"can we really do it?" trent says and he looks at me terrified, and it's two a.m. and kasher won't calm. "can we really take care of four boys?"
the bedroom sighs, as though turning in its sleep and i'm jealous. it's been nights, now, of kasher rising by the hour.
i cry, "don't start. don't do this," i tell trent, shaking my head. "i need you to be strong. if you start to doubt, then i will, and then..." i'm in my flannels and i go to the bathroom and sit and stare at the tiles. i like how orderly they are, how lined up and pretty, and i pray, "help."
i feel done. i'm ready for heaven now, Lord, but there's a world full of babies crying.
"i haven't called you--" a voice says, and i lean into the air, listening. "i haven't called you to be strong. i have called you to be obedient."
lamott says maybe we love God the same way babies love us, in a "yay, the chuck wagon has arrived" kind of way, but i swear sometimes i think i love him with a grown-up kind of love.
this yahweh, who speaks to me through bathroom tiles.
*i have grown so fond of all of you. do you know? this imperfect prose community has become family to me... and i hope to resume it, sooner rather than later.
the boys aren't arriving now until february 28th--giving me more time to work on my book, 'mom in the mirror,' which will be released may of 2013!--but i need to spend the next few weeks preparing my soul, my boys and our home for this transition, in addition to doing some writing. i will still be blogging, and i hope we can remain connected that way...
in the meantime, kimberly sullivan is starting a lovely meme in my absence called 'painting prose'; i believe it starts next thursday, so be sure to check that out.
i am so excited to offer a FREE 9" by 12" GICLEE PRINT (with a 2" border) today... just let me know which of the top four paintings speaks to you, and why, and i'll choose a winner at the end of the week.
i am feeling quite teary now, so must close... know that i love you. i love you. i love you.*
1. link up a post (old or new) between wednesday and friday that you feel is 'broken' or 'imperfect' or somehow redemptive
2. put the 'imperfect prose' button at the bottom of your post, so others can find their way back here (see button code in right-hand column of my blog)
3. read at least one other person's linked-up prose, and give 'em praise!
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'sunflowers in september,' 'community,' 'mother and child,' and 'birds' available at my etsy shop
94 comments:
If it helps, I was awake in the wee small hours last night, frustrated that I couldn't sleep. I kept asking God, "Okay. Who really needs my prayer tonight." Know that you and your guys were prayed over. I will miss this community. I've made so many beautiful friends here. But. I'm so excited about your book.
Tough choice on the prints. I'm in love with both Community and Birds. I think I'd have to choose Birds. Was just talking to someone about site design and said I needed to have lots of yellow in my life. I don't know why. You're the artist--you tell me! Love you, friend.
The blue print - the mother holding the child, heart bolstering - the mother in me adores that (plus blue is my fav color) - but the first one - oh, the first one is like my soul, wondering through the white starkness, wondering between the trees - and there is a tree that provides shade and comfort - like God provides me - to me - that picture is my relationship to the father.
I am excited about your book. I am excited for your journey - for your 4 boys - but maybe that is me being a mother of 5 sons - and having someone who understands even more - and that might be selfish - but I will say there is more blessing in the numbers than drawbacks:)
Praying for you as your heart gestates double-time.Your wisdom - just needing to be obedient - it blesses me today; it strengthens me for my own challenges.
Oh, E. I've fallen in love with this community, too. Funny how God uses something we cannot see, well, at least the actual people anyway, and grows the love that falls there in such real and tangible ways. I am glad you will still be blogging. I will still be able to visit here in your space.
I love that you are giving away a print. I've been scouring your Etsy shop. I have a place on my wall that is reserved for you, but I have to save up my money. But if I win, I would love the Birds print. For me, I think it's the clean lines of the birds, contrasted with the arrays of colors. Just so versus a little bit of craziness. This is the balance I need in my life. I like everything just-so but the whimsicalness of the other colors and lines remind me that I must love with at least an ounce of crazy, more than an ounce of freedom, for me to love like Him.
Because I see an image...
could be Our Lord...
could be you...
and I see a musical clef...
i think...
because love is like music...
and I see a dance happening...
a dance...
on a heart...
and that's what love is...
a dance on the heart...
God to us...
us to others...
mama to babies...
You said to say why I'd heart having this print - this is why...
and about imperfect prose...
of course I'll continue to be here...
by reading you I learn to write.
My baby sister, a toddler in tow is having twins in March...
full of worry and doubt...
'cause to be a mama...
without your mama there...
that is a heartbreak and a trial.
So I hear you Emily, As my heart goes out to my sister, and my prayers rush to heaven for her - my heart goes to you and your husband as well - and my prayers - like the one I just said - rush to heaven - for you, and him, and your babies.
God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours Emily.
I will miss your "voice" for the time you are gone. But I know that God has amazing plans for you and your huge heart!
I love the mother and child print for obvious reasons. But all of them are beautiful in their own right. You are a great artist, Emily. (By the way, my bachelors was in Fine Art, so that's from one artist to another! :)
oh, emily! praying for you, dear one, and knowing that you are right. where. God. wants. you. doing His work for you. in you. among you. hold tight to Him, to His words, to His promises for you this very day. His smiles, just for you. His love that reaches down and embraces.
will certainly miss these days of sharing but will look forward to hearing from you and all that God is doing in your life when you have the time to share!
take care of yourself and those God has placed in your care. He holds you. . . never let the enemy tell you otherwise. hold Him tight. never let go. never.
love,
steph
Oh dear Emily you are an amazing woman and whether you recognize it or not, incredibly strong! I know you have much to do, still I hope you will stop by my blog there is something waiting for you there. Blessings upon you, Trent and the children.
Emily -
I love the painting of the birds. Here's why: I live in Iowa, have all of my life. These birds look like the red-winged black birds that cling to the tall grass in the ditches here on summer afternoons. But at the end of May, at seven months pregnant, I'm going to follow my husband to a new teaching job in Colordado...we're packing up up our four kids, our dog, and all of the memories of my life here, and going, leaving behind my Dad & Mom, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. Some days, I think about all this moving, and I'm a mess. Yet I know God is making something beautiful out of all this. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they? for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things… But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself... Matthew 6
Emily, I think you are so wise to simplify and focus right now. Glad you'll still be here as you're able! They're all beautiful, but I best love the Mother and Child--something about the tilt of her head as she wraps around her little one, and both of them supported on a great big heart of love. Such amazing talent!
I will miss this gathering, but will definitely keep coming here to read and keep up with your life...and I'll pray for you and all your boys.
I will be praying for you, following your blog posts when you have time, excited for your book project and thinking about your amazing heart and how God trusts you with so much. I love all of your art, would be thrilled with any of them on my wall but birds have been a sacred echo for me since Christmas for some reason. My daughter gave me a beautiful silver necklace with birds on the front, Matt 6:26 on the back. And that is just the beginning of where the birds land around me.Love you!
I truly believe that after 2 children, you can have 14 and not notice. I mean, having 2 kids breaks you. It breaks you and makes you give up all the extra things like regular shower and alone time....
You are tired. I am tired. I have the baby who rises every hour as well. I take him to the doctor every few weeks to check for an ear infection because WHAT IS HIS DEAL?? He's fine (usually). He's just in love with being held at night, and really who can blame him. The point is, you're not alone. I think you might need to embrace insanity. I have. I know I'm a little crazy. I look at myself from a distance and it keeps me sane. Don't raise your eyes up too high dear, or you'll cry. Focus on the ants, and the dinner, and the diapers and the smell of coffee. Don't look ahead. Just be in the now, with the loud and the fussy and the everything falling apart. Be slow. Look low. It's the only way to survive. This is the longest comment ever. I'm sorry. I'm just excited for you and I want to be helpful. Everyone knows that unsolicited advice is always helpful.
I'll miss you when you aren't here. Love you tooooooooooo!!! Hang in there.
Emily,
I will miss imperfect prose...it's been the one thing to keep me blogging;).
I will continue to pray for you and your family.
I love the birds. Growing up my Great Grandma kept finches...reminds me of her wrinkled hands pulling the bird bath out to show them off to us!
Love to you-
the birds...so delicate, yet their little lives speak so loudly...they don't worry about tomorrow...they just live in the moment....i love birds....that i can be a fragile hummingbird or a fearless eagle, and i'm still loved by my great big God, who likens his care for me to His care for a sparrow...Amazing Love....all of them are beautiful, but if I have to choose one, the birds....take care...Linda
Thank you for creating an opportunity for community. It's not my strong suit and it's been good for me to participate.
God bless you as you live half in and half out of this world. While you are in it, blessings on your family and the new little ones!
Emily, oh I need to catch up here. These changes. I will be praying for you! I will miss imperfect prose, but of course, will keep up on your writings. All the best with you new book!
You know I like Sunflowers in September.:) And I still am reserving a spot for one of your originals here in the future!
You inspire us all!
Praying for you and standign with you, always, Emily.
Oh, Emily -- your life AND art are so inspirational! I love the one with birds because I love bird silhouettes, but I think I am most drawn to the one with Christ in the centre. I want Him to be at the centre of all I do, and that picture with such beautiful colours would remind me that He is in me and all I do. And I'd love to have a little piece of you in my home. This time if I "win" I promise I'll answer your email!!! :)
Oh Emily...I love this place...I love your heart...I am so thankful I stepped back in today from a break from blogging today...THank you for being such a kind hostess...for all your kind words to this newbie blogger...I am always blessed when I come here...by you...by others...
So thankful you are listening to the One voice...to pull back...to let God prepare you for what He calls you all to do...
Emily...He will give all you need...keep going to the well...drink deeply of Him...let Him fill you to overflowing...
I love picture # 3...I think it is your self- portrait...there is nothing like a mother's love...and even a grandmothers...I held my first grandlove...oh the love that just flows...not effort...just unconditional love...such a reflection of God's Love for us...
I will daily hold you before the Throne of Grace and Mercy...for all God will pour down upon your new family.
smiles. the best to you on the journey emily...thank you for creating a little sanctuary to sneak away to on thursdays and bringing together some pretty wonderful people...
i would choose the first...its kinda crazy and messy, but beautiful...just like life...
2 is as hard as4! you cando it! will miss you xxxxxx
i like the top print the bestxxxx
Oh, can I tell you that in a small way that I understand your fears? We have none...and how we have prayed and longed for them and now that foster care is close at hand, I am terrified EVERY day of all that comes with it...thinking of you and lifting you in prayer right now!
And the prints...I kind of love the last two equally....
The birds grab my aesthetic soul with the colors, the 3D elements, the rich black silhouettes....
but then....
the mother's heart in me is drawn to the hope in the 3rd painting, as a VISUAL reminder that God has not forgotten my aches and cries....He will fill my arms...in His time...
GREAT BIG LOVE to you!!
Praying for you. Love you.
I'll miss you Emily... and I'll be thinking and praying for you all.
Some of the days ahead may seem endless and uncertain, you may think you are not up them, there will be the confused and sleepless nights, yet God's grace will hold you all up even during the times when it feels like He isn't there at all.
He is near to you and you Him.
Thank you for your light :) You help me see Him better.
Big Hugs
xx
...by the way, I can't wait for the book to come out!!!
I love the last print. Please enter me.
This was a beautiful post. You are broken and that is when the Lord can do the most with you. He loves you, and He is healing you and preparing you for these trials that will someday unfold into blessings.
In the meantime, I pray for you.
xoxo,
Jessica, daughter of the King.
My Dear Heart,
I hope you know by now how much I've loved this community, and your open arms most of all. When I think of beauty and grace I think of you because your words, your paintings and your life exhibit His loveliness in every way.
I am excited about your writing...and I am humbled by your servanthood toward those who require your life. You encourage me to do what He wants me to do.
As for a painting? I love the first one. The impression of a fall tree drawing me to itself for comfort and shelter, just as the impression of the Comforter draws me to Himself. He doesn't make Himself obvious, and neither does the tree. It can be hidden in the forest for the trees, and He can be hidden amongst His beautiful people, faces full of light, bringing care in His Name.
Thank you for being you. I am praying for you friend.
darling girl! know that I am praying for you all!
God is so much bigger and He will carry you all.
loving you right back!
~shannon
wow...ok, first, i am sorry to have missed so much & thankful to come and catch up and pray for you all in this BIG endeavor...always, always, showing us the strength for just that next moment and step...His best given in this central lesson and writing your story for this season to draw you all CLOSE to His heart...& we are praying:}
and I love the third down with the cool blue healing of the wooing love and the tender holding of a babe tucked close to her heart but finding that her heart is infinitely larger as it grows because the mother love:} xoxo, abby:}
Emily,From one adoptive mama to another..... These thoughts remind me of a conversation I had with my beautiful daughter the other day- unexpected divorce and jobless for 9 months. Me telling her, "oh honey dont let fear rob you of the joy... of God calling you, of answered prayers." This journey for her has taught her mama the nitty grity of grace, how it abounds. God dispenses the amount we need for.that.moment.-no more and no less. "He doesnt call the equipped but equipts the called." It wouldnt be faith if we knew we could do it on our own would it?!
A painting? I couldnt possibly choose, from one artist to another, each one speaks to me- commmunity, God providing for even the sparrows, God/ Holy Spirit in our heart -working in and through us.If I was to be chosen- you pick.
I love the mama and the baby. I want to say that I love the birds, because it's more orderly and my heart wants order right now. But the mama and the baby are closer to my heart, their more ragged edges reflecting reality better than the sharp outlines of the other (or, at least, reflecting my current reality ;)). Raising babies is hard. It just is, even when you love them more than you love the beat of your own heart, and this reminds me that it's good to be in the middle, in the parts of life that aren't neat and clean. It's all beautiful, because love is beautiful, even when the beauty isn't what we'd expect.
I love you, dear one, and I love the heart you're showing in these days. Giving up Imperfect Prose - I don't know what that means to you but I can guess at your pain, and I'm sorry for it. But you're making Imperfect Prose with your life, and it's beautiful.
PS My daughter just saw the picture of Kasher and Aiden and said, "Happy baby." Soon, you'll have 4 happy babies!! What beauty.
Beautiful Emily,
Will continue to pray for you and your family as you journey through all things unknown. So proud of you for taking the time to finish your book that will bless so many!
I absolutely adore the first painting. The others speak to me as well, but the first one reminds me of one of my favorite things -- all the flowers in fall. Love.
All for Him,
Nikki @ Simplystriving
I am not as poetic as many others, but I really love the second one. It speaks to me of a peace that transcends chaos. A peace that is both mother to child and Father to faithful. The image of mother and child right now speaks heavy doses of wonder on my heart. I could think of no greater gift to present to my wife as she delivers her first child into this world.
wishing you a good time, preparing for the next steps em...and love that we have a god who speaks through bathroom tiles...what can go wrong then..? smiles
and i love the texture of the third painting..
I will miss my Thursday with you, Em. Please know I will hold you in prayer, as ever. We are called to be obedient. Thank you. When we are weak, he is strong. So much truth in a child's song. I love the birds. The silhouette speaks to me. I love the starkness.
I love you, friend. Loved this line: "i haven't called you to be strong. i have called you to be obedient." Thank you for your obedience.
And I'm so excited for your book. Praise God!
Just stopping in to say goodbye and that I, too, am excited for your book and your art and the blessing of obedience you will receive in parenting your four boys. All of us will benefit from your wisdom and insight as you blog. His grace in you is so irresistible.
Oh, so wonderful that you have a book in the works and a publish date! Plus the doubling of children! Plus whatever the Lord has in store...I am glad you will continue to blog, I will be by from time to time...perhaps still on Thursdays {smile}...I have loved the discipline of the Wednesday deadline...perhaps I will join the painting prose!? And if I happen to win, I would love the bird print...the colors are my favorite fall hues, but it is all about what the Lord is having fun with me, leading me into - contemplating, nests, and birds, and sanctuary...blessings sweet friend...
Great news about the book. I'll miss this place on Thursdays. You will be prayed for and loved on from afar. I'm so excited to see how the Lord works through you and Trent to love and influence these boys.
That blue print, the mothering one, is such a beautiful painting, Emily. I love the heart I see there. That's what mothering is all about. It's what life is all about.
good luck !
Am gonna miss imperfect prose .. reading some of the entries made me stronger and calmer in lie many days.. thanks a lot for being the medium .. blessed be ! :)
I would wonder, too, how I could take on more kids. But I know HE will do it through you. And you and they will all be blessed. In the together.
I will keep watching for you here, praying for you. You will never be alone, Emily.
Thank you for loving us so long and so hard. We love you too. And will continue.
i cannot speak the joy I have had in the community here, held together, lead so lightly and lovingly by you. While I am sad for the pause, I embrace it for what it means for you, for your family, for your book...for everything. It's ridiculous how inspired by you I am.
{ps - the top is my fav, because it speaks just of raw beauty. Just how I like it, and just like all of your work, really. once this money of mine comes together a bit, I'll be buying one. that's a fact.}
Yaweh, who speaks through bathroom tiles...love this. thank you for your heart, emily. thank you for creating a community-of-sorts for us. praying for your next chapter in life! love, april
i'll second alexis and say that i've loved this community - both for the beauty in the writing that unfolds here and for the discipline (that i've shirked, of late) of having a thursday prompt.
and you? you are a heart follower, and Christ is so evident, in that big heart of yours, and i pray for all of the ways this new phase - of book and boys - will break it and mend it anew.
love the painting of community, mostly because the new church we're helping to plant is the most beautiful mosaic of ragamuffins you've seen.
you keep listening to "auntie ann" and take it bird by bird, friend. i'll be praying.
I love the mother and child one, Emily. I want to have children so badly. My heart breaks because I want it so bad, but God says not right now and maybe not at all. It would be wonderful to have that painting, to remind me of what I'm working towards and my hopes and dreams when I get down and doubt God. Looking at that painting brings up a lot of emotions for me...I would love to have it grace my life. It would be such an honour. I love your blog, you're so talented. Thanks for sharing with us all.
The joys of boys... Raised three... no turning back... lots of love and tears... enjoy them now... one day they will marry and have their own families... with God all things are possible
Thanks Emily, for bringing Imperfect Prose together and for the love and encouragement you have shown through it. Bless you and your family in all the things you are doing.
Thanks especially for your encouragment to me. You have blessed me greatly. I thank God for you.
Emily, thank you for putting God's priorities above all else. One day you will be so blessed you won't even remember all the hard times. You have your plate full.
I will miss linking with you but, I promise you now, that every Thursday i will pray for you: for strength, stamina, wisdom and blessings.
And...I will be one of the first to read your book.
Will miss this community, but my heart feels protective for you and so I delight in your decision, dear friend.
As for lovely prints, I'd be hard pressed to choose...so if I can just read updates of your family and partner in praying for you, I'll be well content. xoxo
I don't comment a lot, Emily, but I always read and I am always thankful for your spirit. God bless you guys as you open your home.
I liked the first picture the best because the colors remind me of my husband. And then I saw that it's called Sunflowers in September. He was born in September. :)
I love your blog! I love this post! I will miss this, and I hope your preparing goes well <3
My favorite is the first because of how raw it is and rough and I love the texture. It inspires me to paint.
Could you ever have imagined?
And you will look back soon , with all of your boys, your life.. and you will say the same. Could we ever have imagined?
( and while I am always a bit partial to birds, and adore all of your work, the community print would be my first choice. as someone who is partial to solitude , this breaking bread life is one I never could have imagined:) )
I haven't linked in a while or commented, but blessings to you. I pray for a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. And yes, you can do it! You will have a home full of beautiful, noisy, rambunctious boys! You are blessed :-)
The third painting, for sure. The mom holding her baby is something I can relate to, even though my boys are not that tiny anymore. Although, each one is a wonderful piece of art!
You and this community hold a very special place in my heart. This Thursday "deadline" is what got me back into writing on a regular basis and I God has spoken to me through so many of the posts. I'm sad to see it end, even if just for a bit, but I'm so excited about your book! You and your boys have your own post-it note on my mirror and I pray everytime I brush my teeth. I am believing God's grace for you and yours and I can't wait to see the wonderful things God does with you! You are beautiful! As to the prints, I like the birds because they seem settled but ready to fly, I want to be like that. Calm and settled in myself here, but ready to fly away home whenever He appears or calls me home.
Love to you!
sweet friend,
if i lived nearby, I would make your family dinner, limping as I am, and help sort the strange burden of faith and doubt and life and limits and opportunities. But I will pray instead that you have a friend in close proximity to be there for you... And remember that this path he's given you to walk is part of the good works he has planned for you. Each moment in the Spirit's power, each step with his yoke on your shoulders, lay yours aside
we go forward with Jesus....and we can do anything.
aly
Kids are a blessing. this site, and your posts have helped to learn that in a deeper level.
thanks E
God Bless
Emily--have a good break. I'm sure you'll be blogging and imperfect prosing again soon. K.
friend....your words melt my heart. i will still be reading and visiting i will still be praying for you and yours, when God trusts you with His children He knows your going to do good work
i love them all and would be honored to have them hang in my house. i can see a place for each of them, you are amazing
The ravens. I will miss your posts. You have been my daily strength and encouragement. I long to hear God's voice. It is my constant prayer, that I will be able to hear His voice. But when I read your posts I realize that I AM hearing His voice. He is talking to me through you. I will be praying for you and your beautiful family. You can do this! I love you too!
Oh, Em, this new season is stretching, uncomfortable but God will honor your obedience. And isn't He the one who lays our crooked, cracked tiles straight? :)
I am so elated that I found your blog through my friend, Amy. I will keep your growing, sweet family in my prayers.
And I adore the sunflowers. Stunning. It immediately reminded me of Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." When life is uncertain and the storms are harsh, it is a gift to have the reminder that He is standing strong in our weakness; His grace is sufficient. xo.
I KNEW you would get a book contract! And I'm delighted for you and with you. But man, sometimes the timing of things leaves us reeling, right??
It's okay to cry, Em. And it's okay for your husband to question this whole thing. Wish I could give you both a big ole hug - but I will whisper assurance that God is enough, that you are enough because of Jesus. It will not be easy, but it will be good, so good.
And I love that second print - the one with all the color and the activity and the Story in scenes. Love it. Love you.
I will miss you too Emily... the pureness of your heart ...its honesty, and the pointing to the cross, our every help...
One day
you will turn your head
and wonder why you can't have those
old days back
babies crying
and needing you
and they will be all grown
with wings of their own
......
Grateful for the new friends I've met through your link-up...Thank you! Will continue to pray for you and your family and so thankful that you will continue to blog. My favorite is probably the mother and child because 1)it speaks to me, as a woman, who has struggled with infertility; and 2) because of all the time I spent with Mary during Advent; and 3) blue is my favorite color. Thanks, Emily, for being you!
It's my first time linking up, but I'm enjoying reading these posts and those who have linked up immensely. Looks like I'm coming in right as things are changing for you. Peace and blessings to you and all that is happening! I love the first print. It's beautiful.
Oh Emily, I’m so torn! I love all the prints, but the last three all speak to me in unique ways.
On pondering the pictures, the blackbirds are calling, “singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly…” And the mother and child… that’s my baby and me ;-)
Deep peace of the running waves to you...
Deep peace of the silent stars...
Deep peace of the flowing air to you...
May peace... may peace... and music fill your soul.
Let peace... let peace... and music make us whole.
em - so sorry - I linked up two! the second one is the one I meant to do. brain freeze.
Emily - I am so proud of you and inspired by you. Your obedience and your willingness to do more makes me want to do more. I will be praying for you all, and especially the two new boys. I know you will be the home that they need right now, and that you will bless their lives.
As for the paintings, I love them all - but the last one grabbed me. It is the birds. My husband is a birder. His grandmother taught him about birds, and I swear I rarely noticed birds until he started identifying them to me. Now our children know about birds, and can identify many. Yesterday I sat with my three year old and watched pelicans dive for fish and seagulls fly overhead. We talked about God, and as usual, birds opened the subject for us. They are heaven's ambassadors and I see them everywhere now. Your painting reminds me of that.
Big hug, Courtney
I was up last night also...a few nights now. My heart is restless. I pray that sweet rest comes to us both...the rest and peace that passes all understanding that captures grace in the middle of our chests where we hold our families. The place where that frazzle and the undone unfurl. Lord let us be obiedent and in that Lord give us your strength!!
The paintings for me I see the purple mother of royalty captured in lights and held up by love. She sits restless, knowing that her place in steadfast and sure. The heart of God her Pedstal foundation. Simply beautiful!!
i love you back, e.
We will miss Imperfect Prose on Thursdays - but, I so admire you for following what God has for you during this season. Giving of yourself to love others, and to focus on the priorities He has for you at this time. May you be surrounded by His love and care, and thanks for your example.
I love the painting 'birds'. I know I'm should probably give a more coherent reason, but I like how clear the shadows are and how uncontrolled and free the colors are. I feel like that could mean a lot of different things in a lot of different ways.
And I love birds. When I was little I wanted to be one when I grew up. :) I don't know if you've ever read the children's 'Inkheart' series by Cornelia Funke, but one of the characters puts these seeds in her mouth that make her turn into a bird. She's a bird for so long that it's hard for her to become human again, eventually. And even after she gives up consciously turning into a bird, she somehow drifts into that shape when night falls and flies out into the branches of a tree to sleep. Years later, her son hazily recalls dreams where he and his mother slept high in the trees of a forest.
So yes. Not sure if that all qualifies as a real reason. :P
And I'm sad that imperfect prose is pausing for now, but I'll be praying for you and I'm excited for painting prose. :) Luck, guts, and glory to you.
Emily, thank you so much for doing all this. I know I haven't been participating as often recently, but when I was first starting my blog this meme was a fantastic experience for me, enabling me to receive feedback and encouragement when I didn't have many readers of my own yet. Your nurturing spirit was a big encouragement week after week.
I think my favorite painting above is Community. My wife and I (and we haven't actually made this announcement yet, so you're privileged) are starting an intentional community this fall with a friend, and we hope it will grow into a life-giving and beautiful expression of the love of God. This painting expressed that hope beautifully.
I'm proud and excited for you guys with your new parenting endeavor. What you're doing isn't going to be easy (don't trust anyone who says God will make it easy), but it will be possible. Hold fast, breathe deep, love freely. And know that you are loved.
Dear Emily, I'll certainly miss the link-up and all those who take part, but I understand and will be praying for your transition. You are such a special blessing from Him.
Emily, you're sincerity always creates a wide circle, in which I can join you, whether huddled on tiled floors or held in a rocking chair with a nursing baby {oh, I too am in the midst of every hour nursing}. And I don't join you there for you to hold me or me to hold you, because we are met and held by a Larger, my burden lessened, I exhale.
I've been brought to more through Imperfect Prose, I've really appreciated how much you given. Honestly, I can only imagine all the time it takes to read and comment on everyone's. Each week I'm delighted to see your comment, thanks for caring.
I will keep all 6 of you, plus that lovely hurting mama who's entrusted her little ones to you, in my thoughts, held close with tears and certainty.
You are a wonder, blessings. J
PS - as far as your artwork goes, well, I would choose "mother and child". I love the shape of them, the ease with which I can see you drew them. There is rest, reverence, and celebration held within.
aw, miss em. your heart is so ripe for this! thank you for hosting this gathering for as long as you have... i've enjoyed it so much, too. you are beautiful and talented and so very full of love. i will miss seeing you here so regularly, but i know you will do so well. with the boys and the book(s).
xo
Ok, so I love all of them. But I think community is the one I would want. Because, I need to remember this most. His call to community. Sometimes I forget. Or get mad at my brethren. Well, I choose to not remember! But His call is to community. I need to remember. Thanks for the opportunity to win one and now your art has inspired my next post! Thanks!
Oh, you beautiful heart. We'll be here, you know. And praying. Oh how you are going to bless these boys. Praying, praying, praying, Emily.
My son picked out the last print--the one with the birds. But I am partial to the first one. So beautiful. Isn't that like me when it comes to your work? Just can't choose :)
I was thinking of you in my Bible study this morning, Emily. As I was writing down a prayer request for Feb 9th (speaking at a MOPS session), I remembered that your boys were coming Feb. 10th and I prayed for you and your family. May you have grace, grace, grace, my friend. May it be sweet and amazing, and provide so much rich joy that you can only know that it is Jesus, despite the hard times and the sleepless nights. In the meantime, may your son sleep tonight deeply. I know the deadman walking feel of sleep deprivation from a years past too.
Paintings? Your bird one grabs my attention the most. Stark whispering birds in the twilight, yet vivid sun-splashed color in the background. The tangible swirls and strips of color on the canvas are touchable. Poignant, compelling, cheerful despite the stirred emotions in it.
May you and your family have this time of refreshment and solace before this new journey starts. I have been reading on the life interrupted, a Jonah study by Priscilla Shirer where interruptions can be seen as God inviting us to partner with him. Reminds me of your circumstances. He'll equip you, my friend.
Warmly,
Jennifer Dougan on a misty warm night in MN
www.jenniferdougan.com
Emily, your kindness encourages me week after week...love you, love this place, your blog and your writing, and your art. So happy for all that God is doing in your life. Yes, sad to not link up with you and the community here each week-- but not going away! :) You are a sweet friend.
As for as the paintings-- I love the vibrant colors of the silhouette of the birds- it reminds me that there is a promise of brighter days ahead-- that sunshine breaks through.
Dear Emily,
Prayers going up for you during this time of transition--God's riches blessings upon you, your husband, and all your sons.
I have three sons and yes it is hard but they have brought me more happiness than I could ever have dreamed possible.
My favorite of the pictures is the last one of the birds--your work always speaks to me--what talent, what creative ideas, it blows my mind--
Love,
Dianne
oh, prayers for you and blessings. you are obedient--in the yesses and the noes.
love them all, the final two best. perhaps the mama most of all. such tender strength. stunning.
You are loved dear Emily - so very much. Please know you and Trent are in my prayers always.
I'm sorry not to link up this time. I just don't seem to have any words these days. Just words to send you love and encouragement. He will use your obedient heart in miraculous. His eyes look and find you faithful, and how it must bless His heart.
the mother and child painting speaks so to where i am in these moments. this time of pregnancy and waiting, yearning for this child growing and pondering my new place and word as "mother." it's intense and frightening and blue and cold but so comforting and so warm, dear one.
be warm yourself. wrap in the love we send to you, as you are well covered in this shawl of prayer.
He who began a good work in you will be FAITHFUL to complete it within you.
Your beautiful heart an transparency completely move me.
I am praying right now for your family. I crave order and control as well. I love to see the order of the tiles, but realize that prayer is the real Truth and Peace. Thetukes are the temporal.
Your birds picture really spoke to me. I was thinking that the birds are dark, the twig is down to fewest leaves, the other twig in which the birds are sitting looks as though it is about to snap, yet there is all this Beauty around, all the color that remains in all seasons, shadows.
I love this and would be honored to place it on a wall in my house full of wisps of life sitting on bending twigs and watching the colors of Him blaze around.
Not "tukes" but "tiles". A tuke sounds like a character from The Hobbit.:)
Wow, Emily! Quite the surprise...four little boys all of a sudden, just when there were only two. I will miss you, dear friend...but, of course, you must simplify your life for the sake of all those little guys...and for the big one, too!
Loving you, my friend. Wrapping my heart around yours.
You are blessed beyond measure and loved by a rather ginormous God. You all can do it. You can. I reckon things won't be perfect, but they'll be smothered in love. And what more is there? Really?
I hope you found some inspiration from my friend who went through something similar:
http://anerissara.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-i-couldnt-write-about.html
If my name was pulled from the hat, I'd say the bird painting because I love how the dangling leaf sings to the birds.
Blessings.
Dear Emily,
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the black birds over yellow. There is going to be a big hole in cyberspace with you not here. The music, the art, the words and YOUR love oozing...gone for a bit!
Take care, Dear One,
Dawn
"i haven't called you to be strong. i have called you to be obedient."
wow. this post made me cry, Emily. im dealing with my own hard circumstances over here with chronic illness and bad news from the dr. the way you write...so true, so pure, so holy--it slays me, and it pierces straight through my heart and changes me.
i really like both the communion one and the birds. the communion because it shows such love, with Jesus at the center, and music being apart of my family, i want to touch fingers to keys and worship again as my Grandmother did. all of us artists, my daughters little budding artists and we are each others' community--this home a sacred place--this painting speaks that to me--all is sacred under Heaven.
but i think, being as indecisive as i am, i would choose the birds. the birds speak to this wounded, sorrowful soul. the colors grab me and draw me in, the bold bright hues and stark blackness and it all gives me something pleasant to behold and lifts my melancholy mood. i feel it speaks of my life--of the dark days to walk through that are filled with light and blessings if i only will notice. it pulls at that girl driven and holed down deep that wants to love life and desperately wants to live it fully. amen.
will miss you! you allowing me to be apart here has sparked me to start writing poetry again, which i have wanted to do for years, and start back to painting too. thank you for your sweet encouragement--and i want you to know YOU shine with Him, dear one and you are FILLED with His grace! i read your testimony and we have that in common--i struggled with the same thing as well--and what an amazing ministry you have to all the young girls and families you touch!
i admire you and your obedience and i will be back here every week.
love and blessings and prayers,
Nacole
Imperfect Prose has been like my weekly drink of fresh water - so intuitive, so thought provoking, so sustaining, a gift to my sometimes very routined life! Thanks so much for sharing it.
My husband really loves your Bird picture - he didn't say why, he just said WOW! I really like the first one - the way you put the colors together makes me happy and give me a sense of well being. Thanks so much, Emily. I know you won't have the energy and strength needed to care for 4 little boys - but Jesus does! I pray he'll be your and Trent's strength.
So sad for all of us -- pray the meme comes back quickly. So excited for what the Lord our Creator has for you.... God is good, all the time.
The first print speaks to me of a love united -- you can't tell whose feather or arms or legs or face are whose - so perfect united - melting into one. Love them all but that spoke to me in a powerful way.
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