Moved Into Glory

Barbie Belle's  Painting of Geese

 I received news this past week that someone I loved has moved from this life into glory.  Barbie Belle was my friend for over twenty-seven years.

She taught me how to paint and laugh when something didn't work out.  She listened to my challenges and most importantly she prayed for me. What is my loss is her gain.  She has finished her race and she ran it well.  Her faith was strong and it never waivered even when she lost her beloved Jack.

Barb was multi-talented and exceptionally artistic.  In her 50's she began to paint.  One of her paintings was chosen to travel internationally with an art exhibit to over 9 countries.  

This painting hangs in my studio - it never fails to make me smile!

 

She was not only a self-taught artist but also a wonderful musician.  She was a dream on the keyboard and shared that talent by traveling with a local well-known vocalist.  They performed not just close to home but afar. 

Unfortunately Barb's later years left her housebound.  She had many infirmities that were challenging.  One was losing her precious sight.

I recall my last visit with her.  She was still her cheerful self.  We laughed and joked about the things that "tickled our funny bones".  Then we moved onto more serious matters...the concerns of our nation and what the future would hold.  Barb always stayed up on all that was happening in the world.  I know she spent much time in prayer desiring that God's peace would reign. 

When it was time for me to go...she told me she was so ready to go home to the Lord and see her Jack.  I take comfort in the knowledge that is where she is now.     

Barb painted this painting for my home several years ago!

 Most assuredly she has moved into glory!

 I will be seeing you sweet friend!

Thank you all for letting me share my sadness as well as my joy for this wonderful lady, Barbie Belle!

Hugs

Debbie

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit ."  2 Cor. 3:18 (NIV)

Making Marks

As an artist I enjoy making marks.  There are many tools one can use to form a line, make a shape or create a symbol.   Sometimes those marks can become a thing of beauty...others may be a dot, squiggle, doodle or simply a scratch on a blank piece of paper.

So it is with people.  Some leave small impressions while others large.

My husband and I lost someone special last week.   Martin was one of those rare individuals  
who never knew a stranger.   Everyone was his friend.

He was a disabled Vietnam veteran who loved God, family and his country.  Physically Martin struggled with a bad heart and other serious health issues.   Spiritually he was strong in his faith and values.

As an usher at our church Martin greeted everyone with a big smile, a twinkle in his blue eyes and for some of us... a hug!

In the brief years we knew him Martin battled death many times.   He never dwelled on his infirmities...he lived each day in a state of gratitude.  The smallest things became wonderful when he spoke of them.  He truly had learned how to be content in whatever circumstance came his way.

            

Each of us will make our marks on the pages of time.   Martin made his and I will make mine and you will make yours...may they become a thing of great beauty.   God Bless! 

Not So Much Where We Went but Who...

We went riding one Sunday afternoon with our dear friends Mr. and Mrs. B.   They too have a motorcycle.   It is always fun to share a ride.  Our friendship spans over three decades.   We have made so many wonderful memories.   It is a such delight to spend time together.

Dick and I had been wanting to ride over to Beaver Creek State Park.   They had never been there.  It is about forty miles from our home.   The day was beautiful-no rain in the forecast.

The Park offers a shady place to picnic, fish and hike.   There are huge pines and a stream that meanders through the grounds.  What makes it even more special is the old restored Gaston Mill.  It was built in 1830.   It was part of the Canal system in the area.   There is a church, schoolhouse and a covered bridge from that bye-gone era as well.

Gaston Mill

In the summer the buildings are open for people to stroll through at their leisure.   There are a great many artifacts housed in the Mill.   The place is not only rich in beauty but in history.

Church and Schoolhouse

It was a delightful day.   Sharing a place makes it so memorable.   I am certainly glad to have had our good friends ride along.  Life's journey is made richer by friendship.   What a blessing from God.

Covered bridge

Thanks for coming too.   May God bless your journey!