Onward and upward 16x20, oil on canvas 

When I was younger and trials came, I would struggle through it, figuratively kicking and screaming the whole time.  I would question why me, and how long?  But as I get older and have gone through more struggles, I have come to trust in myself and God. I have learned to stay calm and watchful, because I know the lesson is just on the other side of the hill and I will have grown stronger and wiser and more beautiful in every way. I wouldn’t say that I welcome trials, but I have come to understand their importance and recognize the potential growth and beauty that inevitably comes when walking through them with a positive attitude and a prayer in my heart.