When something hurtful happens, we might think, “This is it. I can’t go on. Things will never be the same.” Those statements are partially true. After all, the pain is now, our world changed course, and the territory ahead looks very unfamiliar.
Life is kind of like a book, though. With the book open, we read along, turning the pages, until suddenly the chapter ends, and we’re left staring at a blank page. What do we do? We turn the page. A new chapter begins, and the story continues. Until we reach the last period of the last sentence of the last paragraph of the last scene of the last chapter, the story goes on.
When heartaches or trials come, and we feel lost, it’s important we know the rest of the truth. God gave us life and he alone knows when our walk on this earth is done. He knows what happens after “The End”. He isn’t caught off guard. He isn’t blinded by the darkness. He doesn’t get tired and he doesn’t break his promises. From chapter to chapter, we can trust him to carry us through all the pages of our life.
******
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
******
(A personal note. As I finished writing the above, I received word of a young lady who lives in my community passing from this life. Her walk on earth is over and she is now in the presence of God. May the family and friends of Brooke hold close to their heart the faithfulness of our Lord as a new chapter in their life begins.)
******
My spotlight artist this week is Laura Pinks. She lives in Southampton, UK.
From Laura:
I am a full time mum, author, and all round crafter. I became fascinated with Paper Craft and Book Folding last year when I ordered a folded book as a present. My favorite thing about the craft is that it is unique and fairly simple to do. It just takes a lot of patience and love. I do it mainly for enjoyment, but I also do custom orders through my small craft business, PollyAnna Designs.
I am a very creative person and will often be found at the end of the day creating something new. I do everything from jewelry and crochet to the paper craft. I love saving an old book from the scrap heap and re-inventing it into a work of art where it can take pride of place on a mantel once again. I also fell in love with the art of quilling. I’ve made several pictures with the art, and either used them on handmade occasions cards, or framed as a stand along piece.
I don’t have a dedicated work space. I tend to use the dining room table, or just work away on my lap whilst watching a good film.
Being a full time mum, my main job is looking after my 21 month old son, so all my crafting and design business is worked around him. I generally work while he is napping or once he has gone to bed in the evening. I often feel the need for there to be more hours in the day to get everything done that I want, but considering my limited time, I am pleased with the amount of work I produce.
I also just finished writing my debut novel, “Chasing Love”, which is due to be released this October.
******
Hope you enjoy this video of book folding. What a fun craft!