Hidy Ho Journal & Friends!
I finally have another toon ready for Toon Tuesday.
Background: I distinctly remember the time in church when I realized that I did NOT want to sing the songs that were being played that day. They all had similar metaphors going... soldiers for God, fighting the good fight, armies, weapons of our warfare, battles, etc etc.
I didn't WANT to be a soldier... I wanted PEACE. I remember thinking that, exactly. I just wanted peace.
I think it was because I had enough of my own painful inner battles going, and just didn't want any more battles. I couldn't relate to the metaphors.
The torment of being overweight all my life had taken it's toll on me... I just wanted to crawl into a foxhole, and get AWAY from the "fighting", ya know??
Well... I've come a long way from those days of wanting to just crawl away and hide. I have finally faced my battles, and God has met me.
Instead of begging for it to be easier, I am willing to ask that I be stronger.
Instead of wishing it wasn't so hard, I am willing to work harder.
Instead of hiding, I am willing to stand up, hold my head up and face life.
That is what this little doodle is all about... this is from my heart.
(click to enlarge)
Today's Peek at the Past (I always write my post before I look up the one from a year ago. Once again, I am amazed at how appropriate this one is to how I feel today!)
From Day 15, August 24, 2009:
I admit I shrink away from exposing my heart on this one. It is so...personal....a knowing, that I was put here for something other than just existing...doing daily chores, getting through a day only to get up the next day and do it all over again....
I want my life back, my mobility and physical strength....the freedom to be who I feel I was created to be. I want to pursue my art, my painting. I have no clue where that will take me, but I want to try....
I believe that things are brought into our lives when we are open and ready for them...this is it...I WILL get to realize my dream, my goals, my passion. To become the person I feel I was meant to be...the artist I was meant to be. To have a life of joy and passion.
Two years ago in my private journal on the goals page, I wrote I wanted to:
Create art that will make a difference, not just for my ego or my pocketbook... to be a blessing to others.
From Dr Phil's book: "Start behaving in ways that make you feel really good about yourself."
My verse for today: "We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name."
My quote for today: "Live the life you have imagined." --author unknown
Enjoy the Journey,
Loretta
=^..^=
10 comments:
How are you doing today, Loretta?
Hey, wonderful post. I understand about being tired.
but you gain strength when you fight. It's like a generator, each victory builds momentum.
I LOVE THIS ART--what it says, how it looks, the determined hope that surged in my heart when I read it! Thank you. Deb
Very good post. I just started "following"...know that you have a sister in Christ that is praying for you.
ANN: As feisty as ever! ;-)
MISSYMCM: Welcome! So glad to share this journey with others of like mind.
Loretta
=^..^=
We learn and go on. We fight another day. As long as we fight, we stand and we win. Maybe victory takes a different shape than we imagine, but standing and refusing to give up is a victory in itself.
I love the warrior doodle. Roar louder, Loretta. And don't stop.
What we learn on this journey applies in all areas of our lives. That's the real beauty. I've lived in my own private hell, too. It's nice to skip under the sun again and feel joy. I consider that the greatest win of the whole battle.
Big breath and a sigh of relief.
Nothing stronger than peace within and confidence.
Loretta,
So awesome!! You sound very powerful!!
Hugs!
There is a lot of satisfaction in working hard to become stronger. Someone recently left a comment on my blog about how she had spent the last year getting healthy and she was so excited to see how her cholesterol levels have changed at her next doctor's appointment. I loved that. Knowing that there are measurable ways of determining how you are doing is exciting.
You know I love that saying of yours. Thanks for posting it again. And I love the new quote on the 'toon.'
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