE, I must follow the call. Without the support of my family and friends, I wouldn’t be here. Thank you all so much. I love you.
The Springfield ArtsFest lifted my spirits! I hope you enjoy this salute to amazing local Ozarks artists!
