Quote Wednesday - Don't give up

Welcome to Quote Wednesday, and I hope that it finds you in a good place.  Despite where we think we are there is always room for improvement, even if it is just a little tweak here or there.

I have been on a journey (another one!) trying to find where I fit with my work and where I want to take it, it meant that I removed myself from my blog to a certain extent.  I realize that it didn't quite make how I feel any clearer, just left me with so many things I wanted to share.  

Anyway, that I will do, I hope to continue to inspire, encourage and be real.

Mixed Media Art - Amanda Trought

Don't give up on your dreams, just change your perspective a little.  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Transformation Friday - Art Journal Work

Greetings and good morning and afternoon to all.  I know I probably keep saying this but hasn't the week flown by!  So many things to share, as I begin to write one I am in the midst of another and before you know it a whole month has passed.  I say to myself if I can just put things on pause I can catch up, then I am dazed like a deer in headlights wondering what to share first, then do nothing.  Does anyone else have this problem?

Transformation Friday - Before and After

It is not only that but I guess I have been going through my own stuff as well that started me questioning what I was doing and why, especially when it came to the blog.  I found that I didn't want to share my voice, wondering who if anyone heard it, but realize that if only one person is blessed then at least it has helped someone.  The effort is worth it!

The Critic, came in like a baby but had a vicious side when things didn't go its way

I want to share with you something I have painted today, each morning I try and do at least half hour work in my art journal on a random page, no agenda, no right or wrong, just express through whatever is available.

Change takes time

It started out as just colors on the page, then I thought I saw something coming through.  For me each character on the page has a story, I just didn't know what it was.  I have joined the class - The Storytellers Art  - with Robin Laws and its funny how I now realize that I can tell and share their stories, where they are coming from, and sometimes they relate to the story that my own heart is wanting to tell.

Working on those hard places

The characters come from a variety of backgrounds

Wanting to give up

Sometimes they come just to remind me of something, or share something meant for someone else.

Realizing that you have a story

Other times, they are bringing a message meant for me, that I need to pay attention to, I am learning to listen especially to the still small voice that can come at any time.

Your story matters

There are times when they remind me to follow my dreams, stop comparing yourself, and really allow yourself to soar and be who you were meant to be.

Things can be different

They appear in one form and transform into another.  Like this young lady in the picture.  She shared her story to me of self neglect, and allowing the critic to have the final say in everything.  When you looked at her you only saw the critic who didn't want her true beauty to shine through.

It begins with love

Once she had made the decision to care and nurture herself, love herself the way that she truly desired to be loved her beauty came through and the transformation began.

No matter how you feel

She realized that she had to stop hiding, and putting herself down, as her playing small achieved nothing, and the very lives that she was to impact on missed out on the opportunity of renewed life.

It is a decision

She made that decision that she would love herself the way that she knew God loved her and see herself the way God sees her with so much potential, and abundant gifts and talents to give and be a blessing.

Change the things you can and bless the rest

She made the decision to step out and shake those critics, those demons that haunted her off, and live a transformed life.

Today is your day for transformation - take a look at the 'before' and what do you want the 'after' to look like? what area of your life needs a new lease, a new light, hope and opportunity?  Join me on Fridays as I creatively look at transformation.  Work in your journal or what ever you feel you want to chart your journey, and take that step to change.  I will give you more details as the week unfolds.

Blessings to you and yours for the weekend.  

Word for the Week - Psalm 23:4

Welcome to the word for the week, this weeks word comes from Psalm 23:4 and reads:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

Life can be filled with many bumps in the road, not every thing will go smoothly.  When I look back on my life and see the many changes that have taken place, the losses of those close to me, times when I thought I couldn't take another breath because the pain of loosing those loved ones seemed so great.

Word for the Week

I came through, I lived another day, I breathed again.  I truly believe that the experiences we go through have gems of wisdom within them.  We have to face them head on at some point in time and look at how we can use these times to impact on the lives of others.

Word for the Week

I feel in my situation that sharing my journey has helped others, talking about the days I wanted to run away as I dealt with the dementia my mother lives with speaks to others who are going through it themselves, we are to share our stories and bless someone else, for we are not alone.

Word for the Week - Photograph and scripture

As we share our stories we grow, others grow, others see that they are not alone - that we are all connected.  

Open your heart, for your story is the lifeline to another, just as you are blessed by the quotes, scriptures or writings of others.  Let your voice be heard and shine your light into the hearts and minds of those who need to hear you around the world

Have a blessed week, I have lots to share this coming week, with some of the events and activities that I have been involved with so do come back, stay blessed and be a blessing.

Word for the Week - John 1:14

Welcome to today's scripture which is from John 1:14 and reads;

 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and Truth

You seek answers, explanations and reasons and signs, the proof is there but you ask the wrong questions.  Everything has been illuminated - a light shining in the darkness, do you really want to know, for the answers may not appear as we think they should....then what will you do?

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?