After the Storm

Last week wild winds stormed over our home and towering trees swayed back and forth with the threat of catastrophe. A few people passed by in cars, and brave pedestrians clad with large coats and scarves trekked out into the storm with little dogs trotting out in front on leashes. Over the course of the storm, 500,000 homes were left without power.

Although I missed the hot tea and lights illuminating the evening, there is something almost magical about a power outage. The darkness is lit by a motley array of candles, with everything from scented, tall, beeswax to soy. The bright flames flicker back and forth, and the warmth of the golden light makes up for the lack of electricity. And, I'm always one to welcome a forced break from the internet. ;)  

We lived by daylight and candlelight for three days. The moment the beep of the microwave sounded and the kettle started boiling (we didn't realize the flip was switched! Haha!) we all breathed a sigh of relief. Lights were turned back on and we all plugged in our battery drained electronics. 

And today, here I am enjoying the pleasures of the internet, a charged laptop, bright lights, hot tea. The storm may have been challenging, but when we make it through to the other side? We realize just how much we had. 

In January I entered a very difficult season of life, the greatest storm that I could never have imagined. I have seen 15 doctors, pushed through more pain than I thought bearable, and spent many a night crying out in confusion and despair. I experienced a very rare and awful situation that resulted in surgery, which then led to almost a week in hospital. 

This was not in my plan. Who thinks that walking will be painful for 8 months? I have races to run! I have classes that need my full attention! My stubborn will would not give in to pain. I just kept going, and looking back, I am shocked. And you know what got me through it? Faith. Faith in God that he is my Healer and that nothing could get in the way of me fulfilling his plan for my life. 

You see, sometimes we don't know how we survive a storm until we have actually survived it. Although the bulk of this storm is over, there are still doctor's appointments, pain medication, and activities that don't have a pause button. But you know what? What the enemy meant to crush me with, God has turned around to bless me in the midst of it all. I won the Chemistry award at my university, kept my job, excelled at school, and learnt more about human anatomy, medicine, and huge tongue twister biological terms. Heck, I even started writing a book. 

Now, this is no "look at me me" kind of story. No no, it is the complete opposite. This is a testimony of God's power. Take heart, dear reader! No matter whether you are in the midst of a storm, just leaving one, or have one in the distant past, know this truth: nothing, absolutely NOTHING can stop God from carrying out His plan for your life if you will stay in faith.

Never give up. You have such a spectacular future. I know how much I needed to hear that countless times this past year. I implore you to believe in yourself. Trust your Creator to bring you through even more victorious than ever before.  


Much love, Vivi 

Can I tell you a Story?

It goes like this,

Once, there was a girl
She was clothed with strength
and dignity
She laughed without fear of the future
She was confident
Confident in Christ, confident in her destiny
She didn't have it all figured out
She wasn't perfect
Wasn't flawless, but she
was kind,
and gentle,
and patient
and humble
and caring
and passionate

This story. I want it to be my story. I want to leave a legacy of confidence in Christ, that no matter what I'm going through, that I remain confident that HE who began a good work in me WILL continue, developing and bringing it to completion in me. Life has been no easy ride lately. It's been painful and full of tears. But can I tell you another story? God is good. He is faithful. He hasn't left my side, not even for a coffee break. He crowns me with compassion and fills my life with good things. Through the winds and storms of the past few months, He has given me an extra measure of grace to push through. To be strong in Him when all I want to do is fall over. To be kind when I'm in pain, grumpy, tired. To be generous when I feel like I need things more. To be gentle, to be patient, to be humble. THIS, friends, is the story of life. It isn't about stuff or outward beauty or pretty photographs. And those things are pretty wonderful! But He is over and abundantly more. Today I choose to live in the light of this story. To live victoriously with the knowledge that I am a child of God, so loved & so cherished.


Much love, Vivi 

September //

Just before starting to write these words, I was deep in my Genetics note taking. Chromosomes, proteins and Mendel's laws filled my thoughts and finishing off the last sentence came with a breath of release. Hello second year of University! I went to the wrong classroom twice in these past two weeks. Silly mistakes aren't only for your first year... Haha! This semester I have loaded up with Biology classes, one Psychology, a new job, and new activities outside of school. It feels like, and is, a busy time! But how wonderful is it that there is always time for a mug of tea, sniff of freshly cut herbs, or slice of walnut banana loaf? Simple things, people, they turn loaded days into joys.

Much love, Vivi

In every season

As I write this, warm fuzzy socks cover my feet and a light pitter patter of rain hits the concrete outside. Each morning the lawn wakes up to new crunchy, rich-coloured leaves on its surface. Chilly air means big scarves are brought out and Summer tees are packed away. Clearly, it's autumn! With my assignments and studying out of the way, I decided to share a few snap shots of my favourite "creative endeavor" of the moment. Watercolours, watercolours! Whether it be on cards or in my sketchbook, I can't get away from it... ;) On another note, pumpkin pie really needs to get into my belly sometime soon. Decorative pumpkins are great, but you can't eat them and douse them in whipped cream and cinnamon. Ya feel me?

Much love, Vivi

Love love love

I've always loved Valentines day. The excuse to eat sweet treats, stores filling up with fragrant flowers, and especially the sense of love and togetherness that it brings. This year I wanted to create cards with greater simplicity, but still add some creativity. All I did was fold textured paper and cut out hearts. Then I simply glued them to card stock and walaah! Simple, creative, and ready-to-be written-in valentines cards! Last year I made these Valentines heart warmers and cards.

 



My art journal

I love art journals. I have always loved looking at other's, while flipping through pages of creativity. So, of course, I had to make my own! This was my first ever art journal, and I enjoyed every minute I spent creating and letting my thoughts run wild across paper. I hope it can give you some inspiration. :)

Do you art journal? If so, I would love to see!

Much love, Vivi