Little Reid was so inconsolable last night as lots of family was all gathered in relatively tight quarters.
Packages were unwrapped with paper, boxes and clutter everywhere.
Children were running and laughing and crying as Nerf machine gun battles took place….
And at the same time Mario race car WII was turned up full blast!
Carbs were being consumed through pizza and cookie consumption…and you know how carbs can bomb you down!
Family that don’t see each other often, were having multiple conversations of small talk….. football games, how is your job going, what did you get for Christmas?, etc. Turning my head from side to side, like watching a tennis match, trying to listen to all the conversations so you can connect with people and hear all the news can give you a headache!!!!

Little Reid was not happy about much of anything…..which is very, very unlike him. He is usually the happiest little thing you could ever imagine. He was totally over stimulated! He needed to pull away from all the activity.

So, his wise mommy, who knows her little one well…placed him in the hallway next to all the chaos.

Bingo, the crying quickly subsided and squeals of delight soon began.

Little Reid had the right idea….crying out to be placed in the hall, by himself in his little bouncy seat to
Focus on his little overhanging light toy.

He would grab for a handle and the light would come on and quiet little happy tunes would start playing.
BIG SMILES AND COOS SOON REPLACED FRETTING FROM ALL THE ACTIVITY THAT HAD BEEN GOING ON AROUND HIM.

This morning, I am having a good time, sitting in my quiet time chair……focusing on the LIGHT.

Thank you ,Lord , for gift of family…..but most of all, thank you for quiet moments to focus on YOU.

Thank you , Lord, for a quiet, rainy day to be still. Well, for a few hours anyway…..as there are friends I love very much coming tomorrow. But for now…..time with my best friend, Jesus, is settling me down too.

Thank you Lord for our little Reid.
A little baby can teach an old grandmother life lessons!!!!!!

EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFTS

What an encouraging weekend.
An early Christmas gift.

Going to a workshop to paint and learn new art techniques, so I thought!
God had a creative way to open up my heart and answer some of my prayers.

People I had heard about but did not think I would ever be able to meet……He brought them to me.
I have been “feeling” discouraged lately. I found fellowship with likeminded ladies whose way to draw close to the Lord is similar to mine. They connect to Him through creativity in the arts. Photography, painting, writing, dancing, music, drama, etc.

The Counselor can paint pictures of healing in my heart without my even having to do a thing…..Katie, just obey and go when His Spirit woos me to not be afraid.

Trust Him. Follow His leading. Do not be wrapped up in control and trying to figure out my way, just follow the Spirit and hold His hand.

If I seek Him with all my heart, He will reveal Himself to me….He sees my heart, He knows my needs,
He will be my best friend who delights in the things that delight me and what delights me is connecting with
Jesus in the ways He has made me able to see Him…..through art.

Another gift was going to a neighborhood Christmas party where stories about Christmas memories were told….only to have one written and shared just for my encouragement…a gift written by a dear, godly friend who thought the story from her childhood was about her life, but had been orchestrated long ago, about 58 years ago, in God’s perfect plan to be written down on paper last week to encourage my heart.

Yet, another blessing from the week-end was going to church with my family and seeing that my ABBA, FATHER was there to speak to me. I felt He was speaking just to me, to some woundedness in my life. Affirming that my desire for deeper fellowship with HIM is the gift he offers me.

It is not about me doing things for Him, following laws made up by man or even the 10 commandments. It is about me receiving more from Him in relationship to HIM. I have been adopted by Him. He adopted me as an adult, fully knowing my past sins, my future sins, and all the ways I have and will let myself down because I think it is all about performance. I may promise myself and others I am going to perform certain ways, but of course, I am human and not perfect. Instead of beating myself up, all I need to do is receive my position IN CHRIST. He has redeemed me. I just need to receive and walk in His mercy and grace daily.

He loves me with all my faults. He is faultless and because I am His child, I am accepted! Receiving a teaching that told me I was valuable to HIM. Hearing and really receiving this time that Christmas was for me. CHRISTMAS WAS FOR ME! It is not selfish for me to believe it was just for me. Until I really believe this, I can not share this truth with others. It was just for them too!!!!

I have been a Christian for many years….but I am still growing up in truth, HIS TRUTH and erasing false teaching, words that I have allowed to direct my paths and color the way I “feel” and “see” myself and others.

So I have opened up an early Christmas gift…cracked just a little light on some healing truth to my heart.

Yes, I did go to a fun party with neighbors that filled my heart with encouragement. I did find a group of women who love art and Jesus too…….. but it was the party with JESUS, MY ABBA FATHER, WHO BROUGHT GIFTS TO MY HEART. Christmas as a child of the King…who came to redeem me and reveal Himself to me. He shed a little more light into my heart this week-end and I received it!!!!!

So, this little picture I drew to illustrate my friends Christmas story, well it was for me!!!!! You won’t understand it because you did not hear the whole story, but Joyce and I understand it!

Be washed in HIS LIGHT. Covered in TRUTH…..tasting HIS GOODNESS and let it nourish your hungry heart.

HE IS CHRISTMAS.


Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I’ll go with Him, with Him,
All the way.


P.S. How can I overlook ackowledging these other encouraging gifts. A memory of spending a day with two of my precious grandchildren, walking in the woods at MacIntosh Reserve…a real live picture of God's creativity.

AND A PICTURE OF REID AT THE CHILDRENS WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS PLAY AT THIER PRESCHOOL.
KISS KISS TO THOSE ROSY CHEEKS AND LOVE THOSE BLUE, BLUE EYES.

MY NEST

THANKSGIVING IS STILL GOING ON IN MY HEART ( AND WITH MY LEFTOVERS!)

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY NEST. GOD GAVE US SUCH A BLESSING WHEN WE MOVED TO OUR
WONDERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD 5 1/2 YEARS AGO. OUR NEIGHBORS ARE THE BEST. IT IS SUCH
A DELIGHT TO WALK AROUND OUR LITTLE DIRT ROAD, A LITTLE OVER A MILE, AND SEE THE LAKE ALMOST THE WHOLE TIME.

I AM THANKFUL FOR TIME TO REST THIS AFTERNOON BEFORE I START THE CHRISTMAS DECORATING TOMORROW. I TOOK A FEW HOURS TO PAINT TODAY. I LOVE TO PAINT. I REALLY LOVE THE NEW TECHNIQUE OF PAINTING ON SHEETROCK MUD FOR TEXTURE!

OFF IN A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH MY PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN
DECORATE THEIR TREE. WHAT A BLESSING TO LIVE CLOSE ENOUGH TO EVEN WALK TO THEIR
HOME IF I WANT TO. THANKFUL FOR A SON IN LAW WHO LOVES FOR US TO COME OVER AND BE HIS FAMILY.

I AM TRULY BLESSED IN MY LITTLE NEST.
THANK YOU LORD.

THANKSGIVING IN TWO DAYS, REALLY?? GIVE THANKS!!!!

TODAY IS TUESDAY AND IN TWO DAYS I AM SO EXCITED TO HAVE BOB'S FAMILY COME FOR THANKSGIVING. I PRAY I CAN NOT WORRY ABOUT THE THINGS YOU SEE IN THESE PICTURES BUT
FOCUS ON WHY WE ARE GATHERING TO GIVE THANKS.

THE LORD HAS SO GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED ALL THE DETAILS.
PROVISIONS OF FAMILY, FOOD AND GOOD HEALTH TO ENJOY.

HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES FROM MY HOME TODAY. THINGS FOR WHICH I AM THANKFUL.

WAITING FOR MARK, OUR GOOD FRIEND WHO IS AN AMAZING HELPER, TO COME
AND PUT UP THE OVER THE KITCHEN SINK LIGHT THAT HAS BEEN MISSING FOR
LOTS OF YEARS.

A VACUUM TO CLEAN UP THE PULVERIZED LEAVES ON MY FLOORS. ( WE LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD IN THE WOODS. LOTS OF LITTLE FEET LOVE PLAY AT MY HOUSE AND TRACK IN LEAVES AFTER WALKS IN THE WOODS!)

A FREEZER FULL OF ALREADY PREPARED FOOD FOR THE THANKSGIVING TABLE.

WASH TO BE DONE AND A SIGN, GIVEN TO ME BY A DEAR FRIEND, THAT REMINDS ME TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE SIMPLE THINGS....LIKE LAUNDRY TO BE DONE AND A HEALTHY HUSBAND THAT WEARS THOSE CLOTHES.

A HUSBAND WHO HAS ALREADY COMPLETED HIS "HONEY DO" LIST. HE IS SO WILLING AND ABLE TO COME ALONGSIDE AND HELP MAKE OUR HOME ORDERLY.

A GARAGE WAITING AND FULL, FULL, FULL OF RIDING TOYS FOR THE LITTLE ONES TO RIDE OUTSIDE WHILE WE ARE GETTING THE FOOD READY INSIDE!!!!

EMPTY TABLES THAT WAITING FOR LOVED FAMILY TO FILL THE CHAIRS AND FOR SWEET CONVERSATION TO TAKE PLACE.

EMPTY POTS WAITING TO BE FILLED WITH GOOD THINGS. LIKE MY HEART THAT IS PRAYING TO BE FILLED WITH RIGHT ATTITUDES OF WHY WE GATHER TOGETHER ON THIS HOLIDAY....NOT FOR CLEAN HOUSES BUT CLEAN HEARTS....SO THAT WHEN THE DAY COMES WE WILL BE PREPARED TO GIVE THANKS AND SHOW

THE WARMTH OF JESUS' WELCOME.

THANKFUL FOR THE LIGHT ON MY PATH

I use two books by Sarah Young for my morning devotions. I sometimes think the Lord
wrote those books as He looked into my heart. He alone knows what every challenge in my life will be, past, present and future. He knows the words of encouragement I need to help me stay focused on HIM.

I have been thinking about one devotion in particular....from October 27. Here are a few of the statements that spoke into my heart.

"As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if...or when..., you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go.

I, the creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable. I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths. Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of adventure, revealing to you things you did not know. Stay in communication with Me. Follow My guiding Presence."

I have been trying to make it a priority to stay quiet at the feet of the Lord and seek His direction for my life...a daily struggle to be still and listen. I have been at peace with His direction for my involvement of service. I have been sure of my areas of service because I have been walking in obedience to HIM.

I must admit this is a big struggle because I am a people pleaser. I care too much about what people think about me. I want the affirmation of man.

Yesterday our sermon was on service. The pastor had us stand up everytime he called out an area of service we were involved in at our church. This was good for encouraging the hard workers in our church. I appreciate all they do for the body of Christ.

My ministry is known by the Lord. I want walk in obedience to the areas of service He has called me to. Yesterday, I wanted to be able to stand up for a pat on the back.

I humbly submit to you Lord. Forgive me Lord, for letting my heart stray on a well worn rutted path of needing the approval of man. I want to walk in YOUR LIGHT TOWARD YOU AND FOLLOW YOUR WILL FOR MY LIFE AND FOR YOUR GLORY.

PRAISES AND PRAYER

Yesterday I finished this little painting of a song bird resting on a flower. It was so much fun to paint. I put compound paste on the canvas and carved into it and then after it dried I painted it not with a brush, but with my hands. Stained fingers today, but oh so much fun.

I woke up in the night, which is not an unusual thing, and a couple of songs were going through my head.

From the Carpenters

Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things, not bad
Sing of happy, not sad.

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough
for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.

Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love there could be
Sing for you and for me.

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough
for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.

and then this one


Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.

Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.

Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.

I have so much to be thankful for this fall. After a sabbatical to the beach, resting and remembering God's faithfulness, I want to share a few things I am praising Him for and singing about.

Bob's CT scan came back NORMAL! Praise Him. Praise Him, all ye little children.
WE were not expecting any bad news, but as I have said before, we want to praise Him in the good times and the bad. We celebrated by walking down to the lake and taking Brett fishing.

Thank you, Lord, that if it is your will, Bob has lots of fishing trips with Brett in his future.


A few weeks ago I was blessed to be able to have lunch with two dear friends and mentors, Judy Kenobbie and Linda Dennis. It was a dear memory for me. I have asked you before to pray for my sweet friend,Judy . She has kidney cancer. She is living in Crosslake, Minnesota now and I do not get to see her very often. She was in Newnan for a short visit.

As usual, when you talk to Judy, she does not want to talk about the fact that her cancer has progressed and she is no longer receiving those awful treatments because they were not able to stop that cancer from spreading. She just wants to praise the Lord and tell you the wonderful things He has been doing in her life. Lots of visits from family and friends, wonderful sights she has seen when she was feeling like taking little trips outside in God's glorious creation, and many stories about how God has provided over the years for her. Her husband is suffering with Parkinson's and she just wants you to pray for him.

Judy is an example of keeping your focus on Jesus. He is her strength and source of joy. She is my hero of the faith this month. What a mentor! I am so thankful the Lord put her in my life five years ago when we moved to Newnan. She and I have been able to be in several Bible studies together, had several fun girl trips and lots of laughter. The deep, belly laughs that make you cry you are laughing so hard.

She is very short of breath and coughs a lot lately. Talking is hard on some days. I am so grateful for all the memories we have made sharing our "God stories." She always has a story...."Oh, God is so good. Let me tell you what He did." When we talk, she always gives has a story to share.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me such an amazing mentor. Continue to give her songs of praise to share with us all. Give her breath to belt them out like the little song bird I painted in her honor.

Thank you for giving my husband a normal CT scan. It is not normal to us. It is your good gift of mercy and grace. Thank you for giving us time to praise you on earth and make lots of memories with our precious grandchildren.


Unlike the Carpenter song, I am thankful You want us to sing about happy and sad. You created us to praise YOU. So, on this glorious fall day, I close singing,

Praise Him, Praise Him,
praise Him Katie Purcell,
God is love, God is love.
Love Him, Thank Him, Serve Him......all the verses!!!!

Sing, Sing your song!

PEACE, BE STILL

Woke up early this morning with a beach anxiety. I want to soak it all in and not miss anything. The feeling of hurry , you only have 4 days to be here. You have to do it all. Shop your favorite stores. Walk on the beach until your feet get the perfect sand manicure. Eat your favorite beach foods. Sit on the porch and let those waves wash out the sounds of a hurried life. Hear from the Lord.

I admit I have been frustrated at home because I can’t seem to find time for creativity. I can not get organized in my mind or at home, no matter what I do. I can not figure out how to have the uninterrupted hours I need to be still and settled long enough to hear from the Lord and then write down my thoughts and draw or paint my little scripture pictures. I do not know how to get settled and started in my creating process. So, I figured I would go to the place I hear the from the Lord the best. The beach. I could get it all done while I was there.

Yesterday , after I had unpacked all my stuff in the condo, I took my walk in Seaside. Oh, how I love Seaside. Lots of my favorite “things” are there. It is total eye candy. The cute little homes. The garden shop, Pickets, with the cute garden calls my name and it is only open a couple of days a week. I had to see it right away in case there was something there I just had to have. Cowgirl Kitchen holds yummy take back to the condo foods so I don’t have to cook the whole vacation. Modica Market has food stacked on shelves all the way to the ceiling. You have to get a ladder to reach the staples on the top shelves. My very favorite things are down low in the bakery case! No ladder necessary.

I had a delightful afternoon watching people playing in the water. It was bathtub still. This does not happen often. Usually, the people are riding the waves. Today, they were standing in the stillness . I did not go down to the water. Just watched from the balcony.

I was too wound up to “accomplish” any of the work I thought I had to do while I was here. I came loaded with crates of old journals, art supplies, notebooks full of years of past devotional writings and little art illustrations to go along with them. “My goal” for the four days I am here is to hear from the Lord some more so I can capture what He has to say to me on paper and with creations of art. Right?

I am 64 years old. I know my years on earth are not 64 more! I want to pass on my heart thoughts. How much I love the Lord. How I long to seek Him more and more each moment I am alive. To learn how to rest in His presence here until my pilgrimage to His heart is finished and I see Him face to face.

Ate a little dinner and a lot of chocolate….ice cream and chocolate covered pretzels! Tried to watch a movie I had borrowed from the library, The Scarlett Letter. Sorry, it just didn’t float my boat, so I changed the channel to my favorite wind down shows, the Food Network and HGTV. Off to dreamland before I knew it.

Woke up early the next morning…very early 5:30.

Coffee on, journal and Bible out and ready. The sun was just beginning to lighten the sky so you could see the difference between water and sand. The faint colors of orange, pink and purple clouds resting over the water were in view. The birds had begun to start their praise songs…first a solo or two, then a whole chorus.

Myself would not settle down. I got out my watercolors to capture the moment. God’s Glory rising. An hour quickly slid by and I looked out to see people walking on the beach. Hurry Katie, get out there. They might pocket the shells or treasures washed up on the shore before I could find them.

Peace rested almost immediately in my heart. It was as if the Lord was saying, “Katie, the treasures I have for you, are for you alone. No one else can steal them. They are hidden in your heart. Your job is to rest with me. Sit with me. Delight in this sunrise with me. Receive this blessing. I have so much more to show you. Just be with me and trust me to show you.

SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART…NOT YOUR ACTIONS. FIND ME IN THE STILLNESS. FIND ME IN THE EVERYDAY THINGS. IF YOUR HEART ATTITUDE IS TO FIND ME. I WILL NOT HIDE. YOU WILL SEE ME EVERYWHERE.

HE will show HIMSELF to me and when He does, I will be changed. I will see HIM and not miss HIM. HE will be recorded not only in my words and artwork, HE will flow through my countenance. I will not be frustrated, nervous or anxious. I will be at peace. Resting in the stillness. I missed my opportunity yesterday to stand in the stillness of the ocean day. I will not miss what the Lord was trying to tell me. I submit.

REST IN THE STILLNESS. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PRODUCE ANTHING. JUST BE STILL AND LISTEN. IF YOU WANT TO WRITE AND DRAW, YOU CAN. NO PRESSURE. JUST RECEIVE THIS STILL TIME WITH ME AND LOOK FOR ME AND FIND ME. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. LOVE ME BACK WITH ALL OF YOURS BY BEING STILL IN MY PRESENCE. JUST HANG OUT WITH ME. I WILL BRING YOU PEACE.

The pressure is off. Hooray, let the vacation begin.

P.S. These are a few of the pictures I captured on my walk yesterday. Do you think the Lord was trying to tell me something?