Praising God

I had a health concern recently that turned out to be nothing more than the aging female body. It was a rare experience for me to get closer to my Lord and Savior. I read my Bible, pray and read Christian devotional material written by other Christians each day but even as an active, believing Christian my rountines become just that-routine and rote. Prayer becomes a grocery list. Reading familiar passages become skimming over well known and favorite verses. I've read the entire Bible about four times and once even read it completely in one year's time. I'm always looking for new ways to spark my time with the Lord each day. Journaling is another way I study and pray, making notes of things that stand out and enlighten me anew. Recently, as this health concern came about, I began going through from Genesis (the first book of the Bible) reading things I had already underlined and trying to glean new meaning for myself and my situation. God gave me this verse and I began trusting in it. Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:13-14 It gave me immediate comfort and perspective and I read it and thought about it many times a day. I printed it out and placed it in several locations where I could see it regularly. It continued to speak to my heart and comfort my mind and I truly did little worrying about it. The devil surely tried to put doubt in my mind through images, words and people and each time I just said, "God, I know you have this under control and whatever the outcome, I will be fine because I have you." Well, I'm happy to report the doctor gave me a clean bill of health and I was praising and thanking GOD completely. I already knew everything was okay and the only real concern was where would the devil attack next. Well, together God and I will fight that battle as well.

I had a comment to my blog that I did not publish yet. Sometimes the comments which come to me first I just go ahead and publish but sometimes they seem to have a strangeness about them that raises a red flag. I started the moderation of comments due to one that tried to place a virus on my blog and anyone using the links there. Well, back to the comment. I hope you are reading this entry so it may help with your questions about God, faith and Christians. We are ordinary people like everyone else with problems and upsets and weak moments but we have a loving heavenly Father who can always comfort us and help us in our weak moments. If you do not know Him please try to connect with Him. If you haven't read the Bible, get a copy and read St. John first and then read St. Luke. Find a church to visit and listen. Ask questions of another Christian. Seek God with your whole heart AND He will come into it and comfort you and be there for you. Confess your sins but realize you will never be perfect as He is but He will forgive you and always take care of you now and forever.

Blessings to all readers and please comment, ask questions or praise God along with me.

Image is a small cross collage on canvas, paint, fabric and paper.

protected each day

Oh what a beautiful morning!

As the sun rises bright in the eastern sky
Casting a golden hue on the tall field grasses
My peace is found in the Lord.
As the birds waken the world in song
With every perfect melody known
My soul is refreshed in the Lord.
As the sky deepens with the glorious color of Carolina blue
Sending hope to a hurting world
My life is found in the Lord.
As the pavement beneath my feet on my morning walk
Gives rhythm to my own heart
My hope is found in the Lord.

Image is inspired by The Beatles lyrics, on a greeting card mailed to my son.

Emmanuel

As the sun rise through the early mist

My heart will not resist.

God with us.

The birds join in song

To lift my spirit strong.

God with us.

Tall grasses heavy with rain

Bow in prayer, no glory, no pain.

God with us.

All creatures great and small

Live life and give it their all.

God with us.

Image from my own Birdland RR altered book.

GIven by God

The light in the eastern sky
Gave a glimpse of heaven's gate.
The mourning dove cooed
A song of wait.
God sent answers
To prayers of His believers.
Among them He included
Blessings to His receivers.
The light fades in the western sky,
But never lose sight of God above.
His mercies are new every day
And sent with His grace and love.

Another image from the black and white journal.

Heaven on Earth

I've neglected my word focus for the year THANKFUL so today is a tribute to it and all the bits of HEAVEN I find on EARTH:

• cool mornings in June after brutally hot ones


• the sun's golden hue on everything in its path


• God's good graces


• a loving faithful husband who still loves me after 27 years (28 soon)


• a smart hardworking kind son who calls everyday


• dear parents who taught me right from wrong and still are my best role models


• creative time every day to make art


• neighbors on whom you can depend when a favor is needed


• friends too many to number who never give up on me


• inspiring words of God through The Bible


• email buddies I've never met but continue to support, encourage and inspire me


• prayer warriors of all ages


• church family who care about me


• freedom to be just me


• good books and movies to escape with


• trips to Kiawah (beach) or the mountains, with views that put a whole new perspective on life and living


• backyard retreats with my journal and Bible where I find peace and serenity


• 52 years of privileges


• this blog where I can share my true self, good and bad

Today's image is the completed AB page from the RR with the paper dolls from yesterday's blog tucked in the bandana pocket

Morning words

Morning walk

God and I talk

Thanks and praise

To Him I raise

Hopes and pleas

With Him I leave

Sending me new balance

Among His many talents

Knowing another day

He makes my way

To find a new lease

And His loving peace

Image is from a spread for an altered book round robin I am participating in. These are the cowgirl paperdolls for the How the West Was Fun altered book.

simple start

as the day awoke

the sun lit the sky

the birds' songs reached to the heavens

nature came alive

the world was awake and

my soul rejoiced

borrowed thought

LET NOT YOUR MIND RUN ON WHAT YOU LACK AS MUCH AS ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. OF THE THINGS YOU HAVE, SELECT THE BEST AND THEN REFLECT HOW EAGERLY THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SOUGHT IF YOU DID HAVE THEM.

Marcus Aurelius

I felt this was a wonderful quote to ponder. Give it some thought. Journal about it. Create art with it. Share it.

Image from BW Journal...

Peace is found when

This list was inspired while watching The Bucket List. If you haven't seen it, you must. Really teaches us what is important in life.

Peace is found when:

you have salvation through Christ

you meditate on God's word

you spend time in prayer

you give love freely

you forgive and forget

you trust and accept God's will

you love your neighbor as yourself

you spend time in nature

you practice faith

you practice self-control

you respect others and yourself

you practice the Golden Rule

you take yourself lightly

you give your child roots and wings

you cherish your family and friends

you do right

you appreciate blessings

you give thanks

you listen with your heart

you share yourself and blessings

you find your soulmate

you honor your parents

you dream big

you never lose hope

you persevere under trial

you believe in life lived fully

you find joy in living

you give joy to others

yougo the distance

you are truly happy with yourself and where you are this moment!

Image is from a black and white journal I've been working in.

New projects and other ramblings

I have so many ideas for projects and time just isn't sufficient to get to them all. While doing other chores, my mind is always busy planning and thinking up things I want to work on. I'd love to hear of creative ways others find extra time for what they really want to do. So many things we do seem frivolous to others. My art probably seems that way to some but it is my therapy. It keeps me sane, focused, on track and yes very happy. Even if I never show the work, sell it or even find someone who would like to have it given to them-I would still make art, create, write, invent.

Image shows pages of a new little booklet on house and home I am working on. I purchased the form and have covered it with my own digitally made papers.

scavenger hunt for creative inspiration

While walking this morning I began to search for images in all the colors of the rainbow.

Remember ROY G BIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)? I'll share what I found later but thought it was a good way to approach an art project or writing project or even a solution to a problem. Whatever your starting point, make a plan of theme and begin to look for something to represent each part and by the time you finish, you should have a solution. Like I could use all the things I found in the rainbow to start a collage or painting. You could think of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23 love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) and find these things in a person or persons or life situation and when you have it all in line, maybe the solution will solve the issue. Try this and let me know if it works. Maybe it's just my creative mind gone haywire, but it did make for a pleasant walk and a good diversion to worrying or obsessing over prayer needs. God always puts in front of me what I need to think about and make my walk pleasant and refreshing.

Here is my list:

Red Robin's breast in the yard seaching for worms

Orange sun in the sky beaming brightly

Yellow Daylilies dancing in the morning light

Green grass and leaves on this warm almost summer morning.

Blue feathers on the happy Bluebird (of happiness)

Indigo petals on the neighbor's clematis vine by the road

Violet petals on the last Johnny Jump Ups in my favorite pot

Now wasn't that fun?

Today's image is the latest from my cross series, departed from the square orderly mosaics and just decided to cut and tear up pieces of old art (mine and my students {thet want to throw way too much away}) and attach to my cross form (drawing paper).

New Every Morning!

On the morning walk, I observed the importance of being awake and alive in the senses. The neighbor at the end of the street was letting the eldest son's dog out for her morning visit to the privileges. (They are dog sitting.) She was quiet but curious (unlike other neighbor's dogs whom shall remain nameless). She was excited and stimulated by all the new sights and smells, truly happy to be alive. It dawned on me that we as Christians should be that way. Excited every morning to see what God has placed in our worlds just for us and our enjoyment:

* Sunrises to see created by the Master artist himself just for us to enjoy.

* Heavenly scented honeysuckle and magnolia blooms specially concocted from the Master
perfumer just for us to inhale.
* Refreshing morning air, before the day's heat and dirt get to it, just for our lungs to taste and our skin to feel.
* The lovely melodies of the birds' chorus, written by God's own hand, provide glory for our ears and a wonderful beat for our moving feet.


So if you missed this morning try another morning. Get out early. Live and breathe what God has prepared for you. Don't forget to thank Him and tell Him how much you enjoyed it. Remember, it's new every morning.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Image is from my Metal ATC series featured in the current ATC Quarterly published in Canada. You can find out info for subscriptions at this link: http://www.atcquarterly.com/issues.html

More Cross Art

Crosses are beautiful inspite of the awful death they remind us of, but without His death on the cross, we could not know the wonderfulness of salvation and a chance to spend eternity with him in heaven. Do you know the meaning of the cross and the wondrous story it tells? Do you know Christ as your personal Savior? I would love to tell you about him.

A Prayer for All

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayers for

forgiveness

grace

love

health

peace

comfort

joy

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayers

Amen

My Adventurer

My son who works for a newspaper in New Bern NC had a thrilling day yesterday. If every work day could be so exciting. He was preparing to cover an air show this weekend and was asked to fly with a son and father aerobatic team. He went in with no doubts and had the time of his life.

I so wish I was as adventurous but I am not. I'm a land lover with both feet firmly planted. Always have been and will be. Don't think there's much changing a 52 year old woman set in her ways. Attaching a neat photo of him in the plane and if you care to read his articles, check out http://www.newbernsj.com/.

Lisa Vollrath freebies

http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/
cut and paste into browser for more free images from Lisa Vollrath

another free image

A reader asked for help in what to do with these digital files I've offered. It can be a total digital project or printed for other uses. This is very bright and colorful and could look great with a silouette attached. Just right click to save to your pictures. Open in any program that works with pictures and you can resize it to whatever size from an inchie to a full sheet that your printer will do. If you don't use your printer much or wish to save ink. Take the image on disk to a copy shop and have them print it for you. You could do a whole sheet of ATC backs for less that a buck, much less if they are having a color copy sale.

Art Goes Green

Really love the shapes of crosses. There are so many great forms. I have been recyling lots of old art work to save time, money and paper. If it's been around a couple years then it's fair game. Cut into favorite shapes and mount on other background art, cut into ATC backgrounds, cut out favorite sections and mount on greeting cards, make a puzzle out of it, alter books with it, tear into smaller pieces and collage or make mosaics of the pieces, and so on; the list goes on and on.

This image was cut from an old acrylic piece using an exacto knife.

colorful grunge freebie

Today's image is another set up for ATC size art work but the quality should be good enough to separate and enlarge by computer or color copier and use for other artwork such as notecards, altered books, collages, art journaling and many more ideas you have.

By the way, I would love to see some of your creations if you care to share and I'll share the images here.

Also, Thanks to all who have encouraged me, my art and my words on this blog. I really appreciate them all and hope the freebies are a small way to give back to you!

Light for your day

In the morning light;
I find hope for the day,
Solace for the journey,
Peace for living.

In the afternoon light;
I find strength for the day,
Grace for the journey,
Joy for living.

In the evening light;
I find respite from the day,
Renewal for the journey,
Blessings for living.

Image is another from my new cross series. This is prismacolor mosaics on a textured canvas.

You only get this day once!

While walking last evening I began to think again about a great response my son, Matthew, had to a text message prompt I sent a day earlier. To set the stage I must first explain that when he was in middle school, a time when kids don't like themselves or anyone else, I began to write a Bible verse on a post it note and leave it with his backpack each morning. Just a little something to give him strength for the day and a focus other than adolescence angst. He carried it in his pocket throughout the day. This continued through high school and then when he went away to college, I would email it to him each morning along with a favorite quote. There were various themes and I related the two when possible, another way to focus on something positive for the day. Now he's been on his own for over a year working 300 miles from home and I continue this tradition. He really enjoys and is inspired by it. Being a journalist, he loves words and writing and occasionally I send an interesting thought or journal prompt to again give him new perspective and focus. Now back to my beginning, he certainly can write rings around me and thinks much more clearly and quickly. Sometimes the focus is thought provoking and sometimes a laugh but the other day when I could think of nothing funny to send I simply texted "finish...today is..." He very quickly sent back this response, "the only May 30, 2008 we get." I sent back "excellent". It was the perfect response to my prompt. I was wowed! What a great way to think and we all should think this thought every single day. Each is special and precious and we do not know what it will mean to us in years to come, maybe even the next day! So remember you only get ONE today...make the MOST of it!

freebie

Here's a page of ATC's in full grunge color....

A Walk in the Woods Equals

stress relieved

peace restored

perspective found

spirit revived

purpose defined

answers known

life refreshed

beliefs strengthened

soul centered

body worked

muscles challenged

creativity inspired

Another free grunge background

Wherever I go

Wherever I go
God is there
High on a hill or
Low in a valley
Wherever I go
God is there
Along the seashore or
On a rocky cliff
Wherever I go
God is there
On a busy street or
In a quiet forest
Wherever I go
God is there
With laughter or
With tears
Wherever I go
God is there

vintage digital freebie

Playing with brushes on Adobe has become an obsession. The ideas are endless.

• make digital collages
• print and make real collages
• make atc's
• share them
• scrapbook them
• find 101 more uses

Here's a free background to use for your own creative inspirationa

WisDom

new digital scrapbook page says it all

The Master's Touch

Surely if God has numbered the hairs on our head
He accounted for the petals on each daisy in the field.
He personally held each grain of sand on the vast beaches.
He created each leaf on the mighty oak with precision and care.
He crafted each detail of the tiniest of creatures that move upon the earth.
He breathed air into each puffy cloud in the sky.
He hand tinted each color in the rainbow.
He painted the sunsets with his master brush.
He put the twinkle in each star in the rich dark sky.
He made everything with His own care and love and
He put His life in us all.
We should surely praise Him for that.

I AM HEALED

The sky shines with the morning sunrise
I am healed
The blue atmosphere tries to conceal the last half of the moon
I am healed
The air hums with birds' songs
I am healed
The field smiles with daisies
I am healed
The grasses dance with the deer's leap
I am healed
The blue firmament is split by the v of geese
I am healed
A family laughs, smiles and shares memories
I am healed
God is showing His presence
He hears my painful cry
I am healed

Fernwood?

The reason behind Fernwood is but simple; the creek banks and wood are covered with the beauty of lacy green ferns. Everywhere you look you see them. They are like old friends returning in the summer. In mild winters they don't disappear completely but the summer lush ones are best. Ferns alone make a beautiful arrangement for your table. Bringing a bit of the outside inside is my favorite way to retreat on a hectic day.

Today is a gift from God

A day at Fernwood (our getaway) is often a time to catch up on this and that. Don't you love those days. No real plans. Just do what needs doing as it arises. A little fun thrown in along the way. No worries or problems to solve. Go where the day leads and see the day for what it is a gift from the heavenly Father.

Guess I am spoiled

As many know, American Idol can be addictive. I didn't actually start watching until our NC native, Clay Aiken was on the show. Watched nearly every episode since but last night the finale for the season, I missed. The power was off. No bad weather. Just off. 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Had to get the results via my son. He called and I at least heard the announcement. Yes, we have a generator and UPS (uninterruptible power service) but I could hardly justify it watch a TV show. Well, it did afford me time to sit by battery operated candlelight and talk to my husband without TV sidetracks, talked to a friend on the phone too, made some cards by battery lamp, and even some extra time for prayer and meditation. So it was a nice night despite the loss of power and missing Idol. People always thought I was spoiled as an only child. I always said no but I know now I was and am. BUT in good ways!

Image is of recent ATC's, vintage and throwaway scraps with magazine images.

sacrificing one pleasure for another

We've all done it but it's still hard, but how often does it just happen without your thinking it? My neighbor recently sold the last 3 from his cattle herd due to changes in taxation. I forgot how much I enjoyed the lovely pastoral scene right out my back door until they were gone, however, now the pasture is full of beautiful tall grasses and wild flowers and the blackberries are growing. I had also forgotten how lovely that scene is. So I began to consider sacrificing one pleasure for another. We so often hang on to things and miss new joys and beauties when all we should do is just let go and see what the results are. So today look for beauty you can let go of to share with another so as to see something new and special. Appreciate every moment and experience in life!

Image is a new scrapbook page submitted to the Faith Sisters Scrapbook site. ( http://www.faithsisters.com/ ) Check it out. They have great products, lots of free stuff to download, oodles of ideas and inspiration and a wonderful faith based community.

Things I never tire of seeing

my family's faces

sunsets

children at play

evidence of God

sunrises

mountains

seascapes

art

foggy mornings

ferns

rain-soaked grass

babies

animals

flowers

I could go on for awhile and maybe I will but how 'bout you? What would be on your list?

Image is another view of my Hyacinths for the Soul fan fold book.

New Art

Just finished two spreads for an altered book round robin I am participating in. It will cycle through a dozen artists and then each will have a completed book with great stuff from around the world. This spread was a lot of fun, especially since it featured my dear grandmother as a popup.

Day of Caring

Today was a nice one, since I had lunch and shopping with my husband. Then some time at home to prepare pies for church pie tasting tomorrow. A friend told me of the special Mother's Day week she spent with her Mom who lives in another state. We exchanged thoughts about another friend who needed care. Another friend called who was out of town and needed someone to check on her Mom. I went of course and saw two caring grand daughters calmly taking care of her. The son in law arrived and gave the same level of care, concern and respect. Such a nice thing to know that people still care for others. When you watch the news and hear of all the bad things happening you wonder if anyone cares for anyone anymore. Well, I 'm here to tell you they do and if you are reading this, I hope you care for others and feel cared for as well.

image is from an experiment in color, texture and words

A day of WHY'S

Why does hurt come to some and joy to others?

Why can't I make art 24-7?

Why does the world see you as a successful artist if you make lots of money or win awards?

Why can't I eat all the chocolate I want?

Why do we want so much when we have so much already?

Why does the rain fall on the just and unjust alike?

Why do I have all these questions?

Why do I seek answers that maybe I don't need to know?

Why do I write this blog?

Why...............

Image is from the Heritage women series....the darkness of ti seemed to fit these many whys.

new mixed media canvas

Here is my latest piece of art...I created a textured surface on an 11X14 inch canvas with modeling paste. Then applied acrylic paints in white, gold and copper, very thinly. Mosaic pieces are cut up card stock that had been painted grungely with dark acrylics, cut into 2 1/2 inch squares and loaded with prismacolor. The pieces are attached with mat medium to the canvas. It came together so quickly but was fun and easy.

The Path of Light

The path of light guides me. It's God's all encompassing eye. I know His presence even though I cannot see Him. I feel Him in sun on my face and the wind on my back. I hear Him in the bird's anthem. I smell Him in the honeysuckle. I taste Him in the fruit of summer. He's everywhere--even in the darkness that comes to all: in a friend's voice when I am ill, and in the neighbor's call when mourning, in my spouse's embrace at the end of a long, hard day, and even in the long "to do list" that is dreaded. The path of light gets me through it all and that light is God.

Image was taken at my beloved Fernwood!

Mother's Day

I don't know what we'd do without MOTHERS.

They are:

M-marvelous friends

O-ominous supporters

T-teachers first

H-hugs when needed

E-ears to listen

R-role models

Picture of my Mother and me on this Mother's Day

Walking clears the mind

I find my most creative ideas and thoughts come through walking. If I don't, however, write them down soon after finishing, they are gone. Sometimes I take a pad and write notes. This is best. I think it's time to get one of those little voice recorders for taking notes. If I'm walking with my digital camera, I take notes on it in video mode. So, if you are stuck for a good idea---take a walk!

Image is example of fun with making your own brushes in Adobe Elements.

free image sources

http://artist-how-to.com/Countdown.htm

http://www.tentwostudios.com/countdown/

God Hears

A heart weeps A heart eases

God hears God hears

A soul cries A soul relaxes

God hears God hears

A spirit wails A spirit revives

God hears God hears

Image attached of lower case alphabet matching previous upper case.

Feel free to right click and save to use in your art projects.

source for butterfly book

Jean, Thanks for your comment. I bought it at a local scrap book store. I'll try to find out the name of the company. You may find one by simple searching on the web. Sky Blue Pink has lots of odd shaped things maybe try their site first. Good Luck!

Never give in!

You know that feeling you get when you wake up unrested, achy and as tired or more than when you went to bed? Then you realize your back has chosen to hurt from some sleep position and you just want to lay there like a slug and do nothing all day. Well, don't do it! Don't give in to your aging body or it will accellerate and you will only feel worse. Keep doing. Keep going. Do what you need to do. Do what YOU want to do! It is your body and life. Make the most of it!

I've been designing scrapbook layouts for www.FaithSisters.com (Please visit their site. It's great and full of inspiration, ideas and free stuff too.) to attempt to become part of their design team. Here is a recent favorite. This image is of my mom and dad and mom's beautiful roses she grew from her own garden.

political thoughts on this NC Primary day

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

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where they is no river. ~Nikita Khrushchev

When politicians can begin to let God be their master, then maybe government can do its job of leading the country successfully.

Image is pages from wings book.

Another free image

Since Mother's Day is in a few days...thought you would enjoy using this rose (made from my own dear Mom's rose garden.) Just right click on image and click save as. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

colorful day

blue haze

pink sunrise

chilly air

warm heart

gray noonday

umber trees

wet streets

undampened spirit

navy blue sky

white stars

dark night

light-hearted soul

image is a digital collage made from sketchbook images, combined with computer alterations

God is my night light

the sun rises

the clouds come

God is still with me

the sun sets

the clouds bring rain

God is still with me

the night comes

darkness descends

God is my night light

Another free alphabet

Use this alphabet however you wish. Send others who may be interested the link.

Chris<><

God's Miracles

It's a rare treat to find surprises in nature but I sure did last evening. Went to the back yard to photograph two cute bunnies. Little did I know they were new parents. Of course, I pushed the limit to get close and when the second one ran, I noticed a hole. It had 3 cute squirmy babies in it. I could not believe it. I had seen young rabbits but never new born ones. I worried then that the parents would abandon them. I took video and stills and continued to worry until this morning and went to check. They were gone and the hole was covered. I hope this is their standard MO. WOW! God's miracles are AWESOME!