Z is for Zest

Zest 

Great enthusiasm and energy.  The quality of being exciting or interesting, the outer part of the peel or an orange, lemon

I love life, knowing that I can make a difference.  We have the opportunity to make the world that we live in more beautiful, not just for the privileged few, but for all.  We have just one life to live and we have to grab it with both hands and shake it from time to time.  We have been given so many opportunities, and experiences that our life has to mean something, impact in a good way, going on to help others grow and develop.  We shouldn't be satisfied with hiding behind closed doors letting our talents and abilities shrivel up, but really appreciate each day, hour and minute, making it and being the best we can.  

I am amazed at how quickly this month has gone by, with this the last post for the A-Z April 2013 Challenge, I will probably do a reflection post over the next few days about the experience, will just let the dust settle a bit first.  It has been great being able to visit so many blogs, still got a few to go....

I celebrate the zest I have for my life and all that I can do to bless others.  What is it in your life that excites you?

 

 

 

Painting for the day 
Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's

 Work in progress - One of the largest paintings I have worked on measuring 36"x40"

Blog Love

I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter Z, but a few of them for you to start with...

Zoe Cottage

A-Z Chuck Allen

A-Z Challenge - Third Age

A-Z Word Practice - Jocelyn Charette

A-Z Mommy

Y is for Youthful

Millions of pounds are spent each year by people trying to grasp onto their youth, either through the nip and tuck or buying products with the promise of youthful skin and banished wrinkles.  We abuse our bodies through lack of healty practices then want the quick fix that the industry can offer.  Trying to cover up or cutting away the outward appearance to appear forever young.

For me, what is important is to take care of our minds and bodies so that we prevent what comes through lack of care, and that we take each moment as special - making the most of every opportunity.  Life doesn't stop because you reach a certain age, you can look back and with wisdom launch yourself in your next adventure. I celebrate my life today for still being able to laugh and see the joy that is left.  How is your youthfulness expressed? 

Painting for the day 
Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's

Art Journal Page

Blog Love

I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter Y, but a few of them for you to start with....

Your All-Write Nanny

Ya Gotta Laught about it

Yes, Virginia, there is life after Retirement

YA Writer and Hobbit in Training

Yum Food Blog

Leadership - Thought for the Week - 52 Weeks of Colour

Thought for the Week...
 
You have everything you need for your journey, you were called to do more, to be more and much is expected of you. There are changes that need to take place as you step into your new beginning, listen carefully, you have heard the calling. What changes can you implement today?  Have a blessed week! Amanda

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. ...Hal Borland 

"His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him..." 2 Peter 1:3

Pots of Clay - Creating in Faith

 Teabag Treasures Series - Fit for purpose

Pots made of clay don’t always look that spectacular until they have been through the glazing and firing process.  When they are first moulded and shaped they are dull in colour, still quite fragile.  Each pot is made for a different purpose, some that are filled with water, others filled with wine, some go to be filled with compost to hold plants and there are still a variety of other uses, each with its own purpose and plan for its’ existence.

We too are like these pots of clay that God has formed, moulded, pressed in at the sides and fashioned to be fit for a particular purpose, having then His love, grace and wisdom poured into us. We are not to be afraid of what God has called us to do as his children because the purpose he has instilled within us is to bring life, be a blessing, minister to others and show others his love and grace through our thoughts, words and actions.

Once the pots have been fired at exceedingly high temperatures and come out of the kiln they are ready to go and do what they have been called to do, and so must we whatever processes, experiences that we are going through it is to equip us, strengthen us, show us our purpose and beauty and, seeing the richness that lay within us all we have to – as the clay is moulded let our lives be moulded to his will.

What aspects of your life do you take for granted?  How can you shine a spotlight on those areas of your life that have been overlooked, - journal, write, create some art as your response.

He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.     Jeremiah 18:6

You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,  “You did not make me”?  Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?   Isaiah 29:16

 

X is for Xylem

Xylem 

The tissue in plants which carries water and nutrients upwards from the roots and also helps to form the woody part of the stem.

The Xylem makes me think of how I would like to be, as an artist, and woman, coming from solid ground rooted in my belief knowing that I was made for a purpose.  Using all my gifts and talents to be a blessing to others, nurturing and nourishing them with my words and my art, carrying words of wisdom and encouragement.  Not swayed by how the world can sometimes see us or those who are insecure and fear life itself.

To be able to impact positively on someones life, to see them grow and mature to know that I used every day living on purpose, stepping into the life with fearless passion, love and understanding.

Painting for the day 
Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's

 

 Teabag Treasures

 

Blog Love
I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter X, but a few of them for you to start with....

 

X Marks the Spot  

I could only find one X, the rest are a selection of W's

Wanderboomer

Wilderness 

Whispering Thoughts 

We're living a Full Life

W is for Wisdom

I watch my son grow up just as my mum would have done me and my wish for him is to be wise in the decisions that he makes, the company he keeps and the actions that he takes.  There are so many sayings that I promised myself I wouldn't use that I used to hear as a child and sometimes only the old sayings will do as I sigh exasperated at how much he thinks he knows.  'If you can't hear you must feel' is a treasured one that has been handed down which equates to you have decided not to take my advice in this situation and so you will suffer the consequences.

As I have got older I celebrate and have valued the wisdom of the older generation that has helped shape and inform my life, I know there were many things that I could have done differently, and with wisdom I have tried to teach my son knowing that the more independent he becomes he is going to want to learn from his own mistakes.  What one piece of wisdom helped shape your life growing up.

Painting for the day 
Each day I will show a completed piece of art or journal page hope you enjoy today's

 Art Journal page - unfinished
 

Blog Love

I am sharing some love with those who are also taking part in the challenge, it's not everyone whose blog starts with the letter W, but a few of them for you to start with....

A Writer Weaves a Tale 
Wanna Buy a Duck 
Writing and other life lessons
Walnuts n Pears
What Shall We Blog about Today