SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY #8

Okay, I'm branching out and trying some new things when it comes to creating. I've been trying to put more ACTION into creating more on a regular basis as one of my 2010 promises to myself. I'm also trying to put ACTION into letting go of perfectionism and just enjoy creating as a gift to myself and as an offering to my Creator.  So here are a few things I've created lately in their raw form and are still under construction.

 

My lettering isn't the greatest yet, and I may add something more, once I figure out what that is.  I'm just proud that I tried mixing collage for the first time with my acrylics.

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"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."

Danny Kaye

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A local church started an art class near by, so I went and I made my first mosaic. It was really a lot of fun breaking up old plates and figuring out a design to make from the pieces.  It's really a great stress reliever also if you need to hammer out some frustration! 

Wouldn't it be fun to mosaic a small table top to use outside this summer when you take your tea out to relax in the warm sun.. ahhhhh...

- I'm anxious for the warmer weather and this piece reminds me of the sun-

 

If you have a creation you would like to share, please do! Just leave it in a comment below with a link to your blog so we can come see.....and of course you know I would love for you to leave a comment even if you don't want to share a creation.  Hearing from you really does make my day.

Now go out
and put some paint on your life canvas
and have  fun!

 - Have a Great weekend -

We Can All Use Some Cheer

So sorry that I haven't posted for almost a week.  I've been under the weather with a cold and have been

crashing on the couch

after work these past few days.....

....but I am feeling better.

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Thought I would leave you a quick post and maybe a laugh for your day.  We can all use some cheer, especially if you are from the Midwest like me, and very little sunshine being seen these days. My friend Marydon had this cute picture on her blog and it made me SMILE really big.

Hope it gives you a chuckle too!

(the caption reads "Why You Shouldn't Sleep Around")

Of-course this nest picture makes me SMILE when I think of being

goofy with my granddaughter!...

...who I miss since she lives 6 hours away--

but enough of MY pouting-

-this is suppose to make you SMILE

Hope you find reasons to grin
from ear to ear today.

HOPE Can Come In Small Packages

It would be so easy to give in to feelings of depression with all of the tragedy we are seeing in Haiti and with the economy costing people their jobs, and with so many marriages in trouble, etc.... The depressing list could go on and on.  The wonderful thing is that WE can make a difference, by encouraging one another. It may be that we can go and sit with a friend who needs someone to listen, or leave some groceries anonymously on a doorstep of someone who has lost their job. Possibly we are able to give financially to help those who are in desperate need. 

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Some years ago, my husband's business had been downsized and he lost his job and I was very ill and in the hospital.  It was a very depressing time because we didn't know how we were going to continue feeding our family or make our house payments etc... I remember my sister giving me words of HOPE when she hugged me with a smile and said, "Lee Ann, don't worry. The worst that can happen is you can all move in with us!" Well, that never had to happen, but her beautiful encouraging and sincere words gave me HOPE that day. The hope we desperately needed at the time. God worked in such miraculous ways to provide for us through it all, and He used people to do it.. We kept a journal of all the ways God provided for us and when it was all said and done, the price on those things made it seem as if our finances had never been downsized. God truly did a miracle in our lives and our Faith was enlarged.  Don't underestimate what God can do through YOU no matter how small it is.  Your words of encouragement, just as my sister gave me, could be what gives HOPE where it is needed to make it through.

"He has blessed us by carrying our heaviest burdens

 so that we might lighten the load of those around us."

Phil Ware

"Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2
 

With lots of HOPE,

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY #7

This week on SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY, I thought I would show you some of the painted borders/murals I've done.  You may join me also if you'd like by linking up with one of your posts (past or present) that show your creation. (Click on McLinky "You are Next" button below post.) Remember that it doesn't have to be a painting but anything you've had to use your creative juices to make.  I started this to encourage others to be brave and show their creative side that God has blessed them with.

A nursery I painted for a co-worker.  I sketched the animals from looking at her baby bed quilt and painted them onto the wall, then I sponged on the star border using cheap star shaped sponges.

About 5 yrs ago, our two daughters decided to get married 10 weeks between one another. Yes you heard me correctly-it was just 10 short weeks in between! It was a bit stressful, emotional and expensive! But it all turned out beautifully! That summer, I decided to use my creative juices and try something new! I made some extra money for the weddings by painting on walls for friends, family and a few word of mouth customers. I don't know about you, but when the money is tight, it seems God gives me new creative ways to save money. (couponing for groceries, bardering, making homemade gifts, and using my art)

A cherry branch border that I painted in my hairdresser's shop. By the way, painting in your hairdresser's shop is a great way to get the word out that you will paint for others!
 I did it for her as a gift.

 Everybody spreads the word around in a beauty shop! ha!

A border I painted for my sister around her living room. I painted on the vine, branches and berries and sponged on the leaves from leaf shapes I cut out of a sponge. So much faster and easier to sponge on leaves when you have to go around an entire room.

If any of you would like to try painting a border or on a wall and want  more detail from me on the type of  paint I used etc..., just leave me a comment and I'll be happy to answer you.

"Every child is an artist - The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Pablo Picasso

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be Strong and Courageous!

What are you afraid of?  Is there something holding YOU back from being and doing all you were created for?  God has special plans for your life and that dream or that strong desire you have in your heart may be exactly put there for YOU (and only YOU) to fulfill while on this earth.

"This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

As I told you in an earlier post, I have chosen the word ACTION to build on through this new year.  So this post is entirely for Me! Hopefully, it will strike a cord in you too, and give you courage to overcome the fear that's keeping you from acting upon what your passion is or doing whatever it is- And YOU know what that is- that you are designed to do.  If you are in a place where you aren't sure yet what that is, well don't be discouraged.  Ask God to reveal it to you and don't compare yourself to what someone else is doing or to another person's talent you wished you had etc.... You are unique and God created YOU with a special plan and purpose of your very own. (read the beautiful Psalm 139)  Also, the Lord's timing is always perfect, so we can count on him to reveal the steps along the way and when He feels you are ready for the next one, he will urge you on.  It doesn't happen all at once. Enjoy the journey.

Two of my fears have always been the "fear of failure" and "not being good enough to succeed" etc..  Part of me hates to admit that to you all.  But that is what God really helped me work through over this past year.  I'm not worrying about being perfect anymore,  just willing to be used by Him and enjoy who He created me to be and enjoy doing what I love.  One day at a time is my goal. So remember my friend, don't be so hard on yourselves either, okay?

Well, I feel like I'm rambling today.  I hope I've said something to encourage you.  I'll be back with more on my Action steps in more posts throughout this year.  What is holding you back?

"" Treat yourself to a little Adventure.

  Do something that's totally new- for you" 

Cheryl Hawkinson 

 Be Brave! Go out this week and Sing with all that you are, because you are beautiful!

  

Thirty Years Ago Today

Today is a very special day!  Thirty years ago today this couple became the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Jessica. She forever changed our hearts and lives.

We were so honored and blessed to be given the joy of becoming parents to this beautiful bundle of Love and Joy, and we will forever be thankful and proud. She is now a loving wife, and mother herself.
  So glad that God let YOU, Jessica, belong to us.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

(Jessica with her son who is also our grandson)


-WE LOVE YOU forever and ever-

Mom and Dad

SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY #6

Finally, now being after the holidays, I can get back to posting some creations on "SHOW SOME CREATIVITY SATURDAY.  Please oh please join me by linking up with one of your creation posts below so we can come over and see something you've created. (it doesn't have to be a painting. it can be a recipe, a craft of some kind, a poem, etc.. anything you've created in the past or present.) Just link up by clicking on McLinky below-click on You Are Next.   It is my desire to  give you courage to show your creations instead of hiding the talent God's given you. Together we can encourage one another.

I know this has a Christmas theme, but I wanted to show you one of my handmade Christmas gifts I made for a friend. I didn't have time to post it during the holidays so you are seeing it now.  I was very proud of this Snowman door hanger that I made from cloth and scraps that I already had at home. (size about a yard long)  I think you get more creative when you are trying to save money on a budget.  I sewed the sides together, put gesso on the surface and then used acrylics to do the painting. After it was painted, I used scraps from an old curtain to make a top border to put a small dowel rod through so I could attach twine to hang it. Oh and I did spray the paintng  with an acrylic sealer.

Here it is with the masking tape still on the borders of the painting while it was drying.

Here you can see the curtain scraps top border I sewed on before adding the dowel rod and twine.

Okay, I promise there will be no more Christmas art to show you after today until next December. Tune in next Saturday for something completely different. Now show us yours! It's your turn to be couragous. If you do, please  link up below and leave me a comment telling me you did so. 

"All who are skilled among you, are to come  and make everything the Lord has commanded."

Exodus 35:10

"In the end, art outlives politics."

Anonymous

You Have Some Special Names

Did you know that God has names for you?   Here is one: 

You are His DELIGHT. 

(some quickie doodling)

" He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."       Zephaniah 3:17b

The other day when I was at the bookstore, I picked up a book with the title: Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado.   At first I didn't realize the book was for teenage girls, but the chapter I was reading could pertain to any age. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend it for you to buy for your teenage daughter. 

 The chapter I read was all about the names we have for ourselves.  Not our given name, but those names we call ourselves that no one else hears. The names that many times, define inside of our heads, who we think we are. In the book, Jenna asked this question:  If you were to go to a party and had to fill out a name tag, what name would you be calling yourself before you wrote down your real given name?  For me sometimes it would depend on the kind of day I had just had.  Such as, if I didn't finish a project earlier that day, I might have thought my name was: You Great Big Failure.  Or if I had messed up on something new I was trying to learn, I might have called myself : Stupid...or if I had been too emotional earlier, I may have called myself: a Baby.  The sad thing is, we have the potential to become who we call ourselves.

" When we have a dad who calls us beautiful, we begin to see ourselves as beautiful too."

Jenna Lucado

Possibly you didn't have an earthly father who called you beautiful. But know this for certain - you do have a heavenly dad who loves you and thinks your are so amazing and beautiful. My goodness, He created you in His own image. He DELIGHTS in everything about YOU.  He looks at you with genuine pride.

When we live by the names our heavenly Father gives us, our  outlook changes.  Hello, my name is Confident, Hello, my name is Daughter of God, Hello, my name is Forgiven.  (Prov:4:26, Prov. 3:25-26, Rom. 8:15-16, Rom. 4:23-25, Acts 13:38)  This is the truth.  This is the way God sees YOU.   So if you have some negative thoughts and names for yourself, start replacing them with the positive true names that God has for you. Hey, maybe we should even make some new name tags to hang around as reminders.

"Don't confuse God's love with the love you get from people. Love from people often increases with performance and decreases with mistakes.  Not so with God's love.  He loves you where you are."

Max Lucado

One more thing before I go that I want to share with you.  My friend Becky is giving a wonderful BE tree painting away, and it will be customized for the winner with words of their choosing.  

Check it out here:      http://farmgirlpaints.blogspot.com/2010/01/custom-tree-give-away.html

I am so delighted to have you as my friend.

The Pleasure Was All Mine

Yesterday was my last day home on Christmas vacation from my job at the school.  I had a wonderful day!  I drove about 45 minutes away to have lunch with a dear friend in another city.  I met Pat about 4 years ago when I worked with her at Indiana Wesleyan University. We hit it off as good friends from the get go and I feel as if I've known her forever. She is full of energy, is a very talented lady, and has a loving and caring, very BIG heart.    It was so good to spend some time with her again.  Thank you Pat for being that special YOU  and my dear friend.  Love you to the end and back........

Another sweet friend I met 4 years ago was Shirley. She is Miss Hospitality and knows how to make everyone feel special, loved and welcome. I just love her too!

After my lunch I went to the Christian Bookstore in the city.  It's one of my very favorite places to go for some me time.  There is a coffee shop inside of the store, along with some very big and comfy leather chairs to lounge in while sitting in front of a fireplace,  and scripture and quotes all over the walls. Soft music playing overhead and a blended spiced chai tea in my hand.  I brought some thank you cards along and thought this would be a great time to get them written, but picked up a few books to look at first.  Before I knew it, 2 hours had passed.  I couldn't believe how the time had flown.  I guess that is what happens when you are relaxed and getting refreshed.  Soon after that I headed back home.   I found myself singing, praying and praising God all the way up to my driveway in front of my house.

"My presence will go with you and I will give you rest."

Exodus 33:14

I think God loves it when we take time to slow down a little and just BE.  How about you?  Have you taken some quiet, non-scheduled time lately to just BE? It's during these times that you can hear God the loudest!  Or at least that is how it works for me.  Let me know what you do for relaxation and refreshment.

"Everyday, celebrate a personal victory, no matter how small. You must have done something to make yourself proud.  Go ahead- SHOUT  OUT  LOUD!"

Cheryl Hawkinson

From One Blessed Chic,

My New Word for 2010

This scripture tag goes along with my WORD for 2010.  I recieved it from Edie's site at richgift.blogspot.com 

Thanks Edie!

I've decided to choose the word  Action for  2010. I chose this word after praying about it and really fought against it, do to the fact that I didn't want to put "failed last year" on my last post for 2011.   Well, it seemed that every scripture and quote that popped up in my way over the past few days had the word ACTION in it and  I realized that God was serious about wanting me to get going, get started, get beyond just dreaming about doing and trust Him daily with the few things He wants me to Just Do!

"Courage is fear that has said it's prayers."

Dorothy Bernard

You see, by nature I'm a dreamer.  I love to read how to books such as how to do this and that, how to be all God created me to be, how to be more creative,  how to go for your dreams, etc... and I have a brainful of knowledge and good intentions, but often won't begin until I know it will be done perfectly.  OUCH! Yes, many of you can relate, right?

"Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

Leonard Cohen

On my journey this year, I will share more with you about the things that God has asked me to take ACTION on.  There is one thing I have learned and that is to Be and Say what I can honor. Not to get the cart before the horse as to speak. Not make promises to myself that I can't keep and to wait upon the Lord to whisper in my ear the steps He has prepared for me that day to take, so that we are together on this journey... and so that I don't overwhelm myself with my own too high of expectations. 

I'm excited about 2010 and so greatful for the good and the ugly from 2009. I have learned so much through some trials I've endured this year, and it's made the path ahead so much clearer.  I have met so many wonderful people through this NEW blogging experience, and I look so forward to getting to know you all better. Thank you for being my friend and for enriching my life.

Together, let's make this year the best ever! 

 I'll be right here for you if you need a lift.

Excited and Ready to Go,

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us."  Ephesians 3:20

Back and Ready for the New!

We just made it back home last evening from our wonderful & family filled holiday in Pennsylvania.  We had a great time together.  I have a few pictures to share with you.    

Our grandson and I. He doesn't look too happy because he is sleepy.

 We babysat with our granddaughter for 4 days while mommy, daddy and baby brother went to a youth convention that daddy had to speak at.  While they were gone, she put on her new chef's outfit and had fun baking cookies with grandma and grandpa. I captured this wonderful shot of the new and upcoming chef.

Fun in the snow. The snow wouldn't pack so the carrot we brought out for the snowman's nose that we wanted to build, was left outside on the ground for the snowbunnies!  We made snow angels instead!

After the Christmas service, my husband took this picture of our daughter's family.

It wasn't easy getting both of those kiddos to smile at the same time after both Sunday school and church services, but I think they did a very good job!

I feel badly that I don't have a picture of my husband and I to share with you. I'll have to work on that for a future post.  

 

I am excited about new possiblilites and my dreams and goals to be reached for 2010. ( I'll share more about my goals in a future post)  I am soooooo happy that I have met each of you on my blogging journey since August of 2009. I had no idea that I could make such special friendships and learn so many things from those I would meet here.  I thank God for each of you and look forward to our friendship's increasing in this new year.  May this year be full of blessings for you and be your best year yet.

 

 

  "All dreams may come true if we have the courage to pursue them"