Does God pursue us?

I certainly believe He does.

It was the summer before my senior year of high school. My last summer of freedom!!! It was supposed to "The Summer of Tab." Then one word changed everything:

CANCER.

My mom. Breast cancer.

The summer became HER summer.

A diagnosis. A mastectomy. Recovery. Healing.

My mother became....human. She became mortal.

My mom's cancer rocked my world. And I was angry as hell about it.

Why would God mess with MY MOM of all people??? Why cancer? Why at so young an age? Why during MY SUMMER??

Dealing with all of that put me in a baaaaad spiritual place. I was giving God the silent treatment. I held back a lot of tears and frustration, trying to be strong for my mom. Meanwhile, I felt very far away from Him....and guess who had moved??

"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." {Come Thou Fount lyrics}

But all the while, He was beckoning me back. He was silently wooing me.

He allowed me some time to pout and feel sorry for myself. After the summer was over, I was walking the beach one afternoon, lost in my own little world. There must have been a recent memorial at sea because as I walked along, I came upon dozens of fresh flowers strewn across the sand. I smiled....it was beautiful. I didn't think much of it.

I continued walking. Then...all by itself was a single rose, resting on the sand. It was like God had set it there, just for me. Just as a gentle reminder. "I'm still here. I see you. I know the pain you're going through. I've never stopped loving you."



So I picked it up and took it home. That moment was a turning point for me. It was like God turned the lights back on in the darkness I had been living in and flooded my soul with peace. I knew we were all going to be ok.

God pursues us. He doesn't let his sheep wander for long, even if we're the ones who insist on being left alone.

Have you wandered away? He can take your doubts, fears and frustrations. He is big enough to handle it.

How is He pursuing you today?

David Crowder, "Come Thou Fount."

One Flower Every Day week

I had fun coming up with new flowers for a whole week!

Monday :: music notes



Tuesday :: tuiti fruit



Wednesday :: peacock organza



Thursday :: red bandana



Friday :: deep waters



Saturday :: pink lemonade



Sunday :: teal and black



All available in
my Etsy shop

Where the magic happens

I looooove to see other ladies' craft spaces, whether it's the kitchen table, the corner of a room or an entire basement! It's fun to see how people organize their STUFF and where they work. It's always so inspirational!

So! For anyone who is curious....here's a tour of MINE!

{P.S. For anyone who loves to know paint colors, the turquoise is Glidden's "True Turquoise." I think it's perfect for a creative space! The orange is Glidden's "Orange Slice" and the green table was spray painted "Apple Green."}

I occupy a bedroom at the end of our hall that previously belonged to my sister-in-law, who lived with us for over six years (almost my whole married life). When she moved out, I was eager to transform this room into MY creative space. Granted, I often end up working at the kitchen table, BUT...I do love to go in here, close the door, crank up some tunes and "get my craft on."

My dad painted it for me and my husband moved in the furniture, put up the shelves and built shelves in the closet. Now it's soooo organized and a pleasure to work in. My family all gravitate toward this room, too....I think it's just a FUN place to be!

OK. Here's the view from the door. It also serves as a guest room when my mom spends the night. The futon is nice for a friend to nurse her baby, for someone to sit and flip through one of my idea books or just a nice place to relax.



My boys usually join me when I'm working, so I added an easel for them. Plus I always have paper, crayons and kid stamps at the ready.



Here's looking back at the door. I love having a bulletin board to post my calendar, inspirational tidbits or reminders.



Here's my work space. The table was given to me by a friend (when I just came right out and asked her for it!) but was a shabby chic white. I thought I should jazz it up a little! I love it!

Items of note: the IKEA jewelry tree I use for ribbon...the IKEA tray I use for an even stamping surface...



...my decorative file folders (in "Cosmo")...the mail sorter I use for my pretty papers...and my Ott-Lite lamp.



My friend Jen gave me the fabric owl bin.



I ended up corralling my stuff in this cute Southern Living At HOME basket. It limits me as to what I can keep out on my table!!



And here's my best stamps organizing secret: school supply boxes. Most of these were less than $1 and stack nicely. I label them with a paint pen. I also can't get enough of the stacking drawers for ribbon scraps, glitter and a million other things.



I hope you enjoyed the tour!

Come tour my home!

Yes, we just put our home on the market. Know anyone who wants a great deal in the west Phoenix valley?? :)

Take a tour

HERE