Why "Daffodil?"

The daffodil symbolizes rebirth, renewal, resurrection, awakening, and new beginnings. It's one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, announcing the beginning of spring. (www.floraly.com.au) Daffodils are sometimes seen as an analogy for God's everlasting presence and unwavering love.

How does this relate to me?

Creation and Transformation. Anyone who has experienced a winter season understands what I experienced as a tropical Floridian who transplanted to Boston and later, Chattanooga. The beauty of fall leaves and relief from a hot summer quickly transitioned into a bleak feeling of despair in February. Would winter's dead trees and lack of sunshine and warmth never come to an end??? Then, secretly and quietly, little green sprouts of hope pushed through the ground and emerged like tiny triumphant banners of sunshine. "We are here!" "Hope is here!" "The end is near!" Gradually, other spring bulbs would begin to join in the awakening and rebirth. A new year. New beginnings. Delight mingles with hope.

My journey has been interestingly and constantly filled with equal parts: beauty and adversity. My life has been very challenging. God created me with intimate connection to Him that gave me strength even in the times and seasons that I chose not to acknowledge Him. Still He was with me, strengthening me, keeping the light of hope alive in me. Because of adversity and His intimacy, my identity transitioned from being a victim, tossed about by circumstances and people, to becoming boldly equipped to walk in peace and authority no matter the situation.

How does this relate to my art gallery and pottery studio?

Creation and Transformation.

For most of my life, I "played it safe." I kept a tight budget: financially, emotionally, physically. I relied on practical and logical discipline. I allowed fear to guide my decisions in order to stay "safe." I didn't realize that this was not a life of safety, but a life of bondage. I trapped myself within circumstances and boundaries that would keep me out of trouble. There was a pervasive heaviness that I carried around with me, as I waited for the next person or problem to disrupt my safety. Quite honestly, I felt threatened by people who had freedom, who had fun. The seasons of my life were cloaked in sameness.

So, what changed? I experienced a harsh fall/winter season. My marriage died and my life (my identity as a "good wife," "good mom," and a "good Christian" ) was ripped away leaving me naked and exposed. It was a season of death and mourning. At first I was scrambling to cover my nakedness and shame. I was trying to claw my way out of the grave that I had fallen into. Then, I just sat still. I spent hours reading my Bible, talking with God, listening and really hearing Him speak. He didn't speak judgment. He spoke tenderness and love. He addressed some things that needed to be corrected. He helped guide me to remove some of the masks that I wore on a daily basis. He invited me to trust Him. Then, the adventure began. I found myself dancing, really dancing! And I realized that I was free or breaking free. That was what it was like at the beginning of my resurrected life. I began to grow in strength and beauty but I couldn't get completely free until I left the place where I had lived for 15 years. God invited me on an adventure that completely changed the direction of my life. I'll share the details of that story another time. The point is that I no longer allow fear to guide me. Fear is a liar. Safety, also a lie. Through the last 7 years, God became my only guide. He led me around the country and to Greece where He delighted me with His love and provision. As my very good LOVER, He brought me to Santorini, Greece and to the studio of a potter who showed me (without words) who God created me to be. A potter. A ceramicist. Someone who loves to create. Someone who loves to get dirty playing in the mud! I am nothing like who I was!

I have opened a business. I am not, nor have I ever been a business woman. I don't know what I am doing. But God does. So, I daily ask Him, "what should I do today?" He brings me people, ideas, opportunities and the reminder to just take one step at a time. Don't look too far ahead. Stay focused on Him. And Breathe. Yes, LORD!