Rest in the River

​​It’s been just over five months since the vision and purpose for the uniquely fashioned art endeavor was made clear as to the people and purpose it would serve. This past week, I completed another piece, learned several lessons, and see more clear next steps to scale what God has been doing here. Oh! And I am giddy about the artists’ retreat I am attending next week…

​When the piece I am being asked to create holds great significance, my heart grows heavy, then light, then full. I seem to always be faced with my perceived inadequacies when creating a piece, but especially when the piece is for a major birthday following the loss of someone very important. ​I don’t want to get it wrong. 

Then, as I learn more about the soul receiving the unique work of art and I sense God’s heart, the burden is lifted. I am reminded again it is ALL Him. Once I’m in the space of creating the work of art and accompanying Scripture, dedication and prayer my heart grows full! Full of God’s love for the person and hope He will minister in ways beyond the imagery, notes and compositions. I trust and pray this piece will be exactly what God needed and the gal receiving knows her Father is with her.

​I learned an important lesson with last week’s piece – update the apps I use! I nearly missed the timeframe to create in time for the birthday delivery, because I didn’t receive the request when it came through. Lessons learned: one, ensure all apps are up to date and two, create one streamlined method for connecting with future clients. I also learned the importance of communicating estimated cost for commissioned works up front and even when not asked. Which leads to a fourth lesson learned, according to 1 Timothy 5:18, “a worker is worthy of their wages” – the time invested in each piece merits compensation. Transitioning from a corporate world where my wage was set for me, into an entrepreneurial role where I am trusting God to help me define the wage this artistic talent is worth, has been a whole new world – one where the Lord is allowing me to learn lessons and implement solutions now, before He scales to greater proportions…thank You Lord!

​If you would have asked me five months ago where the uniquely fashioned works of art were going to go, I would have shared glowingly the fresh download I sensed the Lord shared with me. If you would have asked me less than three months ago if I was prepared for the journey I had been on to become more solidified in my overall calling, I would have shared “yes, but there is more to be seen, heard and understood”. I sit here today with an eager expectation of what I am moving towards. Certainty coupled with uncertainty, ideas coupled with not having a clue, and a promise coupled with a resolute understanding I can trust the God painting the landscape and making the way. My only role as His daughter, vessel, bride and co-laborer, is to rest in Him and allow Holy Spirit to move me in the stream of His resting place.

Resting with Him is exactly what I sense is going to take place next week when I travel to North Carolina. I am Holy Ghost giddy at the thought of connecting in person with so many who have been encouragers, edifiers, supporters and willing to respond to a question, comment, message or prayer request – just like that. I am looking forward to what will likely be a little awkward conversation at first and ending with hugs and tears and family in the end. I am looking forward to even more clarity from the Lord as He speaks through other creatives and prophetics, making His will, hope and glory known. I am looking forward to stowing away with Him for a few days and returning with a new Spirit birthed fervor and fire to continue to share His heart with those He loves deeply, through words and art. Blessings!