A break from being "Yellow" - LOL - and Good Blogging suggestions

Really - just needed to paste a link here so I could find it again - a good post from the Etsy Storque on blogging tips - something I know I NEED!! Ha, ha - this is quite a commitment, and it is hard when the creative flow gets interrupted...it is just hard sometimes to juggle homeschooling a sweet girl with learning differences, part-time counseling (especially when a client hits a crisis), trying to make nutritious meals (at least in the evening)and keeping up with the two dogs, cat, housekeeping, and soon to start gardening and lawn maintenance!

Today has been rainy and cold - even had some sleet, a few flakes of snow, and some icy build-up so we got to stay tucked in all day - got all the school work done AND 3 re-runs of NCIS!!!

Anyway, here is the link to "Etsy's Guide to Blogging":



etsys-guide-to-blogging

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 5

The words on this submarine page read Connecting with our own human spirit will ultimately lead us into a relationship with the wisdom of the Universe…



This "Face of Wisdom" is my first attempt at and African-American face. I am pleased with how she turned out - tho' I might have worked more on layers and shading if it were on a canvas. I know I kept telling myself, to keep moving to meet the deadline, that "this is just a sketchbook; it doesn't have to be perfect"! Her words are excerpts from Proverbs 8:

Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?

At the entrance of the doors she cries out – “Listen, for I will speak of noble things. Take my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than purest gold. “ For wisdom is better than jewels. All desirable things cannot compare with her.

I love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me will find me.



From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest time of the earth.

Now, therefore people, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it, for he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 4

It is a journey beyond facades , masks, expectations – to a place deep within that is stripped of all but strengths, weaknesses, wounds, desires…



I lift up my eyes; from where does my help come?
When I pass through the waters, He is with me; and through the rivers He will not let me be submerged; and when I walk through the fire, He will keep me from being scorched or burned. He is gentle and will not crush my bruised places or extinguish my dimly burning spirit…

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 3

The words read: Connecting with your spiritual nature requires risk and vulnerability and honesty.

Since that is sometimes a scary step to achieve, the words I chose to go with the face to express this idea say: I will be strong and courageous, I will not tremble or be dismayed, for the One Who created me is with me and is drawing me forward.




The pages were a little bubbly from using gel medium to glue several together to give the pages enough body to carry the paint...and the pictures seem a little yellow tinted - maybe that was meant to be!?

Enjoy!

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 2

The text reads...
Yellow is a color that feels peaceful, happy, restorative…bringing a sense that all will be well.




The text continues...
Eternity is set in my heart…
My soul longs for the one who made me…indeed, my spirit within me seeks diligently…and yet, I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in…

Sketchbook Project (My Life in a Yellow Submarine) - 1

Here is the text...
Ringo, John, Paul and George may not have intended their little song about a yellow submarine to be deeply spiritual (or even a tiny bit spiritual!), BUT, the art therapy theory I am trained in links the color of yellow to our human spirit and the attributes that our spirit man bring to our experience…so I took liberty with the song and defined it as a metaphor for our spiritual journey – a very loose metaphor!!! In this journey we must dive beneath the surface of our daily life to find what is profoundly at the core of who we are as individuals. This journey requires that we move past the superficial, that we move through denial, in order to find our true identity.

I have juxtaposed my imagination’s rendition of the interior of the submarine using childlike simplicity between the exploration of the spirit I have been through using images of women in fields of blues…no matter what your spiritual persuasion, let’s walk a spirit journey together. Come and…




Open your heart, your mind, even your spirit…to new possibilities – to New Life!



The words read...
We are a tri-partate being, comprised of our body (the 5 senses), our soul (which is our thoughts, will, and emotion) and our spirit (which is conscience, communion, and intelligience).
Our spirit experiences the world through the 5 senses, and the resulting beliefs, decisions, and feelings are what comprise our soul.

UFOs and UFBs - one of my New Year's Resolutions

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You might think it is a little late to address those famous promises we each invariably make at the beginning of each year...but for me, it seems to take most of the month of January to truly iron out what I want to focus on for the next 11 months! It has been that way since 1986!

Any way, ONE resolution is actually a carry over from last year...finish up all the UFOs (Unfinished Objects - art, quilting, home decorating, etc.).

This will include UFBs - unfinished blogging ideas! Remember the covenant series? I promise I will finish that! Soon! Really! But first, I will post my sketchbook project...yes, true to form, I finished it just in time to get it in the mail before January 4th. Actually, I did it in about 3 days between Christmas and New Years...Oh, I had great intentions of posting each step of my progress, but....

I did make a video of the finished product, and have spent a good part of the next two weeks trying to learn how to upload - oops, too big, have to edit it...have to learn how to use the movie-maker program...decided it was too geeky that I read EVERY LAST WORD I HAD JOURNALED IN IT for the video...so captured finished images of each page...and now I am ready to post the text and the images...so Sketchbook Project is up next!!!

I am "Making a Wish" at Milliande's Art Community

Milliande's is a wonderfully diversified group of artists (or artists in training)and is full of creative inspiration.

This Christmas Eve, Milliande is granting Christmas Wishes!

Click here to see all the wishes fellow artists have...

Something I want to remember forever

This was so funny!

Angel had a little friend over Sunday afternoon, and they were going to sneak into Poppa's room above the garage (affectionately called "Manland") to read the (extremely organized) list of Christmas presents and where they were hidden that Angel had discovered just the day before - and hadn't had a chance to open it to read yet!!! BUT, the girls had to change out of church clothes to play clothes, and that gave Poppa JUST ENOUGH TIME to run up there AND....instead of hiding the list or deleting it (because believe me, he keeps multiple copies of these sorts of things!) he just changed the present name...so the girls could read a revised list...this is a copy of the list they read:

1. Slingshot Flying Chicken With Cockadoodle Scream Sound (Opened 8 Dec ‘09)
2. Wii (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
3. Memory of a sweet childhood (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
4. Memories of fun and happiness (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
5. Love (Hidden in Mike’s Room)

6. Hugs (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
7. Kisses (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
8. Safety (Hidden in Mike’s Room)
9. Security (Hidden in Man-Land)
10. Knowledge (Hidden in Man-Land)
11. Sweets (Hidden in Man-Land)
12. Warmth (Hidden in Man-Land)
13. Clothes (Hidden in Man-Land)
14. Book of Lifesavers (Hidden in Man-Land)
15. Friends (Hidden in Man-Land)
16. Adventure (Not delivered yet)
17. Happiness (Not delivered yet)
18. Games (Not delivered yet)
19. Skills
20. Education
21. Responsibility
22. Maturity
23. Kindness
24. Awareness
25. Wisdom
26. You can’t love enough not to have problems. You can’t ignore a problem and just hope it goes away.
27. The only way out is through.
28. Integrity isn’t a guarantee against hardship and heartache, but true contentment cannot exist without it.
29. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger
30. Talk low, talk slow and never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut. Even a fool looks wise until he speaks.
31. Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while


I guess Poppa was feeling particularly wise, and had to add those last 6 lines!!! The girls didn't even mind not finding the "real" list!

A little something from the Home State!

I found this incredible post at Darla's beautiful blog - go see her sometime! But why I wanted to share this with you is 1) so I could always find it again, and 2) I grew up with John Deere tractors in the good old mid-west - Iowa in fact - on a farm near "the Limestone Capital of the World"! How's that for famous! LOL!

This incredible machine was built at the University of Iowa. Amazingly, 97% of the machines components came from John Deere Industries and Irrigation Equipment of Bancroft, Iowa. Yes, farm equipment.

It took the team a combined 13,029 hours of set-up, alignment, calibration, and tuning before filming this video but as you can see, it was WELL worth the effort.

It is now on display in the Matthew Gerhard Alumni Hall at the University and is already slated to be donated to the Smithsonian.

New food dishes for our Thanksgiving feast!

Just thought I would share two great new recipes that I will be putting on our table on Thursday...(I know I have still been a little quiet - decorating for Christmas, school activities, and making art minis for the gallery).

But anyhoo - here is a great way to do cranberry salad...called "Cranberry-Pineapple Minis". Click here for the recipe!

The other one is called "Citrus salad with bacon and red onion" - and can be found here. Look at this yummy picture!



I really, really, REALLY want to post pictures - but Kraft Foods is using some sort of flash player that I am unable to grab the video on their website to go here : (.

Have a happy Thanksgiving anyway!

Gratitude and Happiness Quote

Well, I must be getting ready for Thanksgiving with the ideas of abundance and gratitude floating around in my heart the last few days!

This quote was the "signature" at the bottom of a friend's email today:

"In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." Unknown

So true!

By the way, I have many of my "miniature" (as they are technically defined) paintings at the Weatherford Firehouse Art Gallery miniature show here! (No painting photos here, just the Gallery info). We will see where the Lord leads next!

The Idea of Abundance

Obviously I have been taking an "online" break! But I promise, promise, PROMISE I will finish the covenant series! (And there is another one cooking in my head!)

But for tonight I want to share with you a great blog that I have subscribed to - "Daily Worth". It is an intriguing place and is an encouragement to me in our present economic times....

I posted today's article here - but click on the link for more interesting thoughts from this gal:


FROM SCARCITY TO INFINITY
By Ali Berlin on Monday November 16, 2009

Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into. ~ Wayne Dyer

Abundance is a state of heart and mind. When we can't perceive life as being good or even fantastic, we repel money, love, beauty, friendship and everything else we think we really want. Some of us feel more at home in chaos, so we invent problems and collect evidence to support what's wrong in our lives. No, we can't ignore reality altogether. Living abundantly merely means being able to accept our blessings without unconsciously sabotaging them. If you live in a constant state of sabotage, deal with it now. Your life is worth it.

Abundance starts with our willingness to see what’s real and wonderful now.

We have the capacity to shift our perceptions from scarcity to infinity. When we ignore the presence of family, friends, employment, money, food, water and health, we negate the basic expression of abundance in our lives. There is always something to appreciate. Instead of looking for what you think you want out of life, notice how you are looking at life. Then, consider what you can give to, not take from, this world.

Approval, appreciation and acceptance will lead us to a peaceful state of mind.
The more you approve of who you are, the more you'll feel invigorated, the more you’ll move with the current of life instead of against it. That's how you know you're on the right track. It takes practice, so be patient -- you may be undoing years of negative thinking. Take it one day at a time. Let me know how it goes, and how your bank account responds to your altered states of abundance.

I am ready to step into boundless worth as a human being.

Step Four - The Exchange of Weapons (covenant series)

Armed and ready for war - 

Click on the link to see Gwen's description - 

she says "YES!" to art being warfare in the Spirit!

4. The exchange of weapons

Think about how we "battle" our fellow man...we might avoid someone, gossip, speak unkindly to them, even speak maliciously. We might yell, slam a door, even strike someone physically. Unforgiveness, hatred, bitterness, and wrath become the internal fruit of such behavior. In this step, we give up our weapons in exchange for God’s. The qualities of His weapons are listed in II Corinthians 10:3-5:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

Some of these weapons are:

Praise - Check out these verses!
Isaiah 30:32
Psalm 149
Psalm 22:3

The Sword of the Spirit - which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17)...one author I have read said that the original language could be translated as "swords of the Spirit", meaning that any portion of Scripture could be used as a weapon, depending on the situation....

The words of our testimony - Revelation 12:11. Remembering what God has done for us and for others sure helps when the attacks of the enemy threaten to overwhelm our life and faith!

The Blood of the Lamb - Revelation 12:11. Remembering the price of our Redemption is a phenomenal weapon on any day!

Not loving our own life, even at the point of death - Revelation 12:11. Now this is a tremendous picture of someone who understands covenant! They are willing to lay down everything IN their life, as well as their VERY life, for the sake of the One they are in covenant with! There is so much more in the Bible about loving the world, loving the Lord, loving our fellow man...and each passage can be considered insight into this weapon of warfare.

The Name of Jesus - Philippians 2:10. At the name of Jesus, EVERY knee will bow!

I am sure I have missed one or two - of course any prayer is a weapon against the enemy!

Following the commands in Romans 12:14, 17, 19 makes room for God to fight our battles. See what these verses say:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (verse 14)
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. (verse 17)
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. (verse 19)

Enjoy your thoughts as the Spirit brings more insights to your mind!

Step Three- The Exchange of Belts (Covenant series)

Together in battle (hands lifting the rod) - 

Click on the link to see Gwen's explanation of her picture.

3. The exchange of belts
The belt is the symbol of strength - see II Corinthians 12:9.

Belts were used to hold weapons (bow, arrow, sword, dagger). The belt also holds my armor together. So symbolically I’m giving you all my strength and pledging you all my support and protection. As I give you my belt, I’m saying, “Here is my strength and all my ability to fight. If anybody attacks you, they are also attacking me. Your battles are my battles and mine are yours. I will fight with you. I will help defend you and protect you.” And you do the same to me. (This paragraph is adapted from the book “The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread” by Richard Booker)

Wow, this is a little daunting - I like the idea that God will protect me, but the idea that His enemies are also now my enemies???? But yet experience says that this is true...I have to fight a spiritual enemy who hates me simply because I am made in the image of his enemy, and now that I am in covenant with the Enemy, the other hates me doubly! I think I REALLY need God in my life!!!!!

Step Two - The Exchange of Outer Garments (covenant series)

Clothed in righteousness - click on the link to see Gwen's description of this picture

2. The exchange of outer garments

Scripture says that He has given us His divine nature - II Peter 1:3-4.

To the Hebrew, a person’s robe represents the person. By taking off my robe and giving it to you, I’m symbolically saying, “I’m giving you all myself. My total being and my life, I pledge to you.” And then you would do the same to me.

Also read Colossians 3:8-10; 12-14 for more information on His garments that are given to us, and that we need to reach for and put on ourselves!

Step One - Counting the Cost (Covenant series)

Behold -A New Thing - artwork by Gwen Meharg. 

 Click on the link to see her explanation of the painting!

1. Count the cost
Read Luke 14:27-33. This passage is about considering the cost of entering into a covenant with someone...
God initiates covenant with us - read John 1:1-5; 9-13.

Remember, if a person has considered the cost, and chooses to walk away, there is no covenant...if the parties move on to step two, the covenant is initiated and binding. Can you see how this applies to a person who has heard the Good News, and doesn't take the step to receive Jesus into their heart?

heARTfilled blessings,
Cindy

A little fun interruption

My dh and I love Don Francisco and his music....well, here is a fun little piece by his wife!

Covenant - the ancient steps

Here is another image by Gwen Meharg - a friend and inspiring artist.

I chose this image to illustrate a new study series I am posting about covenants as they were understood in Biblical times. Understanding the process of covenant deeply enriched my Christian walk, and helped me dig out even richer truth from well loved scriptures!

For today, I am giving you a simple list of the steps of covenant, and in the days that follow, I will explain in more detail each of these steps...

7 Steps of a Blood Covenant:

1. Counting the cost (you can decide not to go through with the covenant at this step. If you progress to step two, the covenant is initiated and considered binding to both parties.)
2. The Exchange of outer garments
3. The exchange of belts
(the belt is a symbol of strength. It was used to hold weapons.)
4. The exchange of weapons
5. The walk of death: Berith (walking in a figure eight between the pieces of a sacrificed animal)
6. Covenant mark
7. Covenant meal

Intrigued? I bet the Holy Spirit is already whispering the details to your heart!

Hooray!

I added a third column!!! Go here for the best instructions I found - after all, since I am not a computer geek, and I could actually get the codes to work, it must be a good tutorial!!!