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)

Finished

As I have shared in the past I often struggle with whether a painting or sketch is finished.

Wouldn't it be nice to know for certain?

This peach tree knows it is not finished until it bears fruit.

As far as my brother is concerned this chocolate cake is finished :)!

To my eye this small painting is finished.    There is nothing more I want to say.

 Not so certain about this one.  Perhaps I will set it aside and think on it a bit.

As for the little sparrow it seems to always know when the bird seed is finished and it is time to go.

Upon that thought I will say this week's post is finished and it is time for me to go also.


Hope each of you have a wonderful week.

Hugs

Debbie

"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.   By the seventh day God had finished  the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work."
Genesis 2:1-2 (NIV) 

Studio Time

 There was very little time spent in the studio this week.    Yesterday I managed to do a couple of small watercolor sketches.    Creative moments are hard to find these days.

Raising a puppy is a full time endeavor.   It has been nine years since we had a new baby.  I had forgotten what it is like house training, teaching them to sit and setting boundaries.   You would think after countless puppies one would not forget the tricks of the trade.  

 

Of course each is different and like all of us they have their own individual personalities.

What I have learned through trial and error is consistency and sticking to a schedule pays high dividends. 

 

German Shepherds are working dogs and with the right training they make delightful companions.   They are extremely intelligent and want to please you.

 

Shelby at seven weeks is already learning to sit and come when we call her.   There is a lot of work to be done.   God willing in a year from now she will make us an excellent pet. 

 

Along with learning some of the basic commands she is finding her place in the pack as well.    

 

   

 Sarge is certainly showing her how to follow the leader.    Thank you for taking time to visit.    Best go for now Shelby is in need of a nature break.   God Bless!