A Baby Did Change Everything

Tis the season to remember why we celebrate Christmas. 

 Christ's birth did change everything.

This song always touches me when I hear it.  The faith that Mary had when she was told by the angel that she was chosen to birth baby

Jesus, our Saviour, is amazing.

Please scroll down to bottom of my page to mute the  music player so  you can fully enjoy this video.

"And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus."
Luke 1:30-31

" For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

What an amazing gift we've been given.

My life has been changed because of my Saviour,
 Christ the Lord!

-Joy to You-

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY #5

I'm keeping my promise to share with you a creation each week for as long as I can produce them. This will  also keep me accountable to continue creating.

-Another one of my first watercolor paintings-

"I'm posting Show Some Creativity Saturday a bit late this morning, but I hope some of you will link up to this post with your own creations for all of us to see. Remember that it can be any kind of creation that you've made - paintings, murals, music  recipes, crafts, poems, etc.. etc.. (all you need in order to link up is to click on next  #  under Mr. Linky below, then add your link so we can pop on over to see You)

I hope this will "inspire you to start using your talents, to awaken or rewaken whatever ability or talent God has given you".

quoted from the book:
 The Creative Call by Janice Elsheimer

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.."  Colossians 3:23

Moving On Through

I have been so busy this week and I can't really pin down exactly what it was that kept me so busy!!!  Have you ever had days or weeks like that? 

Sometimes if I'm not careful, I can be too hard on myself, if I haven't met up to my OWN expectations! We can be our own worst enemy when we do this to ourselves. 

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.  Excellence, I can reach for, perfection is God's business."

Michael J. Fox

I think I need to make some changes, throw off the perfectionistic blanket and run out and do something like this...........

Yes, making snow angels is the perfect plan!  (Oops, there I go again, using that word perfect!)  Okay... I'm moving on......I'm starting to smile again........I'm getting more energy back........I'm having fun.....I'm ....I'm back to myself!!!  Yeahhhh!!!!!!  And all it took was remembering this: 

 You and I are human and God created each of us special.  He knows we will have moments of sadness, tiredness, boredom, you name it...... whatever it is He already knows about it and has a plan to revive our spirit and to fill us up with the kind of joy that only comes from Him.

So don't be so tough on yourself.  Instead,  be kind to yourself when you have moments like this.

" I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul."

Isaiah 61:10

Anyone care to make some snow angels with me?

Will It Be Enough?

I work in an elementary school and see children everyday who need someone to love and care for them. Today, during our snowy and very cold recess, some of them were given coats from the nurses office to wear, because they did not come to school with a coat on.  Sometimes, my heart just cries inside for them.  Sometimes I wonder, if the little bit of encouragement and attention that I can give, will really help them enough.  Just about the moment I think this thought, I see a big smile come across one of these sweet little faces that remind me that yes, what I say or do will make a difference.

( please pause my music on the sidebar so you can watch and enjoy this video)

 

"Then the King will say to those on his right, "Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this Kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave ma a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.

Then those sheep are going to say, "Master, what are you talking about?  When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?" 

Then the King will say,  
 

"I'm telling you the solemn truth:  Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me--You did it to me."

Matthew 25:35-40  (MSG)

With Christmas almost here, I hope that whomever God puts in our path will  find themselves encouraged in someway to live with new hope.. and we  have the greatest example of a gift to share because of the gift God gave to us in sending His Son , baby Jesus on Christmas Day.

Won't you join me in being watchful for an opportunity to spread some hope?

 

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY #4

Hello to all of my friends out there and to those I am yet to meet.  On today's SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY,  I decided to pull out an old winter watercolor I painted a few years ago. I used salt, to make the snow spots throughout the painting.  Thought by showing this picture, we might get some pretty snow  to sprinkle the skies  here in Indiana. Would much rather have the snow than so much rain. It's much prettier.

Once again, I hope you will join me on today's SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY  by linking up at the bottom of this post so we can click and come on over to see one of your creations that you've posted.  Remember that it can be any creation you have, not just a painting. It could be a poem,  a recipe,  a craft, a mural etc... Oh and I'll jump up and down if you decide to leave me a comment.

" Creativity is God's gift to us.  

Using our creativity is our gift back to God. "  

 Julia Cameron

I sure hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  

....It's your turn to SHINE.....

A Friend Used Her Wings Today

I'm smiling today because a friend used her wings to soar up and beyond!

I am so proud of my friend Becky at Farmgirl Paints.  She has over the past few months  followed her heart and became courageous and is doing what God has asked her to do. Today she has revealed it  for all of us to see. She is an artist who has a great and unique talent and I know you will find her paintings an inspiration. Please check her out at  farmgirlpaints.blogspot.com.

 (or click on her button below)

God wants to use us all you know!  There is something in you that He wants you to share with the world to bring Him glory.  Ask Him to reveal it to you and then for the courage to step out and SHINE for HIM.

Giving Thanks Through Our Life Song

There is a very old hymn my grandma used to sing called "Count Your Blessings" (name them one by one)  I loved that simple hymn as a child because it was fun to sing and it made me happy.  I believe I related this song, as a small child, to the happiness I saw on everyone's faces, as they smiled when they sang it. It's difficult to sing this song with joy unless the meaning of it rings true in your heart. We all have our ups and downs, trials and burdens to bear, but I am so thankful that my Lord is walking beside me and guiding me through it all, no matter what!  When I take the time to count my blessings and praise Him, the trials I'm enduring seem smaller. 

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

Psalm 69:30

I am so grateful to my Lord,  for all He has blessed me with. I can honestly say that I am even thankful for past trials. Those trials brought me closer to Him  and He molded my character through them to be  just a bit closer to looking like the vessel He created me to be. 

Dear Lord,

May the words I say and the things I do, make my life song sing to YOU...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love.  I won't be posting again until the weekend because we will be lovin on our grandbabies and children who have traveled from afar to spend time with us.

Count your blessings, and name them one by one.

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAYS # 3

 I've come back to this post today (1-10-2010) so I can link it up to Donna's Saturday Night Special.  Thank you Donna for hosting this. I hope you enjoy my project below.  I bought the child's table already painted white and then used acrylics to paint the top and personalize it.

It is once again time for   "SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY" post. Please join me if you'd like and link to this post so we can all come and see what you've created.  Oh and as always, I  love to read the comments you leave for me.

       " All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded."                Exodus 35:10

         

 This week I've decided to show you something I painted on a piece of furniture.  This is a child's tabletop that I painted for my granddaughter.   It was soooo fun personalizing this piece for such a special little girl named Ella Marie! Just perfect for tea parties!

Would anyone care to have a tea party?

I'm Taking The Challenge

I have decided to take the "37 Days of Kindness" challenge given by Lysa Terkeurst.  Check out the details at Lysa's blog post here:

lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/2009/11/37-days-of-kindness.html

The challenge began Wednesday, which was 37 days before Christmas. Would you like to follow me in joining Lysa as we show kindness to at least one person each day and then give this 37 day gift to Jesus on his birthday? During this season, we can get so busy with the hustle and bustle of shopping and everything else.  I know this challenge will make me more aware of others on a daily basis that I come in contact with that may need encouraged either with my words, or through serving them in some way etc... 

This challenge will be fun and I can't wait to hear what kind of gifts you give to Jesus on his birthday.

"Follow the way of love."

1 Corinthians 14:1

Don't forget to check out Lysa's blog post.

Our Family Autumn Album

I am so excited that both of our daughters and families will be able to travel home for Thanksgiving.   It is just one week away and I can't wait! 

I love my family!!!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Blessings to you,

Monday's Unexpected Beauty

You know how tired you can be on Monday mornings and sometimes feel you have to drag yourself out of bed after a busy weekend?  Plus, it was a dreary, rainy day outside this morning and no sunshine to perk me up. The urge to drink coffee in the mornings has never been for me. (oh, but I do love chai, just not first thing in the a.m.)

 Before getting out of bed, I thanked God for the day he had given to me and asked Him to guide and use me.  As I looked out of the kitchen window, I saw such a beautiful sight! In the lilac bush were 2 big and gorgeous blue jays plus a beautiful crimson colored cardinal. It was as if they were playing a game with one another, hopping from one branch to the next. It made me realize that we don't need everything to be perfect in order for our day to be colorful!!  Sometimes I think it all has to be perfect first, but it doesn't. Simply being that special person God created us to be and being thankful for who we are in Him, is all we need in order to shine in a dreary world. I believe God placed those beautiful birds in that tree just for me this morning.  I think He put them there to simply say "Hi LeeAnn. I am looking forward to our day together and it's going to be glorious!"

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  

Are you not much more valuable then they?"

Matthew 6:26

 May your day be a tweedledee, tweedy tweet tweet kind of day!

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY #2

As promised, I am once again posting my new theme for Saturdays....

 "SHOW SOME CREATIVIY SATURDAY"

My very first watercolor using the palette like the one you take to elementary school. It is a simple sketch, but I was pleased that it actually looked like a dainty flower daisy when I was all finished! (2001)

I encourage you to bring your creations out,  from in hiding, and share them with us. Remember to show whatever you create. It does not have to be a painting. I'm not sure how to do the link up thing yet,  but if you know how (I would appreciate any pointers) please link up to my blog or mention my blog name and then go back and post about it with a picture of your creation- plus leave me a comment-  I will be so delighted and encouraged! God has given us this talent so lets honor him, with letting what He put in us, SHINE through.

*

"I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart. I'm writing the book on your wonders."

Psalm 9:1 (MSG)

*

 I've put the creative side of me out there, and I'm anxiously waiting to see yours next.

Can't wait to see you SHINE,

THANKFUL THURSDAY

It is once again time for Thankful Thursday! If you would like to participate, hop on over to Sonya's blog at truth4thejourney.blogspot.com/, where you can get all the details and grab her button.

1.  I am thankful that God blessed me with my new job as a Instructional Teacher Assistant at our local elementary school last week.  Love the teachers, love working with the students and I love the hours!!!!!  God answered my prayer and gave me a job with the hours that will still allow me to pursue some of my other dreams and  also time in the summer to travel and see my grandchildren, daughter and family in another state! HE is so good to me!

2.  I am soooooo thankful for my family!!! Soooooo thankful!

3. Thankful that my husband Scott is feeling better. We aren't sure if he had food poisoning or the flu bug a few days ago, but he was really sick.  Thankful that it came and went quickly. 

4.  Thankful for the beautiful weather we are having here in Indiana and the gorgeous fall colors that remind me that we serve an Awesome Creator!!

 5.  Thankful that God gave me the courage this week to come out from in hiding with my artwork.  I shared it on my blog, hoping to inspire others to use their God-given talents and also to thank God for what He has created in me to do as praise to Him instead of hiding out in my perfectionism. I'm thankful for my friends and family (and blogging friends) who have encouraged me to show my creative side. 

Blessings to you from one very blessed chic, 

In the Race for the Win

Hi to all of my blogging buddies out there and to the newcomers that pop in for a visit.  Just wanted to give you something to encourage you today as you go out and run your race! Whatever it is you are facing, you can be sure that you have the Lord by your side clearing the way for you.  Just keep on keepin on no matter what and know this:

"Slow and steady wins the race."

Aesop

"The Hare and the Tortoise" 

*

" Consider it pure joy, my brethren, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

Together we will see the finish line.

I have my team t-shirt on,

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY !!!!!

One of my very first fun watercolor paintings. Since painting this picture, I have painted a couple more of these in a baby nursery for friends.

 

Even as a little girl, I loved being creative and I continue to love it. I  especially enjoy watercolor painting and using acrylics.  It's one of those talents that I have been shy about sharing with to many people. You know, because of worrying about what others may think of it, or because I myself don't think it is perfect enough.  Instead I should be using the talent God has given me to honor HIM and to practice it for the joy it brings into my own life. 

So...... I have decided......

on Saturdays to start sharing with you, my blogging friends, another part of myself, and in turn I hope this will encourage more of you shy artists at heart and in the making, to get brave and share your creations too. I would love it if  you would link to my blog and share something creative on your own post and then come back and leave me a comment about it. It doesn't have to be a painting. It can be any creation.

" Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31b

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you

it's going to be a butterfly."

Buckminister Fuller

*

Let your wings soar,

 

Living With Gusto!

I am back from my week long trip to Pennsylvania where I spent a wonderful time with my daughter, son-in-law and precious grandchildren. Below are some of my favorite pictures I want to share with you.

My granddaughter, Ella and I in the pile of leaves.  Even with an injured knee, I couldn't say NO to this sweet and excited face when she asked the question, "grandma will you play in the leaves with me?"  There was just no way I was going to pass up making this memory with my granddaughter!  Not a chance!

And here is my adorable and handsome grandson, Ezra! One of my daughter's friends named Julie took this wonderful picture.  Isn't it just beautiful!! And those sweet rosy cheeks of his were soooooo kissable! For some reason every time grandma came around the corner to where he could see me, he would let out the cutest giggle you ever did hear!  I loved it!!!

After being with my beautiful daughter and family, I am ready to live life with gusto again.  I just needed my heartstrings Family-Fix first!  Being around my granddaughter who has such a vivid imagination (3 yrs old), I could'nt help but catch her exuberance for life attitude.  We adults often forget how to enjoy the small things in life that happen throughout our day and are cause for celebrations. Why do we do that?  Why do we forget how to find joy in simple everyday things?  Well, I hope you will join me this week in renewing that greatfulness and joy for life. Make a blessings list, and be a kid again. Try this while you are in the bathroom:  do a commercial for fun in front of the mirror and laugh at yourself afterwards, or spend some time with a child so you can let loose of your "adults don't do that" thinking.  Just have some fun.  I guarantee that in your presence, others will be smiling and maybe even laughing at life again because of your contagious spirit.

I recently read a story about Stan Toler, who grew up with his father reminding him to go out in his everyday life and live it as if

"SINGING ON THE TOP OF HIS TOES WITH GUSTO". 

I just love that word picture!  I can just see in my imagination a painting by Norman Rockwell, of a skinny and awkward looking boy, standing on his tippy toes, singing at the top of his lungs, with the expression on his face being that of pure JOY.  I hope you will join me this week in going out and living life on the tips of your toes and singing it with gusto! And if you do, sharing it with me in a comment would just make my day extra special! I might even do a cartwheel- ha! Okay, maybe not a cartwheel, but I'll be standing on my tippy toes and singing a song just for YOU!!   

Mountains or Valleys?

"Mountain tops are for the view and for the inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys."

Billy Graham

I have kept this quote in my mind for years since reading it in one of Billy Graham's books.  A reminder to me that when I am going through a wonderful mountain top experience, that I must also savor the valley experiences. For it is down in the valley where the real work is done. It's what makes those mountain top experiences so magnificient! Without the valleys, I wouldn't have the bonds of friendships that I have from going through a trial along side someone else, or I wouldn't have grown some extra character traits that my trials have built inside of me. My children may not have learned how to get through a tough time, if they had not seen their mom and dad model it for them. The list could continue on and on.

I'm not sure where you are today as you read this post. Are you on the mountain top or in the valley?  Well let me tell you this my friend, you can be totally sure that  God is with you wherever you are. He is there to help you through.  He is there to celebrate with you. You are very special and precious to Him. He will never leave your side.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;  he will never leave you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

In a few hours I am off to go and see my sweet grandchilren and daughter/son-in-law who live 7 hours away in another state.  I will not be posting until next week.  But I will have lots of pictures to show you when I return. I hope you have a wonderful week and that you savor each moment.

Keep on Keepin on,

Dont' You Love Giveaways?

Hurry over to Today's Creative Blog where Kim is giving away two fabulous creations.  Giveaway ends Sunday, Oct. 25th at 5:00 .  Click on the button below and it will take you straight to her blog.

Hoping you or I win!

I Hope You Choose to Dance

This post is dedicated to my Sisters, Ya Ya Sisters and Girlfriends who inspire me to be Me!

I hope this weekend if you get the chance to sit it out or to dance in this thing called life, that you will choose to dance. Hopefully this little video will give you some inspiration to make each moment count!

Scroll down to bottom of page to turn off my music so you can hear this video.

"Wherever you are, be all there.   Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

Jim Elliot

*

" When in doubt TWIRL ! "

Mary Engelbreit

*

I am going out right now and buying a hoola hoop!

Love your friendship,

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Hello there everybody!  It is once again Thankful Thursday and I'm a bit behind getting my list posted today, but it's never too late to be thankful.  If you are new to Thankful Thursday, click on the button below to sign up at Sonya's blog. (Truth 4 the Journey)

1.  I am so thankful for some very generous people this past week that surprised us with a wonderful gift. 

2.  I am so thankful that God's angel's softened my fall to the ground on pavement, when I hit my head and tore up my knee this week.  Seriously, just as the back of my head bounced against the pavement, I thought for sure it was gonna be my time to go to heaven. This is also when you can be thankful for the extra cushion you have on your backside!!

3.  I am thankful for the telephone conversation that I had with my 3 year old granddaughter today.  I was suppose to be on the way to her house 6 hours away, but couldn't drive it due to my knee  accident.  Ofcourse I am bummed that I could not go, but today my granddaugher talked and talked and talked to me. Usually, at 3 yrs old, she talks for a couple of seconds then goes off to play. But this time, we played make-believe over the phone and her imagination ran wild and we talked and talked.  Thank you God, because I needed that! I think she did too!

4.  I am thankful that my husband found out that he now only has a year left of college instead of one and a half years as we were expecting. 6 months sooner !!!!!! Yipee, Hurray , Hallelujah! Thank you God!

5.  I am sooo thankful that God wants to use little ole' me, inspite of my unworthiness, to serve Him and to fulfill the purposes He created me for. How amazing is that?  And how amazing HE is!

Blessings to you from one very blessed Chic,

Is Your Attitude Contagious?

Attitudes are Contagious
Is Yours Worth
Catching?

I saw this sign posted in a school classroom today.  It seems these days all kinds of things are going around, such as the awful flu, colds, fevers, diseases etc.... We do everything we can to keep from catching any one of these bugs that seem to be invading the air these days, including staying away from someone with a bad attitude!   

 After reading this sign, it made me think about the good things we can catch from others.  We can catch a smile that makes us happier. We can catch someone doing a good deed for another and seeing the gratefulness in the reciever's eyes and expressions.  We can catch our children and grandchildren loving life with their excitement and wonder, which I don't know about you, but it makes me get down and act like a child myself while joining in with them in fun.  We can catch a good ole' belly laugh when someone very comical and funny uses their magical gift on us.  The list could go on and on! 

When it comes to our attitude, I hope mine will be on the Good list instead of the bad list and that someone will want to catch it.  Even when trials come and our lives are turned upside down, we can choose to have a joyful attitude with the Lord's help. And in doing so, someone is going to notice and want to catch it from us.

"Be mindful to be a blessing..."

Galations 6:10

If you've caught someone with a good attitude lately, will you share with me in a comment what you saw them do? What did you catch from them? Your comment may give us some new ideas!

Achoo..., oh excuse me! Now go out and catch the good attitude bug!  Or better yet, may someone else catch it from you!