Thursday, December 31, 2009

Day 214 Word Focus for 2010


R E L E A S E


There's a wonderful site with a wonderful newsletter where you can get help choosing a word focus: http://christinekane.com. I had pretty much chosen this word in November but I waited to be sure. After using her wonderful tool yesterday, I found it to be the right word for me. Actually it involves a second word UNLEASH. You can't release without unleashing as well. I usually choose my word by thinking about what I need to work on and how I can do it and almost magically a word starts to appear everywhere and stand out as if highlighted or italicised and I know then it is the right word. I will share more and more about my word and progress as usual but will be brief here.


As you have been reading here for sometime, the past seven months have been difficult. My aging parents are dealing with many health issues; I am aging and dealing with my own issues but I have always dealt with family traits that have increasingly caused me problems with stomach, nerves, thoughts and actions. Release is a way to approach these issues. In a nutshell, I am hoping to release some of the underlying causes to my hysteria and psychoses. In one short explanation: I hope to release "all" (is that possible?) negative energy and unleash even more positive energy.) Note: this could also continue to support last year's focus, balance. That's right! You never forget former focus words. You continue to build and work toward your goals of being as strong as you can be.


I hope you decide to choose a focus word. For many it works better than resolutions. It's more flexible and a guide for every day. Not something you decide and by January 7 have forgotten or given up on. It stays with you and you continue to grow and learn how to be a better person each day of the year. One last hint, be sure to place the word in strategic places so you never stop focusing on it!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Day 212 Good thoughts and remedies


Spent a late Christmas celebration with family yesterday. It was a time to realize just how fortunate I am. I have so much to be thankful for. I often forget, whine, and complain about too much I don't have or wish I had or would like to have. Truth is I HAVE IT ALL! Health, family, friends, enough to survive many lifetimes. So here is the way to have it all yourself. Focus on the good in each day. Give thanks each day (each moment) of your life. Tell those you love how much they mean to you, for it could change in the next minute. Share your good thoughts and blessings with others. Don't ever feel you can go it alone. You need people. (Barbara Streistand new what she was singing.) Blessings to each of my readers out there. I am thankful for you as well and ask God that you too may HAVE IT ALL in 2010.
Image is part collage and part drawing.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Day 211 Collage your way to sanity!


If you are an artist or not. Tear up some old magazines and make a funny collage. Put yourself in it for even more fun. Write about it or not but take some time for child play. It will do wonders for your attitude and psyche. I call this "New Hit Single".

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Day 210 days, moments and breaths


Day by day

breath by breath

we walk through life.


Moment by moment

detail by detail

we get through each day.


Thought by thought

idea by idea

we make it through each breath.


Teardrop by teardrop

tissue by tissue

we survive bad days.


Smile by smile

laugh by laugh

we enjoy the good days.


Prayer by prayer

word by word

we walk through life.


Picture was taken of Beaver Dam Road near Boiling Springs, NC>.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Day 209 The Day after CHRISTMAS


What? It's over? Not as long as there are Pre Christmas Sales, during Christmas Sales, After Christmas sales, Christmas returns, and don't forget

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

Seriously,
Christmas is
a daily attitude of the heart.
A peaceful state of mind.
A year's quest.
A journey of your soul.
A rememberance of the good that exists.
A special birthday.
And
an expression of
joy,
love,
peace,
and
spirit.
A fun c0llage of Christmas ads.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Day 208 Merry Christmas!


Many thanks to all my readers, friends and fellow artists! I will continue sharing much of my art and words with you here but will be offering a new site too after the New Year! Stay tuned.


Today

I wish you

Christmas

blessings,

health,

miracles,

happiness,

family,

friends,

and

JOY!


This lovely nativity is in a nearby town (Dallas, NC).

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Day 207 Christmas Eve


Dark
makes
light
visible.

Sadness
makes
joy
sweeter.

Tears
make
laughter
a gift.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Day 206 Christmas Directives


Let me listen

with God's ears

of hope.

Let me see

with God's eyes

of faith.

Let me feel

with God's heart

of compassion.

Let me speak

with God's words

of promise.
Here is the progression of little angels.
Couldn't find the photo of my angel statue that
started the series.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Day 205


Listen
with God's ears
of hope.

Look
with God's eyes
of faith.

Feel
with God's heart
of compassion.

Speak
with God's words
of promise.
This little angel has become an obsession. I often find one image I really like and push it to the limits of my current creative level. I will show the progression soon.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Day 204 BE CHRISTMAS!


Like Mary hold the purpose of Christ

in your soul and ponder its meaning for your life.

Like Joseph be faithful to the Son of God

and do what is right.

Like the innkeeper

find a place for Christ in your life.

Allow Him to reign.

Like the shepherds

follow a start till you find him and

worship him in reverence.

Like the Wise Men

go the distance to know Christ

and give Him your best.

Like the Angels

proclaim Christ to the world.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Day 203 God can warm your wintry soul!


Pry open your heart

empty its contents into

a hurting world.

Replace the void

with a great love;
God's Son and Spirit.

They will outdo anything

life can hand you.

God has equipped us

with coping skills to aid

in our struggles and

give strength to our existence.

His word (the scriptures)

are there waiting for us

to discover their power.

He is always available

to listen to our smallest need.

His spirit is willing t

to live within our soul

and guide our every step.

Pry open you heart.

Allow God to fill it entirely

with His peace, joy and love.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Day 202 Winter



a beautiful blanket of snow fell
covering the land
everything looked
clean and pure
the world stood still
life halted
worries ceased
struggles were forgotten
the bird of paradise
sang a peaceful tune


the snow turned to ice but the beauty of winter is there

Friday, December 18, 2009

Day 201 Travel Plans


Life is

a journey of unplanned

twists and turns;

a path of unrealized

hopes and dreams;

a trail of unfinished

tears and laughter;

a road of unsure

directions and destinations.

Life is always full

of surprises and adventures.

Be blessed on your journey.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Day 200 Christmas Questions and Answers


Where is Christmas?

In the heart of True Believers.

Where is Christmas cheer?

In greetings of peace and joy?
Where is the meaning of Christmas?

In Luke 2 of the Holy Bible.

Where is the purpose of Christmas?

In the selfless giving of God's people.

Where is the Christmas of childhood?

Still in our child's heart.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Day 199 A Christmas Prayer


Lord,

shine your light

into my eyes

this Christmas season.

Allow your love to radiate

from my heart.

Fill my spirit

with Your holy hope.

Grace my life

with Your continued blessings.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Day 198 Seasonal Lessons


Waiting teaches patience.

Patience teaches self control

Self contrl teaches temperance.

Temperance teaches hope.

Hope teaches faith.

Faith teaches joy.

Joy is the ultimate Christmas gift!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Day 196 Christmas Season


It's the Christmas season
for which we know the reason.
Honor Christ's birth.
Live the mirth.

It's not a time of getting
but rather one of letting
Christ rule your heart
and His mercy never depart.

The time of hymn singing
and joyful bells ringing
should be a daily event
since God's only Son was sent.

Finding the perfect me
rather that the perfect tree,
we follow Christ's lead
planting the salvation seed.

His love grows.
His grace shows
a plan for hurting souls
to repay the tolls.

So on this one day
Christmas if we may
give our hearts to the Lord
for a price we can afford.
PENCIL SKETCH "JOURNEY"

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Day 195 Finding Strength


Holidays are often stressful, filled with obligations and responsibilities but they are also filled with much joy, hope and fun. We had fun at our family gathering Saturday despite not having Mom and Dad there. (Just too tired to go.) I have been running on empty myself for the last several months but hoping to find that Christmas spirit just around the corner and get into the holiday fun soon. After all we are less than 2 weeks away!


Through scripture and prayer
I am strong.
With God, His Son and Spirit
I belong.

Through hymns and meditations
I am calm.
With the Holy Three
I receive a healing balm.

Through worship and teachings
I am battle ready.
With the Father, Son and Holy Ghost
I am steady.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Day 192 Time and Life


Days to months to years

where does it all go?

Workload to finish.

We live from project to project.

Responsibility to responsibilty.

We burn the time we are given.

Often we focus on the wrong things

and suddenly this life we have

is used up! What have we to show for it?

Dreading opportunities to make us grow.

Wishing away challenges to make us a better people.

Hoping for easy lives that are never realized.

Believing life to be simply one of details;

details we must learn to cherish.

Treasure the days.

Feel lucky for the months.

Be blessed by the years.

Share every breath of your life.

The good and bad.

The tears and laughter.

The lean and fat.

The fears and joys.

Life is meant to be lived.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

No Scrooge here!


She finds her joy in Christmas tree lights
red ribbon, green holly and
holiday harmonies.
The world sends messages of getting and getting more.
She looks for the message of a holy birth,
loving Savior, and hope for a hurting world.
Life brings tears and tragedies

but she counters with the look of wonder in a child's eye,
and the glimmer of peace in candlelight.
The Scrooges of the world rob the season
with greed and loneliness.
She looks life's Scrooges' square in the eye
and boldly wishes them
"Merry Christmas!"

Day 191 Gifts of the Season


laughter

lights

music

decorations

Savior's birth

hope

peace

chances

purpose

love

people

gatherings


the list goes on.....make your own, share if you like.



If you can't read the words on the image, "Everyone gets the blues but never lose the light."

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Day 190


The Father of Life
lifts my spirit
out of worldly pain;
strengthens my soul
for the battles.
He is my fortress
though the storms.
He creates in me
hope and joy.
He delivers me
from fear and struggle.
He comforts me
in stressful times.
He is my safe-habor.
He grants me wisdom
for my journeys.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Day 188 Trinity


God is my

east

west

north

and south.

He is my

peace

love

joy

and purpose.


Christ is my

hope

strength

reason

and belief.

He is my

direction

guidance

way

and destination.


The Holy Spirit is my

quiet

serenity

calm

and retreat.

He is my

faith

force

stronghold

and

solution.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

I find .......


In the still of the night

I sometimes find fear

but I sometimes find peace.

In the light of the day

I see things that frustrate me

but I also see the good in life.

On a rainy day

I find a restlessness with details

but I also find a comfort in its rhythms.

On a sunshiny day

I find a fear of clouds stealing my joy

but I also find a warmth for my soul.

In the cold of winter

I shiver at the very hint of trouble

but I also find a serenity in the bare starkness

of the trees against a gray sky.

In the warm embrace of summer

I find fear of returning troubles

but I also feel the warm assurance in the embrace.

On a golden autumn day

I fear a season of grief

but I also welcome a season of a slower pace.

On a clear spring day

I doubt its lasting beauty

but I also realize it sending new beginnings in my life.

Day 187 Truth of the matter


Day begins.
Fatigue slows me down.

Miles to go before I sleep.

God's strength, not mine,

will see me through.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Day 186 Despite it all....God reigns!


My world is blessed

despite the fears.

My life is easy

despite the tough days.

My way is light

despite the dark passages.

My future is bright

despite the uncertainties.

As long as God reigns and

I allow him rule over me.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Day 185 Spirit of Christmas


How to find it, refind it, save it, nourish it:


  • count your blessings daily

  • know that God is ultimately in control

  • create memories and remember Christmases past

  • spend time with the Bibile

  • pray

  • eat less/walk more

  • enjoy the season through your senses

  • listen to the beautiful sounds of Christmas music

  • watch White Christmas (or your favorite Christmas movies)

  • smell the cinnamon

  • taste the cider or hot chocolate

  • touch live evergreens

This will work! Everytime!



Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Day 183 New


a new month
a new start
a new week
a new chance
a new day
a new challenge
a new life
a new focus

Monday, November 30, 2009

Day 182 Life


Life happens

bringing ups and downs,

joys and pains

blessings and trials.

Life is short

so try to focus on the

positives and

not so much on the negative.

Have your pity party and

then move on.

Let the side roads show

you true beauty in life.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Day 181 words


With God

the path always leads to

Joy.

By joy

the journey is always

sacred.

In sacredness

I find life's

purpose.

Through purpose

I know God's

plan.

The plan

of salvation is a way to

holiness.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Pondering the word for 2010


Words considered for 2010 focus:
  • clarity
  • release
  • intent
  • purpose

Leaning toward release. I need to learn to release worry, fear, struggle, and lots more negative energy zapping junk. Life is short and it's time to focus more on good, happy, positive energy giving electives. I think I've spent most of my life doing this but for me it's lifelong effort to accomplish completeness of faith, strength and hope.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Day 180 Gratitude and ThanksLIVING


Everyday we should seek reasons to be thankful, express gratitude and say GOD, thank YOU for ALL my BLESSINGS! I am thankful I was with my family for another great Thanksgiving and SO MUCH MORE! HEre we are at Fatz, making it an easy Thanksgiving for a family that was grateful to be together. (I think I have gotten off track with my count -of days since Dad's stroke either here or in my journal. I will check it out and make changes as needed.)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Day 179 Challenge


Today is Thanksgiving and I challenge you

to show gratitude more than greed,

love more than hatred,

peace more than anger,

understanding more than selfishness,

love more than impatience,

and most important of all,

tell God how thankful you are

for all He has blessed you with.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Day 178 Seek and Find


On this pre Thanksgiving day I find so many things to be grateful for, my family, healing, homes, food, clothing, love, joys, abundance of so much that I often feel guilty but instead I will claim gratitude and continue to thank God for all the blessings in my life. He is the great Provider.


I seek comfort

that only God can provide.

I seek peace

that only God can provide.

I seek joy

that only God can provide.

I seek contentment

that only God can provide.

I seek wisdom

that only God can provide.

I seek miracles

that only God can provide.

I seek answers

that only God can provide.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Day 177 AMAZING!


Through God's amazing grace
I am transformed.
Through God's amazing power
I am healed.
Through God's amazing love
I am saved.
Through God's amazing peace
I am whole.
Through God's amazing plan
I am blessed.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Day 176 searching.....


my mind questions life

God sends hope to go forward

my heart cries in pain

God sends angels to comfort me

my head tires to understand

God sends reasoning and wisdom

my spirit groans for mercy

God sends His infinite grace

my body begs for rest

God sends reasoning to slow down

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Day 175



Body and soul
live as one.
We often forget
they are one in the same.
It takes keeping both
in harmony
to survive this journey
we call life.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Day 174 alone = struggle /prayer = relief


Solitary travelers
on a soul's journey.
Seeking answers,
Yearning for purpose.
Finding peace
for a moment.


Persistent sojourners
hoping for relief
from the world's woes.
Relief is possible
through prayerful effort
if for only a season.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Day 173 Fifty Four things I've learned (am learning)



  1. enjoy every day

  2. enjoy every hour

  3. enjoy every moment

  4. don't wish time away

  5. don't dread the future

  6. don live in the past

  7. have not regrets

  8. love with your whole heart

  9. forgive all

  10. and forget

  11. realize your accomplishments

  12. appreciate life

  13. count your blessings daily

  14. choose your words carefully

  15. spend time with God daily

  16. listen more than you speak

  17. read good books

  18. share your blessings

  19. never get everything you want

  20. God knows best

  21. persevere in everything

  22. dream big

  23. never lose hope

  24. believe in Christ's love

  25. invite Christ into your heart

  26. leave the world a better place than when you entered

  27. never stop learning

  28. take walks in nature

  29. sit in nature and listen

  30. eat your vegetables

  31. find a reason to smile every day

  32. read the Bible through

  33. know inner peace

  34. master a skill

  35. give God control

  36. learn self discipline

  37. share your talents and abilities

  38. give more than you take

  39. don't be a quitter; see things through

  40. live by the Golden Rule

  41. live confidently

  42. be content

  43. do not be complacent

  44. discover the joy of simplicity

  45. honor the 10 commandments

  46. be an encourage

  47. don not let fear rule your life

  48. respect life

  49. choose your battles

  50. share your faith

  51. when you can't change the situation, change your attitude

  52. compliment people

  53. send "thank you" notes

  54. be gracious

Yes, I had a birthday!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Day 171 *L*I*G*H*T*


I stand

protected

in the

LIGHT

God

is the

light.

Darkness

cannot

penetrate

true light.