Trust.
My art always starts just this way: I sketch, I feel the pull of images and words in my heart, and literally my life spills out onto the pages of my art journal. Sometimes it is silly and carefree and other times it is laced with deep personal meaning.
As my life has changed over the past couple of years, my trust issues have grown exponentially. I know that growth with God doesn't always feel good -- wrestling, pushing through things (like a little sprout), prayerfully holding onto hope & trust in hard situations isn't an easy path for anyone. It isn't easy for me!
I have lived in God's covering of grace during tender times. He doesn't leave us alone (ever). God's love rains down on new growth, it is His growth, and it is always a time gifted with hidden treasures and miraculous joys. But the necessity of holding hard onto God's strong arms (trusting) is always there.
I often tell myself that I wrestle with my worries, doubts, insecurities for no reason. But I still do it.
Why the uncomfortable struggle when it comes to trust?
Learning, remembering, growing, believing, honoring, living in...Trust.
It is honestly how our relationships grow, isn't it? We push against each other's personal space and it changes us. It is how our marriages struggle and thrive. It is how my boys know I see and hear their hearts - our lifetimes of trust together. It is why I lean into my mother's hugs. It is how I know that Spring will bring the lambs and that the littlest buds will bloom once the snow is gone. Trust grows more trust...and it also grows greater depths of love.
And we know this ...God loves to grow love~
Are you on a path of nurtured growth? Do you feel the nervous transitions of trust, too?
Yes, we are sisters in this place.
It is time for some early Spring stretching...allowing new space for growth to happen.
Our hearts are anxiously ready to push out of this fallow ground into greater love and adventures.
I am right here with you~ let's hang on tight and see where it trust takes us?
In His love & with his lambs,
jj
I hope you can use another follower, I stumbled on your blog and what a blessing...truly! You are a blessing and GOD has gifted you with many talents you can use for his glory. I see you are doing just that.
ReplyDeleteI will be back after the house is quiet to visit with you.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Junelle, I get many notifications of new blog posts that I ignore or save for another day. But not yours! Whenever I notice that there is something new to read and some new inspiring art to see on Yes and Amen I take the time to visit. You are a breath of fresh air and a blessing to many of us! Stay encouraged and enjoy your journey!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art, Junelle, and beautiful sentiment, as well. Has given me food for thought this day. Love and lambs to you, my sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteI found you through pinterest and I am so glad the Lord led me here. I loved this post and can't wait to follow up with some more. Very inspiring and timely for me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing post, Junelle! This art is absolutely beautiful, but what you said is even more so. I have learned over and over that trust is the only answer, yet at times, I push against it so. Thank you for the perfect reminder.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have recently joined your blog; look forward to your posts and beautiful photography. i am studying Psalm 23; giving messages. And He is a Trusting Shepherd! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteJunelle this is just so powerful. I love the white flowers in her flowing hair. Like a bride, we are His bride. The carefree sketching of the heart yes boldness of the word TRUST written on it. It really sings. The message is like icing on the cake. Yes, I continually struggle with that word. I will continue to keep my hands open and lean into him.
ReplyDeleteYou are a powerful minister. I can feel HIM work through you... and touch me ever so softly, gently. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Junelle,
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait for your class to start! I feel as though I should start gessoing the pages -- should I? I've been doing She Art for several weeks now and am really enjoying it. Yes, I've spread my wings and opened my heart to new possibilities.
Hugs,
Kay
You have such a beautiful way with your words... intimate, near and deep. And my... the glorious fun progress with your artwork - girl, I simply cannot wait to join your wild abandonment journey in March. I'm signed up!!
ReplyDeletexo
I love the image of her lifting her heart to God, Junelle! This is the image in my mind so often as I pray, lifting my heart to Him in surrender. Beautiful the way you captured it, in all your sketchy loveliness :)
ReplyDeleteI too cant hardly wait for the class to start...you my dear touch me in a way that brings me to tears as i type, am not one to leave messages, but ever since i started following your blog i have felt a gentle touch like the wings of heaven calling my name! i thank you for your passionate way of expresing your love for GOD! heaven send!
ReplyDeleteWOW.. these are just gorgeous.. I love your details so beautiful to look at!! I am looking forward to your coming class.. I am so excited to learn, and learn some more.. love all you do !! xx
ReplyDeleteI am right here with you sister. Hope & trust.
ReplyDeleteI have recently found your blog and just want you to know that your words both written and created speak to me. As a sister in Christ we are on this journey together! Thanks for reminding me that trusting the One who has already overcome it all is a daily battle. To Him we must cling!
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up this morning on your post. So beautifully written. I find it so amazing how God puts people in front of us, when we need them. Thank you for always encouraging me and others on the space of yours. God is my strength, I can't imagine this life without Him. I love how your painting capture what God is teaching you. I'm hoping that I find that too when I begin the art journal with you. Trying to listen to God's voice, to be still and I believe when I do that then I will create something beautiful. Thank you sweet friend, sweet sister in Christ! Blessing on your day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful message that I so needed to hear. Trusting in God during the difficult times is and has been such a constant challenge in my faith journey, yet I found that I truly can trust in Him. Thank you for this confirmation. xoxo Dahlia
ReplyDelete