"This illness is to fatigue,
what a match is to a nuclear bomb.
It's an absurd mischaracterization!"
~Laura Hillenbrand

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May 2, 2007

Disappointment and Mercy


What a disappointment this week has been. In March, I traveled back to Ohio to visit the specialst I saw there last year. He gave me a new medication and we began at the lowest dose and have slowly increased it. By the third increase - I found I had a great week! Not a lot of physical energy, but my brain woke up and I was able to paint again!

But then the effects have tapered off and this week I am back to where I was before. But the biggest disappointment is that I had hoped this might be one of those "good" weeks, because I have my very first personal art Exhibit. The opening is this Friday, May 4 and I must be there for four hours to greet visitors and talk art.

But the beautiful mercies of God overshadow the disappointments. The hanging of my art came several days earlier than I had planned. I had so much to do yesterday that my body was literally shaking and felt like it was going to dissintegrate. But God mercifully held me up and reminded me to rely on his strength - even as my strength failed.

A wonderful friend, along with Bill, came to my aid and hung all the paintings for me. They are dispalyed beautifully and much easier than I imagined it would be.

God continues to remind me that I have chosen my painting times as times of worship and love for Him - and he chooses how and when they will touch someone's heart. Through my weakness I am reminded that He is the author of all beauty, all power and all real success. He is the Master artist and I am his creation.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which he prepared in advance for you to do." EPHESIANS 2:10

Pray that my art touches the hearts of those who view it and that it will draw them closer to a true relationship with Him. And, of course, you could ask him to strengthen me for Friday night!

And if you'd like to see the Exhibit it is being held in Columbia Dance Center, May 1- May 31, at 1700 Broadway, one block east of Main St., downtown Vancouver (WA). And of course I'd love to have you visit me on Friday May 4 between 5:00 - 9:00pm for the opening!

~Melanie

3 comments:

  1. It's amazing to me how God is using you in so many powerful ways. I pray you'll have the strength you need for Friday and that your experiences/art lead those who see it to a deeper relationship with our Holy Father. And praying for more 'good' days ahead.

    In His Grip,
    Carli

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  2. Hi there, Melanie! Nice blog. Very techie! I'm impressed.

    I'm working Friday evening, otherwise I'd love to come see you at your "art night". I'm praying for a GREAT night.

    Your life is making a difference for many of us. Thank you for sharing it with me. :)

    Love you,
    April

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  3. Hi Carli! How nice to hear from you!!! I miss you! Hope you'll check in with me regulary!


    Hi April!!
    You've seen my art haning all over my house! But the exhibit is open all of May if you want to see it sometime :-)

    I'm so glad you checked in too... and hope this blod will help everyone feel more like they have contact with me!

    Love you both!
    ~Melanie

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