A Little Slower—and a Whole Lot of Color!

Well… hello again!

I've been thinking about coming back to the blog for a while. And with November 3 marking one year since my brain surgery, this seems like a good time for a little update!

First… can we talk about these COLORS?!

This is the tree in my front yard. I've been watching it slowly turn into these gorgeous fall colors, and against that BLUE SKY… oh my! Fall has always been my favorite season. Having this beauty right outside my door is another reason I LOVE living in the mountains.

I see God in all of it. And I am in awe.

This past year has given me a lot of time to notice things—and to learn a few things about myself, too.

I LOVE being home. Rainy days bring me comfort. And I am surprisingly okay with having absolutely NO plans for the day!

I'm moving a little slower than I used to… and I actually like it. I'm still a bit off balance, but that's nothing NEW! HAHA!

Recovery also included a LONG season of button-up Christmas pajamas because my shoulder hurt so badly I couldn't lift my arm. At first, pajamas every day sounded pretty wonderful. Eventually? I was EXTREMELY tired of them!

The Christmas trees, however, got to stay. Yes… all year! I loved the comfort of the lights. After Christmas, I changed them from white to color, and they're still colorful now. This year's decorating is already DONE! HAHA!

I've also confirmed that I am NOT made for the heat.

Our trip to London and Paris was wonderful, but the sweltering weather was a lot for me while I was still healing. Without air conditioning, I struggled. I know… spoiled! But I came home with a whole new appreciation for our cooler mountain weather.

I love it here.

Some of the changes this year have been harder to put into words.

I pray more. I notice God in little things. I trust Him more deeply. And I love Him more now than I ever have.

Before surgery, I created a picture of a little girl beside a lion. To me, the lion represented God—going before me, staying with me, and knowing exactly what was ahead when I couldn't possibly know.

I knew I would be alright, no matter the outcome.

Now, looking back over this year—and really, over my whole life—I can see His care in so many places.

In marriage. In ministry. In friendships. And in some really HARD seasons.

There are things I can see now that I didn't recognize while I was living them. I want to share some of those stories here, a little at a time. (NEW blog posts coming!)

Chuck and I are also moving toward a retirement phase of ministry. I'm not as active at church as I once was, and I think I may have arrived at retirement a little ahead of him! HAHA!

Chuck has ALWAYS had more energy than me—or just about anyone I know!

I'm enjoying this season, even as I wonder what comes next. I know God isn't finished with me. I'm exploring the ways He made me creative and watching to see what He has in store.

And oh… have I been creating!

Bracelets, book charms, bag charms, a little resin work, junk journals, and all the little pieces that go inside them. I love designing something on the computer, printing it out, and seeing it become something I can hold in my hands.

As I read Scripture, pictures come alive in my head. I've been exploring those ideas through art I make by hand and art I create with AI. Sometimes an image helps me express something I haven't quite found the words for yet.

The making is so comforting. I settle in, start learning or playing, and suddenly hours have gone by. Then I'm sad to stop! HAHA!

And here is something that took me almost the whole year to realize:

I love the PROCESS even more than the finished product.

That surprised me!

I still love a finished journal with a charm hanging from it. But I'm discovering how much joy I find in choosing colors, trying something new, figuring it out, and watching an idea take shape.

I'm grateful for the time to do that. For the things I can learn. For the tools and supplies I can use. And for the quiet pleasure of making something just because I love it.

So that's a little of where I am these days.

Home. Moving slower. Making things. Praying. Watching my tree change colors.

And feeling deeply grateful for the life God has given me.

As I begin sharing here again, I want to tell you more about my walk with Jesus—how I came to know Him, what Scripture has meant to me, and how He has been present through the years. Some stories will be funny. Some will be hard. There will probably be art… and coffee! HAHA!

For today, I'm enjoying the beauty right outside my front door.

PS. And somewhere along the way in Utah… I found my rock twin. Glasses, pink sparkle, and all! HAHA!

What is one little thing bringing you joy in this season?