I'm Beginning to See a Pattern Here…

Have you ever had a series of seemingly unrelated things happen in your life, and suddenly you begin to wonder if there's a connection?

Well, I've had a few of those lately. And I'm beginning to see a pattern here!

I recently returned from a 12-day, three-city trip that began in Kansas City, took me to Denver, and ended in Anaheim, California. I shared a little about the adventure in my last newsletter, including the challenges of traveling with just a carry-on and backpack. I survived, but next time I'm checking my bags! 😂

But there's another part of this trip I haven't told you about.

The original reason for going was to attend the Ascended Life Community Gathering in Kansas City. I've been associated with this community for several years, learning and exploring what it means to live from Heaven to Earth, from our position of being seated with Jesus Christ in heavenly places.

It's an understanding that has profoundly influenced how I live, pray, and create art.

In fact, I started an online art group called The Ascended Artist, where we spent time with Jesus, exploring what it means to create with Him from that heavenly perspective. The group isn't currently active, but I have recordings of our past gatherings available. If that interests you, just reach out to me!

After Kansas City and a wonderful visit with family in Denver, I headed to Anaheim for LifeWave's annual convention, called Luminate.

Now, here's where it gets interesting.

If you've followed my art this past year, you've probably noticed how much of it has been about the glory of God. I've been trying to capture something of His radiant Presence on canvas. Light pouring through clouds, glorious colors, golden atmospheres, and that luminous quality that seems to invite you to look beyond what your natural eyes can see.

I use the word luminous frequently when describing my paintings.

And here I am at a convention called LUMINATE!

Okay, that's fun. I noticed the connection and smiled.

But then they announced the name of next year's convention in Orlando, Florida.

ASCEND!

Seriously, Lord? 😊

I had to laugh. I began this trip with the Ascended Life Community, I've had The Ascended Artist for years, and now the company I'm involved with is moving from Luminate to Ascend.

I realize these are just names chosen for conferences, but the connections certainly caught my attention.

There's another reason this particular company has become meaningful to me.

LifeWave's founder, inventor, and CEO, David Schmidt, openly shares his Christian faith and credits divine inspiration as part of his journey into developing light-based wellness technology. I find that fascinating because light has been such a significant theme in my own spiritual life and artwork.

His vision of helping people experience greater health and vitality resonates with me.

And the technology itself intrigues me. LifeWave makes small, non-transdermal patches designed to interact with the body's own infrared energy. They're simple to use, and I've been using them as part of my personal wellness routine.

At the convention, I met people with remarkable personal stories. I enjoyed hearing about their experiences and the difference they believe they've seen in their lives.

And then there's my own story.

Mine isn't dramatic. It's been a gradual process of recovering from years of caregiving, walking through Steve's transition to Heaven, and learning how to live again in a world that looks very different from the one I knew.

I don't attribute that journey to any one thing. My relationship with Jesus, the love of family and friends, caring for my health, and allowing myself to look forward again have all been part of it.

But I came home from Anaheim with a renewed enthusiasm for helping others pursue health and vitality, alongside my continuing love for painting and creating with God.

For a long time, much of my life revolved around what needed to be done for someone else. I wouldn't trade the love behind those years, but I am discovering that I have choices and opportunities now that I haven't had in a very long time.

And I'm beginning to enjoy making them!

I don't know exactly what this next season will look like. There are paintings waiting to be created, opportunities to explore, people to meet, and a few ideas that haven't quite taken shape yet.

What I do know is that I want to live fully present to Jesus and whatever He's inviting me into.

Maybe all these connections are simply delightful coincidences. Or maybe the Lord is getting my attention in a way He knows I'll recognize.

Either way, I'm paying attention.

And I'm looking forward to what comes next.

With joy,

Claudia