Isn't it funny how we often find ourselves praying for easy answers? Easy decisions? Things that allow us to continue on our easy path?
But I don't think God is in the business of "easy." I think he moves most in the difficult things. And while we constantly pray for open doors, we forget to ask for the closed ones. The ones that bring disappointment and frustration. The ones that shape and mold us into who we are...
I've asked for easy.
In fact, I've literally thrown my hands in the air and said, "GOD! WHY IS NOTHING EASY?"
And you know what always comes to mind in those moments of cursing the journey?
If it was easy, you wouldn't value it.
If it was easy, everyone would do it.
If it was easy, it would lose its meaning.
God moves in the difficult situations. The things our flesh revolts against. These are the things we despise until they're over...disappointments and frustrations and asking that never-ending question "Why me, God?"
My friend, CD Muckosky, is one of the most incredible artists I know. But beyond that, her heart is so pure, so when she chose this quote for her addition to this week of Paper Hearts Printables...my mind whirled back to all those moments of "suffering" (which, I realize means different things to different people...) and how they've made me stronger.
Not only is this a GORGEOUS piece of artwork, but the reminder is so clear. It's the journey both Abigail and Jacob are walking in Paper Hearts...working out their discomfort, their disappointment, their grief... and emerging so much stronger...
Don't you want to print this out for yourself and hang it somewhere so you never forget it?!
Thankfully you can. Just click here and it's all yours: Download Paper Hearts Printable_CD
Since it's Friday and the end of my Paper Hearts Printable week, I've got a sweet little surprise GIVEAWAY for you today...
Aside from her role as a very happy Mom to three girls, and wife to her high school sweetheart, Cam;
CD Muckosky is a carefree and spirit filled artist/teacher. She resides in a small country town in
the prairies of Canada but is known around the globe for allowing her heart to pour out through all
sorts of mixed mediums and creating her own brand of whimsy. CD has been creating all her life but really began her global art journey when she was named the Scrapbooker of the Year in 2006 by Creating Keepsakes magazine, and wrote a monthly column in the publication. She is well known for her innovative and recycled scrapbooking style using unexpected supplies that we all have on hand, mixed with a large dose of imagination! Find CD online HERE.
Oh Courtney...this printable. Oh. My heart. My 11 year old daughter's 10th anniversary of her liver transplant is next week, and this printable...it's what I wanted to say. It's an amazing piece and it spoke to my heart, in that way that makes one's heart all sorts of achy, you know? Anyway, thank you, my friend.
Posted by: Becca K | January 30, 2015 at 11:09 AM
Thank you for all the beautiful printables this week. They were each amazing! So glad I found you!
Posted by: Mary @ At Home on the Bay | January 30, 2015 at 11:11 AM
My book should arrive today - cannot wait to read it :)
Posted by: sheri | January 30, 2015 at 03:04 PM
I teach a homeschool bible study for tweens and I'm going to print them all a copy to color next week. We've recently discussed how Paul suffered for the sake of the gospel. It's perfect! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Amanda Geaney | January 31, 2015 at 06:03 AM
Looks Amazing.
Posted by: Ryan | February 02, 2015 at 09:05 AM