As I reflect back on the moments leading up to designing this “beautifully broken” art block…it’s clear to me God has His fingerprints all over them. Whether you’re a first time visitor to my blog, or you’ve been here before, it won’t take you long before you notice this is my first post in a really (really) long time.

A year ago, we decided to move from Minnesota to Ohio to be near my family. We got to Ohio in July ‘18, and to sum it all up quickly: nothing went as planned. We moved back to Minnesota in February ‘19 and it wasn’t until then, almost a year after packing up my art studio, that I was able to unpack and start creating again.

After being unsettled for so long, I promised myself to not commit to any projects or responsibilities other than settling us in. I really wanted to give myself a chance to figure out what direction I wanted to go with my art. To reflect on how and what I was doing before we moved and to think about what was working and what wasn’t. To be intentional with the future of my business. Afterall, this was a fresh start all around.

Things came up… I made a small, easy commitment to teach one project for elementary kids at a summer art camp at a local church, Autumn Ridge. It felt like an easy yes. After meeting at the church about the camp, I stopped in the the book store, Christos, to say hi to Erika (I had sold my art there before I had moved).

She asked me to think about doing some pieces for the Devoted Hearts conference. In. Three. Weeks. I said, with a smile, “well, I’m in a non-commiting phase right now.” She replied, with a knowing smile, “that’s okay, you have three weeks.” “Hmm. I’m not sure,” I said. She nodded “yes” (I swear it was in slow motion so I truly got the point) and hands me the Devoted Hearts flyer and says, maybe you can come up with something to do with this year’s theme: Broken and Beautiful.

So I got back to my car and mentally hyperventilated in a paper bag, thinking what in the world would I design? No way I can do this in this amount of time. And 22 other reasons not to do it. …But still, I prayed as I drove home: “Lord, do you want me to do this?” I walked in my house grabbed a pencil and paper and said another prayer “Lord, show me what I should do.”

I kid you not, IMMEDIATELY I saw a picture of a butterfly with its wings separated by the words “beautifully broken.” Filled with the Holy Spirit and inspiration, my fist went in the air and I yelled out “yessss!” I ran down to my studio and got to work right away.

This phrase, “Beautifully broken” means a lot to me. A year ago, I had hopes and plans and it felt like a dream come true to be moving close to my family. From the time we arrived to Ohio with our moving truck, I watched hope turn to uncertainty and plans shatter before my eyes. So much was broken during that time, including my heart. We’ve come full circle now and I’ve been collecting those pieces, starting new plans and daring to dream new dreams. Sometimes, it’s through our brokenness that we find beauty.

{Fun side-note: the day before going into Christos, a friend offered me a ticket to the Devoted Hearts conference! I had always wanted to go, and was more than thrilled for the opportunity. …it was just another part of God’s plan…I see it now!}

Details: “Beatifully Broken” Art Blocks are 3”x5”x1.5”, sealed with a satin finish. $25 each (+tax) and available at Christos Bookcenter at Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, MN beginning April 17, 2019. I’ve made 12 blocks and any leftover after the conference will be listed here on my website. If you’re not local and are interested in a block, please leave me a comment below or email me at [email protected].

May love and blessings come your way.