My heart is steadfast.

My heart is steadfast in the grip of God's grace. Nothing, no one can separate me from God and His grip. Nothing, no one. Not even a churchload of people bent on legalistic condemnation, not danger or loss. Not tumors or unanswered prayers. Sometimes I kick and scream, I shout where are you God, don't you see or care about what is happening here? I lost my mom at four. What more do you want from me? Sometimes, I feel separated from Him. I plead to feel His everlasting arms of love.

Then, He quietly and steadfastly separates me from all I cling to but Him. All the plans, expectations and people I have elevated above Him. It is good; it is the best for me. My soul quiets and I know He is there. He comforts me.

He is steadfastly there. I know He is steadfastly there in the encouragement of Judy, Alice and Vickie. He is there through the prayers of Lupe, Lani and Nika. He is there in the love of my daughters, my grandsons. My extended family. He is there in Marky's and Marla's emails of encouragement. He is there in the depths of my heart, soul and mind. He is there in the Psalms late at night. In my painting. In my music. He never left. He causes me to know it. My heart is steadfast in God's grip of grace.

I continue to work on this still life begun in Lucca, Italia. Layer upon layer.