Hello?

I just got an email that you're out there: 22 readers poking into my journal from days gone by. I forgot what I wrote, honestly, how I wrote it.

Things have stabilized for me. My mood swings, epic proportions, and desperation of heart have been given a clinical name.

I graduated from University at George Fox. I work full time in the community taking care of the elderly by cooking for them. I still paint. I crochet, garden, and produce canned goods now too. And I have called 650 square feet of apartment my home for a little over a year now. It's beautiful to finally come home.

Looking back on my writing showed me the foundation being laid for my life to unfold on. James says, "Show me your faith, and I will show you my deeds." My life's become like that. Being faithful means doing or not doing because of the relationship I have with Christ. Those burning flames of passion have advanced into embers of devotion.

In hindsight, I am proud of how far I have come. Yet I know there's still a long way to go. His promises are sure, but they are still distant, working behind the scenes in my life.

I still want to be a wife, a mom, and an artist. I have come to realize that food is art, clothing has aesthetic appeal, and the way I keep my house can be artful too. Gardens are definitely masterpieces, so are you, friends.

I see beauty everywhere. Sometimes, when I look in the mirror after working out or being active and see my disheveled face staring back at me, I remind myself, "This is what beauty looks like." It's not perfection. It's the reality of treasures in earthen vessels. You're heart towards God is a treasure. Your body belongs to Him. It's beautiful.

And while I don't know you, know that you're loved, that when you look in the mirror, someone beautiful is staring back at you, and that faith is a living thing. May you live your life abundantly.