The House of Belonging

 

A whirlwind in my mind....so much to say, so little time... But here goes!  Today the make-up comes off...(figuratively speaking) because It has finally sunk into my brain (more so my heart) that I am accepted:) I am making  a commitment to myself to "Be Me" from this day forward!  No more hiding behind smiles, no more being quiet because I am scared of what people might think of me....no more:)   Wow! I never really realized until today the struggle I have been having with rejection.  More specifically the "Fear of Rejection"... I am not really sure why but, I have always been scared to be myself....for those who really know me I can "really be me". Until today, most people I socialize with wouldn't even know I was silly, love "almost" burnt popcorn or that I suffer from "analysis paralysis" (over-analyzing) everything! (lol)- unless they really know me and are part of my stamp of approval group that I know will not judge me. I have always built these extremely high walls around myself , and would only let the really close and trusted family and friends in to see Little Miss Rapunzel.  But God has been ever so gently drawing me out of my shell, encouraging me to let my hair down and peeling the layers of hurt from me. I am   so greatlful that He is still working on me! I am so thankful today that with God through Christ....I know I am accepted! In the days to come For 2013, I hope to reflect and share with you the process of how God has brought and is bringing me in so many ways from Pain to Painter:)

BTW- One of my bestest friends Tara from Missouri told me about "The House of Belonging" and I just fell in love with her work. Especially this plaque above...If you get a chance stop in her amazing shop!

Visual Devotion: From Pain to Pearl

 

Pain, Pain and more pain, with seemingly no relief...just one grain of sand that gets stuck in this poor oysters flesh. Contrary to most though, our friend the oyster will take this tiny grain of sand and polish it until it becomes a radiant pearl. I think sometimes we need to take our grains of sand and choose to be an oyster. To polish and polish a seemingly painful and irritating thing, causing it to become something beautiful and sought after. We can take the pain, the hurt, the misery and let it teach us, embrace it, polishing it, by choosing to be joyful, not becoming bitter and using it to help others going through the same hard times. Be encouraged! You will come through and Today's pain can become tomorrow's radiant pearl!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Reproduction of original watercolor painting by: Kelly Bermudez