Creating in Faith - Grace

Grace....Elegance of movement; the unearned favour of God; a prayer of thanks said before a meal; a form of address to a duke, duchess or archbishop; bring honour to something by your presence.....

....it is by grace you have been saved.   Ephesians 2:5

We see variations of the meaning of the word Grace which we can all relate to in one form or another.  Despite where your faith lies we have all felt those times where we are not sure ‘how it happened’ but out of the blue you received the very answer that you needed or you got through to the other end of a crisis without really understanding how the pieces fitted together – this too is grace.

Some might explain it away as ‘luck’ or ‘coincidence’, or indicate a formula that enables one to achieve the same, and there are many who go through a ritual of routines and practices to obtain this illusive luck.  With God it’s not what you do but that He can.  We also see the measure of grace that others extend as they go the extra mile.  When we look at the graceful movements of the swan, it appears to glide across the water without much effort, yet if we were to look closely we would see its’ feet moving furiously under the water, as too in our lives others may look at where you have reached thinking that you have it easy, without seeing all the work that goes on in the background to complete it.

Take time to really think about how you have been touched by grace, let us be the ‘out of the blue’ for someone else and be a blessing in their lives.  Have a blessed week!

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ  John 1:17

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Romans 5:17

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 - Hot bath

A hot bath.....

So soothing and comforting after a hard day to soak in your favourite bath products....

What are you grateful for this week?

21 Secrets - Dina Wakley

Intuitive Painted Layers workshop with Dina Wakley is all about finding ways to challenge and unblock your creativity, especially when you think you are stuck.  The best way to do this is to play and have fun with your materials, not focusing on a finished piece, but seeing where it leads you.  

As we played we pulled out what we could see rather than what we felt we should see

 I had previously prepared the page with some paper that had been used to punch shapes and then stuck down. I played with the paints using acrylics and charcoal.

I then applied paint and outlined some of the shapes   

 As I played I saw some shapes taking place and worked into them until I got a clearer idea of what was forming

  I added a range of materials to the piece and finished it off by journalling on the page.  

This is a really good exercise that I will continue to do, especially in those times when you feel stuck and in need of some inspiration!  It would be great to know what ways you use to get you unstuck and into your creative flow........Check out Dina's site for more inspiration.

52 Weeks of Colour - Kindness

Reflection 

Bless yourslef with honesty, be gentle....

Quote 

What’s ahead of me and what’s behind me are nothing compared to what’s inside of me....Jean Shapiro 

Scripture  

"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.....