Give a hand up

Our job is not to straighten each other out, but to help each other up.(Neva Coyle)

I don't know who Neva is but she is right on. Let's give each other encouragement and look at how we can help each other instead of being envious or too prideful to be there for one another. It is not always the big things that make a difference in people's lives either. Quite often it is the thoughtful small things that we do that touch a heart. Just this week I had a a very busy friend of mine meet me for lunch and when I went to the wrong Wendy's she waited patiently for me to scoop up my food and take to the other Wendy's across town. Even though we only had 30 minutes to share everything, she never made me feel bad and listened to me explain about my crazy life. That was huge for me. One friend actually laughed at a funny comment I made. Now this may happen to you a lot but what I consider funny most people thing is bizarre so it was so good for someone to "get me". Another friend set aside what she was doing to get on line and join a group I was setting up so that I could see if what I was doing was actually working. So many things we can do may seem small but be big in someone else's eyes. I must remind myself to be attentive to others and make them feel special. I can so often get caught up in my own life and forget to be an everyday minister of love and grace.

File Folder Journal

The other day I was shopping at SCRAP and found these brown file folders. Instantly I knew that I wanted to make a journal out of them. They are thick so you don't need to gesso them if you don't want to and working in a larger size has been fun for me. I usually have the fold in the book to deal with which is not a problem here. I also found some old magazines that same day with these fabulous ladies in them. I decided to make a series of them for the journal and I think they are really coming along well. I was trying out different techniques because I am going to teach a art journal class at paperdoll in January. If you are interested you can sign up for their newsletter to get the specifics. The background on this piece was tissue paper from some shoes that I bought and is is a big map which I covered up mostly but you can see it popping through in places.

I loved the quote on this page by Audrey Hepburne. " The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!"
GO, GO,GO, isn't that what we are all feeling the message is today? I am learning to say NO, NO, NO! These are only half the pages I have done so far but it gives you a sample of how much fun I am having with them. I am so glad that I grabbed a bunch of folders because I had no idea I would like the size and feel of them. I did go back and pick a few more magazines with the ladies in them though because they are perfect for art journaling my thoughts. I will be sharing more as I add to the journal but if you art journal, start thinking outside the box of what you can use because you could find more creativity in a different size or shape or medium. Happy Journaling!

Julia Stiles look-a-like?

The funniest thing just happened to me. I ran into someone that I haven't seen in a long time and he said I looked like Julia Stiles. I have never been compared to her before and so I had to look her up and see what she really looked like. I will let you make your own decision on that one but here is a picture of her with a similar hairstyle so you can see for yourself.

Allen Design Studio Sale

Michelle Allen from Allen Design Studios is have a sale. Check out some of the cute items she will be giving away and so many more will be for sale at her studio. If you live in the Portland/Vancouver area you should check it out for sure. What a talented lady she is!

I am the one who...

A great journal prompt is to start with "I am the one who..." You just go with the first thing that comes to your mind and you never know what is going to come out but it will be enlightening for sure. I ended up with, "I am the one who feels torn in a million directions." Then this poem emerged from that thought about all the roles I play in a day.

Friend to some
Wife of one

Mother of four
leader to more

Artist in training
Learning and waiting

Neighbor and daughter
cook, cleaner and launderer

Pet owner of three
Aunt, Grandma and Niece

Believer, prayer warrior
and lover of God

I am much more than that but it gave me an idea that when everyone wants a piece of me on the same day it can be exhausting. Through this exercise I have decided that it is time to focus my energies on just a few activities and relationships and not worry about everyone. I can't hold everyone up anymore. I am going to pick a handful of friends that actually want to be friends with me and call me and want to hang out with me to invest in and let the rest of them be howdy friends that you wave to in passing. I am going to make a schedule for myself with some goals and be more intentional with lots more time for relaxation and fun. Life is too short so be stressed out, depressed and purposeless. I don't want to live my life that way. This could turn out to be really fun now. Not worrying about what's not working and focus on what is. I see sunny skies on the horizon. Whoo hoo you go girl! ( gotta get the good self talk going in my head) How about you? How's life going on your end?

This Way?

Have you ever struggled with fear? Lately, I have been pretty sure that I'm supposed to do something but I have brushed it off saying to myself that I must have heard it wrong. I mean, who am I anyway? How could this huge plan be the path I am to follow. At first it was just an idea in my head, then a whisper in my heart and now I see huge signs pointing me to move ahead.
Today I got an email from Mary Southerland. She was talking about a situation where she had agreed to play the organ for a 2000 person rally after only 8 lessons and how God had made it possible. Here is what she says.

Nothing is impossible or out of reach when you factor God into the equation. Still, we are often guilty of trying to convince Him that our weaknesses exempt us from walking by faith and not by sight but God has always allowed man's weakness to validate man's immeasurable need of His redemption and His sufficiency. He can and will use us if we allow Him to do so. We are not the message, just the messenger. Our weaknesses are not excuses to escape God's plan but divinely appointed opportunities for that plan to work.

Sometimes walking out our faith and following the path laid out for us is not easy. Quite often it requires great sacrifice, obedience and humility. I know I am not the first to question and ask, "are you sure you know what you are doing because I could very easily fall flat on my face and look like a fool?" It all comes back to the fact that it is not about me, it is about what God wants to accomplish through me and I need to be a willing and ready tool in His hands. Big gulp! OK Lord, lead on.

Where are the signs pointing you? What step of obedience do you need to make today?

PS. These watercolor pencils are so great. Everyone should try them.

Art the Gift

I finally got out my watercolor pencils that I have had for years. I love the watercolor crayons so much except that you can not write with pens on them. If you do ,you will destroy your pens. So, I decided to dig out the watercolor pencils and see if they worked the same. They do and I predict many pages made with these lovely gems. It is always so fun to use new art supplies. I know I need to pick a medium so that I can get good at one but it really is fun to try new things. Art is such a gift to me. I feel so blessed to get to draw and paint and create. Thank you Lord!