Where is life taking me?

I was at a women's conference this weekend at George Fox University. It was called True North-Where is life taking you? Good question. I have been wondering that myself. If feels like things are on the cusp of changing in a big way but no clue what that means. Bo Stern was one of the speakers and she asked a couple of questions. "What do you need to partner with God in and are you willing to get a little bit dangerous and say YES to God?" She also said that our biggest fear is rooted in our dearest dream. I can certainly relate to that. What keeps me from living my wildest dreams is fear of failure. I am starting to question why that is. They say that courage is being scared and doing it anyway so I am only a step away from being courageous if you look at it that way. Hmm, something to think and pray about but not too long. Time is flying by at lightening speed and there is not time to waste just sitting around thinking about what I want to do. I need to get out and just do it. (Nike would be proud) I have been reading blogs and books by some of my favorite artists and apparently fear is a very natural part of the process of moving forward with art. I thought if you were talented enough that you would not be afraid to pursue the next step but I guess that is not true. Everyone of them is afraid of failure and not being good enough. Oh dear, what is awaiting just around the corner. Be brave little piglet. (I love the quote from Pooh.) I need to spend some good ol' quality time hanging out with God and asking some hard questions and listening for some good answers.

The Beach

The Beach was beautiful. I had the most relaxing time with my niece. We just watched season 1 of Heroes and were amazed at how much we had forgotten and I worked in my art journal. The weather was bright and sunny and crisp, just how I like it this time of year and I got the most amazing pictures of the clouds. This one looks like it could be a painting. Time away always charges my batteries. I come back with ideas of things I would like to try and life is full of possibilities. Of course my family has missed me and I have to hear all that has happened while I was gone with everyone talking at the same time and my brain goes back to being befuddled. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. That is why I journal and take pictures. I look back and am reminded of what I saw and thought because I just may forget with everything else going on. Here is another picture of the beach. This was the view from out room. Isn't that sky amazing? I will share my journal pages later. But for now I am off to a Women's Conference and spending some time with friends.

Art Journal Group

Our first meeting of the art journaling group was a success. The time flew by before I even knew it and then it was time to leave. It was exhilarating to be with like minded souls and talk about something I feel so passionate about. Michelle took pictures and you can see them on her blog. I had my camera but I was lost in the moment and forgot to even get it out. Everyone brought their art journals and to hold them in my hands and look at something so precious was a privilege that I will cherish. These are talented women that I look forward to learning from and getting to know in the months ahead. I can't hardly believe that it is happening after praying for this very thing and having it become reality. WOW!

PS. I will be gone for a few days relaxing at the beach and no Internet so come back on Thursday and I will let you know how it was and post some of the pages I got done while I was gone :)

Merry-go-Round

Yesterday I got to spend the day with my daughters. It was a fun day and we took my grand baby on the Merry-go-round for the first time. Here you can see him with Aunt Amanda. We went to lunch afterwards and enjoyed burgers at Red Robin and then I headed home to finish laundry and work on paperwork. That part doesn't seem very exciting but I love the quiet. I take it in any form I can get it. This week is so much better than last. I was on my own merry-go-round that was spinning wildly out of control and leaving me dizzy and sick. What a contrast to this week. Whew, Thank you Lord!

Tomorrow I am so excited about meeting my new art journal buddies. I have been praying for like minded souls to come into my life to share this art journaling passion that I have. God has been faithful and a new group is forming out of those He has brought into my life. Words can't express how excited I am about this. It is Christmas come early for me. I have been joining groups on-line but there is just something different about talking to someone in person, sharing ideas and resources and encouraging one another. Whatever your passion is, I hope you have a group of people to share it with. I had no idea how to even go about finding anyone in my town but it has happened because of prayer and I know it will continue to grow as word gets out. I want to cry I am so happy about this. Instead I think I will do the happy dance :)

Rainbows

I am reminded today to focus on the word and what it says to me. When I focus on other things life goes sideways really quick. I will delight in your principles and not forget your word. Psalm 119:16. What rainbows will I see today? I am anticipating a fresh new start to the week and joy in the journey. A breath of fresh air has blown through my window and I feel like I can breath again. Whew, I was never good at holding my breath anyway. Thank you Lord for today!

One Day at a Time

Do you ever have days where it seems that everyone needs you all at the same time and there isn't enough of you to go around. Days where you let people down even though you don't want to. Days where no matter what you do it isn't good enough and you want to pull the covers over your head and hope everyone goes away. Last week for me was filled with those days but I am hoping this week will be much better. In the midst of chaos there can be peace but only when I don't let it build up and when I give all my stuff to the Lord. I'm learning how to do that better all the time and lean into His arms of grace and accept the gift of peace and comfort.

Goody Giveaway by Michelle Allen

Michelle Allen is having a giveaway contest and look at what she is giving away. Don't you just love the Girl head! I do and I hope I win it. Of, course I don't have the best luck with contests but you can always hope. Michelle is such a talented artist. I am inspired by some of her art journal pages also. Be sure and check out her site, you could be a winner too.

The Safe Zone

If you have been following along with this blog for very long you know that Mondays are hard for me. Whew, I am tired and my head aches quite often by the time Monday morning rolls around. That is why I stay home, do laundry and catch up on email, blogging and miscellaneous things that need to get done.
Long ago I learned that each of us has a different stress level. Some people have the ability to handle large amounts of stress and activity, for others that amount sends them into a tailspin of depression. I always seem to be surrounded by people who have a lot higher stress level than me and I compare myself to them which leads to feeling guilt and shame. I don't think the answer is to surround yourself with those who have lower stress levels but to honestly figure out what yours is and keep your schedule below that mark. The word that best describes this is margin. Keeping a little extra time with nothing planned so when unexpected stress or activity come you will not fall over the edge of sanity. So many people I know have no margin in their lives. Even I am tempted so often to schedule too much in my week and then crash and burn, feeling like I need to drool into a cup in the corner and wondering how to get out of this life I created. Everything can be going along just fine and the next minute an insensitive comment can find me crying in the closet. Oh, I so want to learn this lesson of balance and boundaries and learning to say no. No one can teach this to me, I have to figure it out for myself and consciously choose to stay in the safe zone. Why is this so hard?

You have the key

I was thinking today as I was in my art room creating this page how we know more than we are willing to admit. In our hearts we know the answers to the questions we ask ourselves but sometimes we don't want to hear the truth. We listen to lies instead. Lies that tell us we aren't good enough or someone else is better so that means we can't succeed just because they did. Or we listen to lies that tell us we are great and don't give the true credit to the Lord. Even if we were to become Queen and rule the world we would not be happy because true happiness only comes when our focus is on the Lord and we are living out our God ordained purpose. When we give all we have and try our best and let God lead us where He wants us to go, that is when we are happiest. Because we are right where we should be. That doesn't mean life is easy though. Sometimes in that sweet spot life can be hard. Boy, do I know that. But all the strength we need is right there giving us a solid place to stand and an arm to hold onto. Praise God for that! Listen to your heart and the whispers of the Lord and go out and follow those dreams. Live the life you were intended to live and don't forget to thank Jesus for it all.

Devout Sentiments

I am so excited. Kelly Rae Roberts book finally came in the mail. She signed the book and sent me a 5x7print because I ordered it early from her. It is so beautiful. Every page is full of stories about herself, her art and other artists too and she even has writing prompts and tutorials. I made this page in my journal using one of the tutorials. It came out a bit darker than I wanted but it was fun trying some new techniques. I love her style and I hope that I can use some of her suggestions to blend in with what my style is becoming. I really liked seeing the text from the background peek through is spots. Check out her website if you want to know more and pursue art with passion and love.