Extraordinary Blessings – My Instagram Roundup

I try to count my blessings, even during challenging times. This is NOT. EASY. When life gets you down it can feel like that’s all there is out there, as if the world is dark and the light is nowhere to be found.

But that simply isn’t true. It is one of the devil’s devices to get us to be sad and depressed during challenging times. And it’s okay to admit that you’re having a hard time being positive. I’m in a challenging season right now. I will admit it. I am constantly asking God what the plan is here! How can I deal with all this? What does this mean for the future?

Sometimes it is only in hindsight where I have able to see God at work. Pain can be like that. It can make you feel all alone and after a while that’s all you see. But if you give God your pain and ask Him to help you, he will. I’ve seen this at work in my life, and believe me, nothing about my life has ever been easy.

I want to encourage you, even as I struggle, because I know that if I am feeling like this, you all have as well. I see this desire to recognize my blessings in this week’s Instagram roundup. I want you to remember that God is ALWAYS there for you.

Here's how it usually goes:  I get an idea about what I want to do with my business, and when that idea includes photos or video, I have this amazing husby who knows all about this stuff. He helps me set up, get the lighting right, tells me where to stand, etc. He is in his element with this stuff, and really enjoys it. ______________ I do all the managing of my business. All the ideas, research on where to do shows, creating the websites and ecourses and books and paintings and all that. But I am so grateful for this man, who not only encourages me to keep going, but helps me in projects like my latest one, a series of videos where I needed a certain set up. That finger you see directing me? That's him. And I am grateful for him. ???

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 18, 2018 at 6:39am PDT

Do you ever stop and think about how radical and wild prayer really is? When I pray, I feel like a spoiled child. Think about it! We get to talk to the creator of the universe this way. The one who created this world and our lives is interested in what we have to say, in our thoughts and feelings. We get to chat with him ANY time we feel like it. No appointments. No asking if he has time. Nope, he makes time. This taking time to chat with us and hear our concerns and happy thoughts and worries… this makes me feel like, whoa…. THIS. IS. SOMETHING. EXTRAORDINARY.

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 18, 2018 at 12:15pm PDT

“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ― Maya Angelou

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 17, 2018 at 5:57am PDT

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” ― Ernest Hemingway

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 16, 2018 at 6:25am PDT

ART FOR SALE ______________ The Lord Blesses His People With Peace. ___________________ 8×10 inches on wood. sides are painted black. __________________ This painting was inspired by the second half of Psalm 29:11, which says “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” _______________ Purchase info here: http://ift.tt/2itm992 ________________ Thank you!

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 18, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT

Coffee with my pal Tina. #prayerwarrior #cherishedfriend #loveher

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 13, 2018 at 11:01am PDT

A favorite quote of mine, especially when I'm feeling like God seems to care about everyone else but me. _____________ Ever been there? We talk about this more in my latest art and faith ecourse. ________________ https://cherieburbach.com/product/getting-closer-to-god-through-mixed-media-art/

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 14, 2018 at 5:04pm PDT

Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. ~ Mary Oliver

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 15, 2018 at 5:36am PDT

In the days before glasses (and bangs). At this age I wrote poems almost daily and painted often. It reminds me to honor our little girl (and boy!) selves. Was there something you wanted to do back then that you’re not doing now? You still can. #startnow

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 15, 2018 at 11:33am PDT

Ever felt frustrated or mad at God? I've been there. So many things in my life I haven't understood. So many times I've wondered where God was. But this I will tell you: Don't turn away from Him. No matter what you're dealing with, no matter what you're going through, turn to Him. __________________ Are you angry with Him? Tell Him. He can take it, and besides that, He knows what you're feeling. Tell him again and again but also ask for help. Even as you're angry with Him, he will help you. ______________ Are you wondering where He is? Ask him. Tell Him you know He must be there but you cannot feel Him and this is frightening to you. Tell Him you don't see him in your life or your problem and you need to know he is there. _________________ Keep turning to him. Sometimes the problems and hardships of life become so overwhelming you wonder if God is there but even in these times, turn to Him. _______________ (Image: Be Still https://cherieburbach.com/product/be-still/)

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 12, 2018 at 1:46pm PDT

Too often we think we’re too late. We should have gone after our dreams when we were younger, we’re too old to get married or have kids, too old to learn a new language, too late to try to turn our lives around. But that’s just not true. ___________________ You can start now. Right here. This day. __________________ This vibrant print was created using acrylics, ink, lace, and other ephemera. ________________ https://cherieburbach.com/product/start-now/

A post shared by Cherie Burbach (@cherieburbach) on Jun 13, 2018 at 6:58am PDT