MY STORY
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In July 2015 I went from a highly active and social lifestyle to a life of illness-induced solitude and stillness. Rising out of the disappointments and pain have been precious reminders of the goodness of God.
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When my ability to move was restored I started taking pictures of my get-well flowers. Many of those photos now are in the Blooms & Blossoms collection. Later, as my ability to walk improved I began to go on nature walks with my camera. (See Field & Farm and Woods & Meadows collections; yes I live on a farm with bordering woods!) On my nature walks, frustration with my limitations was replaced with enjoyment of God's creation and taking pictures became a satisfying way to prolong my time in sunshine and fresh air without over-exerting my frail body. Taking pictures, these pictures, has been therapeutic for me and a means towards healing body and spirit.
When I am not strong enough to walk outside I turn my photography into picture-verses. I find a picture to provide the background for a hymn fragment or Scripture God has caused to circle my mind that day. Arranging the power of God's Word with the beauty of His creation is also a healing activity for me. "Playing with pictures" as I have come to call it, renews my energy!
Still house-bound and isolated from people I began arranging picture-verses for the ladies in my church on their birthdays. Crafting personalized picture-verses, adding a note and then using the card text to pray for the birthday girl has been a small but significant-to-me way to connect with and love my church family from afar.
A faithful friend suggested I make my picture-verse designs available to a broader audience via a website. And so 'Visual Reminders U R Cherished' was born. My hope is that God may use the power of His Word and the beauty of His creation to minister grace as He knows best. And may these cards provide a venue for God's children to reach out to others in their Father's love.
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A word on the imprint:
Yes, my parents named me Cherish but the inscription u r cherished found somewhere on every picture-card is more than a signature. It is a reminder to the recipient that the gift of nature is not a static background and the words pictured are not generic babblings. They [enter name] are created in God's image. And He sent His Son to pay the penalty for their sin that should they choose to believe in His free gift, they might be made His precious child. That is a nurturing, treasuring love. That is to be cherished.
Celebrate it, rest in it, proclaim it ---U R CHERISHED!
Interested in more of my story?
You can check out my personal blog,
Window Views
