Creating in Faith - Closeness

What does closeness mean to you?...  We can think about the relationships we have with our families and friends and the closeness determined by how freely we are able to share matters of the heart, how much quality time we spend with them and nurturing the relationships. The closer we get the more we trust and let our guard down, we know we can rely on them we even know their likes and dislikes.

Are you able to do this for yourself, how much time have you really spent getting to know yourself, what you like, and don’t like, and I mean really like.  There are some people who in their later years still don’t know, because it not been something they ever did.  We can find ourselves swept along by the needs of others, constantly trying to please, going through the motions when the real you is crying out ‘what about me’. 

When you do think about yourself you have spent so long doing for others that you don’t even know what you feel like doing anymore and you realise  years have passed since the last time you thought about doing something.  I thought I would remind myself that this one life I have is not a dress rehearsal and it is to be lived fully.  I need to let go of doubts and worries and I’m sure I’ve said this before ‘get out of my own way’.  Not fearing solitude but really listening to my heart, and hearing my own breath.  Not waiting to be chosen, or rescued, but being there for me, choosing me.

One way that I have found my voice has been in my art journal and through creativity, and I do encourage you to find some creative activity that will enable you to find your hidden voice that needs your support and encouragement,  just as you would a friend, and for everything you do this week.   Spend time reflecting, getting to know again what really makes you tick, what excites you, upsets and encourages you, even what angers you, but most of all, make time for you.

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us... 1 John 5:14

The Lord is close to the broken hearted  and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18

He tends his flock like a shepherd:   He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.  Isaiah 40:11

Come join the group - Creating in Faith, show us how you will be incorporating the words and scriptures and reflections in your art this week.  Step out and be a blessing and you will also be blessed!

Gratitudes - Mixed Media

Mixed Media 

has really opened up how I express myself through my art and I have come across some really inspiring artists... 

What are you grateful for this week?

Create In Faith - Endurance

I am sure we can all think of a situation in our past when we thought we would not get through, we couldn’t see a way out or the light that we thought was at the end of the tunnel appeared to be dimming swiftly.  I can think of many a time where I just wanted to curl up in a corner, close my eyes and just cry.  We have all had those times, but I have always found comfort when I have turned to God.  His word tells us that we must lay our burdens down - everything not just a few!... and that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength....and many more scriptures that we have to dive into on a daily basis.

With each situation there are lessons to be learnt about ourselves and those around us and indeed the circumstances themselves, perhaps the change comes when we respond to the situation in a different way.  As we reflect and keep stepping out in faith we gain strength through God's word.  We have to keep believing that a way will be made and we have to do our part, It might not be exactly the outcome we wanted or done in the way that we expected but we make it through.  The situation becomes another thing we can look back on, forming the basis of our strength where we can say with confidence, only by the grace of God are we still standing....refined by the fire, and indeed we will stand!

We don’t always have to look at the hardships we faced, which can be many, we can also look at those things which bring blessings.  As I look at my journey as a mixed media artist I know that If I hadn’t persevered, experimented, stayed up late and stretch myself I wouldn’t  have found out about the many materials that I love to use, or be inspired by so many talent artists online, or that my mother who has dementia enjoys being creative, or even be sharing what I do with others.  But we don’t suddenly arrive, life is constantly changing and for me the lessons learnt are to enable us to cope with the challenges that will occur in our lives.

As you come to the end of the week, remember the many experiences you have gone through and what they taught you, how you have come out the other end with a strength and purpose.  Write in your journal or do art journal page on something that you have needed endurance to get through and see what nuggets of truth you learnt about yourself as you look back.  

Some scriptures to meditate on...

The Lord will fulfill (His purpose) for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever... Psalm 138:8

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope... Romans 15:4

Come join the group - Creating in Faith, show us how you will be incorporating the words and scriptures and reflections in your art this week.  Step out and be a blessing and you will also be blessed!

21 Secrets - Dale Anne Potter

I really enjoyed this workshop.  It was run by Dale Anne and we set about producing a set of postcards, which are to inspire and uplift – one for every day that you can post to yourself and feel encouraged.  

We also made a storage journal to place them in so that you can dip in and out when the mood takes you.  The words that I chose were ones that I feel encourage me as I go on my artistic journey,  I also included quotes for further encouragement.  We are all on a journey and have to step out, but also need the support around us and people who can be in our corner as well as remaining focused and on form for ourselves.  I encourage you to get busy and create a set which you can use or give them away as gifts - everyone loves to receive something special through the post!

The storage journal which will hold the cards has been made out of recycled card and materials apart from the wooden beads and the brads, and is a good way to use up some of your stash.