I was given a black canvas for a present. I really didn’t’ know what I wanted to paint on it. As the holidays went by, different painting ideas came to mind. One day, Dad told me a verse that said I was a “treasure” to God. Thinking about treasures, that got me thinking about one of my favorite Christian singers, Nancy Honeytree. She wrote a song titled “Diamond in the Rough”. I related the song to the tough grinding of a rock to reveal a hidden gem on the inside. There is both joy and pain even in the hardships. One day the whole gem will be revealed. On that day, it will be polished and shining like new! One day soon, I will be a polished living stone!
Diamond in the Rough by Nancy Honeytree
Don’t give up no matter what you do
Your God isn’t through with you
Someday you will be a polished living stone
Though now you are a diamond in the rough
Diamond in the rough, Diamond in the rough
My Life with NF2 
Thank you for your words of encouagement!
Melinda, Sorry I misspelled encouragement! Thanks!
Wow! That’s beautiful!!!
You certainly are treasure, Mel. To God, and to all who know you. Last week when I visited you with Jan, De, Rennes, and Tracy and her husband, I asked you what song you wanted to sing together, and you said “Because He Lives”. We sang it together and it was a sacred moment, not just for us, but for those who walked in and joined in the song. But when we got to the third verse, you couldn’t remember all the words, and it seemed to me that there were too many words to spell. I am certain that by now you have figured out that last stanza, but it is so precious I will write it out anyway for you. .”And then one day, I’ll cross that river, I’ll fight life’s final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He Lives.”
I couldn’t sing it to the end because of the tears, even though I knew the words. But Mel, you are proof of God’s sustaining grace, and the truth that because HE lives, we too can face tomorrow. May God’s all-sufficient grace enfold and sustain you dear sister.
You already are one of God’s. Diamond’s!!
Your painting is stunning! And so are you. Many hugs, sweet girl.
Beautiful!!
Your painting is beautiful, just like you.
Oh my your painting is so beautiful! God must of guided your hand and caused you to paint just what He wanted. Truly God’s treasure! Gayle
A beautiful painting and I love the words shared by Kathe Bricker …. an inspirational song and verse …. we love you, Mel.
Uncle Kim and Aunt Lisa
This painting is beautiful Melinda. You encourage me every time I read your blog. You can tell that God is holding your right hand all of the time. Thank you so much for taking time to let us know what you are thinking. We all love you dear friend….Jesus does too!
Thank you so much, Mel, for the ‘Treasure to God’ post! YOU encourage me!! I pray for you and love you.
Uncle Ed & Aunt Jean
On Tue, Jan 19, 2016 at 9:43 PM, My Life with NF2 wrote:
> mel posted: “I was given a black canvas for a present. I really didn’t’ > know what I wanted to paint on it. As the holidays went by, different > painting ideas came to mind. One day, Dad told me a verse that said I was a > “treasure” to God. Thinking about treasures, that ” >
Melinda, I was reminded to pray for you today. Thanks for your encouragement that you’ve shared through your posts!
This is the most beautiful painting so far. The colors are stunning. Here is a song I love: “When He cometh, when He cometh, to take up His jewels, All His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own, Like the stars of the morning, His brightness adorning, They shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown.” You are a beautiful gem for His crown.