Breathe Deep
HOW THIS VISION CAME TO BE:
This image came to me shortly after starting this journey into Josephineʼs world.
Itʼs simplicity again reminds me of childlike faith.
At the time, I did not know that there was someone else in my life who had that very image in her head
while going through her tough times since she was a little girl.
After painting it, I took a break and received a text out of the blue from this precious friend.
She is a golden nugget on this earth and is always filled with such joy and light.
We talked and she asked what Iʼd been doing.
After letting her know, Iʼd been painting.
She inquired more about the paintings.
I shared a little bit about Josephine and my mission with her….
still not clicking in my head what was transpiring
until she asked if I thought sheʼd want to buy one.
Then it clicked….
ʻMary, what is it that has gotten you through your toughest moments all of your life?ʼ
She responded…
ʻThe meadow with Winnie the Pooh.
I also see blue when I am praying and sometimes see the color blue.ʼ
Godʼs geese ran up my arms
and I immediately sent her the pic.
ʻOMG THAT IS MY IMAGE… THAT IS MY PICTURE.
God is so powerful!ʼ
Itʼs her happy place!
I couldnʼt believe the Lord had already picked
out my next vision to paint.
What sealed the deal that we were onto something special is when I googled up Winnie the Pooh images…
and this image popped up:
OK, Lord… You’ve got my attention!!!
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalms 119:49-50
I AM MARY
the love of someone’s life,
a sister, a fighter a dog-lover,
a survivor
…THIS VISION
was given to me as a young child.
Being sick at a very young age,
you learn the world isn’t always a fun place.
It can be filled with hurt, pain and isolation.
Winnie-the-Pooh was always my escape.
Him singing his song about the rumbling in his tummy.
My vision of a meadow with green grass, blue skies and one single cloud
is the place Pooh would go with Christopher Robin to think.
Now, I look back and know..
As a 47-year-old with Cystic Fibrosis
God gave me
THIS VISION…
BREATHE DEEP
is my picture of calm and peace.
My escape
when I literally felt like Pooh!
He’d send Christ to see me through.
JOSEPHINE
reminds me…
God will guide me out of my situation and get me to a place of peace and strength.
Goosebumps! What a precious gift you have, my friend, and we are so lucky to be a part of your tribe!
I know Mary personally and she is all the story says about her. She has such a positive outlook on life and her motto is to LIVE today. She makes the most of her life and is surrounded by friends and like Winnie she does go to her special place! You gotta love her!
Yes Berna…. Mary is such a walking testimony of how to live our day! I love her for reminding us of that very lesson. Thank you for taking the time to read it… Hope you will stay tuned… more stories to come!
AVA…The geese were a gander with this one!!! Hehehe… And I love love love that you are a JoJoian!
This is absolutely amazing Kim!!! I have tears in my eyes and warmth in heart knowing God does work in such mysterious ways!!! What a blessing to have this shared image. What a gift Mary is to so many, and I have been blessed to have her friendship for almost 40yrs. She is a bright light and her gift of friendship is absolutely priceless. Thank you for sharing your incredible gift of art Kim…this is truly amazing.
Hi Susie… Yes, yes and yes to it all! I love how God just weaves His way throughout our lives and they are always so uniquely specific to each of us. Thank you for your sweet words and I hope you will stay tuned into the JoJo world to see many more stories of others incredible testimonies!
As I read this with my Winnie-the-pooh pajamas on, I feel so overwhelmed by Gods work. How he works and how he has a plan for each and every one of us! When god’s plan isn’t going the way you want it, just breathe and go to your happy place!
Mary…. I hope you are reading all the posts on facebook and the website! You have made a sweet imprint on so many lives. Thank you for giving me a story that’s so preciously attached to this piece of art. I love you my friend!
Mary is a blessing in my life. Her positive attitude is inspirational. I have known mary for 28 years we have been through a lot together! She is my dear dear friend! She lives everyday to the very fullest! SHE NEVER EVER COMPLAINS ABOUT HER DISEASE! She doesn’t know what a day without pain is about! You would never know about her discomfort! She gives to everyone from her heart ! I know how much she loves the painting! God works in mysterious ways everyday! He is Always there for each and everyone of us!
Hi Elyse… I love your comment and it is so true! May we learn from each other and encourage as we go. Mary is such a great example of living life to the fullest … spreading joy to all who know her! Stay tuned for more art with attached stories of people who’ve been great examples.
This is a wow God moment! Kim I know this was such an encouragement to Mary. God is moving through your works of art. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
Leslie! Thank you so much for taking the time to read about the art AND your sweet words! Yes… it has been an encouragement for Mary… but I think even more so for all those who know her! She’s such a walking testimony to walk in thanks despite the circumstances. Stay tuned… more to come! : )
This is so beautiful. What a way to start a Sunday.
Thank you Cynthia! I had beautiful material to work with! hehe! Hope you stay tuned for the stories and artwork to come! I know how busy life can get and I’m grateful for the time you took to take a look at Josephine’s world!