05/18/2026
I can share these now that the event is over. I had to keep it a secret so that Enchanted Makeover's She is Your Neighbor Event would be fresh and exciting. I started painting 8 ftx10ft cottages, in my garage, back in January. It began with a prayer to glorify The Lord with my art. I asked Him to use my talents in a big way. Immediately I got a text from my friend, CEO Terry Grahl, asking if I would be willing to paint for the event. I knew God gave me exactly what I prayed for...instantly! I was excited!
Then reality came crashing in..more like the enemy started putting doubts in my mind. The absolute fear I felt, the first time I stood in front of that huge canvas, hanging there, waiting for me to start slapping paint on it and create something worthy of being presented to the public. The task seemed like too much. I had never tackled something so big! It was terrifying! I felt not enough. I regretted asking to be used in a big way. This felt too big. I have to paint ten of these monsters? Be careful what you pray for🤣😂 because when you say "Use me in a big way," it is going to be big!
God continued speaking to me, during morning devotions. The verses were words of encouragement. Exactly what I needed to hear! Isaiah 40:31, Philippians 4:13, 1Peter4:10, Psalm 90:17... and so many more sweet messages, were lovingly sent to me each morning! It was no accident.
My hubby and son got wrangled into my project..bless their hearts. Jeff built me a wooden wall easle to hang the canvas on to paint. When each painting was completed, they would scale ladders and remove the canvas, hang it on hooks, out of the way, remove paint covered screws, replace with new screws and rehang my next canvas. It may not sound like alot, but it was an undertaking! They hadn't prayed to be used for God's glory. They got drafted into it! 😆After working full days at their job, they were willing to put in more work for me, so I could accomplish my commitment. I am so grateful. Finding space to work and store the finished paintings was a task as well...there was no room. We had to find room..I straightened up a neglected, hoarded garage area, while glorifying God with my art.😆 Good things happen when you serve the Lord!
Every day from January to May, I painted, prayed, leaning heavily on the Lord. Terry and I would text together each week, as she selected the next cottage and carefully went over each change and detail. This woman is a warrior! She has a gift of bringing a million ideas into one perfect creation! She has an eye for detail that no one can match..honestly!
I have a bad shoulder that prevents me from painting long hours. It was amazing. God kept it working. I would go to bed whimpering and wake up refreshed and ready to work again! Normally when it flared up, I would be out of commission for a week. That never happened. I know that was God! During one part, it was 22 degrees below zero outside. My paints were trying to freeze up, my toes were froze, but with hubby's torpedo kerosene heater, it was just enough, so that painting got completed! God is so faithful! I ran on prayer, caffeine and kerosene! 😂🤣 and a bit of Ibuprofen..
I had a strict schedule for myself, as the promised ten paintings turned into 15..then 17. My weak faith in what could be accomplished grew. I leaned in to God for strength. I had to complete one painting each week-in order to get them all finished on time. It went right down to the wire, before Terry and her sis Tracey, came with her Uhaul to pick them up. God brought me through. Through polar vortex, flu season, and life's curve balls, He was there the entire way!
Every painting was prayed over. I prayed before that first pencil line hit the canvas. I thanked Him each evening, when I shut down for the night. I thanked Him as I finished the last brush stroke, stepping back to look as it dried. I prayed for the women and children's lives that would be touched from the proceeds. I prayed for their souls to be saved and lives to be changed.. I prayed for Terry and the event to be amazing. I prayed lives would be touched and God would be glorified. Watching the videos and seeing people's comments, that is exactly what happened. God is so good!
