It's time for another personal update. Time to reassess and set realistic goals. This month has been so much harder than I anticipated. Somehow I imagined that summer would bring better health and more energy along with sunnier days and warmer temperatures, but it hasn't really. I have spent so much time in bed!

Despite this, there have been some exciting things happening here. Exciting for me anyway, not sure anybody else would define it as such! Haha... 

• I got new glasses and prescription sunglasses (or was that in May?)
• I got back into painting after a month off (slowly but surely...)
• I made a few crafty things while in bed, to brighten my room (will show off soon!)
• My parents bought us a bunch more mini cacti which I love! (see photos below)

There are many little things that have brought a smile to my heart even though I have been quite weak and flaring lately. It's important to focus on and cherish those little blessings that we so often overlook in the chaos of everyday life. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude. It really makes things easier to handle even if it will never cure our ills or heal our pain, it can certainly make life more pleasant!

Welcome to the second interview on Faith Through Illness.  In this series we will meet a variety of Christians from around the world, people who all struggle with different chronic conditions.

We will hear from them how their faith has been affected by their health and how the Lord gets them through it. Their struggles and their victories. 

Welcome to my first guest post in this new series where we will explore the impact of chronic illness and disability on our daily lives. Illness can have devastating effects not only on our own lives and bodies, but also on those closest to us.

Despite this, you might be surprised to find out just how resilient and courageous people with chronic conditions are. We weren't really given a choice in the matter, we have to quickly learn to adapt in spite of harsh conditions. I hope you will enjoy this series and perhaps even learn a few tricks on how you might improve your quality of life.

It's been a while since I posted my last round-up of paintings for The 100 Day Project. That's because I actually took a whole month off! 

I am very pleased to be back to it though and have thoroughly enjoyed painting each evening. The sunny summer evenings are just perfect for painting!

This week I picked up where I left off at the start of May with Sunsets as the theme. I will also reveal next week's theme today.

Welcome to the first interview in a new series called Faith Through Illness. I hope you will find these stories to be encouraging and a blessing. I know I am loving each one that arrives in my inbox and I cannot wait to share them with you!

Today I'm sharing Nicole's beautiful journey of faith. She has a lovely blog called "Becoming Babycorn" where she writes about a wide range of topics including art, health, relationships and religion among other things. Do go visit her site and leave some comment love!