Friday, December 9, 2011

The 5th Day of Christmas - My day


Today is the day my ornaments will be opened.  I was supposed to be Day 7, but we changed our days around again to give the last three artists a few more days to finish their work.


The story behind my ornaments is very special to me and I hope you don't mind me sharing how they came about. The concept is based on my personal journey, so I have named them "My Refuge: God's Feathers".

My Refuge: God's feathers

While contemplating a design for my ornament, I was inspired to try and convey the refuge God gave me through my recent surgery and recovery.  As the nurses prepared me for surgery, I was laying quiet and silently reciting Psalms 57 and Psalms 91 in my mind...

"I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalms 57:1b

...and while doing so, I visualized God’s ginormous wings reaching down from Heaven to protect me. I could literally see the vanes in the plumage of His milky white feathers. He felt so close - it was as if I could reach out and touch His welcoming embrace. The last image I remember was nestling my head into the shelter of His mighty wings. 

"He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge..."

My surgery was more involved than the doctor had anticipated, and there were complications afterward. I spent 12 days in the hospital, 4 days in the ICU. I received 2 units of blood due to internal bleeding and for several days my kidneys weren't behaving.

"...His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalms 91:4

It was God who brought me through it and I thank Him for his faithfulness.  I hope that in some small way, my feathered book ornament captures the essence of God's wings and feathers... but more importantly, I pray it conveys His message of refuge to all of you.
  

No matter our circumstances, trials will come our way – illness, grief over the loss of someone special, heartache when a child has lost their way in life, loneliness, hurt… but we can find shelter in the arms of God.   


His arms are open wide and big enough to hold us. He loves us more than anyone ever could. His mercy catches us in our fall and He rescues us and draws us closer to Him. He gives us strength in our weakness. He comforts us when we are hurting or full of despair. He protects us when we are in danger.


For reassurance, peace, hope and rest … seek shelter in the arms of God.  Surrender to His mighty protection. He will rescue you. You will be safe in His arms. You are never alone.    

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”  Psalms 91:4  

Thank you for letting me share my personal experience with you. May you all have a blessed Christmas!
 

10 comments:

  1. Melissa, this is a wonderful ornament - special in every way. I blogged about it, too. Take a look at
    http://sallyt.typepad.com

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  2. Thank you Sally. I loved your blog post!

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  3. beautiful work as always-you are a wizard w/fabric and thread!

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  4. Melissa, thank you so much for the beautiful ornament. It is simply exquisite. The power of your story and faith resonates through out these pages of fiber and feather. Thank you so much. xoxoxoxo

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  5. A beautiful ornament, and I love that it tells your story so well. I'm moved to tears. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. Thank you for the gorgeous wings! And thank you for blogging about the swap. xxoo

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  7. This ornament makes me so appreciate the love of our Heavenly Father Melissa! Thank you so much....http://rosa-josies.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-five-of-twelve-days-of-christmas.html

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  8. I love the ornament you made and more importantly the message that it conveys. I underwent four surgeries in 2008 and heart surgery in 2010, I completely understand how you feel.
    I hope you are feeling better and all is well with your health. You are in my prayers.
    Thank you again for this moving testimony of your faith.

    Debbie
    x0x0x

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  9. What an amazing story Melissa, and so glad you came through that experience. I loved reading about your inspiration and fabulous art that resulted. Sending many hugs, Riki

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  10. Thanks everyone, for your comments! May you all have a very blessed Christmas!

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