Resist the Whining at all Cost

I am tired.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

I possess a long list of talents and gifts. There isn't enough time to name them all. Whining unfortunately is one of them. Ah, yes the sin of grumbling and complaining . . .

Did I mention I am tired? I am overwhelmed in thinking about the upcoming logistics of my mother's situation. I am not working out. I am facing opposition in dealing with my mother's affairs from her financial person. I am facing a client who is an amateur in the business of project management and wastes my time. I have a friend who's friendship with me is "strained."

I am tired. I am sad and I want to sleep. Oh, but wait, I can't sleep. That's why I have a sleep study set up for the end of April. I don't know what to cook for dinner. Every day it seems I don't know what to cook for dinner.

I have to go grocery shopping again. I don't have the energy. I am tired.

I am disappointed in my painting. Why am I painting again? Oh, yes, because I'm so "talented."

Mostly, I am tired and sad. But really, what pure joy to know my life rests safely and securely in the hands of Christ. Understand there is no sarcasm. Did I need God less when I wasn't tired and wasn't sad? Of course not. Did I need God more just when all these things added themselves on top of each other? No, of course not.

Please don't feel sorry for me. Even though sometimes my whiney heart might beg you to. Please help me to see the opportunity that lies ahead for me each day as I struggle to put one foot forward and choose to praise God even when I can barely think. Today IS the day that the Lord has made and I WILL be glad and rejoice in it.

Painting #1 and Painting#2

Here is the progress on both paintings.

Painitng #1
I've had to redo Danny's face and now his nose is too big. His eyes are not finished still but they are too large and too close together. I've added his gray hair. I've also finished the fine detail with the bee which I am happy with.





Painting #2
Still in the discovery stage but painting away. When I am working on this painting the time just seems to fly. Enjoying it so much. My instructor suggested I turn the painting around and I liked the composition even better.

Away from Home

Its been a busy last week. Busy good, and busy not so good. Busy good included painting and a freelance design project. The not so good included an unexpected trip Danny and I had to make to my mom's last Thursday because she had some medical issues. We returned home Saturday.

She is fine for now, but has further tests and therefore I am back in the 'Burg today. I made the trip up here by myself and am sad to be away from home and my family. I will be here until Saturday possibly Sunday.

I got to meet my friend Beth at the 1/2 way point for lunch and it was just what I needed. Thanks Beth for the great conversation, lunch, laughter and prayer. You were a refreshment for my spirit. Plus your boxer Chester is so handsome!

We are anticipating a season of life for my mom that will be difficult. Please be praying for us. I'm tired right now and miss my husband and I sound like I am whining. I don't mean to. I want to love and serve and bless my mother, but find I am so often incapable.